Hey Rick. You are right. The tabs had nothing to do with rank. They had to do with the career grade level the man was in. However, there was a certain range of paygrades in each level. There were a total of four career grade levels. The level was determined by the amount of education/experience the man had. Lower Career Level- Feldwebel/Oberfeldwebel- Grade school education without further education/qualification was required. Medium Career Level- Oberfeldwebel/Oberleutnant- High School Diploma and an apprenticeship of a trade was required. Elevated Career Level- Leutnant/Oberstleutant- Educational level between High School and College, with an addition two-three years of practical training required. Highest Grade Career- Leutnant/Generalleutnant- University degree is required. The serrated litzen were indicative of the "High Grade Career" level. For this level, the position or specialty required a full college degree.