Gendarmerie Einsatz Kommando
(GEK)
Photo Gallery
One
Photo Gallery
Two
Photo Gallery
Three
The GEK's Motto is 'Schwert der Demokratie',
which translates 'Sword of Democracy'.
The 200-man Gendarmerie
Einsatz Kommando (GEK) draws its members from the
national police force (Gendarmerie). It can be compared
to France's GIGN and Germany's GSG-9 in that, in addition
to its role as Austria's primary counterterrorist
unit, it may also be called on to operate as the domestic
SWAT team in high-risk arrest and barricade situations,
and for sky-marshal duties. For this reason, it is
easy to understand why GEK - better known as "Cobra"
or "Cobra Unit" - maintains close relationships
with these two units, and regularly participates in
joint exercises. GEK personnel can also be called
on to serve as bodyguards for visiting dignitaries
and other VIPs. It should be noted that many
former GEK members have gone on to serve with other
Gendarmerie units throughout the country. This unit
is based in Wiener Neustadt, Austria (approximately
25 miles south of Vienna).
