40. Fallschirmjägerbataillon Willi Sänger

40. Fallschirmjägerbataillon Willi Sänger was the only airborne infantry formation of the East German National People's Army (German: Nationale Volksarmee or NVA). The battalion was based in Prora on Rügen island (1962–82) and later near Potsdam (1982–90). It had a complement of approximately 700 to 800 men.

In 1960, four years after the founding of the East German Army, the first paratrooper unit was formed from the 5th Motorized Rifle Battalion (German: Motorschützenbataillons 5; MSB 5). On February 28, 1962, it was renamed as the 5th Paratrooper Battalion (German: Fallschirmjägerbataillon 5; FJB 5). The Number 5 identified the affiliation with the 5th Military District with headquarters in Neubrandenburg. The paratroopers were the smallest organization assigned to the land forces. The unit was seen in public for the first time on the occasion of the 1964 May Day parade in East Berlin.

In 1969 the battalion was bestowed with the tradition-based name of "Willi Sänger" an anti-Nazi resistance fighter and workers' sports devotee.

In 1971 the battalion was renamed as the 2nd Paratrooper Battalion (German: Fallschirmjägerbataillon 2; FJB 2) and then on November 8, 1972, it was renamed then 40th Paratrooper Battalion (German: Fallschirmjägerbataillon 40; FJB 40), under the direct command of the Headquarters Land Forces, based in Potsdam.

Starting in 1981, a company of paratroopers from the Battalion began guarding the headquarters of the Minister for National Defense in Strausberg.

In 1986 this unit was expanded to form the Luftsturmregiment 40 (English: 40th Air Assault Regiment.)

In time of war the battalion would be used as a commando strike unit to infiltrate and sabotage NATO command structures and supply routes. Paratroopers were to be employed to eliminate nuclear weapons carriers, enemy command posts, to prevent the resupply of enemy forces, or to occupy important objects until their own forces have arrived.

All of the battalion's personnel were volunteers who had to pass many selective tests before being channeled for further training. Every year a few hundred young NVA-soldiers volunteered for a place in the unit, only 8-10% passed.

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