The Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) (lit. "special forces command") is part of Germany's special forces. It is closely modelled on the British Special Air Service (SAS).

History

The KSK was established in 1996 and has taken on duty on April 1, 1997, to face the new threats emerging after the end of the cold war. Before that, (West) Germany had placed little emphasis on special forces, relying on the GSG 9, a (border) police unit, for counter-terrorist work.

Since its inception, the KSK has been on duty in the war in Kosovo and in Afghanistan. Its missions are top secret, therefore no specific details are known.

Structure

The KSK is stationed in Calw in the Black forest in southern Germany. It consists of about 1000 soldiers, 420 of whom are in fighting units.

The fighting units are divided into four commando companies of 80 men each and a long range reconnaissance unit of 100 men. Each of the four commando companies has four specialised platoons:

• 1st platoon: land insertions
• 2nd platoon: airborne entering
• 3rd platoon: amphibious operations
• 4th platoon: operations under special geographic or meteorlogic surroundings (e.g. mountains or polar-regions)

There are four commando groups in every platoon. Each of these groups consists of four about equally skilled soldiers plus a varying number of specialists (medics, explosives/heavy weapons/communications/language experts).

Equipment

• Heckler und Koch G36 assault rifle - special version
• Heckler und Koch MP5 submachine gun in various versions.
• Heckler und Koch MP7 submachine gun
• Accuracy International G22 sniper rifle
• Heckler und Koch P8 pistol (military version of the HK USP) - special version
• special weapons and ammunition (ultrasound, anti-tank etc.)

• snowmobiles
• folding boats
• high-altitude gliding parachute equipment

They are assisted by German army troops (Heeresflieger) with additional vehicles:

• Eurocopter Tiger assault helicopters
• NH-90 transport helicopters