Maat ([ˈmaːt], lit. 'mate') is a naval rank, of German origin, used by a number of countries. The term is derived from the low German māt (comrade).^[1] Via the Dutch language, the word became a nautical term and described the assistant to a deck officer. Since the second half of the 17th century Maate were the lowest class of non-commissioned officers aboard a warship.

In 1951, it was decided to end the conscription–based military in Denmark and transition to a professional military. As such, the math rank was introduced, replacing the rank of menig given to all conscripted soldiers. With the math rank, soldiers were signed on to a contract following completion of basic training. By 1960, the math rank was replaced by the constable rank system.^[2]

Quick Facts Maat, Country ...

Maat
Shoulder board / cuff title / mounting loop
Country	Germany
Service branch	German Navy
Abbreviation	MT
NATO rank code	OR-5
Formation	1955 Modern
Next higher rank	Obermaat
Next lower rank	Oberstabsgefreiter
Equivalent ranks	Unteroffizier (Army & Air force)

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However, Maate is also the collective name to all junior NCO-ranks (ranks: Maat, Seekadett, and Obermaat) in the modern day's German Navy.

In navy context NCOs of this rank were formally addressed as Herr/ Frau Maat also informally / short Maat. The sequence of ranks (top-down approach) in that particular group is as follows:
Unteroffizier ohne Portepee

• OR-5: Obermaat / (Heer/ Luftwaffe) Stabsunteroffizier
• OR-5: Seekadett / Fahnenjunker
• OR-5: Maat / Unteroffizier

History

In the Prussian Navy and the Kaiserliche Marine Maate were Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee. According to their specialization, Maate would be known as e.g. Steuermannsmaat (Coxswain's Mate), Feuerwerksmaat (Ordnance Mate), Bootsmannsmaat (Boatswain's Mate) or Maschinistenmaat (Machinist's Mate).^[4] Maate were recruited among conscripts who volunteered to serve for a minimum of six years. After approximately four years they could expect to become Maat. Re-enlistment was common but in most specialities the career options would end with achieving the rank of Obermaat; only after 18 years in service was a promotion as supernumary Vizefeldwebel possible, and only if there was a billet open. The 1914/15 naval budget included 7857 billets for Maate and 5237 for Obermaate.^[5]

Kriegsmarine

More information Maate (Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee) ...

Maate (Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee)
Title	Maat
Epaulette (Shore troops only)
Collar tab
Sleeve insignia
	Steuermannmaat	Bootsmannmaat
German Army equivalent	Unteroffizier
US Equivalent	Petty officer, third class
Source:[6]

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• Ranks of the German Bundeswehr
• Rank insignia of the German Bundeswehr
• Ranks and insignia of NATO navies enlisted