Established in 1941, prior to the German invasion of the Soviet Union, it consisted of the Waffen-SS security forces deployed in German-occupied territories.
The organisation was formed on 7 April 1941 out of Waffen-SS troops as “special staff” (Einsatzstab), reporting directly to Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler.
[1] To head the organisation, Himmler appointed a career army officer Kurt Knoblauch who acted as chief of staff for the units.
[2] The purpose of the formation was to conduct so-called “pacification operations” in the Army Group Rear Areas and civilian-administered territories (Reichskommissariats).
[1] Its individual units were subordinated to local Higher SS and Police Leaders (HSSPFs) and used in the murder of Jews, political prisoners and other “undesirables”, in addition to providing rear area security.