The motive behind the issuance of condoms in the German army throughout the war was quite plain and basic

The motive behind the issuance of condoms in the German army throughout the war was quite plain and basic, which was to ensure that men remain healthy and fit to fight.

During World War 2, the threat of sexually transmitted disease was a significant problem to all armies. Diseases like syphilis would leave a strong soldier weeks or even months out. 


Command realized that it was not possible to stop being sexually active yet it was necessary to stop disease. A diseased soldier was a useless soldier and every dead soldier caused the army to be weaker. Thus, physicians prescribed condoms as a common medical item, similar to bandages or iodine, as a way to lower the number of infections and maintain combat power.

The waterproof rubber, which was sturdy and tough, was recycled by soldiers besides its use in medicine. It was most commonly used by wrapping it around the muzzle of the rifles or machine-gun barrels to keep out the mud, water and the sand as long as it was moving. It was necessary to keep the barrel clean to prevent misfires. The condoms were also miniature waterproof purses, where matches, maps or other sensitive documents were enclosed to ensure that they were not lost in the rainy season.

Therefore, health reasons made the army distribute condoms, yet they were used by soldiers as a survival method and a way to protect equipments.

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