Special Operations.Com

Germany

Kommando Spezialkraefte (KSK)

Overview

In 1994, Germany formed a new special forces group, the Kommando Spezialkraefte, or KSK, to perform a range of military missions in enemy rear areas or in trouble spots abroad. Although unit missions include operating against targets such as lines of communication or enemy headquarters and long range recon, particular emphasis is being placed on ensuring the safety of German citizens in war or conflict zones, evacuating noncombatants, and rescuing hostages or downed pilots. Approximately 20 soldiers had been trained by the fall of 1996, and the unit was fully operational by April 1997. According to reports, the impetus for forming the force was the German experience during the Rwandan civil war in 1994. During that conflict, Belgian and French paratroopers were used to rescue 11 German nationals because no suitably trained German troops were available. The KSK emphasizes the usual tough selection criteria and lengthy, thorough training associated with special operations units. The KSK commander, a brigadier, has emphasized the need for mature, reliable soldiers to man the unit. Despite the unit's hostage-rescue capabilities, reports stress that the KSK is a military unit with military missions -- not another GSG-9 counterterrorist force. KSK does, however, maintain a Hostage Rescue Team capable of resolving a variety of associated tasks.

The bulk of the unit was formed on 1 April 1996 when the commado company of each of the three Airborne Brigades were taken and along with two of the Long-Range Recce Companys (the 3rd disbanded) were combined under one command forming the KSK. (no comments on 1 April, jokers day and SAS nick name the Jokers). The unit plans to be fully operational by the year 2000 and at that time having 1,000 operators fully trained and slotted.

The unit will be under the German Crisis Section, tasks include the following:

    1) Defence of the territory of Germany or NATO

    2) Deterrence and de-escalation of crisis situations

    3) Peace keeping/peace support missions

This unit, being part of the Army, will be able to go overseas and on NATO deployments where GSG 9 could not (legally), though sometimes did (Lufthansa Airlines 737 Hijacking, Mogadishu Airport, October 1977 for example) and will also be used to protect and project Germany interests world wide.

Basic missions of the KSK are very similar to the SAS/US Special Forces to include strat, recce, deep penetration raids, and the more common spec ops HRT, CT ops.

KSK Organization

*Each Commando Company consists of the following:

HQ Platoon

4 Commando Plts - Consisting of 4 teams of 4 men each. Of the 4 men there is to be 1 communications specialist,1 explosive spec.,1 medical spec., last man not stated but if in line with other units 4th will be Operations and Intel trained and team leader. 1 of the 4 Plts will be specially trained in in HRT ops.

Commando Long-Range Recce Company;

HQ element

L-R Recce Commando Plt. with 8 teams

L-R Recce Plt with 12 teams

Again all teams are 4 man units

Breakdown of the above

HQ & Signal Company

1 HQ Plt.

3 Signal Plts

1 L-R Recce Signals Plt(all trained in Sat.Com's, HF, Line of siight comm.
anon

Support Company;

Logistics Plt

Parachute Equip. Plt

Medic Plt.

Maintenance/repair Plt

Selection process and basic traing will be 3 months and a modified SAS/SF(Both
US/UK involved in set up).

All to be HALO/HAHO and scuba trained. Specialist training to be completed before assignment to an operational team and supposed to last 3 years( reason for the year 2000 date)

Equipment

Basic German Infantry uniforms and LBE with the addition of the ever-present black Nomex coveralls/balaclava and kevlar helmet.

Weapons

HK G36 rifle, carbine, and SAW versions

HK MP5-SD3 9mm

P8 Pistol

G22 Sniper Weapon System(Accuracy Int. AW w/folding stock German Optics in .300 Win mag)

PII underwater pistol (Kamp.swimmer training also)

HK 21 LMG (5.56mm)

HK 23 LMG (7.62X51mm)

Panzerfaust 3 and Milan A.T. Weapons

MG3 GPM (7.62X51mm)

Trooper commo is a modified SEM52/SL helmet mounted with throat mike

Vehicles

Unimog 2 ton

Mercedes Benz G Wagen (popular with everyone)

The first companies expect to have limited operational cap's by 1999 and as stated earlier full ops. by 2000.