In Germany during the Third Reich period, on the completing his education, the average young man spend six months with the Reichsarbeitsdienst (Labour Service) to carry out construction projects, through it was effectively a paramilitary unit. On competion, he was liable for call-up. A telegram from the appropriate military district contained instruction to report for amusement and registration for military service. He would then be issued with a military pass (Wehrpass) as a form of personal ID, showing that he had either registered or had been assessed unfit for military service and that it proved that he had been officially processed.

In the period between registering and call up, he could volunteer for a particular branch of service rather than waiting to be allocated to one by the authorities. For many of those with technical skills, service as a volunteer in the navy would no doubt seem far preferable to service as a conscript in the army.

Prior to the outbreak of war, application for the navy had to be between the age of 17 and 23. A prospective sailor would apply in writing to the II Admiral der Nordss (North Sea) or Ostree (Baltic with full personal detail such as height, weight, age, religion, plus detail of any qualifications including educational achievements (at least a satisfactory standard leaving certification from Volksschule), technical skills, knowledge of foreign languages, sporting achievements and service with the Reichsarbeitsdienst and any political organization such as the Marine-Hitlerjugend. This would be accompanied by two passport photographs and a Volunteer Certificate, which was only available from the police and proved that the applicant had no criminal record and that the personal details he had supplied were correct. A declaration of Aryan origin and German nationality was also required later. If considered suitable, the applicant would be required to fill in a questionnaire and undergo a medical with a local doctor.

Assuming he was acceptable, the recruit would then attend a local military district (Wehrkreis) registration office where he would undergo a more stringent Medical and complete the paperwork required formally to enlist him. Having gone through the induction process, the sailor would be allocated to one of the Sailor Reserve Pools (Schiffsstammdivision).

The typical U-boat crewman came from central Germany, Principally Saxony. He was from a working class background and had completed elementary schooling (Volksschule). He was probably Protestant and from a family background of skilled artisans. The U-boat men came from a middle-class background, most came from a family where theyr father were master craftsmen. The typical recruit into the U-boat service of the navy was a skilled blue-collar worker.

The trainees received theoretical training in all aspects of submarine duties, the design and construction of the submarines, weapons systems, diesel and electrical propulsion system, escape training etc.

The first school establishment of the Unterseebootsabwehrschule was in Kiel with the second in Neustadt.

In the early part of the war at least, U-boat men received a full six months of u-boat training over and above the normal navy training.

I would say if a man had some school training in radios he COULD be come a radiomen.

I hope this helps in some small way to answer your questions. If I can be of any further help, just let me know.

Scott