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Q & A: Col. Matthias Wasinger (Mountain Infantry)
🕑 Added 2025-06-25 10:58:12 +0000 UTCDr. Col. Matthias Wasinger agreed to a Q & A, and I might actually visit his unit, if we get questions that make sense to do in person or better with troops and/or equipment.
He is currently the commander of a mountain infantry battalion (Jäger Bataillon 24, Gebirgsjäger).
His unit has 3 light infantry companies (Jäger), 1 headquarters and 1 combat/heavy support company.
Weapon systems: BvS10 AUT (tracked ATV) with a .50 cal, ATGM (Bill 2000 / RBS-56 Bill), 120 mm mortar, 81mm mortar, MG 74 (an Austrian MG 42 in NATO caliber), StG 77 (Steyr AuG), etc.
They also use mules and horses.
https://www.bundesheer.at/unser-heer/organisation/verbaende/6-gebirgsbrigade/jaegerbataillon-24
If that is not interesting enough, he also has quite some international experience, e.g., in 2019/2020, he attended the US Army Command and General Staff Course in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He served in various operational deployments under the umbrella of the UN, EU, and NATO. Last but not least, he is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Defence Horizon Journal.
Comments
Military History Visualized
Thanks!
Reichsbierminister
What are the key challenges for fighting in the mountainous terrain and how are they overcome? (compared to the "normal" fighting in flatter terrain) What kind of special mountaineer gear do they use? (And if possible is it special military or do they use civilian variants?) How does an austrian mountain infantry company/division compares to other NATO mountain infantry companies/divisions in terms of equipment types/focus (e.g. do they all use mules? how much AT and mortars/artillery are available)
Sting
I concur - very interesting topic in regards how to prepare, maintain and train animals. Interesting indeed..!
Peter
Great offer. I hope my questions are interesting to talk about. What has been the military context for using animals in mountain warfare? (to get an idea of how they are used) Are Animals trained for war situations, like gunfire or explosions? Are there changes in military strategy or tactics due to drone capabilities in mountain combat?
