I hope this isn't a stupid question but I've been wondering about this. When the "Waffen SS" was instituted and "military" training started, did they use the army's facilities, tactics and training? Did they get military personnel to "switch over" to the SS for instructions and help? I think there was some "animosity" between the organizations, if I'm correct.???? Thanks,Mike.

The term "Waffen-SS" did not come into use until the late 1930's.

Arming of selected SS units began very early with (I think) the LAH who were then Hitler's personal guards and a ceremonial outfit. The rationale was the need to guard Adolf.

As Himmler pushed for more and more military style training and heavier weapons, the Army resisted with all it's ability. For several years, it managed to disqualify any SS service as applying to the national service obligation.

The evolution of the Waffen-SS was very slow but steady. The ultimate step was the mechanization of the LAH into the 1st SS Panzer.

Dave

Many of the early A-SS and SS-VT were themselves veterans of the great war, and assisted in the training of other members.There were transfers of army personell later on, as the SS became known and respected as an elite organization.Many of the early SA and SS men were trained , armed and equipped by the police.

Thanks guys, I'd like to read about this. I guess I was thinking.." how did they manage to suddenly train SS bodyguards to become full military units" when the war started? Mike