SS-Verfügungstruppe
| SS-Verfügungstruppe | |
|---|---|
SS insignia worn on the right side of the helmets of SS-Verfügungstruppe. | |
| Active | 1934–1940 |
| Country | Germany |
| Allegiance | Adolf Hitler |
| Branch | SS |
| Type | Panzergrenadier |
| Role | |
| Size | Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Berlin |
| Colors | Black, White, Red |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Paul Hausser Felix Steiner Sepp Dietrich |
SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT, lit. 'SS Dispositional Troops') was formed in 1934 as combat troops for the Nazi Party (NSDAP). On 17 August 1938 Adolf Hitler decreed that the SS-VT was neither a part of the Ordnungspolizei (order police) nor the Wehrmacht, but military-trained men at the disposal of the Führer. In time of war, the SS-VT were to be placed at the disposal of the army.
The SS-VT were involved in the German invasion of Poland in September 1939. By 1940 these military SS units had become the nucleus of the Waffen-SS.