The Waffen-SS was unlike the traditional German Army with a long history of pomp and ceremony. The Waffen-SS was born into war and therefore didn't have the long history. They did not have parade (or waffenrock) uniforms like the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Waffen-SS consisted of some 45 divisions, although most from 38-45 were nothing more than headquarters companies and brigades; never reached full divisional strength. Some divisions, and regiments within the divsions, had names and were authorized a cuffband. Many others did not. They used several uniforms over the war years, becoming simplier in manufacturing as the war made demands on materials. They used the M36, the classic SS M37, M40, M42, M43 and M44. The early inductees into the 4. SS-Polizei-Division wore their police uniforms but with SS insignia during a transition period. There is a distinctive 'police-green' compared to the Waffen-SS 'gray-green', which was the same as worn by the Army.

Bill