Parachute Reconnaissance Company 17
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Parachute |
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| Country | Switzerland |
| Armed forces | Swiss Army |
| Type | Tele scouts |
| Insinuation | Special Forces Command (KSK) |
The Parachute Reconnaissance Company 17 is the only remote scout unit in the Swiss Army . The company, together with the parachute reconnaissance school and courses 83 of the Swiss Air Force . Since January 1, 2012, she has been subordinate to the Special Forces Command. The unit was founded as Parachute Grenadier Company 17 , then restructured into Fernspäh Company 17 and later renamed Parachute Reconnaissance Company 17 . Despite these changes, the number 17 remained in the company's name. That is why the parachute scouts are often called 17-er .
assignment
When the unit was founded as Parachute Grenadier Company 17 , this unit was assigned two orders. The first mission was a covert operation behind enemy lines or in enemy-occupied territory. This order was carried out by the so-called fighter warriors , who were known for their particularly successful commando operations during maneuvers. The second extremely important task was the tele-spying reconnaissance up to 200 km behind the enemy lines or in the area occupied by the enemy. Carrying out command missions behind enemy lines was given up as an order later and given to the grenadiers . Since then, the main mission of the unit has been long-range reconnaissance behind enemy lines.
commitment
The parachute scouts are deployed in 4–6-man parachute scouts. They can be brought to their place of use by parachute. Every parachute scout is able to perform a conventional automatic jump as well as jumps with the HALO and the HAHO method. The teams can also be brought to their location by helicopter. From their point of sale they can then cover very long distances on foot.
recruitment
To become a parachute scout, you have to be physically and mentally fit. From the age of 17 you can take part in a so-called screening. There, on the one hand, athletic performance is tested, on the other hand, thinking skills are also tested using a logic test. Of the 300 or so applicants annually, around 100 progress. You now have the opportunity to enroll in parachute course 1. This usually takes place 9 to 12 months later near various airfields. There are 25 jumps to be completed in the first course. After passing it, you will receive an invitation for the parachute course 2. 60 of the original 300 candidates are still taking part. This course is structured similarly to the first. In addition, you have the chance to get your private parachute certification. If you have also passed this course (approx. 30 candidates), you will be subjected to an aptitude test at the Aviation Medical Institute in Dübendorf. This is where the final checks take place to determine whether you are suitable. The remaining candidates are allowed to start the recruit school as parachute scouts the following January. Finally, 6 to 12 people are certified as members of the unit, which corresponds to a quota of 2 to 4%.
particularities
The Parachute Reconnaissance Company 17 shot an action film with a documentary character in cooperation with the Swiss Army's Electronic Media Center . The film, called Beyond Enemy Lines , is about two parachute reconnaissance teams who carry out a mission behind enemy lines during Operation Eliane .
In addition to the Patrouille Suisse , the PC-7 team , the F / A-18 Hornet Solo Display and the Super Puma Display Team, members of Parachute Reconnaissance Company 17 regularly show their jumps at events at which the Swiss Air Force is a guest.
See also
literature
- Sören Sünkler: Europe's elite and special units. Motorbuch, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-613-02853-1 .
- Kaj-Gunnar Sievert: The 17er: The parachute reconnaissance aircraft of the Swiss Army. Motorbuch, Stuttgart 2010, ISBN 978-3-613-03292-7 .
