History

Armbands were usually used to identify a soldier’s special duty position or function. It would normally only be worn in the carrying out of said duty or function. It could also be used to identify a civilian as an official employee of the army.

Most armbands were worn on the left upper sleeve, but there were exceptions to this rule.

An Air Defense Leader of the Army (Luftschutzleiter des Heeres) wore a white armband with a black national eagle, with a light blue top and bottom stripe. This armband was introduced on August 15, 1942.