Unterleutnant

In the East German National People's Army from 1956 to 1990, Unterleutnant was the lowest commissioned officer (CO) rank.

This rank was equivalent to the Secondelieutenant of the Imperial German Army (de: deutsches Heer).

In the NPA and in the GDR border troops the lieutenant officer sub-rank group consisted of Unterleutnant, Leutnant, and Oberleutnant.

By establishing of the Officers High schools and diploma course of study the final examination all graduates promoted to the rank Leutnant.

Since then the status of NPA persons in uniform with the rank Unterleutnant changed from professional soldier to longer-service volunteer (de: „Offizier auf Zeit“ – OaZ).

The minimum service time was three years, and the so-called Abitur (en: final examination, qualifying for university entrance) was mandatory.

Depending on the course of study, duration, and academic or university degree, achieved, promotion to higher ranks could be possible.