40. Fallschirmjägerbataillon Willi Sänger
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40. Fallschirmjägerbataillon Willi Sänger was the only airborne infantry formation of the Nationale Volksarmee (NVA). The battalion and its airborne-commando school were based in Prora on Rügen island (1961-82) and near Potsdam (1982-90).
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[edit] Training
All of the battalion's personnel were volunteers who had to pass many selection-tests before being accepted. Every year, a few hundred volunteered for a place in the unit, only 8-10% passed. Of these, only a handful passed the commando-course and could continue with further training. In time of war, the battalion would be used as a light commando unit to infiltrate and sabotage NATO command structures and supply routes.
[edit] Organisation
Officially, the battalion was an airborne unit 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 profile. As a force with special capabilies it remained under the direct command of the Kommando Landstreitkräfte (KdoLaSK) - the army high command.
[edit] Uniform and weapons
The battalion used the same tartan camouflage as regular NVA 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, shoulder, cuff 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.
