The loss of around two dozen elite commandos in a helicopter downed by the Taliban has dealt a major blow to US special forces, a key element in the strategy to wind down the Afghan war.
A navy special forces member interviewed by the Navy Times expressed "shock and disbelief," saying: "There's no precedent for this. It's the worst day in our history by a mile."
The Chinook transport helicopter was shot down by insurgents during a firefight southwest of the capital Kabul, according to Afghan authorities and the Taliban, killing 30 US troops, including around two dozen Navy SEALs.
Seven Afghan commandos and an interpreter were also killed in the attack, the deadliest for the NATO-led coalition since the invasion to oust the Islamist Taliban in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
US special operations forces have played an increasingly central role in the war, with thousands of members of elite units carrying out scores of commando operations -- usually at night -- to capture or kill senior Taliban fighters.
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GERMAN NAVY “SEALS”
German naval commandos are called Kampfschwimmer or "combat swimmers". These German navy counterparts to the US Navy SEALs are Germany's oldest Special Operations Forces. The Kampfschwimmer roots go back to World War II.
Today's Kampfschwimmer formations are heavily involved in international operations against terrorism, including missions in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This e-book is written by a German Navy lieutenant who serves as a Kampfschwimmer team leader -- the equivalent of a US Navy SEAL platoon leader.
"German Navy SEALs" is a profile of the Kampfschwimmer units. The e-book covers the history of the Kampfschwimmer beginning with the World War II era; describes their organization, command structure, capabilities and training; discusses their cooperation with US Navy SEALS and other Special Operations Forces; and their role in German and NATO operational planning.
Other German Special Operations Forces are also briefly discussed.
