Home » Coalition SOF » German Spec Ops: The KSK (Kommando Spezialkräfte)

German Spec Ops: The KSK (Kommando Spezialkräfte)

by Brandon Webb · June 16, 2012 · Posted In: Coalition SOF, Special Operations

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Brandon Webb

Brandon Webb is a former U.S. Navy SEAL with combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the Middle East. His last tour in the SEAL Teams was as the Course Manager for the US Navy SEAL Sniper program, arguably one of the most difficult sniper courses in the world. He was formerly a contributing editor for Military.com, and currently the Editor-in-Chief of SOFREP.com. Brandon is regularly featured in the media as a subject matter expert on military affairs. An avid writer, his last two books (The Red Circle, & Benghazi: The Definitive Report) both hit the New York Times best seller list, and his writing has been featured in print, and digital media worldwide. You can follow him on Twitter @BrandontWebb

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15 comments

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HugeFan moderator

Very cool stuff, I really like the focus that is projected by these soldiers' bearing and posture. With that kind of professionalism, it's no wonder "Hans" can be such a party animal. Work hard, play harder.

pup3213

1 Like

Brandon i was with the Kiwis at the same time in Afghan and lived right next door to the Germans. Remember many a great party when we were not out on patrol.

MattRader

1 Like

thats an awesome video! i haven't had a chance to get the book yet but i want to try and get a copy here pretty soon

Ben K

2 Like

I finally got to read the book a couple of weeks ago, and I remember that section! It was a really interesting outlook on the whole situation and completely different from what we usually picture when we think of the Germans and their relationship with history (or at least, what I picture!).

That dog was pretty awesome, sitting amidst all those badasses and not giving a single ****.

Old PH2 moderator

4 Like

Ok, I must admit the Fallschrimjager has always been a unit that I've studied and been a fan of. It appears that the first image in the video is of a Fallschrimjager unit, I take that as a sign that much of the KSK is recruited from Fallschrimjager units?

One thing jumped out at me, is that an AI AW sniper rifle at 1' into the film? I expected to see a Walther or a HK.

During a NATO exercise I made the acquaintance of a number of these guys, slipped them some candid action photos and otherwise treated them with a few choice items. At the end of the exercise, I had made some great friends, they are so totally badass. I can't imagine how much more so the KSK must be!

CJCJ

3 Like

@Old PH2 Many moons ago we were part of an exercise working with a unit that had an exchange Fallschrimjager. One night we were in a bar hanging out on the balcony when this guy spots a young lady he wants to speak to who happens to be walking by on the street below. After letting out a loud whistle to get her attention, he launches himself off the balcony and grabs just enough of a palm frond to break his fall before hitting the street beside her. He brushes himself off, apparently introduces himself, and then escorts his new friend down the street to our howls and cheers. Yeah, those guys know how to party. The passage in BW's book about the KSK parties brought back that memory as I read it.

BTW, great book Brandon. A humble, sincere, well written, and remarkable account of a life that could have gone off the rails at a very young age. I highly recommend it. Well done, sir.

ArcticWarrior

1 Like

@Old PH2

I wanted Berlin Brigade, a friend was in the 502nd and got the Combat Patch for OPC, it was always a good conversation piece, a young guy with a Berlin Brigade on his right soldier. Time ran out for me by then Berlin Brigade was stood down. Still there was something appealing about being right in the heart of it all. NATO FTXs were always fun, especially in Norway and Iceland.

iceviking

@ArcticWarrior dude u were in Iceland!! when?

vicwhiskey

1 Like

As a German and regular reader of your blog and website, I'm very pleased about your decision to feature the KSK more often in the future. Thank you! :)