Rekrut
is a military designation in German-speaking countries. It was also used historically in the 18th- and 19th-century Russian Empire. In Germany, it characterizes newly recruited or sought personnel during an initial period of basic military training. However, in Austria, Switzerland, and some other countries, is the lowest rank of enlisted soldier, comparable to NATO OR-1.
Etymology
was derived from the French, and . The noun entered the German language in the 17th century.Germany
In the German Bundeswehr, is the generic term for military personnel during basic training. In most cases it refers to the lowest rank of enlisted men, e.g. a Soldat of the German Army, of the German Air Force, or of the German Navy.Austria
In the Austrian Bundesheer, is the lowest rank in the Heer and Luftwaffe. It belongs to the so-called rank group and is comparable to NATO OR-1.During United Nations missions and in NATO's Partnership for Peace, the rank is designated in English as Private and is equivalent to NATO OR-1b.