Oberstabsfeldwebel
| Oberstabsfeldwebel | |
|---|---|
| Heer and Luftwaffe shoulder insignia | |
| Country | Germany |
| Service branch | German Army German Air Force |
| Abbreviation | OStFw |
| Rank | German NCO rank |
| NATO rank code | OR-9 |
| Non-NATO rank | E-9 |
| Formation | 1955 |
| Next higher rank | Leutnant |
| Next lower rank | Stabsfeldwebel |
| Equivalent ranks | Oberstabsbootsmann |
Oberstabsfeldwebel (OStFw or OSF, lit. 'Senior staff field usher') is the highest Non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank in German Army and German Air Force. It is grouped as OR-9 in NATO, equivalent to a sergeant major in the United States Army and a Warrant Officer Class 1 in the British Army. Attainment of this rank requires at least sixteen years since promotion to feldwebel and at least six years since promotion to hauptfeldwebel
In army/ air force context NCOs of this rank were formally addressed as Herr Oberstabsfeldwebel also informally / short Oberstaber.
The rank was introduced in the German Heer equivalent to the Marine grade Oberstabsbootsmann in 1955, and belongs to the grad group Unteroffiziere mit Portepee.