Germany - Special Forces in World War 2

Which Special Forces did Germany use during World War 2?

Introduction

During World War II, Germany had several special forces units, each with their own unique capabilities and roles. The Fallschirmjäger, or paratroopers, are perhaps the most well-known and played a significant role in many of the war’s major campaigns. They are highly trained and used for a variety of missions, such as airborne assaults, reconnaissance, sabotage, and special operations behind enemy lines. However, the Fallschirmjäger are not the only German special forces unit. The Brandenburgers are a specialised unit that focused on espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance. The Waffen-SS had several specialised units, such as the SS-Jäger Battalion, which are highly trained and often used for special missions. The Jagdverbande are another special operations unit that operated mainly in North Africa, using unconventional tactics to deceive the enemy.

Despite their different specialties, these German special forces units were all highly skilled and played a significant role in many of the war’s most famous battles. Their legacy continues to inspire modern-day special forces units around the world.

Organisations

Fallschirmjäger

Small Units

Fallschirmjäger z.b.V 250
Kampfgeschwader 200
Kampfschwimmer
Frontaufklärungskommando
Marinestosstruppkompanie
Sonderverband z.b.V. Friedenthal
Sonder Lehrgang Oranienburg

Battalion

SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500
SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 600
SS-Jäger-Bataillon 500
SS-Jäger-Bataillon 501
SS-Jäger-Battaillon 502
SS-Jäger-Bataillon Nordwest
SS-Jäger-Bataillon Ost
SS-Jagdverband Mitte
SS-Jagdverband Nordwest
SS-Jagdverband Ost
SS-Jagdverband Südost
SS-Jagdverband Südwest

Regiment

Luftlande-Sturm-Regiment 1

Divisions

Other Units

Werwolf