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Much mystery surrounds the operational use of the He 162, and most of it concerns the mythical "JG 84". There was in fact no such unit, and it is difficult to understand where this strange designation first originated. The operational proving of the He 162 was entrusted to Erprobungskommando 162 (alter­natively designated Einsatzkommando Bar) com­manded by Obstlt. Heinz Bar, holder of the Knight's Cross with Swords and Oak Leaves. Erprobungskommando 162 was based initially at Rechlin, later joining forces with Gen. Lt. Adolf Galland's Jagdver­band 44 at Munchen/Riem. The combined unit which was commanded by Bar after Galland was wounded on 26th April 1945, was transferred to Salzburg/Maxglam where it surrendered to American armour on 3rd May.

On 6th February 1945, I./JG 1 operating Fw 190's on the Eastern Front was ordered to transfer its aircraft to II./JG 1 and move to Parchim for re­equipment with the He 162. I./JG 1 under Oblt. Demuth, later joined by the Geschwader Stab under Obst. Herbert Ihlefeld received its aircraft and initial training at Parchim, transferring on 8th April 1945 to Ludwigslust. II./JG 1 under Hptm. Paul-Heinrich Dahne was transferred from Insterburg/Ostpreussen to Warnemunde in March, also being re-equipped with the He 162. III./JG 1 under Hptm. Moldenhauer was also withdrawn from operations for re-equipment with the He 162, but in the event no aircraft were delivered to the unit.

I./JG 1 became operational at Leck/Holstein on 14th April 1945 although it was virtually grounded due to lack of fuel and the hopelessly inadequate supply situation. It is extremely unlikely in fact that the He 162 was ever met in combat by Allied aircraft. Hptm. Dahne, Kommandeur of II./JG 1 was killed in an He 162 crash at Warnemunde on 24th April and was superseded by the one-legged and somewhat legendary Maj. Zober. On 3rd May, II./JG 1 was transferred to Leck/Holstein to join the Geschwader Stab and I./JG 1, and next day the units were amal­gamated to form I. (Einsatz) Gruppe/JG 1 under Maj. Zober. When British forces captured Leck on 8th May some fifty He 162's stood in orderly rows on the airfield.

With mass production in full swing, Erprobungs­kommando 162 at Rechlin took over routine trials with the aircraft, leaving Heinkels free for more radical design work. The modifications tested by Erprobungs­kommando 162 included the fitting of a larger battery, radio and starter motor, a new radio aerial, and even a steerable nose-wheel.