Attempts were made to conceal that the unit included paratroopers. In this regard no badges or insignia were permitted to be worn which would identify the wearer as a paratrooper. Radio equipment was brought in and cables laid to give the impression that the unit was being taught communications work. None of the men were permitted to know the final objectives for attack before the end of training⁴. Every SA Koch man was required to sign a document pledging to keep secret everything regarding the operation on pain of death. From 20 November every man joining SA Koch had to sign the following undertaking:

“I know that I shall be punished with death if I break this promise, or knowingly or negligently allow another person knowledge orally, in writing or pictorially of my place of service and its objectives⁵”.