INTERVIEW: Assassin, Kalashnikov, rampage

Under the impression of the massacre in Paris, this SPARTANAT interview with security expert Ralf Kassner from August 2015 seems almost prophetic. A few months ago, there was a failed attempted attack on the train from Amsterdam to Paris, which ended well because men stood up to the attacker and were able to overpower him. Otherwise, it would have been a massacre. However, attacks resembling rampages are increasing – Mumbai 2008, Charlie Hebdo, Copenhagen last year, the beach in Tunis – yesterday night in Paris. We talked to personal protection expert Ralf Kassner – the former GSG 9 officer who leads the German security company Wodan Security – about the increasing danger of rampagers and what can be done against them.

SPARTANAT: At the last security conference of Wodan Security, a specific threat was described: the Islamist-motivated lone attacker with an AK or a knife. Does the prevented incident from before the weekend fit into this scenario?

Ralf Kassner: These types of attacks were part of our tactical training in June of this year. There we trained various scenarios in which a motivated lone attacker or a small group of attackers carried out attacks on soft targets, armed with high firepower and/or knives and machetes. The focus was on tactical approach, communication, perception, security behavior, and the right equipment. Due to the positive feedback, we will offer a similar course again next year.

A big shout-out in this context to the brave marines and helpers who prevented a bloodbath through their exemplary action!

SPARTANAT: Can one prepare for such a threat? How can an ordinary citizen protect themselves if faced with a rampaging attacker?

Ralf Kassner: I believe that this type of violence, whether Islamist-motivated or a rampage situation, cannot be prevented 100 percent. The question is, how do I, as an ordinary citizen or as a law enforcement officer responsible for protecting others, effectively prepare for such situations?

As an unarmed and untrained civilian, my chances of survival are much lower compared to a trained, armed personal bodyguard or police officer. For rampaging situations, I recommend a video that can be found on the Homeland Security website, which describes possible opportunities and behaviors for ordinary citizens.

The world has changed and everyone should be aware of that. Even the wellness oasis of Germany could become a potential target.

Furthermore, I can minimize risk by being attentive and also by watching out for situations and unattended items in train stations, trains, etc. Additionally, one should avoid large groups of people while on vacation and refrain from traveling to certain countries. The world has changed and everyone should be aware of that. Even the wellness oasis of Germany could become a potential target.

SPARTANAT: Professional personal bodyguards are even more challenged (pictured: murder of a French policeman by the Paris assailants). How should they react?

Ralf Kassner: As security personnel/police officers, it is essential to be prepared for these dangers. It starts in the mind, by addressing it, adjusting my operational plans, tailoring my training (also in teams) to it, choosing the right equipment/protective vest, and much more.

The area of reconnaissance/pre-reconnaissance plays a special role here, as attackers usually plan their attacks and consciously choose their targets. They will visit these places beforehand…

Furthermore, agreements and tactics within the team are crucial. Individual skills are simply assumed.

Next year, we will offer a tactical training course specifically for the personal bodyguards of the DAX 30 companies, aiming to provide a uniform tactical approach to all personal bodyguards, which should enable them to act together and effectively in case of damage or threat to the protected person without extensive agreements. This is very sensible, as in board meetings, for example, the entire team is usually not present, but rather a protector from company A, one from company B, etc. Additionally, different backgrounds in training are available among the forces, private, police, and military. We combine the systems and aim to offer a common path.

SPARTANAT: Can one truly deal proactively with such situations – pictured: one of the attackers in Mumbai 2008?

Ralf Kassner: Risk can be minimized by being attentive, careful planning, and good training. However, one always needs that necessary bit of luck.

SPARTANAT: It doesn't seem that lone-wolf attacks will stop. Does Wodan Security believe that the security needs can still be solely addressed by the state? Or will private service providers be more and more required in the future?

These types of attacks will increase even more, but the state has too many different tasks to fulfill and suffers from staff shortages.

Ralf Kassner: These types of attacks will increase even more, but the state has many different tasks to fulfill, to which staff shortages, the large wave of refugees, Arab clans, and much more add. Forces are tied up with paperwork and are missing on the streets. I believe that outsourcing certain tasks will occur, and is already happening to some extent (baggage checks at airports, security guards, etc.). Predictions say that in the future, security will be a luxury for the rich, as they can afford it. I hope it doesn't come to that, security must be guaranteed for every citizen in a rule of law. However, the state could delegate certain training and education to private companies, as has long been practiced in America, because it is more cost-effective and equally effective. Armed and unarmed object protection measures can also be delegated to private control.

RALF KASSNER, born in 1967, was a member of the police special units GSG 9 and SEK for 20 years, engaging in combating terrorist threats, organized crime, advising on kidnappings and extortions, in many hundreds of operations. The stations of his career include the anti-terrorism special unit of the Federal Police GSG 9, the Special Deployment Command SEK, the investigative unit of the State Criminal Police of North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as providing personal protection for high-profile individuals and coordinating security for Aida Cruises. Moreover, Ralf Kassner has been involved in many national and international training programs, such as with the Delta Force, Navy 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.

WODAN SECURITY on the Internet: www.wodan-security.de

WODAN SECURITY on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Wodan-Security