OP Alpha Museum

The entrance to the Point Alpha museum. -TDP

 OP Alpha often served as a showcase for the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment as visiting politicians and celebrities came to take a first hand look at the Iron Curtain. More importantly, This observation point, as well as the numerous others manned by U.S. soldiers along the East German and Czech borders, served as a means to detect Soviet military movements along the Iron Curtain. They played an important role in the NATO surveillance mission as well as serving as a constant and visible reminder of the American commitment to a free world. 

This outpost on the Frontier of Freedom was continuously manned by troopers from the First Squadron. The post evolved from a simple, wooden observation tower to a self contained camp with barracks, mess hall, and maintenance areas.

Monument dedicated to the troopers of the 11th ACR. -TDP

When the Cold War ended many of these posts were destroyed or left to deteriorate. Fortunately, OP Alpha was preserved and was converted to a museum to commemorate the American and West German mission on the Frontier of Freedom.

If you're going to Germany, OP Alpha is a must visit. The East German border fortifications have been preserved and it's like stepping back into the Cold War as you view the border from the tower. The barracks now house a variety of Cold War exhibitions and there's also an extensive display of U.S. and East German vehicles. It's well worth the visit.

A German tour bus stops to tour OP Alpha. - TDP

Display inside a former barracks. -TDP

The Grenztruppen tower across from OP Alpha. - TDP
 

Visit the Point Alpha web site at www.rhoenline.de/point_alpha