The SS-Totenkopf was the concentration camp division of Hitler's Schutzstaffel. These officers were commonly seen in the concentration camps, such as Auschwitz-Birkenau. The SS recruited men who either joined the Nazi Party during its beginning, or from Hitler Youth candidates who were worthy. An SS-Totenkopf lieutenant was usually tasked with the distribution of orders, in order to make the camp's death rates efficient enough for inspections. Many soldiers followed orders from these officers without question. An officer was usually armed with a sidearm.