Swiss paratrooper reconnaissance: The equipment of the 17th

The Paratrooper Reconnaissance Company 17 is a militia special unit of the Swiss Army and part of the Special Forces Command (KSK).

The main mission of the 17th - as the unit is also commonly known - is special reconnaissance. The specialized unit is made up of volunteers and is capable of reaching their operational area from the air.

The unit was founded in 1969 under the name Paratrooper Grenadier Company 17. Over the past five decades, both the designation and the tasks have adapted to the respective security policy situation. The constants during this time have been the number "17" and the special equipment.

The extensive equipment of the 17th over the past 50 years is the focus of a new book about the special unit.

The book "Swiss Paratrooper Company - Uniforms and Badges of the 17" comprehensively addresses this topic in several chapters.

After a brief chapter on the history of the 17th, there follows a chapter on the development of Swiss military uniforms, in which the various regulations are presented. The main part consists of the two chapters "Uniforming of the Swiss Paratrooper Companies" and "Swiss Paratrooper Badges".

The presentation of the various uniforms in the chapter is very appealing. Each uniform or equipment is presented with a photo on a double page, and technical details along with additional information on the subject are provided on the other side.

Also noteworthy is the derivation of the current specialist badges in the chapter "Swiss Paratrooper Badges". From the initial ideas, some of which were only sketches, to the badges currently in use, the development is fully illustrated and uniquely presented.

This informative book, around 140 pages long, is elaborately made and well illustrated with 350 photos. It comes highly recommended for any reader interested in the history of uniforms and badges.

"Swiss Paratrooper Company - Uniforms and Badges of the 17" by Marco Leupi (Author), Dominik Golob (Photography), and Sabrina Golob (Graphics), 140 pages, 350 photos, Price 49.00 CHF/43 Euro (excluding shipping)

The hardcover book is self-published and can be ordered from the author at [email protected].

Website for the book: www.buch17.ch