History

The German Wehrmacht was composed of three main branches, the Heer (Army), the Kriegsmarine (Navy), and the Luftwaffe (Air Force). The Heer and Kriegsmarine uniforms were based upon the designs utilized by their predecessor organizations, the Reichsheer and the Kaiserliche Marine. Conversely, the Luftwaffe uniforms were based upon the uniforms worn in the sports and paramilitary organizations that were the forerunners of the Luftwaffe. The Luftwaffe uniforms were specifically designed to deviate from the designs of the other Wehrmacht service branches. It was also necessary that the uniforms differentiate between military and civilian pilots.

The Luftwaffe technical offices for testing and supplies were under the control of the Generalluftzeugmeister. Civilian technicians of Officer equivalent ranks working in these capacities wore a unique headgear insignia on their visor caps. It was introduced in 1941 and took the shape of a silver Luftwaffe eagle emblem superimposed over a cogwheel. The insignia was made of light metal, but rare embroidered specimens exist.