Realistic qualification timeline using SH3 Commander

[frau kaleun]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

I know Das Boot is hardly history, but the officer characters serve to help explain. Of course Der Alte is the captain, and holds the rank of Kapitanleutnant. The Chief was an Oberleutnant, as was the nazi 1WO. 2WO (the joker) was a Leutnant. Kriechbaum, the Obersteuerman (Navigator) was an Oberfanrich,

I am 99.99999999999999% sure* that Kriechbaum was a chief petty officer, not an Oberfahnrich. I would have to watch the movie again to be sure but IIRC he wears the insignia and uniform of a senior NCO, not a CO/line officer. And everything I've read (non-fiction) re this indicates that the position of chief navigator/quartermaster was typically filled by a senior petty officer, not a CO.

*Edit: After checking the book I am 100% sure he's a petty officer, since Buchheim lists him as such. Don't think the movie would've changed that.