<P> The term Hiwi ( ( ˈhiːviː ) ) is a German abbreviation of the word Hilfswilliger , meaning `` voluntary assistant '' , or more literally , `` willing helper '' . During World War II , the term Hiwis gained broad popularity in reference to auxiliary forces recruited from the indigenous Soviet populations in the areas acquired by Nazi Germany in Eastern Europe . Hitler reluctantly agreed to allow recruitment of Soviet citizens in the Rear Areas during Operation Barbarossa . In a short period of time , many of them were moved to combat units . In late 1942 , Hiwis comprised 50 percent of the 2nd Panzer Army 's 134 Infantry Division , while the 6th Army at the Battle of Stalingrad was composed of 25 percent Hiwis . By 1944 , their numbers had grown to 600,000 . Both men and women of the Soviet Union were recruited . Veteran Hiwis were practically indistinguishable from the regular German troops , and often served in entire company strengths . </P>
what were the hiwis in world war ii
auxiliary forces recruited from the indigenous Soviet populations in the areas acquired by Nazi Germany in Eastern Europe