e HJ, the boys were given a choice of entering some other different branches within the organization. Those interested in flying could enter the Flieger-HJ (the flying youth) or if motors and automobiles were of interest, there was the Motor-HJ (the motor or mechanical Youth). The Marine-HJ (navy) and the Waffen-SS (weapons and protection squad) were branches for the moremilitary-oriented youth. Signal, medical, and musical units were also options for the youth.(xviii) HJ calvary unit. Koch p. 164. HJ in river-crossing exercise. Koch p. 164 HJ building model gliders. Koch p. 164 If they did not join one of these detachments, but showed promise in leadership abilities, they could be chosen to join the SS instead of the army. The SS gave them opportunity to use violence and weapons, which they found extremely useful when dealing with Jews or other subhumans. Boys had to stay in the HJ until they were eighteen, then were encouraged to enter the army or forced to enter the labor service then the army. The labor service was six months of work out in the country. Helping out on a farm, rebuilding roads, or beautifying parks were the usual forms of labor. (xix) ...
