| Parachute Reconnaissance Company 17 | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1964–1969 (First paratroopers trained) 1970–present |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Branch | Swiss Air Force |
| Type | Special operations forces |
| Role | Anti-tank warfare Artillery observer Bomb disposal CBRN defense Close-quarters combat Cold-weather warfare Counterinsurgency Direct action Forward air control Irregular warfare ISTAR Long-range penetration Mountain warfare Parachuting Patrolling Raiding Reconnaissance Special operations Special reconnaissance Urban warfare |
| Size | Company |
| Part of | Switzerland Special Forces Command |
| Nickname(s) | FSK-17 |
The Parachute Reconnaissance Company 17 (German: Fallschirmaufklärer Kompanie 17, Fsch Aufkl Kp 17; French: Compagnie d'éclaireurs parachutistes; Italian: Compagnia di esploratori paracadutisti),[1] also known as the Fernspäh-Grenadiers, is tier two special operations forces, it's one of the main units under Switzerland Special Forces Command. They are organized as a militia long-range reconnaissance and scout unit, unlike the full-time counterterrorism and hostage rescue Army Reconnaissance Detachment 10 (ARD 10) unit. Formed in the 1970s, they fall under the operational control of the Swiss Air Force.[2]