Professional Magazines

The NVA and Grenztruppen used several publications to further tactical and political training. Similar in concept to the American Army's Soldier's Magazine, these publications featured articles about tactics, equipment, and sports with a political twist worthy of any dedicated, communist political officer. Of the magazines published, Wachsam und Kampfentschlossen  (Vigilant and Combat Ready) focused entirely on the Grenztruppen with articles discussing political training. Other publications were designed for all branches of the East German military, while occasionally featuring a cover story about the Grenztruppen. 

Below is a sampling of the major military publications.

Wachsam und Kampfentschlossen

(Vigilant and Combat Ready)

"For the political training of the Grenztruppen"

A political magazine designed for the border guards to help indoctrinate them as why they should be "protecting" the DDR's borders.

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Ausbilder -Sep 1987

(Trainer) 

"For NCOs, Warrant Officers and Officers in Troop Service"

This training magazine covered a variety of technical, tactical, and physical training related topics, as well as military regulations

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Wissen & Kampfen  

(To Know and Fight)

"For the soldier's political education"

A political magazine extolling the virtues of  a communist lifestyle. These magazines were issued according to themes. The theme of Issue 15 pictured to the left is "Leading Through the Socialist Unity Party of Germany."

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Armeerundschau - Nov 1969

(Army Review) 

"Soldiers Magazine"

An all-around topic publication dealing with sports, leisure pursuits, politics, socialist history, military skills, and occasional female nudity. Geared toward younger soldiers it also contained articles about movies, and the latest on the Eastern Block pop music scene. The magazine was published from 1956 - 1990. This issue features a cover photo of a Grenztruppen Kontrolle

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Armeerundschau - Jun 1969

A cover photo of a Grenztruppen K-9 team

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Armeerundschau - Nov 1969

This particular issue features a cover story about the Grenztruppen boat units.

Armeerundschau - Dec 1970

A story about skiing skills of the Grenztruppen

 

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Armeerundschau - Dec 1985

A feature story called "A Border Guard in Berlin"

 

 - Photo courtesy of Michael Engemann at www.madeingdr.de

 

Armeerundschau - Dec 1988

A feature story called "Border Troops and Our Village"

 

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- For a look at other DDR publications, visit Michael Engemann's website www.madeingdr.de