Schutzstaffel

The Schutzstaffel (Abbreviated as SS) is a German state organisation and paramilitary force that holds significant influence in the Reich and its colonies. Originally led in Germania by Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, his title of SS Leader has been "technically" removed after his attempted coup against the Reich's government and Hitler. Currently, the title of Reichsführer-SS is split between the leader of the Burgundian-SS, Heinrich Himmler, and the leader of the Deutsche-SS, Reinhard Heydrich. However, this "power struggle" is but a facade, as most of the SS troops and personnel is compliant with Himmler

With over 1.000.000 active personnel and their own Army branch, the Waffen-SS, the Schutzstaffel is a Major force to be reckoned with politically and militarily.

Their current headquarters are situated on the Prinz-Albrecht-Straße (Prince Albert Strasse) in Germania.

Pre-War History

The SS originally started as a bodyguard unit, to provide security to Adolf Hitler in party functions and meetings. Marking it's foundation on 9th November 1925 (The 2nd Anniversary of Munich Beer Hall Putsch), this organisation would grow over the interwar years, protecting important leaders of the NSDAP.

Originally considered a part of the Strumabteilung (SA), it would see itself lose against its parent organisation until Heinrich Himmler assumed his role initially as deputy of the SS, in September 1927. It was around this time the SS would pick up steam, seeing itself established in a number of provinces across Germany.

By 1929, Himmler became head of the SS, with Hitler's blessing. With his ultimate aim of turning the SS into the most powerful organisation in Germany and the most influential branch of the party, he would expand membership to 3000 members in his first year as head of the organisation.

Himmler considered the SS an elite, ideologically driven National Socialist organisation and under his leadership the SS expanded and gained a larger foothold in the NSDAP.