Hans von Seeckt

Seeckt established the Truppenamt (Troop Office) as a disguised General Staff, since the Versailles Treaty banned the General Staff. This organization preserved the intellectual and planning capabilities of the German army. It secretly developed doctrine and trained officers for future expansion.

Seeckt was appointed Chef der Heeresleitung (Chief of the Army Command), effectively the commander of the Reichswehr. He led the 100,000-man army permitted by the Treaty of Versailles. He focused on creating a highly professional, modern force, emphasizing quality over quantity.

Seeckt negotiated the Treaty of Rapallo and subsequent secret military agreements with the Soviet Union. German officers trained in Russia, and German firms developed tanks and aircraft there, bypassing Versailles restrictions. This cooperation laid the groundwork for the future Wehrmacht's capabilities.