Co-op Patrols

Another form of patrol activity used by the Grenztruppen was Zusammenwirken, or co-operative work. This was a term that covered a wide range of activities for the Grenztruppen, and while it included patrolling the border, it extended far beyond the realm of routine border operations.

In its simplest terms Zusammenwirken was the coordination of operations, intelligence gathering, and public relations activities between the various government agencies, the Grenztruppen, and the local population. In an operational sense, the Grenztruppen might have the local police or the Volunteer Border Helpers accompany them on a patrol or assist at a check point. Operational concerns, though, were just a small part of the co-operative efforts. Other activities included:  

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Border guards with a policeman. - NVA photo
  • Joint patrols
  • Partnership activities with Soviet, Czech, and Polish forces
  • Meeting and sharing information with local police or other government agencies
  • Participating in paramilitary (Kampfgruppen) ceremonies and activities
  • Working with youth groups such as the "Free German Youth" and the "Young Friends of the Grenztruppen
As part of this cooperative effort, the Grenztruppen  also conducted patrols within a border town as a show of presence and also to gather information. As part of a Streifengang the patrol might stop and visit a local business or collective not only to gather information, but also to build a sense of thrust and goodwill. This type of street patrol was similar to a cop walking his beat. 

The following statement taken from a Grenztruppen propaganda poster summarizes best the value of Zusammenwirken:

"When it comes to border security, the protection and security organizations of the German Democratic Republic work closely together. They protect and complement each other in their work. The friendly relations between the border troops and our Soviet comrades-in-arms provides valuable experiences for effective border service and the employment of the effective meaures. The service on the state borders with Poland and Czechoslovakia with its cordial and fraternal relationships,  strengthens border security through its service with each other. To the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) the border is nothing more than the dividing line between Socialism and Imperialism and the halting point for western expansion desires and aggressiveness, but the borders  to the friendly, socialist countries are borders of understanding and peace."

 

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A meeting with local officials. - NVA

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Border guards on patrol checking in with the local collective. - NVA photo