Luftwaffe Hierarchy

Oberkommando der Luftwaffe:

OKL – High Command of the Luftwaffe

Chef des Generalstabes der Luftwaffe:

Chief of the General Staff of the Luftwaffe

Luftflotte:

Air Fleet – commanded by a Generalfeldmarschall, Generaloberst or General der Flieger

Fliegerkorps:

Air Corps – commanded by a Generalleutnant, General der Flieger or Generaloberst

Fliegerdivision:

Air Division – commanded by an Oberst, Generalmajor or Generalleutnant

Geschwader:

Wing – usually three or four Gruppen and equivalent to RAF Group. Commanded by a Major or an officer of higher rank

Gruppe:

Group – three or occasionally four Staffeln and equivalent to RAF Wing. Commanded by a Hauptmann or officer of higher rank

Staffel:

Squadron – usually ten to twelve aircraft and equivalent to RAF Squadron. Commanded by a Leutnant, Oberleutnant or Hauptmann

Schwarm:

Formation of four aircraft made up of two Rotten

Kette:

Unit of three fighters

Rotte:

Two fighters working as a pair