DDR, NVA, PARA, ENLISTED COLLAR INSIGNIA, EAST GERMANY, PARACHUTIST
Luftsturmregiment
(Air Assault Regiment) Willi Sanger
The NVA introduced a Fallschirmjager
(Paratrooper) battalion in 1962. Designated Fallschirmjagerbattalion-5, this
unit eventually evolved into a 2 battalion, 680-man parachute force known as
Luftsturmregiment-40 (Air Assault Regiment-40) "Willi Sanger". This
was an elite NVA formation noted for it's high level of strike-and-fighting
skill, toughness, motivation, and training.
NVA paratroopers
participated in major Warsaw Pact and NVA exercises like Waffenbrüderschaft 80,
JUG 84, Schild-84, DRUSHBA 86, JUG 87. During the 80's the unit was expanded to
two full air assault battalions (40 and 41) and upon mobilization, plans were
laid for a full brigade staff with support group. On more than one occasion the
fallschirmjagers of "Willi Sanger" were awarded the NVA title
"Best Troop Unit".
Dress and field uniforms
unique to the airborne were developed that readily identified these troops as
members of the DDR's premier combat unit.