Soldat (Freedom Ascendant)

The German Army rank of Soldat is the lowest enlisted rank, below Gefreiter. An SLT wears no uniform insignia; since the recent Flektarn uniform came into use, the term Flauschige/r as come into vogue, referring to the blank velcro patch on the Flektarn uniform where the rank would normally be placed. Advancement to GFR is automatic after six months' service, but may get shortened to four months if given a waiver. A person who earned or completed at least two years of |JROAK (Jüngeres Reserveoffizierausbildungskorps) may enlist at any time at the rank of GFR.



History
The German term Soldat (equivalent to Soldier in English) has its roots as far back as the 16th-century, where it was a common designation for a paid or remunerated ordinary-rank member of a military infantry, especially one who was not an officer. In the German language Sold implies "pay", and as such the term Soldat designated a person in pay (being paid) for providing armed service.

In the Federal armed forces of Germany (Bundeswehr) it can be the collective term to any person in uniform, e.g. Officers (de: Offiziere), Non-Commissioned Officers (de: Unteroffiziere), and enlisted men (de: Mannschaften).