Rapid Forces Division

Germany’s paratroopers and helicopter forces as well as Special Operations Forces Command are consolidated in the Division Schnelle Kräfte (DSK), or Rapid Forces Division (RFD). The Division is headquartered in Stadtallendorf.

German-Dutch Cooperation

In addition to Germany’s 1 Airborne Brigade, the Dutch 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade, or Air Assault Brigade, has been under the Division’s command since 12 June 2014. Together, the Division’s roughly 2,300 Dutch and 9,500 German soldiers are committed champions of Dutch-German Army cooperation. The DSK is the mainstay of air manoeuvre capability in the Dutch and German armies.

Ready to deploy, quickly and flexibly

By virtue of their training and equipment, RFD soldiers are able to rapidly and flexibly deploy as light infantry troops in conjunction with the helicopter units.

The mission and structure of the Rapid Forces Division are tailored to potential operations in a national and international context. Their mission enables RFD military personnel to conduct operations such as non-combatant evacuation or air manoeuvre operations. The RFD capability profile also includes initial entry operations as well as the Bundeswehr search and rescue service.

Special Operations Forces Command

Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM), a one-of-a-kind major unit, is integrated into RFD. Its special operations forces are considered the most highly trained soldiers of the Army.

So that the Rapid Forces Division can accomplish its tasks, it exercises direct command and control over the following military elements:

• 1 Airborne Brigade
• 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade
• Special Operations Forces Command
• Helicopter Command