As winter’s icy grasp takes hold of large parts of North America, today, I thought I’d feature a pic of the Austrian Gebirgsjäger, which I believe translates roughly to “mountain rangers” or “mountain infantry.” Either way, they are a specialized branch of the Austrian Armed Forces (the Bundeswehr)  trained in mountain warfare.  This is a skill set that is particularly relevant given Austria’s alpine landscape. They didn’t set “The Sound of Music” there for nothing.

History and Background

The mountain infantry of Austria traces its lineage back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s Landesschützen regiments. Established under Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1907, these regiments wore the edelweiss on their uniform collars, a symbol of their mountain expertise. Similarly, the German mountain infantry upholds traditions from the German Alpenkorps of World War I, who received the edelweiss insignia from the Landesschützen during joint operations against Italy.

During World War II, both the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS formed several mountain infantry units, distinguishable by their Edelweiss insignia on sleeves and caps. These units were characterized by lighter equipment, mule-based transport, and a specific armament strategy, including fewer automatic weapons but more ammunition for machine guns and specialized rifles like the G33/40 Mauser. They participated in various significant operations, including in the Caucasus, Crete, the Balkans, and France.

Edelweiss Raid 2023

Post WWII

Post-World War II, with the establishment of the Bundeswehr, the mountain infantry was reintroduced in West Germany. Until 2001, they were part of the Gebirgsdivision, later reorganized as the Gebirgsjägerbrigade 23, based in Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria. This brigade, emphasizing the close bond between the state and the Gebirgsjäger, focuses on tasks like extreme weather and varied terrain warfare.

The Gebirgsjäger units are notable for their distinct uniform, including a grey cap with a forward-facing edelweiss, differentiating them from other German soldiers and the Austrian army. Their uniform also features a light grey ski blouse, black trousers, and mountaineering boots. A hallmark of these troops is their strong comradeship and unique discipline style, which is evident in the informal interaction between officers and soldiers during regular duties.

The 23rd Gebirgsjäger Brigade, comprising several battalions and specialized units, is equipped for various reconnaissance and combat roles. Their equipment, tailored for mountain warfare, includes vehicles like the Bandvagn 206 and snowmobiles. In Austria, the 6th Gebirgsbrigade, with several infantry and engineer battalions, carries forward the traditions of the Austrian mountain infantry.