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Stabshauptmann (transl. staff captain) is aGerman language variant ofsenior captain.
Historically, a rank named "Stabshauptmann" (also: "Stabskapitän") existed in several German armies in the 18th century. However, while the modern Stabshauptman is aSenior Captain senior to a regular Hauptmann, the historical Stabshauptmann was a Junior captain, ranking below Hauptmann rank. In 18th century armies companies often were "owned" by a noble man, who formally was the company's captain, but did not actually command the unit. Instead, the owner of the company appointed an officer from the company his "Stabshauptmann", who technically served as the Hauptmann's mere staff assistant, but actually led the unit in his place.[citation needed]
The reversing in ranking of "Hauptmann" and "Stabshauptmann" in modern times is consequence of the practice in modern German military organisations (Reichswehr,Wehrmacht) to name the highest rank of a rank group beginning with the prefix "Stabs-", indicating that the holder serves in staff position to officers of the next higher rank group, e.g. duringWorld War II, the highest NCO rank in the German army wasStabsfeldwebel, who served as direct assistant to company-grade officers or in staff function. However, this is no longer represented in the Bundeswehr's post-World War II rank structure since the creation of rank levels senior to the "Stabs-" level of ranks, denoted by the prefix "Oberstabs-" ("Senior Staff-", e.g.Oberstabsfeldwebel). There are no plans to create the rank of "Oberstabshauptmann".[citation needed]
The rank ofStabshauptmann (Flemish:Kapitein-commandant) is used by theBelgian Land,Air andMedical Components. It is rank just belowMajor, but still ranked OF-3 with theNATO rank structure.[1][2][3]
| Stabshauptmann | |
|---|---|
  Army and Air Force insignia | |
| Country |  Germany |
| Service branch | |
| Abbreviation | StHptm |
| NATOrank code | OF-2 |
| Pay grade | A13 |
| Formation | 1993 |
| Next higher rank | Major |
| Next lower rank | Hauptmann |
| Equivalent ranks | Stabskapitänleutnant |
Stabshauptmann is the highestmilitary rank in theBundeswehr for specialist officers (German:Offiziere des Militärfachlichen Dienstes (OffzMilFD)).
Instead of being promoted to the rank of major, specialist officers that were holding the rank ofHauptmann (Captain) for a specific time are promoted to the rank of Stabshauptmann and given the salary of aMajor. Sometimes regular officers are promoted to a post that is intended for a Stabshauptmann if there is no free post for a Major.[citation needed]
The badge of rank is four silver stars. It is one of the rarest ranks in the German military. One notable case in which the rank is conferred has been the "MilFD officers".[citation needed] These are formerNCOs who have completed a training programme in order to be raised from the ranks, to specialist-officer roles. The duties of such officers are therefore specialised similar to those ofWarrant officer grades in theUnited States Army .
On the shoulder straps (Heer, Luftwaffe) there are four silver pips (stars).
| Heer | Luftwaffe |
|---|---|
|
|
| junior Rank Oberleutnant |   (German officer rank) Stabshauptmann | senior Rank Major |
| Hauptmann |
There is no corresponding rank for officers inBundeswehr Joint Medical Service.[citation needed]
