The Brandenburger Commandos

This WWII history chronicles the exploits of an elite German spy unit and offers a rare look into the secret operations of Hitler's military.

Directed by the German Army’s intelligence service, the Brandenburgers became legendary for their brutally efficient clandestine operations. Trained to be quick, mobile, and self-reliant and steeped in local customs and languages, they operated behind enemy lines around the world. Across the battlefronts of the Second World War—from Western Europe to Romania, Russia, Egypt, Afghanistan, and beyond—they seized bridges and other strategic targets; engaged in sabotage, espionage, and other daring missions; and often disregarding the rules of war in the process. Although the unit was dissolved in 1944, its tactics influenced special forces around the world both during the war and after.