English Translation

For the education and teaching of the 1⁄2-recruits it is that they are largely new things which mean to the most rich German-men self-understanding. The young 1⁄2 recruit also has to be familiarized with the motto of the 4 election. Every 47-man knows him well, but the majority do not know exactly what he means at all, although most act unconsciously after him on the basis of their inheritance. Therefore, the young /-recruit must be explained that "be faithful" means to fulfill his duty, regardless of a pro or disadvantage. The good man therefore does what is commanded, and fails to do what is forbidden, not for an advantage or for fear of punishment, but for his own voluntariness. In this he places his honor. On this attitude he can and should be proud. Through it he should also, who is serving voluntarily, distinguish himself from other soldiers, who are only forced to do so. This attitude of voluntary fulfilment of duty must be demonstrated not only in all soldiery but also in all other things of daily life. Thus, he best shows that he is aware of the high honor given to him by the leader with the award of this motto. In the sense of the motto of the 41⁄2, the education and training of men must also be carried out. It is completely wrong to base the teachings solely on the threat of the most severe punishments. Rather, it is primarily from the ethical side. Men are not, as is sometimes said, in general so predisposed that they can only be educated by dissuasive examples of harsh court-martial judgments. Voluntary fulfilment of duty, regardless of pros and cons, must be brought to the fore. The four-man must not be brought up to carry out orders only for fear of punishment, but must gradually come to the point where he meets his obligations out of a voluntariness based on deep conviction. Penalties can only be offered in the second line and only for weak, inextricable men. Always repetitive threats of punishment also burden the good man mentally and take away the joy of voluntary fulfilment of duty. Men who are threatened with eternal punishment, adjust themselves over time to do only what is expressly ordered. Their only concern is not to be noticed. They become stubborn with time and no longer think of doing or refraining from doing something that is not expressly ordered or forbidden. In the event of an emergency, only men raised in this way are no longer able to grow beyond their own self. The Führer says: "The voluntary fulfilment has always determined the best for their actions, but not the average. "But the men to whom the Führor once called: "77-men, your honor is 85