German army may open commando unit to women

The German army’s elite anti-terror commando unit may soon open its doors to women, a German newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Published: 20 May 2008 08:54 CEST

German army may open commando unit to women

German KSK soldiers train in 2004. Photo: DPA

Plans to integrate women into the Special Forces Command (KSK) are close to complete in the Ministry of Defense, the Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung reported on Tuesday.

General Hans-Otto Budde told the newspaper that women are now vital in the army’s special forces.

The newspaper also reported military plans to increase special compensation for the KSK’s soldiers.

Soldiers in the elite unit currently get a monthly bonus of €500 ($779). The army is likely to increase the bonus to more than €900, the newspaper reported.