| As the scope of border security measures increased after the war, the East German Border police took measures not only to increase their presence along the zonal boundaries, but also to involve the border communities in policing the frontiers. To accomplish this, the Border Police formed a civilian auxiliary known as the Freiwillige Helfer der Grenzpolizei (Volunteer Helpers of the Border Police). These specially selected volunteers accompanied the Border Police on patrols and provided additional eyes and ears in the restricted areas by reporting any suspicious activity or strangers. |
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| This alliance between the guards and the guarded sometimes produced dividends for the border communities. In one East German press account in 1959, the border village of Obersachsenwerfer was officially designated as a “border helper village” in recognition of the assistance rendered by the villagers in preventing 30 attempts by "western agents" to penetrate the border and for foiling the escape of two youths. In return for their assistance the local border guards helped the village with the local harvest. |
Armband |
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| By the time
the Iron Curtain collapsed in 1989, the
name of the volunteers had changed to
the “Freiwillige Helfer der Grenztruppen”
(Volunteer Helpers of the Border Troops) but the mission remained relatively the
same. Over 3,000 Border Helpers assisted the guards on the Landesgrenz and the
coastal areas by performing patrol duties, manning traffic control points, and
even gathering intelligence on other residents as well as the border guards in
their area. |
Motorcycle patrol with volunteers. - NVA |
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| Patrols
The Border Helpers usually performed 6 – 8 hours of patrol duty a month mostly during the weekend from 18:00 – 24:00 hours. When on duty the Border Helpers were placed in pairs like their overseers in the Grenztruppen. Additionally, the volunteers would patrol with the border guards, stand a watch post, or assist the local police. If a Border Helper encountered any suspicious personnel he was granted powers to apprehend and arrest the suspect. In some cases, a Border Helper could be issued and allowed to carry a firearm with the approval of the Grenztruppen commander. |
Border Helper with Grenztruppen officer. - NVA |
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| Uniform
& Awards
The uniform of the border auxiliaries consisted of the standard military issue of cap, boots, and fatigues with no insignia. To differentiate the volunteers from the border guards, the Border Helpers wore a distinct green armband that identified them as volunteers. In addition to the uniform, the volunterres were also issued a special identification booklet. As an anknowlegement of their service, the border helpers were also elgible to recieve awards. Medals were issued for very five years of service up to thirty years, and a "Bester" badge with certifcate was issued for exemplary service. |
Medal for 25 years service. - TDP |
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| Although
the true extent of the success of the Border Helper program is probably buried
deep within the archives of the former East German government, it none the
less provided the Grenztruppen with additional manpower and increased the
numbers of eyes
and ears for the East German security apparatus.
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ID booklet. - TDP |
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Grenzhelfer Facts |
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| Requirements | Training | ||
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