PATROLS, ASSAULT TROOPS,AND RAIDING PARTIES

This info was taken from Vorläufige Richtlininen Fur Ausbildung und kampf von skitruppen 1943 more will posted on my unit web page

ATROLS, ASSAULT TROOPS,AND RAIDING PARTIES
Missions
The ski patrol is the most important reconnaissance organization in snow-covered terrain.It maybe employed for combat reconnaissance as well as general reconnaissance.Its missions may sometimes last several days
Training Regulations for Infantry in the section entitled "The Squad in Reconnaissance" applies in general to ski patrols.
Because of its mobility the ski patrol is particularly fitted to execute,besides reconnaissance,minor combat missions to disturb and harrass the enemy.
Detachments on skis which are organized for the sole purpose of executing limited combat missions are designated as ski troops assault troops
A raiding party is used chiefly for the demolition or destruction of distant objectives or for missions behind enemy lines.It must be able to accomplish combat missions independently, fighting for several days without relying on the supply installations of the main unit
In particular,raiding parties may be employed
A:To conduct reconnaissance in force over large areas,
B:To destrory enemy artillery positions to annihilate troops and reserves seperated from there units and to raid command posts
C:To destroy shelters,suppiy instalations and transport facilities
D:To intercept and destroy food or ammunition supply columns to cut off and interfere with supply and communication lines
E:To protect wide sectors against enemy guerrillas ,paratroops and airborne troops

STRENGTH; COMPOSITION, AND EQUIPMENT

The strength ,composition and equipment of ski patrols,assault troops and raiding parties depend to a extent on the mission situation and probable length of the separation from the main unit.
The guiding factors in selecting personnel for these ski groups are aggressiveness ,marksmanship and proficiency in skiing.
Especially versatile officers or N.C.Os must be detaied as leaders the assignment of a man who speaks the language of the enemy or the local inhabitants is a advantage.
The usual strength of a ski patrol is one squad for the accomplisment of some missions it can be reenforced with Pioniere (Engineers) and artillery observers
Hand sleds are taken only if the mission is to last an entire day the assignment of a radio team is usually advisable
The strength of a raiding party ranges from a platoon up to a company as a rule heavy weapons and anti tank weapons are attached. The mobility of the raiding party must not be impaired thereby heavy weapons must be loaded on hand sleds and are generally preferable to the type that can only be moved by horse drawn sleds Assault guns and tanks may be attached to the raiding parties (I am not pulling that sled)

In Selecting equpment to be taken along the aim must be to achieve the greatest economy in weight ,the equpment which will permit the individual soldier to maintain his fighting strength must be based on the tactical requirements of the contemplated action.
Written orders or maps with overlays which may be of value to the enemy must not be taken on the action
Maximum fire power and mobility are decieive factors in determining the type and number of weapons with which the individual ski trooper should be equipped.
Therefore the men must be equipped with the largest possible number of automatic weapons,rifles with telescopic sights and a sufficient ammunition.Half of the total personnel will be equipped with submachine guns and semiautomatic rifles.

The number of heavy weapons to be taken along depends on the facilities for carrying sufficient ammunition,fewer arms and plenty of ammunition should be the rule.The amount of rations ,bivouac,signal, orientation equpment ,Pioniere and medical supplies as well as ski repair equpment depends mainly on the duration of the action.
Prepared,nourishing foods rich in fat wich do not occupy much space and are not affected by the weather conditions will if possible be taken along as rations every 3rd man is to be equipped with cooking gear
Bivouac equipment will always taken along if bivouacs in the snow outside villages are expected although tents which retain heat weigh more they are preferable to those that dont
For actions in terrain with out vegetation or inhabitants fuel must be taken along in his pack every man carries blankets warm,windproof and water repellant clothing.

Larger patrols and raiding parties will be equipped with a radio of sufficient range for communication with the main unit.This equpmment is to be transported on a hand sled,ready to operate for orientation it is necessary to take along compassies 2 for each squad ,binoculars,watches and trail markers (eg Arrows,Flags,Paint coloured paper and such like)
Pioniere equipment such as explosives,concentrated and magnetic charges and mines are taken along if the mission may require there use.An abundent number ofwire cutters,hatchets spades and hand saws is advieable.
Medical equipment is to be carried on a hand seld suitable for transporting wounded men.
Will consist maimly of bandages,antifrost materials and stimulants.
It is indispensable ,even for thesmollest ski unit to carry ski repair equpment,To include spare parts for bindings,spare tips for skisand nessessary repair tools for longer missions it is neccessary to take along extra skis and poles
Photos are from willi s valt and my collection