How does a uniform impact the character of a man like himmelstoss?

Himmelstoss, a character in Erich Maria Remarque's "All Quiet on the Western Front," embodies the transformation that a uniform can instigate in an individual. The uniform elevates him from a mere postman to a figure of authority, allowing him to exert power over his peers. This newfound authority often reveals his sadistic tendencies, as he abuses his position to intimidate and belittle the soldiers under his command. Ultimately, the uniform becomes a symbol of the dehumanizing effects of war, shaping Himmelstoss into a person who thrives on control and dominance, rather than camaraderie.