Historically, a rank named "Stabshauptmann" (also: "Stabskapitän") existed in several German armies in the 18th century.

[citation needed] The reversing in ranking of "Hauptmann" and "Stabshauptmann" in modern times is consequence of the practice in modern German military organisations (Reichswehr, Wehrmacht) to name the highest rank of a rank group beginning with the prefix "Stabs-", indicating that the holder serves in staff position to officers of the next higher rank group, e.g. during World War II, the highest NCO rank in the German army was Stabsfeldwebel, who served as direct assistant to company-grade officers or in staff function.

[citation needed] The rank of Stabshauptmann (Flemish: Kapitein-commandant) is used by the Belgian Land, Air and Medical Components.

[1][2][3] Stabshauptmann is the highest military rank in the Bundeswehr for specialist officers (German: Offiziere des Militärfachlichen Dienstes (OffzMilFD)).

[citation needed] These are former NCOs who have completed a training programme in order to be raised from the ranks, to specialist-officer roles.