"SS" stands for "Schutzstaffel," which was a paramilitary organization under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany. Originally formed in 1925 as a personal bodyguard for Hitler, it grew into a powerful force responsible for many of the atrocities during the Holocaust. The SS was involved in enforcing Nazi policies, including the persecution of Jews and other minority groups. The SS had various branches, including the Waffen-SS, which was the armed wing that fought alongside the regular army during World War II. The organization was known for its strict discipline and loyalty to Hitler, but it also became synonymous with war crimes and human rights violations. After the war, many SS leaders were tried for their actions during the conflict.