The Waffen-SS was the armed division of Hitler's Schutzstaffel. These camouflaged soldiers were commonly seen fighting in wooded areas, operating on special orders from the SS. The SS recruited men who either joined the Nazi Party during its beginning, or from Hitler Youth candidates who were worthy. Around 1944, Johann Georg Otto Schick's Dot 44 pattern was introduced into the Waffen-SS uniform line. The Waffen-SS used this pattern to their advantage in the right terrain, striking by surprise with the elements around them. Sometimes, these soldiers would wear gas masks for protection. A MMG gunner of this division usually carried one ammo pouch, a gas mask canister, water bottle, a Gurt 34 ammunition belt, and a pistol.