Zugsführer (Zgf or ZF; lit.'Platoon leader') is a rank of the enlisted men rank group (EN group) in the Austrian Bundesheer. In comparison to the German Bundeswehr it is equivalent to the EN-rank “Oberstabsgefreiter”. A Zugsführer might be tasked to lead a sub-subunit of 8 to 13 soldiers.

Zugsführer
Anzug 75/03 Rockkragen
Field and service uniform insignia
Country Austria
Service branchAustrian Armed Forces
AbbreviationZgf
Rank groupEnlisted rank
Non-NATO rankOR-4[1]
Formation1857
Next higher rankWachtmeister
Next lower rankKorporal

During United Nations missions and in NATO Partnership for Peace the rank Zugsführer will be designated in English with Master Corporal (MCpl) and is equivalent to NATO-Rang code OR-4.

Austria-Hungary (until 1918)

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The Zugsführer rank was derived from the former platoon corporal (de: Zugskorporal) in 1857 and introduced to the Austro-Hungarian armed forces (hu: „Szakaszvezetö“). The rank was equivalent to the German NCO-grade Sergeant. The Zugsführer was authorized to wear yellow-black NCO port epée.

Depending on the armed forces branch, service, or assignment the Zugsführer rank (with the appropriate rank I insignia) was equivalent to:

  • Stabführer (en: Tambour major)
  • Kurschmied (en: Health smith, cavalry shoeing)
  • Rechnungs-Unteroffizier 2. Klasse (en: Fiscal NCO 2nd class; hu: Számvivö altiszt)
  • Waffenmeister 2. Klasse (en: Weapon master 2nd class)
Designation Sergeants / Zugsführer ranks
           
Paroli
Rank description Zugsführer Kurschmied Rechnungs-
Unteroffizier
2. Klasse
Waffenmeister
2. Klasse
Branch Infantry Mountain
infantry
Motor
transport regiment
Cavalry Fiscal matters Artillery
(English) (Zugsführer) (Farrier) (Viscal NCO
2nd class)
(Weapon master
2nd class)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Rank Insignias". bundesheer.at. Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  • Die Streitkräfte der Republik Österreich, 1918-1968, Heeresgeschichtliches Museum, Militärwissenschaftliches Institut, 1968.