Seeing off a Rekrut (Russian: Рекрут), by Ilya Repin (1879)German Rekruts on outpost
Rekrut (German for 'recruit') is a military designation in German-speaking countries. It was also used historically in the 18th- and 19th-century Russian Empire (see Conscription in the Russian Empire). In Germany, it characterizes newly recruited or sought personnel during an initial period of basic military training. However, in Austria, Switzerland, and some other countries, Rekrut is the lowest rank of enlisted soldier, comparable to NATO OR-1.
Etymology
Rekrut was derived from the Frenchrecruter (to seek new soldiers), and recrue (recruit). The noun entered the German language in the 17th century.[1]
In the Austrian Bundesheer, Rekrut (known as Wehrmann, 'soldier', until 1998) is the lowest rank in the Heer and Luftwaffe. It belongs to the so-called Rekruten rank group and is comparable to NATO OR-1.
During United Nations missions and in NATO's Partnership for Peace, the rank Rekrut is designated in English as Private and is equivalent to NATO OR-1b.
In the Swiss Armed Forces, Rekrut (abbreviated Rek) is the lowest rank in the Heer and Luftwaffe, comparable to NATO OR-1b. However, it is also the generic term for newly recruited military personnel during basic training.
References
^Word and tradition in the German Army (de: Heer), by Transfeldt – v. Brand – Quenstedt, 6th increased edition, Hamburg 11 H.G. Schulz 1967, p. 9/§12, definition: Rekrut
BROCKHAUS, The encyclopedia in 24 volumes (1796–2001), Volume 18: 3-7653-3678-5, page 231; definition «Rerkrut».
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