Stabsgefreiter

Stabsgefreiter ("abbr." StGefr, on lits SG) is the second highest rank of enlisted men in the German Bundeswehr, which might be comparable to Corporal (OR-4) in Anglophone armed forces.
History.
In the 19th century German Army the "Gefreiter" (plural: "Gefreite") always belonged to the rank group of enlisted men (below noncommissioned (NCO) level). However, during training and fatigue duty "Gefreite" were competent, authorized, and tasked to act on behalf of NCOs. So "Gefreite" became the first superior rank above the lowest-level privates. Nevertheless, until 1853 there were no special rank insignia for "Gefreiter". In contrast, from 1811–1853 the "Vize-Unteroffizier" (deputy sergeant) wore the NCO "Portepee" (sword-knot).
In 1846 the rank of Obergefreiter () was introduced. This rank was shown by the so-called sergeant's button on the collar and the NCO "Portepee" on the sword. From 1853–1919 promotion to "Obergefreiter" was suspended with the exception of the "Fussartillerie" (foot artillery).
In the early German Reichswehr the ranks of "Gefreiter" and "Obergefreiter" were both indicated by one identical horizontal 9 mm "Tressenstreifen"" (lace stripe) on both upper arms of the uniform jacket.
Regarding regular 12 years duty time from 1921 onwards, the newly introduced ranks of enlisted men (Oberschütze (1st/Senior rifleman) and "Stabsgefreiter" (Staff Gefreiter) were indicated by angular cuff chevrons on the left upper arm. The sequence of ranks of enlisted men was now as follows:
National People's Army.
In the GDR National People's Army the rank Stabsgefreiter was used until 1990. The equivalent of the "Volksmarine" was "Stabsmatrose".
Bundeswehr.
A soldier of the German Bundeswehr might be promoted from OR1 Soldat to "Stabsgefreiter" OR4b after a regular service time of 36 months.