The Reichsarbeitsdienst: Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) - The German Labour Service

This confidential Gestetner study of Nazi Germany’s Reich Labour Service (estimated wartime strength of 300,000 men) was compiled by counterintelligence in preparation for the occupation of Germany. This report illustrates what the Allies learned about the Nazi Party’s official state labour service wing prior to disarming and demobilisation of the German military forces upon the cessation of hostilities. According to this report, the RAD presented a counterintelligence problem of considerable importance due to their indoctrination in the Nazi creed, but could, however, be an instrument for reconstruction in freed occupied countries.

The role of the RAD was not limited to a combat support function. Several units also performed combat on the eastern front as infantry and, during the final months of the war, RAD men formed six major frontline units, which were involved in serious fighting.