40. Fallschirmjägerbataillon Willi Sänger

40. Fallschirmjägerbataillon Willi Sänger was the only airborne infantry formation of the Nationale Volksarmee (NVA). The battalion and its commando school were based in Prora on Rügen island (1961-82) and later near Potsdam (1982-90).

Training

All of the battalion's personnel were volunteers who had to pass many selective tests before being channeled for further training. Every year a few hundred young NVA-soldiers volunteered for a place in the unit, only 8-10% passed. Of these only a handful passed the grueling commando course and could continue with further training in airborne infiltration. In time of war the battalion would be used as a commando strike unit to infiltrate and sabotage NATO command structures and supply routes.

Organisation

Officially the battalion was organized as an NVA light infantry battalion, but in reality it was considered a special forces commando unit like US Army Special Forces. On missions, the companies of the battalion were to be split up into five or six man teams to lower it's operational profile. As a force with special capabilies it remained under the direct command of the "Kommando Landstreitkräfte" (KdoLaSK) - the NVA high command.

Uniform and weapons

The battalion used the same 'raindrop' camouflage as regular NVA ground troops, but the battle dress was specially made to meet the demands of the unit's needs. There was also a special ranger pack made which included jump-boots and helmet. The paratroopers arm-of-service colour was red-orange which was displayed on their collar, shouldercuff and beret. In the field they used a much 'quieter' grey-brown beret.

The paratroopers used practically the same weapons as the rest of the army ("Landstreitkräfte"):

*Makarov PM semi-automatic pistol
*AK-74 assault rifle
*RPD light machinegun
*PKM light machinegun
*Dragunov SVD semi-automatic sniper rifle
*RPG-7D light AT-weapon specially made for airborne use

The battalion had just a few vehicles such as jeeps and motorcycles. As an airborne unit, they parachuted from transport planes or were airlifted by helicopters to their target.

ee also

* Fallschirmjäger