DDR, EAST GERMANY, PARACHUTIST BERET, OFFICER, FIELD, Fallschirmjager, PARA This beret features paratrooper insignia - a parachute with gull - embroidered with silver thread, and a cockade featuring the DDR national emblem of a hammer and compass, in gold and red. The caps with the wreath with the double spray of oakleaves would be worn by officers, and without the wreath would be worn by enlisted men. This beret is made of wool, leather sweatband, vent holes on each side, ribbon tie to adjust for head size, Paratrooper insignia, NVA cockade, DDR cockade insignia, Adjustable size. This DDR Paratrooper field Beret would have been worn in the field by Officers of the East German Paratroopers. These are ORIGINAL Para Berets and are NOT reproductions. If you want the real beret, here it is. You can obtain copies from Europe for around $35.00. These DDR Fallschirmjager berets are in high demand from collectors. We currently have three marked sizes: NVA, P, BETR-NR. 06 190 006, 1 NVA, P, BETR-NR. 06 190 006, 2 NVA, 1/N, BETR-NR. 06 190 006, 2 (approx. size is 7-1/4) Please specify which size when ordering. Luftsturmregiment (Air Assault Regiment) Willi Sanger The NVA introduced a Fallschirmjager (Paratrooper) battalion in 1962. Designated Fallschirmjagerbattalion-5, this unit eventually evolved into a 2 battalion, 680-man parachute force known as Luftsturmregiment-40 (Air Assault Regiment-40) "Willi Sanger". This was an elite NVA formation noted for it's high level of strike-and-fighting skill, toughness, motivation, and training. NVA paratroopers participated in major Warsaw Pact and NVA exercises like Waffenbrüderschaft 80, JUG 84, Schild-84, DRUSHBA 86, JUG 87. During the 80's the unit was expanded to two full air assault battalions (40 and 41) and upon mobilization, plans were laid for a full brigade staff with support group. On more than one occasion the fallschirmjagers of "Willi Sanger" were awarded the NVA title "Best Troop Unit". Dress and field uniforms unique to the airborne were developed that readily identified these troops as members of the DDR's premier combat unit.