Heirs of the Brandenburg Special Forces
KSK motto: "Facit Omnia Voluntas", which means "Will decides"!
History
On January 4th of this year, the article "Bundeswehr in Focus" FOCUS online was published on VO, in which I introduced the reader to what the Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg) of Germany and the Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) actually are. I will not repeat myself, but I recommend that those who are interested in this topic read the article.
I ended the article with the words: “The enemy is not just not sleeping, he is preparing to strike,” and in order to strike the enemy with the most painful and sensitive blows, the German ground forces (Heer) have had the Special Forces Command (Kommando Spezialkräfte, KSK) since 1994, that is, a special unit of the Bundeswehr at the brigade level, designed to conduct special operations, conduct combat operations as a sabotage and reconnaissance group, carry out exclusively reconnaissance activities, combat terrorism, rescue, evacuation, and also to provide advisory support in the preparation of military operations.
The KSK is part of the "Rapid Reaction Division (DSK)" and such units are often called rapid reaction forces with special forces stationed in the Graf Zeppelin barracks in the town of Kalw, 46 kilometers from Stuttgart.
Here it is, the "lair of the beast", the Graf Zeppelin barracks (Graf-Zeppelin-Kaserne), a very picturesque place.
At one time, the KSK unit was created on the model and likeness of the British SAS and the US Special Operations Forces.
Today, the KSK forces number around 1500 fighters.
Despite the fact that the unit's "work" is completely classified, some things are known about their participation in certain events:
- 1998–2000, Balkans;
- 2001–2021, operations in Afghanistan, Africa and the Philippines;
- 2011, mission in Libya;
- 2018, search and release of a German hostage in West Africa;
- 2021, evacuation of German citizens from Afghanistan;
- 2024, stationed in Cyprus for the purpose of evacuating German citizens from Israel.
Selection in KSK
The main criteria:
- Age from 17 years, education for civilians - specialized higher education (Fachhochschule).
- For military personnel - selection to KSK, depending on rank, up to the age limit of 32 and 35 years. Not older!
- Only German citizens.
- Readiness to participate in operations in any country in the world.
- Willingness to sign a contract with a minimum term of service, including years of study, for a period of 11 to 13 years.
- Special requirements profile.
Since the unit's fighters usually operate in a hostile environment and are trained and intended for particularly sensitive military operations, mostly isolated, without any support and in the most adverse conditions for a long period of time, their mental balance is of particular importance.
Even if a fighter reaches his limits of performance due to lack of sleep, irregular meals, poor sanitary conditions, being in conditions of immediate danger to life, he must be in constant readiness and ability to perform the assigned task (for example, defeating the enemy with fire in a split second, so that hostages are not harmed). In addition, important qualities are the ability to work in a team and mental flexibility. For example, he must be able to quickly adapt to unexpectedly changing conditions of the task and, accordingly, the requirements for their implementation.
In addition, KSK fighters are required to cope psychologically with the fact that their "work" is always completely classified, and no one in their family or social circle should ever know what they are doing. As the unit's experience shows, this is often a constant psychological burden for some fighters.
We need soldiers who are not only physically, but above all mentally healthy, healthy and alert. And this is precisely the purpose of the tests of candidates.
- says Brigadier General Alexander Krone, commander of the KSK.
Brigadier General Alexander Krone
I think it wouldn't hurt to take a look at the service history general.
Date of birth: December 07, 1970, married, two children.
Served in the Bundeswehr since 1990 as an officer in a motorized infantry unit. Without interrupting his military service, he completed university studies. In 1999, he was appointed company commander. After a two-year tour of duty in Kosovo (2000–2001), he graduated from the General Staff Academy in Hamburg.
From 2005 to 2009, he was primarily in staff positions with the rank of senior officer. Then another tour in Kosovo, followed by a course for senior officers in Canada.
From 2009 to 2011, he served directly in the Ministry of Defense, after which he commanded a motorized infantry battalion until 2014. From 2014 to 2016, he again worked at the Ministry of Defense as the head of the department responsible for recruitment and training.
From 2017 to 2018, Chief of Staff of the Rapid Response Division in the city of Stadtallendorf.
Then again work in the Ministry of Defense, after which from 2020 to 2024 he commanded the motorized infantry brigade Panzergrenadierbrigade 37 "Freistaat Sachsen".
On June 14, 2024, he was appointed commander of the KSK.
Anyone wishing to serve in the KSK has two options to become a fighter in this unit.
On the one hand, through a military career as a non-commissioned officer or officer in other branches of the armed forces. On the other hand, there is the so-called civilian route, through training as a "special operations sergeant", which since October 2005 has also been open to applicants without prior military experience.
About 30 percent of applicants belong to this group.
All sergeant candidates, both military and civilian, are selected at one of the KSK training centres, where they, together with representatives of other units of the Rapid Reaction Division (DSK), undergo a candidate potential assessment procedure (Potenzialfeststellungsverfahren, PFV) and then a three-year training course for the rank of "paratrooper sergeant". After successful completion of the course, all participants take part in a procedure for a real assessment of their potential for service in the KSK.
This is followed by two years of training as a command sergeant. If the final exam is not passed, the soldier is transferred to other troops of the rapid reaction division.
A total of five years to train and prepare a KSK fighter!
"Our goal is a calm, confident professional who will always complete the task at hand."
"," says Senior Lieutenant Andy, 44, who heads up KSK recruitment. The formation of a soldier with his special abilities and skills is the main task of the training process.
"A four-man commando squad is our weapons system", says the officer. Years of specialized training lead to what is called a "self-efficacy expectancy" with the following self-assessment: "With my training, I will survive in any situation."
Potential Assessment Procedure (Potenzialfeststellungsverfahren PFV)
According to a former KSK commander, the training test is "the most difficult thing you can expect from people in a modern democracy."
Since 1995, the KSK psychological service has developed a profile for military personnel that combines endurance, resilience and resistance to pain and stress and, which is also an important factor, the ability to relax emotionally during periods of rest outside of operations. The candidate assessment procedure lasts twelve weeks. In addition to personal suitability, military counterintelligence checks whether the applicant passes the security check, including the so-called "value foundation" of the candidate.
Block 1 (The process of physical and psychomotor selection)
At the beginning there is a three-week physical and psychomotor selection process (the "first block"). At the beginning, the candidate passes the Bundeswehr's most difficult physical fitness test, which is comparable only to the combat swimmers' test.
Minimum physical requirements for Block 1:
1. 5 interval runs of 1000 meters with a 3-minute break (maximum duration: 4:30 minutes, then 4:20, 4:10, 4:00 and 3:50; on the 5th lap the candidate must run at maximum speed).
2. Psychomotor Skills Test (PST): Indoor obstacle course with complex coordination tasks, including transporting the wounded.
3. 7 pull-ups.
4. At least 20 sit-ups in 30 seconds.
5. At least 22 Hand Release Push-Ups in 30 seconds.
6. 2-minute sparring.
7. 200 meters of swimming in combat gear in a maximum of 7:30 minutes with undressing in the water.
8. 20 kilometers of march over rough terrain with 20 kilograms of equipment in a maximum of 3,5 hours.
Psychomotor Test (Psycho-Motorik-Test) PMT
The Psychomotor Test (PMT) consists of 30 test stations (tasks) that test subjects at an intense pace on their motor skills and cognitive abilities under stress and tension. The candidates’ psyche and character are also assessed, as well as how they cope with their own aggression. A track has been created in the barracks gym that combines tasks for agility, strength and endurance. Reaction speed and the ability to recognize dangerous places are tested. Test subjects must realistically assess the difficulty of the tasks and the likelihood of injury while performing them, as well as evacuate a “wounded soldier” - in this case, a heavy dummy in uniform - to a safe place through a pre-determined obstacle course.
At the end, there is hand-to-hand combat with one of the special forces fighters, who test the candidates on how they can withstand a blow and react to hard pressure.
After the successful completion of the physical selection process, the psychological selection process (“psychological data collection”) begins. This is done on the basis of filling out special questionnaires, computer tests, and also an assessment of actions in a group of applicants. If the candidate also successfully passes this test, then he or she is admitted to the subsequent, second part of the selection procedure.
Block 2 (Survival, endurance, ability to achieve goals)
The first block is followed by a ten-week training program, where candidates prepare for the second part of the candidate potential assessment (PFV), starting with forced marches, rappelling, obstacle courses and special team tasks. Particular emphasis is placed on team building and collaborative problem solving.
At the end of ten weeks of brutal training comes the Special Forces Survival Course, known as Block 2, which includes five days of "endurance and goal-oriented exercises" (weekly drills).
The potential assessment process, also called “Hell Week,” is a very serious test for candidates for the rank of Special Operations Sergeant and takes place under constant physical and mental stress. This phase combines physical stress, lack of food and sleep deprivation for several days, and can only be overcome with exceptional physical performance and absolute willpower. In addition to a trained body, the candidate’s strength and mental endurance and so-called lactate threshold power, which is the ability to withstand prolonged as well as cyclical physical exertion, play a decisive role.
The criteria for passing the test are as follows:
• 7 km march with 20 kg equipment in less than 45 minutes
• Run 3000 meters in less than 12 minutes
• Reaching the anaerobic threshold at a running speed of 13 km/h or higher.
• 40 km march
• VO²max (oxygen uptake capacity) more than 50 ml/min/kg.
According to the former KSK major, the march is followed by a mock interrogation, during which the future special forces soldiers are interrogated in a bunker for more than eight hours. Methods such as "bright lights, loud rock music, blindfolds, freezing cold" and water torture are used. And what's interesting is that despite the "European values and rules of democracy" we all know, these measures were approved in detail by the Bundestag Commissioner for the Armed Forces, who since 2020 is, pay attention, a woman!
Doctor of Law, Frau Eva Högl. Naturally, "a strong, Nordic character"!
This rigorous selection process is intended to weed out unsuitable candidates as early as possible, in order to reduce the attrition rate in the subsequent expensive training of KSK fighters. As a result, later cases of attrition are mainly due to injuries to the cadets.
Anyone who successfully completes Block 2 of the potential assessment process and appears suitable for the role of a commando soldier will then undergo three months of basic training, which also serves as an additional probationary period, ensuring that only the best will be ready to undertake the challenging tasks of the KSK.
If the PFV or probationary period is not passed, the service member returns to his home unit.
In the early 2000s, the success rate for KSK candidates was only about ten percent. Thanks to improved preparation of applicants, the number of successful candidates has increased significantly and currently averages 20 percent.
The selection process for the KSK places all candidates in extreme conditions, in which the mental reaction required for a special forces soldier is formed through physical exertion, sometimes beyond the pain threshold. That is why long-term physical and psychological preparation is so important and increases the chances of making the right decisions in extreme situations. A professional approach and appropriate weapons, equipment and gear are just as important as an individual training plan adapted to the respective initial situation. Thorough preparation of a soldier requires the highest level of discipline, motivation and a well-structured daily work and training regime.
In the end, the main thing is will!
Further training
After a further two years of basic training, the future commando fighter receives the so-called Combat-Ready status, that is, ready for combat, and is transferred to one of the four commando companies.
Depending on the cadet's area of combat deployment, this is followed by another year of specialization in the field of telecommunications technologies, weapons, mine-explosives, medical training, mountain warfare and parachute jumps, as well as all types of airborne operations. A candidate may be expelled from the KSK at any time during the first three years if he or she is found unsuitable.
And here, I think, regarding “he or she” it is necessary to clarify that Throughout the entire existence of the unit, not a single woman, despite constant attempts, was able to pass the selection for further training. All "female soldiers", today formally related to the KSK, perform tasks either as intelligence agents-informants or as servicemen of medical units. So in reality with "GI Jane", except in American movies, the Germans did not succeed.
During this final year, a KSK soldier can continue his service in 20 training streams at 17 educational institutions around the world. During the process of marksmanship training, each future commando soldier is trained to handle almost all types of small arms available in the armies and security forces of other countries.
“We conduct stress tests for fighters with lightning-fast “friend or foe” recognition, which less than ten percent of participants successfully pass
" says the person in charge of training.
Recognition and localization of the so-called “target person” is one of the main tasks of special forces fighters.
Acquiring a very good knowledge of two foreign languages is also part of the training. The commandos also undergo special training in long jumps. High-altitude expeditions are also undertaken as part of the training.
After successful completion of the training process, the fighter receives a special commando soldier badge.
Special sign KSK
The minimum contract period is six years after completion of basic training.
In addition, and this is something I found on the Internet, but it has not been officially confirmed anywhere, KSK fighters allegedly wear a distinctive ring.
Ring with a special sign and motto
Although, considering that these guys are completely secret, I think that the story with the ring is just a beautiful invention.
Interestingly, the basic salary of special forces soldiers is only slightly higher than the average salary in Germany, which in 2024 for an unmarried citizen is about 2700 euros net (that is, after paying all taxes - ed.).
So, for KSK-men this is 2320-3776 euros in hand. In addition to the salary associated with the rank and position, the graduate receives a monthly travel allowance of 963 euros, as well as other allowances provided in certain cases by the Bundeswehr.
Every year, a commando soldier must prove his skills and suitability for service in a special unit during regular testing procedures, the so-called "stress tests". As long as he passes this test and withstands it physically and mentally, he can remain a fighter in the KSK.
A group of KSK combat swimmers during training
Equipment and equipment
The KSK has access to the most modern types of weapons and equipment, and their procurement is often separate from the regular army procurement system. The unit has its own training and testing center, where, if necessary, weapons and equipment are constantly being improved and modernized. These changes include, for example, the redesign and special design of weapons, the adaptation of equipment and the production of special ammunition. The KSK arsenal includes samples of all common foreign weapons.
The KSK has its own shooting range, which is considered the most modern facility of its kind in the world, and where units from more than 60 countries constantly train. The facility allows for various operational scenarios with live fire to be practiced. Under the supervision of video cameras, computer modeling training is conducted on three floors here. The entire environment, walls, corridors, stairs, doors, windows - all this can be moved depending on the goals of the training or exercises.
For example, the plan of each German embassy could be recreated to prepare a special unit for a possible emergency.
In addition, since 2018, the KSK has been operating a multifunctional training center, unique for Germany, where commandos train and practice, among other things, various tactics for deploying amphibious assault forces.
weaponry
The standard pistol in the KSK is the Heckler & Koch P30 chambered in 9x19mm Luger, with a 15/17/20 round magazine. Naturally, with details such as a Picatinny rail, a rough texture of the grip, with its adjustable ergonomics, with high-contrast sights.
R30, from my own experience, is a great pistol!
Additionally, the P12 (an offshoot of the HK USP Tactical) in .45 caliber (11,43 mm) is used if necessary.
Heckler & Koch P12
KSK fighters also use Glock pistols in .357 Magnum caliber and Ruger revolvers of the same caliber and cartridge.
Glock .357 Magnum
Ruger .357 Magnum
Short-barreled weapons of .22 LFB caliber are also in use.
In urban conditions, the KSK uses the HK MP5 assault rifle, caliber 9x19 mm, with a magazine of 15, 30, 40 or 50 rounds, and the MP7 (PDW), caliber 4,6x30 mm, with a magazine of 20, 30 or 40 rounds.
HK MP5 SD3 with integrated silencer
They write that the MP7 provides improved penetration of body armor compared to the MP5, and it weighs half as much (1,9 kg) as the five, and is smaller in size.
In addition, the UMP (Universale Maschinenpistole) Heckler & Koch assault rifle, which has been in service since 1999, is still in use. There are variants for three different cartridges: 9×19 mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. Externally, it is almost impossible to distinguish them, only by the shape of the magazine and the inscriptions.
UMP (Universale Maschinenpistole) Heckler & Koch with a straight magazine for the .45-ACP cartridge.
And, of course, more serious types of weapons, such as the G36 assault rifle chambered for 5,56x45 mm, with 10, 20, 30 or 100 (snail) magazines, also with the AG36 underbarrel grenade launcher. Adopted into service in 1996, during the modification process it received the designation G50. A shortened version of the G36C is also used.
G36 Heckler & Koch
The special forces do not shy away from the more “ancient”, but very reliable HK G3 chambered for 7,62×51 mm, with a magazine for 5, 10 or 20 rounds.
Automatic rifle (Schnellfeuergewehr) G3 (Gewehr 3) Heckler & Koch
By the way, the “device” was developed in 1950 and accepted into service in 1958!
Of course, new models, which are especially suitable for special forces due to their reliability and ease of use, are also in service. These are the HK416 and G27 (HK417), caliber 5,56 x 45 mm.
A combat swimmer armed with a HK416 D10RS rifle (barrel length 10 inches)
Well, what kind of special forces would there be without sniper weapons?
G22-Scharfschützengewehr rifle. Manufactured by the British company Accuracy International for the .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge. The recommended firing range is up to 1000 meters, with a first-shot hit probability of 30% on a target with a diameter of 80 cm at this distance.
G22-Sharfschützengewehr
A more powerful sniper weapon is the Heckler & Koch G82 rifle chambered in 12,7×99mm (.50 BMG).
With an effective firing range of up to 1800 meters, this weapon is suitable not only for use against manpower, but also for fighting and disabling so-called "hard targets" such as radar dishes and antennas, communications equipment, etc. (shooting directly at the object). At a shorter distance and with appropriate ammunition, for engaging an enemy hiding behind masonry (penetrating weapon effect). This rifle is designated by the Bundeswehr as a "rifle for long-range and technical targets".
G82 by Heckler & Koch
In addition to these sniper rifles, the Bundeswehr has purchased several AW50 and AWS from Accuracy International. Under the designation G25 or G24, these rifles in 12,7x99mm and 7,62x51mm caliber are also used by the KSK.
In addition, commandos use MG3, MG4, MG5 or G8 (HK21) machine guns as portable fire support weapons at long ranges.
Machine gun MG3, for 7,65 x 51 cartridge. Rate of fire 1200 rounds/min. Is a modification of the legendary MG42. Manufactured by Rheinmetall.
Nearby, below on the left, is a replacement barrel, and on the right you can see a 40 mm HK69A1 pistol-grenade launcher
The MG4 is quite interesting. It was developed by Heckler & Koch as part of the IdZ (Infantry of the Future) program. It occupies an intermediate position between the G36 assault rifle and the MG5 machine gun.
MG4, caliber 5,56 x 45 mm, rate of fire 890 rounds/min. Weight 7,35 kg.
Heckler & Koch MG5, caliber 7,62 x 51 mm, rate of fire up to 800 rounds/min, weight 11 kg.
G8, aka HK21. Light machine gun chambered for 7,62 x 51 mm, rate of fire 800-900 rounds/min, weight 7,92 kg.
Well, how could we do without the “American grandfather” Browning M2, whose history stretches back to the First World War!
KSK uses it on their vehicles, which I will discuss below.
Browning M2, caliber .50 BMG (12,7 × 99 mm NATO), rate of fire 500 rounds per minute, weight 38,14 kg.
For urban combat, the KSK uses bolt-action shotguns, including the Remington 870, which is also used by the frogmen unit. These weapons are very effective at breaking down doors and walls, depending on the ammunition used and the nature of the target.
Remington 870, produced since 1951, 12, 16, 20, 28 or .410 gauge, magazine capacity up to 7 + 1 rounds.
The special forces also use the MILAN and Panzerfaust 3 anti-tank weapons systems.
The Fliegerfaust 2 Stinger anti-aircraft system is used as a means of destroying air targets.
Considering how the situation of application has been rapidly changing and developing in recent years, and even months, drones and protection from them, I tried to find something on this topic, specifically in connection with the KSK special forces.
Result: I didn't find anything specific.
The latest information from September 12 is that Brigadier General Alexander Krone, who heads the Special Forces Command (SFC), also sees the need for further action to resolve the problem drones in the army special forces.
As he told representatives of specialized media on the sidelines of the 9th Symposium of the KSK on Armaments, special forces have “advantages” in this area compared to the general forces, both in the fight against drones and in using them for their own purposes. And also in the methods of protection against these systems, protection and camouflage. But we are “clearly not at the finish line yet.”
According to Krone, the reasons for this are the high dynamism in this area, as can be seen in the example of the war in Ukraine, “where new processes and innovations are developed almost every six months.”
According to the KSK commander, keeping up with these developments is a major challenge. It requires constant training, planning and flexible application of acquired knowledge. At the same time, one should not fall into the trap of thinking: “Now I understand. Now this is the lesson of the war in Ukraine,” the general said.
Crone expects drone warfare to continue to evolve over several cycles if the war continues for any length of time. He is impressed by the ability of combatants to quickly adapt and innovate.
"We always notice how quickly people work, adapt and learn," Krone says. "Methods that were used in part during the First World War are combined with things that someone came up with just ten months ago.
This will continually bring new skills and opportunities to apply them.”
This will continually bring new skills and opportunities to apply them.”
The commander said the special forces, which is an extremely mobile force and "relies on particularly good situational awareness" to carry out its mission, must closely monitor these developments.
"We have to stick with it here, observe, think, rethink and revise our own procedures."
Of course, the Bundeswehr has a certain range of drones, from the miniature Black Hornet PD-100 to the large-sized Heron 1, and I am sure that the Bundeswehr special forces receive the best and most modern of this group of weapons in a timely manner.
Black Hornet PD-100, reconnaissance, flight range 1500 meters, weight 18 grams, time in the air 25 minutes
Heron1 before takeoff at the airfield in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, in 2016. Takeoff weight is 1,2 tons, speed is up to 210 km/h, altitude is up to 10000 meters, and airtime is up to 27 hours.
Means of transport
The transport fleet used by the commandos consists of the following vehicles.
Reconnaissance and combat vehicle (Aufklärungs- und Gefechtsfahrzeug) Serval (AGF).
The vehicle has no armor protection. It is armed with a 2 x 12,7 mm Browning M99 machine gun and a 40 x 53 mm grenade launcher (GMW) developed by Heckler & Koch.
A brand new, 249-horsepower Caracal based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Armored vehicle LAPV Enok 6.1 with enhanced armor, weighing 6,1 tons.
Armored personnel carrier Fuchs.
Armored personnel carrier GTK Boxer.
Multi-purpose SUV Bv 206 from the Swedish manufacturer Hägglund.
Yamaha ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) KODIAC 4x4 Quad.
Motorcycles like the KTM 400 LS-E Military.
KTM 640 LS-E Military.
ATV Yamaha WR 450 F.
Military snowmobiles Bombardier Skidoo LYNX GLX 5900 FC/E.
Depending on the task, the division can also provide the KSK with Wiesel 1 armored personnel carriers in the anti-tank (TOW) version.
And also Wiesel 2 in a 120mm mortar version.
Floating transport vehicles
Units dealing with "water spaces" have kayaks, inflatable boats and Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIB).
Helicopters
The special forces have 15 light Airbus H145M helicopters at their disposal.
The Airbus H145M is equipped with a digital cockpit with night vision and an autopilot. The spacious cabin with two large side sliding doors and double rear doors, a set of equipment including descent devices and external cargo hooks significantly speed up and simplify the landing process.
Other equipment includes onboard weapons and an electro-optical reconnaissance system. The defense system and armor provide additional protection for the crew.
Recently, the KSK fighters received the first minigun in the history of the Bundeswehr, the MG6, also known as the American M134 from General Electric, which complements the on-board weapons of the H145M. Other equipment includes on-board weapons and an electro-optical reconnaissance system.
MG6, a six-barrel revolver chambered for 7,62 x 51 mm, rate of fire 3000 rounds/min, effective firing range up to 1200 meters
The helicopter's maximum takeoff weight is 3,7 tons. If strategically necessary, it can be transported by an Airbus A400M transport aircraft and used immediately after unloading.
KSK, Bundeswehr, NATO
The German Federal Minister of Defense tirelessly repeats that there are "five to eight years" left until war with Russia. In this regard, against the backdrop of frantic financial injections into the pre- and rearmament of the Bundeswehr and the military-industrial complex, the German Ministry of Defense regularly works out various scenarios for future military actions by NATO countries against Russia.
The exercises conducted one after another are a clear confirmation of the systematic preparation for real combat operations. After Sweden and Finland joined NATO, the northern and Arctic flank is considered by the Germans as one of the most likely areas of future combat operations.
In connection with this, in February of this year, KSK units conducted their first training exercises in northern Canada, where they were transferred by Luftwaffe transport aircraft.
Another reason for the exercises was the formation within NATO of several special operations land task groups (SOLTG) as part of a return to a national defense system in conjunction with the alliance.
Considering that the exercises took place in temperatures below -30°C, in icy winds and in deep snow, the Germans took this very seriously.
The stated objectives of the exercises were: reconnaissance, combat operations, survival in Arctic conditions, testing and trialling of weapons systems, equipment, hardware and technology.
At the end of the exercises, their leader, the commander of the KSK troops, emphasized:
"Here in the Arctic region, only we can operate effectively in poor visibility and high mobility. Independent work without constant resupply, carried out on orders, on snowmobiles, skis or in winter boots, proves our flexibility in carrying out the mission."
Heirs of the Brandenburg Special Forces
While preparing the material for the article that you have read, I, to the best of my knowledge and the information that comes from the SVO zone and from the Baltic countries, where NATO troops are concentrated, assessed for myself what kind of enemy the Russian Army is fighting today and with whom and with what, with a very high degree of probability, it will have to fight in the future.
It would seem that there are only 1500 people, but this is the most elite unit!
And they are stuffed with all kinds of weapons, technology and equipment simply “to the brim”, and trained like German shepherds, with one task - to kill.
All this is based on the most modern methods of selection, medical control, education and training, which take place on almost all continents.
Besides, no one knows what modern “German political instructors” are pushing into their heads.
Perhaps they tell the KSK fighters how, back in 1939, the special unit “Brandenburg” was created under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, later part of the then Wehrmacht.
The main tasks of which included the following:
- By means of surprise attacks and ambushes or with possible cooperation with allied political groups, take by surprise and capture operationally important objects in the enemy's rear.
- The deliberate capture, disabling or destruction of key positions, airfields, communications and command centers, artillery positions, as well as bridges, ports, supply points, bunkers, command posts or other objects.
- Later, during the war, units of the special unit were also used in the fight against partisans.
Special sign and chevron of the Brandenburg Division. Compare with the KSK sign.
Please note the requirements for fighters:
The first prerequisite was voluntariness, then agility and quickness of reaction, the ability to improvise, a high degree of initiative, even if the fighter is left alone, combined with a pronounced spirit of camaraderie.
In addition, a certain, controlled desire for risk, the ability to communicate with foreigners and, of course, physical performance and endurance
In addition, a certain, controlled desire for risk, the ability to communicate with foreigners and, of course, physical performance and endurance
As an absolute necessity, a good knowledge of a foreign language or languages, so good that the special forces soldier could convincingly look like a British officer or a Red Army soldier.
When selecting recruits, greater attention was paid to language skills and reliability. Special training in self-defense was conducted at the Abwehr II training school (Quenzgut) near Brandenburg an der Havel.
Commando operations in World War II were limited-time actions carried out by small units behind enemy lines, i.e. in areas inaccessible to regular troops.
One of the rare photographs of Brandenburg soldiers
Well, almost a copy of the criteria, principles and objectives of today's KSK!
And in recent years, a number of scandals, despite the closed nature of the entire special forces system, have created a certain nervousness among the country’s “democratic” public.
Sometimes symbols from the times of Nazi Germany are found in the special forces barracks, sometimes at some drinking party guys openly give the Nazi salute and shout Nazi slogans, sometimes several thousand rounds of ammunition and tens of kilograms of explosives are discovered missing.
It got to the point that an entire company was completely disbanded.
Well, what can I say, they are real scumbags. But they are, in essence, killing machines, and what politicians will come up with tomorrow and what order these "heirs of the Brandenburg Division" will receive can only be guessed at. And every NATO country, and there are 32 of them, has similar formations, and often more than one.
It would seem that there is nothing special about it: one and a half thousand people. A brigade. The question is how to use it. Direct attacks are one thing, and yes, a brigade wears out in a week, or even faster. It is another thing to deliver pinpoint stabs in the most vulnerable places. The actions of Brandenburg at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War are a classic here. And here, to stop one such specialist, a significantly larger number of ordinary fighters is needed. I would say up to ten, or even more.
It turned out to be a rather cumbersome article, the main purpose of which I wanted to show that, despite the general chaos in the Bundeswehr, there are forces that represent something quite decent. And since we are talking about the fact that in 6-8 years there will be a war with Russia (according to the German authorities), then it is worth being prepared for this today.
Information