Kommando Spezialkräfte Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Kommando Spezialkräfte
KSK unit badge
Active	20 September 1996 (Created) 1997 (Activated)–present
Country	Germany
Branch	German Army
Type	Special forces
Size	~1,100 active personnel
Part of	Rapid Forces Division
Garrison/HQ	Calw, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Commanders
Current commander	Brigadier General (Brigadegeneral) Markus Kreitmayr, since 2018

The KSK (which stands for Kommando Spezialkräfte, or 'Special Forces Command') is a very special military unit in Germany. Its soldiers are chosen from Germany's army, called the Bundeswehr. They are part of a larger group called the Rapid Forces Division.

The KSK is like a special team within the regular army. It has about 1,100 members. They are divided into two main parts: 'Operational Forces' (who do the missions) and 'Support Forces' (who help them).

The KSK is highly respected and has received many awards from groups like NATO and the United States. They often work with other countries' special forces on important missions, especially in places like the Balkans and the Middle East, to help keep people safe.

History of the KSK
KSK Uniform and Symbols
Related pages
Images for kids
See also

History of the KSK

Heliborne Training

Before the KSK was created in 1996, another special group called GSG 9 handled important security missions in Germany. GSG 9 was a police force, not a military one.

Like all German military units, the KSK needs special permission from the German Parliament (Bundestag) before they can go on missions.

The KSK has been involved in many important operations both in Europe and other parts of the world. Some known missions include those in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and more recently in Afghanistan.

Badge worn on beret

During the War in Afghanistan, the KSK carried out many operations near where German soldiers were stationed in Kabul.

Details about these special missions, like how successful they were or if anyone was injured, are kept very secret. This is normal for special forces units. However, there have been talks to share more information with certain members of the Bundestag for future missions. This helps make sure everyone knows what the KSK is doing.

KSK Uniform and Symbols

Members of the KSK wear maroon-colored berets. This color shows their connection to airborne units, which are soldiers who can jump from planes.

They also wear a metal badge on their beret. This badge has a sword surrounded by oak leaves. The flag of Germany is shown at the bottom of the sword.