Stamps series "8th Anniversary of the Labour Service (R.A.D.)"

R.A.D. (Reichs Arbeits Dienst): Reich Work Army.

Originally this was a voluntary organisation, but later became compulsory. This organisation is actually an extension of the Hitler Jugend, as all male youths were required to serve a period of not less than nine months in the R.A.D. after reaching the age of seventeen. It was a cheap labour force to help government sponsored programmes. It also gave the young men a semi-military training, as it was run on strict military lines although armed drill was kept down to a few hours per week. Their main task was the building of the autobahns and military fortifications. With the outbreak of the war, the R.A.D’s role changed and it became more militant.

The girls of this service were used more or less as "land girls" and for domestic chores. The female branch remained strictly voluntary at all times.