Feldgendarmerie Training
Feldgendarmen were initially trained as infantry - if they could display the required levels of intelligence and aptitude, they could apply for a transfer. The entry criteria were strict, though credit was given for any previous police or legal experience.
Initially whole units were transferred from the Ordnungspolizei in the Feldgendarmerie, and this is reflected in early war photographs where the polizei style uniforms are still being worn.
A military police training school was established in Postdam; training specific to the job was given and included:
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Criminal code;
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General and special police powers;
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Forestry, fishery and waterway codes,
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Traffic law and accident investigation;
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Industrial codes;
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Reporting duties;
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Passport and identification duties;
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Folk culture;
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First aid;
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Weapons drill and instruction;
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Shooting;
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Defence techniques (including arrest and restraint);
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Criminal police methodology;
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Identification service; and
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General correspondence training.
As well as all this there were also lessons in air defence, animal protection and typewriter and stenography courses
After the first term of examinations, a provisional spell at a police station followed. All courses lasted one year and after completion many of the candidates who failed to make the grade were dropped. It was no mean feat passing out of these schools and becoming Feldgendarmen - for example of one intake of 219 trainees only 89 remained to take the final exam.