Major () is a German military rank which dates back to the Middle Ages. It equates to major in the British and US Armies, and is rated OF-3 in NATO. During World War II, the SS equivalent was Sturmbannführer. In the Bundeswehr, the rank insignia is a silver oakleaf cluster with a silver pip (star). To be appointed to the rank of Major, the officer has to pass a staff officer basic course (Stabsoffizierlehrgang) which is held at the German Armed Forces Command and Staff College (Führungsakademie der Bundeswehr), and serve in a post coded A13 or A13/A14.