The Jaeger Corps traces its origins to 1785 when the corps was first formed as the "Jaeger Corps of Zealand". Facing emerging threats from Sweden, Prussia, and Great Britain, Denmark created a light infantry force from hunters and woodsmen. The corps existed in various forms until it was remade in its current form in 1962 when Major P.B. Larsen and First Lieutenant Jørgen Lyng became the first two to complete the training. Throughout the Cold War, the Jaegers' primary tasking was that of a long-range reconnaissance unit, with wide renown for their skills in parachute operations. In the post-Cold War era, the Jaegers deployed for the first time in 1995 to Sarajevo with a six-man counter-sniper team. Following the advent of the post-9/11 Global War on Terror, the Jaegers were modernized to better meet the developing threat of global terrorism. As such, the Jaegers increased their proficiency in counter-terrorism skills, while still maintaining their excellence at reconnaissance operations. In 2002, the Jaegers were deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Danish contribution to Task Force K-Bar, along with the Frogman Corps. During these operations, the Jaegers took part in reconnaissance, observations, capturing of high-value targets, and direct-action raids on Taliban and al-Qaeda positions. As part of Task Force K-Bar, the Jaeger Corps was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation on 7 December 2004 for its effort as part of the joint special operations task force in Afghanistan. The first Jaeger to be killed in combat was in 2013 when a Jaeger was hit by an explosion in Afghanistan. Four Jaegers had previously died during training accidents.
Selection and training
The selection course to become a Jaeger is very demanding, both mentally and physically. To be accepted into the Corps, a candidate must complete the following:
Approximately 10% of candidates successfully complete the program and receive the burgundy beret to become a full member of the Jaeger Corps. The successful Jaeger candidates report to the unit and receive both team and individual training during their first year. During this time they will receive High Altitude Parachute Operations training in High Altitude Low Opening and High Altitude High Opening, environmental training, advanced infiltration training, attain Joint Terminal Attack Controller certification, and gain additional communications skills. New Jaeger Corps members are also taught a hand-to-hand combat system called MTM combat, which was developed in 1992 by Peter Hedegaard in collaboration with two of the Corps's own close-combat instructors.
Insignia and status
The Jaeger Corps wear a maroon beret with a brass emblem depicting a hunter's bugle on a black felt liner. After one year of satisfactory service and training in corps the wearer is issued the shoulder patch "JÆGER" and may call himself by this name. The unit's insignia features a hunting horn from their origin as hunters and woodsmen. The Jaeger Corps is composed of around 150 highly trained soldiers with special expertise in counter-terrorism, demolitions, parachuting, and combat swimming, HAHO and HALO parachuting, infiltration, sabotage, reconnaissance and more. The corps regularly trains with similar units from different countries, such as the US Navy SEALs, US Army DELTA, British SAS and the Danish naval special forces group, the Frogman Corps. The corps is based on the structure and modus operandi of the British SAS. Their slogan, which is Latin, Plus esse, quam simultatur translates to Hellere at være, end at synes in Danish, meaning that the soldier's capabilities do not have to be widely recognized or boasted—they are only more effective if unknown.
Armament
International Joint Training
Like most western Special Operations Forces, the Jaegers regularly take part in joint training operations with other NATO and Coalition SOFs. These exercises include reconnaissance patrols throughout Europe, arctic survival training, helicopter insertion techniques, parachute insertion techniques, hostage rescue training, Close Air Support training, medical training, and other SOF-specific skills. Allied units as the Jaegers regularly practice with include:
