History

This badge was founded by the Reich Youth Leader, Baldur von Schirach, to foster competition among the Hitler Youth, and to award members for demonstrating proficiency in shooting skills with a .22 calibre small-bore rifle.

To be eligible for the badge, the boys had to be at least 16 years old and be capable of attaining a specific amount of points in a series of shooting competitions.

The Sniper Badge was added as a grade in 1938, and was awarded for successfully shooting ten shots in each position, including the supported prone position, the unsupported prone position, the kneeling position, and the standing position. The boys also had to successfully demonstrate two bursts of rapid fire from a standing position.