The Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW) was the high command of the German armed forces during World War II. Established in 1938, it coordinated the operations of the Heer (Army), Luftwaffe (Air Force), and Kriegsmarine (Navy). The OKW was responsible for strategic planning and military directives, reporting directly to Adolf Hitler. The OKW played a crucial role in the early successes of the German military, but its effectiveness diminished as the war progressed. It faced challenges due to Hitler's direct involvement in military decisions, which often undermined the command structure and led to strategic failures.