INTERVIEW: "Combat Swimming" with Torsten Schreiber

After the spectacular “Kampfkräftig – Fit für die Spezialkräfte”, Torsten Schreiber has now arrived in the sea: “Kampfschwimmen” is the title of his new book. This SPARTANAT Black Book provides rich and intimate insights into what maritime special forces achieve above and below the water and what the special challenges of military diving are.

SPARTANAT: Todde, your new book has surfaced. What can “Kampfschwimmen”?

Torsten Schreiber: Kampfschwimmen is intended to combine activities underwater. I have covered diving, swimming, and apnea diving with interesting chapters, creating an exciting collection of facts about combat swimming.

SPARTANAT: This time you didn't just write it yourself. Who and what will we find in “Kampfschwimmen”?

Torsten Schreiber: I was able to win my co-author sports scientist Daniel Kaptain for an excursion into the world of breathing techniques. Breathing is the basis of what we do as combat swimmers. I was able to secure an interview with Anna von Boetticher. For several years, she has been preparing combat swimmer candidates for apnea diving, so that they can start their pool training more relaxed. Psychologist and combat swimmer Ingo Mathe has written a very enriching contribution on work ethics for special forces. The central question: What is an operator? What attitude should he have? But I am particularly pleased with the interview with diving legend Jens Höner. As a combat swimmer and diving icon, Jens has been developing the diving equipment in the KSM for years and has already set some impressive diving records.

“More knowledge about combat swimmers.”

SPARTANT: Who should read your book? What does it bring to the reader?

Torsten Schreiber: In general, this paperback is worth reading for all underwater fans. Each individual aspect is interesting in its own right. But of course, I also always relate it to the Bundeswehr, so that military enthusiasts who want to know more about combat swimmers will also get their money's worth.

SPARTANAT: What was your special experience with the element of water?

Torsten Schreiber: From a professional perspective, I have to mention our 30 km final swim in combat swimmer training here. In addition, we had a dolphin in our restricted area for a few months, right in front of our barracks. He accompanied us for a long time on our dives. That was a special experience. Unfortunately, he passed away.

Privately, I completed the legendary ÖTillÖ race. A very special SWIMRUN. Here you had to run 58 km and swim 10 km. The swimming was always interrupted by countless islands that had to be crossed by running. The 15-degree cold Baltic Sea was already a challenge after a few hours and for me an unforgettable race experience. With my teammate Lars Apitz, despite two major problems, I was able to finish the race as the best German team with the 15th overall place.

SPARTANAT: Todde, thank you for the interview. We are very excited about your new book.

“Kampfschwimmen”, SPARTANAT Black Book 5, pocket-size paperback, 160 pages, Euro 14.90 - EXCLUSIVELY available at the SPARTANAT SHOP to order.