Flemish SS Volunteers Undergo Instruction in the use of Kar98k Rifle

In these five photographs, Flemish volunteers undergo instruction in the use of the German Mauser Kar98k rifle under the watchful eye of junior SS officers and NCO. Political indoctrination, physical fitness, drill on the parade ground, sports and field exercises, skill with weapons and a smart turn out were all part of the daily routine inculcated into an SS recruit, aimed at producing as an end result an efficient, smart and fully trained soldier. Weapon training was an essential aspect of a recruit's life. The handling, stripping, cleaning, re-assembling and actual firing of all personal weapons played an important part in his daily routine.