Forty years ago this elite unit was formed. The GSG 9 der Bundespolizei. It was born from tragedy. The Munich Olympics massacre. Eleven Israeli athletes murdered. The Bavarian police were overwhelmed. They lacked training and equipment. A specialized unit was needed. GSG 9 was the answer.
Lieutenant Colonel Ulrich Wegener a man of vision proposed its creation. He understood the urgent need for a highly skilled counter-terrorism force. He saw the devastating consequences of unpreparedness. The Federal Ministry of the Interior agreed. GSG 9 was officially established on September 26 1972. Its creation was not without controversy. Some feared it would evoke memories of the SS. To alleviate these concerns the unit was formed from the Federal Border Protection not the army.
GSG 9 is made up of approximately 400 highly trained officers. Their identities are kept secret. They operate throughout Germany and internationally protecting German interests. They are experts in counter-terrorism hostage rescue and high-risk operations. Cybercrime is now a significant part of their work. Speed is essential to preserve digital evidence.
Their first major mission was Operation Magic Fire. In 1977 Palestinian militants hijacked Lufthansa Flight 181. The Landshut. After a harrowing journey the plane landed in Mogadishu Somalia. GSG 9 commandos stormed the aircraft rescuing all hostages in just seven minutes. This audacious operation cemented GSG 9’s reputation as an elite force. Their success led to numerous requests for training from other countries. This includes consultation during the creation of the US Army’s Delta Force.
GSG 9 has three specialized units for land sea and air operations. They also have support groups for medicine technology and training. The unit has a base in Sankt Augustin near Bonn. Since 2018 they also have a base in Berlin. This reduces response times for missions in and around the city. The GSG 9 continues to be a vital force in combating terrorism and serious crime. It is a symbol of Germany’s dedication to protecting its citizens. A testament to the courage skill and dedication of its members. A symbol of hope in a world threatened by violence.