The GAKs

Within the ranks of the Grenztruppen was a special unit of border guards called the Grenzaufklaeren (Border Scout). GAKs, as they were called, were the elite of the border guards. They were trained in special surveillance  and conducted reconnaissance along the border and up to fifty kilometers into West Germany.  In addition to belonging to the Grenztruppen, the GAKs also worked for the Ministry of State Security (Stasi) and reported directly to the border company commander and the unit Stasi representative.  

To become a GAK the candidate had to be considered politically reliable and nominated for the position by a member of his chain of command. Once selected, the candidate attended the Border Scout School located in Schiedungen where he underwent six months of training. Subjects taught at the school were:

  • Diversion and Espionage (cipher/codes, dead mail drops) 

  • Observation (personal description) 

  • Photography 

  • Physical training

  • Criminal law

  • Topography  (sketches, maps, distance calculation) 

  • Demolition training

  • Intelligence training - (ranks, tactics, etc.)

  • Survival skills (90% theory, l0% practice)

  • Medical training (First Aid)

GAKSCAM11-a.jpg (19548 bytes)
On the border GAKs were often seen in the area between the actual border and the border fence either gathering intelligence or inspecting the border markers and fence. They were often taking pictures or recording information in their journals about West German and American equipment and border personnel; often just standing feet away from their western counterparts.  When a person tried to photograph GAKs they normally turned their backs to avoid having their faces photographed.  

Gakbook.jpg (16519 bytes)
Another duty of the GAKs was to guard work details working on or near the border fence. The border scouts would take a position near the actual border to block the way with their presence and automatic weapons for anyone daring to make a break to the West.  If there was heavy activity along the fence such as construction or minefield work, the GAKs were placed in pairs approximately 50 meters apart. 

The GAKs played an important role in not only preventing escapes, but also serving as front line players for the East German intelligence community.

 

Radar_gak.jpg (14322 bytes)

GAK photo of U.S. radar deployed on the border. -  Erwin Ritter