An Oberführer was typically an NSDAP member in charge of a group of paramilitary units in a particular geographical region.

In 1930, the SS was reorganized into SS-Gruppen and Brigaden, at which time Oberführer became subordinate to the higher rank of Brigadeführer.

[1][2] Oberführer wore two oak leaves on the uniform collar rank patch, along with the shoulder boards and lapels of a general officer.

Since Brigadeführer was rated equal to a Generalmajor, and Standartenführer to an Oberst, Oberführer had no military equivalent and quickly became regarded as a senior colonel rank.

[4] This distinction continues in historical circles with most texts referring to Oberführer as a senior colonel rank[4][5] while some others state it was a military equivalent to a British Army brigadier.