Kampfschwimmer der Bundeswehr – Innenansichten einer Elitetruppe
(“Kampfschwimmer Naval Commandos of the German Armed Forces – An Internal View of an Elite Force”)
by Wilhelm Probst
One of the most revealing books about the German Kampfschwimmer naval commandos. Still up-to-date with regard to the core training regimen. The narrative is centered around the author’s true-life operational and training experience. A fascinating read, it provides a first-hand impression of the challenges confronting Kampfschwimmer trainees and commandos every day. Definitely a “Must Read”. [Non-Fiction, German language]
Die Kampfschwimmer der Volksmarine – Eine geheime Spezialeinheit der DDR
(“Kampfschwimmer of the People’s Navy – A Covert Special Operations Unit of the GDR”)
by Horst Kerzig, Jürgen Knittel, Kurt Schulz
The book is written by three former commanders of the special operations unit of the former East German navy, Kampfschwimmer Kommando KSK-18. They discuss formation, development and responsibilities of this unit over the course of its existence (1958-1990). The gradual emergence of this formerly secret unit into the light of day, including eventual formal public acknowledgment of its existence, is discussed in detail. Includes copies of original documents. Both interesting and informative, this book documents the 32-year history of KSK 18 and shines a light into the shadows of one of the Cold War’s best kept secrets. [Non-Fiction, German Language]
SEAL´s
– The US Navy´s Elite Fighting Force
by Mir Bahmanyar and Chris Osman
Among the best portraits of the US Navy SEALs. The Author’s complete focus is on operations; he does not begin with BUDs (Basic Underwater SEAL Training) like many writers do, but gets right to the heart of the matter. The author vividly portrays missions and tactics of the Post-9/11 world, from the opening operations in Afghanistan up to and including the Iraq War. One of the most exciting sections of the book describes a joint Navy SEAL/US Marine mission ranging from Baghdad to Ramadi. This operation highlights the opportunities for direct support of regular units by special operations forces. Another interesting element of the book is the author’s take on the German Army KSK Special Operations Forces integrated within Task Force K-BAR. [Non-Fiction, English Language]
Fearless – The undaunted Courage and ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown
by Eric Blehm
One of the most emotionally moving books on the market. The grippingly narrated autobiography of Naval Spacial Warfare Development Group (SEAL Team SIX) Operator Adam Brown [real name: Eric Blehm]. A man who got hung up on drugs after high school, and then – through his willpower and abilities – worked his way into the ranks of the US Navy’s “Tier One” unit. Exciting, moving and inspirational. [Non-Fiction, English Language]
The Men of BRAVO TWO ZERO – The Harrowing True Story of a Special Forces Patrol Behind the Lines in Iraq
by Andy McNab
About a classic commando mission conducted by the British SAS during the 1991 Gulf War. Andy McNab describes the operation designated as Patrol B20, including: planning; reconnaissance; discovery by a shepherd boy; the resulting combat; and the hardships of flight, fear, capture, torture and death.[Non-Fiction, English Language]
The One That Got Away
by Chris Ryan
Reportage about superhuman endurance during war. Chris Ryan, a member of Patrol B20 (see above) who was separated from his teammates and covered 180 miles through the Iraqi desert to safety in Syria. Seven days, seven nights. Three days without water. Sir Peter De la Billière
(Former SAS Commander und Commander of british forces during the 1991 Iraq War) told Ryan: “You have personally made SAS history.”[Non-Fiction, English Language]
Before we go any further we need to discuss the term “Special Operations Forces” or SOF. Both nationally and internationally, SOF are defined by their clearly delineated attributes and capabilities. These special attributes and capabilities are the reason the civilian and military national command authorities call upon them for military missions which are considered politically sensitive. Former German Defense Minister Dr. Peter Struck referred to the Kampfschwimmer as a “strategic-level, high-value instrument.”
According to NATO-Doctrine, European Policy, and the German national military doctrine, SOF are designated for military operations which – because of the special nature of the mission, the methods necessary to accomplish the mission, and the significance of the mission target – must be carried out according to different principles and procedures than operations conducted by conventional forces. Overarching considerations may require covert means of operation and acceptance of high risk. Because of the high demands placed upon them, SOF personnel undergo an especially rigorous selection process and receive special training. Their units are organized differently than conventional units. They use special equipment optimized for the types of mission they carrion out.
The German armed forces maintain two tactical level SOF units: the navy’s Kampfschwimmer, and the operational forces of the army’s Special Operations Command (Kommando Spezialkräfte or KSK).
Foreign Internal Defense – military operations to directly or indirectly support the host nation and improve states’ internal and external security and stability. Example: training military and police forces.
Direct Action – targeted, tightly delineated, short duration offensive strikes intended to: capture or recover personnel; seize or destroy materiel or facilities. Example: Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations.
Special Reconnaissance – missions to collect specific, well-defined, and time-sensitive information of strategic or operational significance. Example: reconnaissance of port facilities, surf zones and/or inland locations.
