| Unit Name: | EGB Forces |
| Native Name: | Spezialisierte Kräfte des Heeres mit Erweiterter Grundbefähigung (EGB) |
| Dates: | 2007–present |
| Branch: | German Army |
| Type: | Special forces |
| Command Structure: | Rapid Forces Division |
| Garrison: | Seedorf Zweibrücken |
| Motto: | Speed, surprise & violence of action |
| Specialization: | Airborne operations Counterinsurgency Direct Action Intelligence Operations QRF capabilities |
EGB Forces (Specialized Army Forces with Expanded Capabilities) (German: Spezialisierte Kräfte des Heeres mit Erweiterter Grundbefähigung) is a specialized operations force of the German Bundeswehr, organized under the Rapid Forces Division.
In 2007 EGB Forces were established as a light infantry unit to close the gap between conventional infantry units and the Kommando Spezialkräfte.[1] Therefore, each of the four paratrooper battalions established one specialized company to serve as an enhanced-skilled company. These battalions are now two regiments with companies.
In 2015 the specialized reconnaissance unit Fernspählehrkompanie 200 was merged with parts of the reconnaissance platoons of the brigade's recce companies.
Personnel of all branches of the Bundeswehr may apply for the EGB Forces.
Prerequisites
Selection process
Completion of several tests which include an obstacle course, ruck march, swimming tests and numerous tests of physical or mental stamina. Successful completion of the selection process is followed by training for the occupation in the EGB Forces in the special operations school in Pfullendorf.[2]
TrainingBefore serving in the EGB Forces, soldiers attend a six-month training cycle which includes
Upon completion of the training cycle, soldiers are awarded with the EGB Forces qualification badge and receive the Combat-Ready-status. Afterwards they are assigned to an EGB company.
During their career, soldiers of EGB Forces may receive advanced training in communications, weapons training, demolitions, advanced medical training, mountain training or training in amphibious operations.
Tasks of EGB forces may include
Since their establishment EGB Forces were involved in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and as part of a capacity building mission in northern Iraq.