The Danish Frogman Corps
The Danish Frogman Corps
Frømandskorpset
The Danish Frogman Corps, known as ‘Frømandskorpset’ in Danish, is a highly trained and specialized unit under the Danish Navy Headquarters. Established on June 17, 1957, the Corps was modeled after the UK’s Special Boat Service, US Underwater Demolition Team, and Norway’s Marinejegerkommandoen
History and Establishment
- Formation: The Frogman Corps was established on June 17, 1957, inspired by the United Kingdom’s Special Boat Service, the US Underwater Demolition Team, and Norway’s Marinejegerkommandoen. Initially, it operated under the Danish Navy’s Diving School but became an independent unit in 1972, reporting directly to the Navy’s Operational Command Chief.
- Cold War Era: During the early years, the unit gained a reputation for advanced reconnaissance skills, particularly useful during the Cold War, where they performed intelligence-gathering tasks to support Danish Defence efforts.
What is the purpose of the net and helmet worn by the Danish Frogmen?
The Danish Frogmen, an elite maritime special forces unit, are known for wearing a unique helmet and net combination. The purpose of the net is to camouflage the wearer, disguising their face and breaking up their silhouette to make it difficult for enemies to recognize them as people. This is particularly useful in water-based missions. The helmet, resembling a hockey helmet with air holes for circulation, is also part of this distinctive uniform, often covered by the netting.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Primary Objectives: The Corps is primarily responsible for maritime reconnaissance, ship assault, sabotage of fixed installations, and advanced force and maritime anti-terrorism tasks. It also performs special operations on land, including anti-terrorism, anti-criminal work, and support for police in specialized diving tasks.
- Wartime Operations: During wartime, the Corps is involved in ship boardings, special reconnaissance missions, sabotage of enemy naval installations, and direct combat missions.
Are the Danish Frogmen a real unit?
Yes, the Danish Frogmen are very much real. Established in 1957, they form a crucial part of the Danish maritime special forces under the Special Operations Command. Known for their rigorous training program, only a small fraction of the applicants complete the nine-month training. The unit is involved in various special operations globally and assists in domestic tasks such as specialized diving activities with Danish police.
Training and Selection
- Rigorous Training Regimen: The Frogman Corps trains at the Torpedo Station in Kongsøre. The training includes a three-week combat swimmer course, an advanced scuba diving course, a rescue swimmer course, and a survival course. The basic Frogman Course spans nine months, with less than a dozen candidates completing it annually out of 500–600 applicants.
- Selection Process: Candidates undergo a grueling selection process and ten months of initial training, including underwater training, orienteering, military communication, close-range combat skills, combat swimming, diving, and patrolling. Only about 400 candidates have been selected as Frogmen in the unit’s history, making it one of the most selective and elite Special Operations forces globally.
How many individuals have successfully become Danish Frogmen?
As of 2015, only 311 individuals had successfully completed the training to become Danish Frogmen. Each year, less than a dozen candidates out of approximately 600 are accepted into the program, indicating the unit’s high selectivity and the challenging nature of the training.
Weapons and Equipment
- Standard Issue Weapons: Include the Glock 17, Heckler & Koch MP5, SIG MCX, Colt Canada C8 IUR rifle, Sako TRG-42, Colt Canada M203A1 grenade launcher, Carl Gustav M3 recoilless rifle, and AT-4 CS anti-tank weapon.
Standard Issue Weapons
- Glock 17
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- Type: Semi-automatic pistol
- Caliber: 9mm
- Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
- Length: 186 mm
- Barrel Length: 114 mm
- Weight (Unloaded): 625 g
- Heckler & Koch MP5
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- Type: Submachine gun
- Caliber: 9mm
- Magazine Capacity: Various, typically 30 rounds
- Action: Closed bolt, blowback
- Length: Varies with model
- Barrel Length: Varies with model
- Weight (Unloaded): Varies with model
- SIG MCX
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- Type: Assault rifle
- Caliber: 5.56×45mm NATO, .300 AAC Blackout
- Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
- Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
- Length: Varies with model
- Barrel Length: Varies with model
- Weight: Varies with model
- Colt Canada C8 IUR Rifle
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- Type: Assault rifle
- Caliber: 5.56×45mm NATO
- Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
- Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
- Length: Varies with model
- Barrel Length: Varies with model
- Weight: Varies with model
- Sako TRG-42
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- Type: Bolt-action sniper rifle
- Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua Magnum
- Magazine Capacity: 5 to 7 rounds
- Action: Bolt-action
- Length: 1,200 mm
- Barrel Length: 690 mm
- Weight (Unloaded): Approximately 5.1 kg
- Colt Canada M203A1 Grenade Launcher
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- Type: Grenade launcher
- Caliber: 40 mm
- Magazine Capacity: Single shot
- Action: Single-shot, breech-loaded
- Length: 380 mm
- Barrel Length: 305 mm
- Weight (Unloaded): Approximately 1.36 kg
- Carl Gustav M3 Recoilless Rifle
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- Type: Recoilless rifle
- Caliber: 84 mm
- Action: Breech-loaded
- Length: 1,130 mm
- Barrel Length: 1,065 mm
- Weight (Unloaded): 8.5 kg
- AT-4 CS Anti-Tank Weapon
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- Type: Anti-tank weapon
- Caliber: 84 mm
- Action: Single-shot, disposable
- Length: 1,020 mm
- Weight (Loaded): 7.5 kg
- Effective Firing Range: Up to 300 m
- Specialized Maritime Equipment: The Corps also has access to the KH P11, a specialized underwater pistol with a range of up to 15 meters.
Specialized Maritime Equipment
KH P11 Underwater Pistol
- Caliber: 4.5 mm steel dart
- Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Effective Firing Range: Up to 15 meters
- Weight: Approx. 1.3 kg (loaded)
- Designed for underwater use with specialized ammunition capable of maintaining trajectory and effectiveness under water.
Notable Operations
- Global Deployments: The Frogman Corps has been involved in operations in Afghanistan (Task Force K-Bar), Iraq, and counter-piracy operations (Operation Ocean Shield). They have conducted notable missions, including freeing the crew of the hijacked Ariella vessel in the Gulf of Aden and engaging in firefights with pirates in the Gulf of Guinea.
- International Cooperation: As part of NATO, the Frogmen participate in international joint readiness exercises with other Special Operations forces, including the Green Berets, Air Commandos, and Navy SEALs.
Is it possible for women to join the Danish Frogmen?
Traditionally, there have been no female members in the Danish Frogmen. While women have been allowed in various roles within the Danish Armed Forces and even in naval battle units, the Frogmen Corps has been an exception. To date, no woman has completed the full nine-month Frogmen training program, although at least one woman has completed a shorter version of the course. The policy regarding women’s participation in the full program remains unclear.
Organizational Placement
- Under Special Operations Command: Since 2015, the Frogmen have been under the command of the Special Operations Command (SOK) of the Danish Defence Command, having previously been a unit of the Royal Navy.
This comprehensive overview of the Danish Frogman Corps highlights its significant role in Denmark’s defense capabilities and its reputation as a highly skilled and specialized unit in global Special Forces.
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