The SS-Sonderkommando Dirlewanger (also known as SS-Sonderbataillon Dirlewanger and Sonderkommando der Waffen-SS Lublin) was formed from Wilddiebkommando Orienburg, a small anti-partisan units made up of poachers, SS disciplinary prisoners and Osttruppen, that was trained by SS-Totenkopf-Standarte 5. The strength was later increased with convicts (military and civilian) and volunteers from the concentration camps (mainly political prisoners).

The SS-Sturmbrigade Dirlewanger was formed December 1944 when SS-Regiment Dirlewanger was upgraded. The unit was soon used for frontline combat as the soviet offensive continued and some parts of the unit proved capable but many deserted.
It was upgraded to 36. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS in February 1945.

Bruno Gesche, the commander of the SS-Begleitkommando des Führers was ordered to serve with SS-Sturmbrigade Dirlewanger after he was removed from his command due to his heavy drinking. The order was changed after the intervention of among others SS-Gruppenführer Hermann Fegelein and Gesche was instead sent to 16. SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Reichsführer-SS.

Four Norwegians are known to have been KIA or MIA while serving in the Dirlewanger unit as a result of their court martial sentences.

Iron Guard, Corneliu Codreanu