And Germany?

After the attacks in Paris, everyone is asking the burning question: And Germany? We spoke with Ralf Kassner - former GSG9 and now head of Wodan Security - and wanted to know: What are the scenarios? Are the German authorities and special forces prepared? And what can companies and individuals do to be safer in the face of looming terrorist threats?

SPARTANAT: The attacks in Paris seem like an urgent warning sign. What about Germany?

Ralf Kassner: I saw the news abroad and was - like most people - shocked, but not surprised. Further attacks had been announced or threatened. It is difficult to say what the situation is for Germany. Well-paid security specialists are already debating about this. There are also current threats against our country. The question, in my opinion, is not "if," but "when"?

Potential targets include Christmas markets and celebrations, but also carnival processions would be a scenario with a great impact and hardly secureable.

France, Belgium, England, Spain, and Denmark are not far away, and the uncontrolled entry of many refugees is also a concern. When I think about spending two hours at passport controls when entering the airport in Madrid and people entering Germany uncontrollably by walking on highways and jumping from trains, it causes concern and this discrepancy is not understandable. This does not mean that we do not have sympathy for those in need, but not only dentists and scientists are coming. Therefore, at least all people should be registered and checked.

Potential targets include Christmas markets and celebrations, but also the carnival processions would be a scenario with a great impact and hardly secureable.

Possible symbolic targets are also department stores like Kadewe, the banking district in Frankfurt, the chemical industry along the Rhine and Ruhr, and concerts and all major events.

SPARTANAT: The stupid question that most likely everyone asks: Is Germany prepared? And what are German units doing to avoid such a disaster?

Ralf Kassner: As prepared as one can be when lacking information from intelligence services.

If it is not possible to eliminate the perpetrators in advance, then one can only react and not act. However, this is always difficult. When one looks at the footage of the attacks, most people would find it hard to distinguish the explosions at the stadium from firecrackers. Even the guests at the concert initially thought that the sounds of gunfire were part of the show and not an attack. A quick identification of the perpetrators is not easy even for the security forces. See the perpetrator on the beach in Tunisia (picture below).

The perpetrator with a turban, full beard, and white garment is also history.

Therefore, we also focus on the area of perception and peripheral vision in our training. The perpetrator with a turban, full beard, and white garment is also history.

The German special forces are well trained, similar to our colleagues from France. Situations of rampage and scenarios of mass hostage-taking have been tested since Beslan at the latest. Joint exercises and training within the Atlas Network aim to improve cross-border interfaces and cooperation. Germany (GSG9) currently also chairs these efforts. In addition, there is the Joint Terrorism Defense Center (GTAZ) in Berlin.

In my opinion, problems still exist in the area of equipment of the police, especially at the federal state level. There should be quick upgrades in the areas of protective equipment and reconnaissance technology.

Overall, I think we are in good hands with the existing special units. But every unit is only as strong as politically desired and as assertive as its leaders are. To quote Alexander the Great: "I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion."

SPARTANAT: It not only concerns the state, but all citizens - in the picture, the Bataclan in Paris from the inside. How can private companies prepare, for example?

Ralf Kassner: It is similar to the 1970s in the fight against terrorism. Only when one's own country is affected, funds are released to improve training and equipment. I believe there are already thoughts about implementing measures, but security costs money and is unfortunately often only requested when it is urgent.

We have already advised several corporations and supported security forces tactically and technically in preparation for this new form of violence. In our opinion, all personal protection teams of DAX companies, major banks, etc. should have the same tactics, as there is never a complete team on site at joint events. Our goal is that company A, with B and C, have the same capabilities in case of an emergency and can evacuate their protectees without lengthy consultations and manage a scenario, such as a rampage situation during a board meeting, when there are no state forces on site.

For this purpose, we will offer special tactical training days next year. By making simple structural changes, time can be gained, and the evacuation plan in one's own building should be up to date.

I would emphasize preliminary and post-reconnaissance and security guards in object protection should be trained accordingly. In terms of equipment, in this day and age, one could also consider a Class IV bulletproof vest and extra magazines.

Regular team training, intelligence evaluations, and qualified further training, also in the medical field, seem sensible. There are several good providers in Germany for this. Communication is severely restricted in a scenario, so exercises should also be conducted under difficult conditions. We are available for any questions.

Everyone can review their own security management. Where am I traveling to? What event am I attending? What is my backup plan in case of an attack?

SPARTANAT: Are there tips for individuals? What should one avoid or consider, without being paranoid? What to do if it happens?

Ralf Kassner: I see the state as primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of its citizens. Some neighborhoods - like Molenbeek in Belgium - should definitely be avoided.

As I mentioned before, everyone can review their own security management. Where am I traveling, what event am I attending, where is my backup plan in case of an attack? Where are the escape doors and emergency exits? How do I react to gunfire, smoke, and panic, where can I hide? Regular medic trainings that go beyond a standard education and deal with the treatment of gunshot and burn injuries also make sense.

Lately, we have received many inquiries from civilians and are considering whether we should offer a general training - pictured: bodyguards in training - because theory alone is not sufficient.

Equipment companies have reported increased sales of batons and pepper spray. However, this only makes sense if one knows how to handle them and, of course, they have little effect against Kalashnikovs and explosives.

Good training, ideally a qualified education, can protect one's own life and that of others, which is why we once again salute the courage and decisive action of the passengers on the Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris, which could have ended in a catastrophe. One should also think not only of Paris but also of Istanbul and Beirut. Our condolences to the families of the many victims and a speedy recovery to the injured. The French security forces and the many helpers deserve praise and recognition for their professional actions.

RALF KASSNER, born in 1967, belonged to the police special units GSG 9 and SEK for 20 years and was involved in combating terrorist threats, organized crime, advising on hostage takings, and extortions in many hundreds of operations. The stages of his career include the anti-terrorism special unit of the Federal Police GSG 9, the Special Deployment Command SEK, target tracking at the State Criminal Police Office of North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as the protection of high-ranking individuals and security coordination for Aida Cruises. Ralf Kassner has also participated in many national and international training programs, such as Delta Force, SEAL Team 6, SAS, and other international special units from Europe, North Africa, and the Far East. Since 2012, he has been leading Wodan Security.

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