Typically, a Waffen-SS member reaching the rank of Rottenführer could choose either to embark on the career path of an SS non-commissioned officer or could apply to join the officer corps of the Waffen-SS. If choosing the latter, an SS member was required to obtain a written recommendation from their commander and undergo a racial and political screening process to determine eligibility for commission as an SS officer. If accepted into the SS officer program, an SS member would be assigned to one of several Junkerschulen and would be appointed to the rank of SS-Junker upon arrival.