The Special Operations Forces, or, for short, SOF (in German ’KSKKommando Spezialkräfte’, for ‘Kommando Spezialkräfte’), encompasses the German Army’s special operations forces (SOF) and has unique capabilities at its disposal within the Bundeswehr. Spanning the entire gamut of tasks that fall within the Bundeswehr’s remit, these capabilities give the Federal Republic of Germany added options in its courses of action.
The current operational spectrum of Germany’s armed forces, ranging from international crisis management, to national crisis prevention, to national and collective defence, also includes special tasks of strategic interest.
Hostage Rescue and Special Reconnaissance
SOF’s field of activity essentially comprises offensive operations. This includes the rescue and liberation of German citizens or other persons from captivity, hostage situations, or terrorist threat scenarios abroad. Where the situation requires, SOF has the capability to detain war criminals or terrorists abroad, even should they offer resistance, and to seize material of particular importance.
The SOF work together with security forces of partner nations and provide them with training support. They protect friendly forces and individuals in case of danger.
Special reconnaissance is a further core SOF task, one of their jobs being to gather key information in crisis and conflict zones for the military leadership.
Deployments anytime, anywhere
Deep operations against high-value military targets define the combat missions of the special operations forces. This also includes incapacitating or destroying important command and control systems, sites and facilities.
Such missions call for special training, equipment and structure and cannot generally be accomplished by conventional units. Their members are trained to deploy at any time around the world, in any climatic zone, and in many different ways. This can mean operations in the mountains, the jungle, the Arctic, and the desert.
Forming the core of the Bundeswehr’s special operations forces network, SOF is an important enabler for national risk and crisis management.
Jointly Operating Special Operations Forces
SOF and its missions are subject to a particular level of classification owing to it also carrying out covert operations. Where the situation requires, SOF personnel also operate together with Air Force special operations forces. They may be called upon to act jointly when rescuing hostages, for instance.
SOF may also undertake operations where the employment of conventional forces is not, or not yet, suitable. The timing and location of their operations are generally independent of those conducted by other field forces.
Command and Control of Special Operations Forces
At the military strategic level, the Directorate-General for Strategy and Operations within Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defence oversees the special operations forces. When employed nationally, SOF is under the operational command of the Special Operations Division within the Bundeswehr Joint Forces Operations Command. When acting as part of multinational missions, SOF personnel are under the tactical command and control of a combined command post.
In addition to its headquarters and Special Operations Component Command (SOCC) Headquarters and CISCommunication and Information Systems Support Company, SOF comprises commando forces and support forces together with an organic combat service support medical clinic. SOF also has its own force development and training components.
When on routine duty, SOF is under the command and control of the German Rapid Response Forces Division.