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They were a combination of conscripts, term enlistees, and career soldiers. They came from all parts of East Germany, but never served in an area near their homes. They were considered politically reliable but were spied upon and constantly assessed for their trustworthiness. They were issued ammunition to stop escapes over the border but also knew the same bullets would be used against them if they tried to dash to freedom. Since the formation of the Iron Curtain, the border guard stood as a symbol of the tyranny of Communism. Always armed and ready to stop an escape with deadly force, these soldiers patrolled the East German border for over 44 years. Yet despite their reputation, there were soldiers within the ranks who decided they would purposely miss their fleeing targets although to do so would bring certain jail time. For the most part they were conscripts just serving their 18 months of military service hoping they would never have to pull the trigger. |
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Life
for a Grenzer was not easy. The duty was long,
lonely, and stressful. Even as the front-line protectors against the
"western fascists" they were little more than tolerated by
the local people of the border areas and Berlin. Even today many
former guards continue to keep a low profile as some of their former
comrades have been brought to trial for shootings in the infamous Death
Strip In the following pages you will get a better picture of how the Grenztruppen lived, worked, and survived in a system that thrust them in the most visible front lines of the Cold War. Although the Cold War has ended and the border fortifications have disappeared, the Grenztruppen continue to be a hotly discussed topic as a reunified Germany continues to deal with the abuses of the former East German regime and works to meld a formerly divided country into "Ein Volk."
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Border Guard handbook |
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