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Miller Time on the border! Patrol teams heading back to the barracks. |
The way in which Grenztruppen
were selected for patrols was a carefully planned process to eliminate the
risks of escape attempts. Patrols, for example were always conducted in at least
pairs. In addition to scanning the Hinterland or 500 meter Zone for escapees,
the border guard was also there to ensure the other patrol member did not
escape. Failure to do stop an escape attempt or to miss a fleeing border guard
probably meant arrest for the border guard left behind. The "double
post" was an insurance policy.
The Grenztruppen leaders also went to great lengths to ensure that friends or room mates did not patrol together. Again, this helped lessen the threat of a joint, planned escape attempt over the border. Occasionally, though, friends would patrol together due to leaves, training, or other military duties, but for the most part such pairings were avoided. |
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