As Hitler's bodyguard, recruited in March 1923 by Julius Schreck, the SS was an exclusive elite, subject directly to Hitler's authority. In November 1925, Joseph Berchtold succeeded Schreck. In November 1926, the Oberste SA-Fuehrung (SA High Command) took over the SS headquarters. Erhard Heiden headed the SS from March 1927, instituting military discipline and emphasising the gathering of information about opponents. This trend was institutionalised when Heinrich Himmler became Reichsfuehrer-SS (Reich Leader of the SS, RF-SS) on January 6, 1929. Between 1929-1933, the SS grew and was entrusted with the security of the party headquarters and leaders.
