Iconic East German Border Guard Jackets of the Cold War Era

The Iconic East German Border Guard Jacket

The distinctive green jacket worn by East German border guards during the Cold War has become an iconic symbol of a divided Germany. With its green wool fabric, mustard yellow shoulder boards, and brass buttons, the design was unique to the uniforms of the Grenztruppen der DDR (GDR Border Troops).

The History Behind the Uniform

Border troops in East Germany were first established in 1946 when the Deutsche Grenzpolizei (German Border Police) was formed. Their role was to patrol and secure the newly established Inner German Border between the Soviet-occupied zone in the east and the Allied-occupied zones in the west.

In 1956, the border police units were reorganized into a military force known as the Grenztruppen der DDR. Their uniforms were redesigned to give them a more militarized appearance in line with their new status as combat troops. The distinctive green jackets first emerged as part of this new uniform.

An Intimidating Presence Along the Border

The dark green jackets and caps were designed to allow border guards to blend into the forested hillsides and wooded areas along parts of the border. This was intended to create an intimidating and ever-present force securing the frontier.

The jacket itself was a high-necked, single-breasted tunic design with two rows of gilt buttons down the front. Shoulder boards in mustard yellow identified the rank of the wearer while various ribbons and badges denoted awards or commendations.

Uniform Details Reflecting State Ideology

Several details in the uniform design reflected the state ideology and nationalism of the East German authorities:

• The GDR emblem featuring hammer and compass motifs was worn on the upper sleeves
• Collar tabs and hat insignia bore the inscription "Für den Schutz der Arbeiter-und-Bauern-Macht" (For the Protection of the Workers' and Peasants' Power)
• Buttons and other insignia bore symbols representing loyalty to the working class

These elements highlighted the border troops' role in protecting the socialist state and its ideology against so-called "subversive" western influences.

Daily Life and Duties in the Iconic Jackets

For East German conscripts serving their mandatory military service, life as a border guard was filled with routine duties carried out while wearing the green woolen jackets:

• Manning watchtowers and patrolling sections of the border perimeter
• Monitoring designated areas from observation posts
• Regular weapons training and drills in the field
• Polishing boots, brass buttons, and belt buckles during inspection
• Standing guard at border checkpoints to restrict crossings

The Reality of the Uniforms

For all their imposing appearance, the uniforms were simply wool jackets and did little to shield border guards from the cold winter temperatures in unheated guard huts. Many used pieces of older uniforms as extra insulation under their jackets.

And despite their role in preventing "Republikflucht" (escapes from East Germany), many border guards dreamt of escaping to the West themselves and leaving their uniforms behind.

The Jackets as Symbols of the Cold War Era

Images of East German border guards in their distinctive uniforms have come to epitomize the era of division between East and West Germany. The jackets stand as symbols of the wider Cold War separating the communist East Bloc from the capitalist West.

A Representation of Life in a Socialist State

The uniform jackets epitomized the socialist state's priority on paramilitary security rather than individual liberty. Their seemingly omnipotent presence along the border highlighted the state's control and restrictions over ordinary citizens.

Creating a Lasting Military Image

The authoritarian images of guards in olive green coats mirrored along the border created an enduring impression of East Germany as a highly militarized state. This separated it visually from the civilian clothing worn by West German border officials on the other side.

An Icon of German Division

As the most visible symbol of the Inner German Border, images of East German border guards still stand as an icon of a divided Germany and Europe during the tense period of the Cold War.

The Jackets' Legacy and Place in History

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the reunification of Germany in 1990, the distinctive East German border guard uniform has become a historical icon.

Appearing in Museums and Exhibitions

The green wool jackets, caps, and other uniform items are now displayed in Cold War museums and historical exhibitions across Germany. They serve as tangible reminders of the period of division and its impact on German society.

Collectible Items and Popular Culture

Original East German border guard jackets have also become collectors' items among history enthusiasts and military collectors. The striking image of the uniforms has also been used in films, books, video games, and other media representing the era.

A Complex Historical Legacy

Academic study and debate has also examined the complex legacy of the East German border troops behind the intimidating image of the uniforms. Their role embodied the wider challenges of coping with dictatorial systems from an individual as well as societal perspective.

So while the jackets represent oppression to some, others see them as symbols of personal sacrifice in the name of stability and state security - however misguided that was.

In any case, the distinct green border guard jacket continues to captivate historical interest and public imagination over 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall it once guarded.

FAQs

When were the distinctive East German border guard jackets first introduced?

The green wool jackets were first introduced in 1956 when the East German border police units were reorganized into a military force known as the Grenztruppen der DDR or GDR Border Troops. The new uniforms featuring the green jackets were designed to give the border troops a more militarized appearance.

What details of the jacket design reflected East German state ideology?

The GDR state emblem with hammer and compass motifs was worn on the jacket's upper sleeves. Collar tabs and hat insignias bore the words "For the Protection of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Power" highlighting the role of defending East Germany's socialist system. Buttons also bore symbols representing loyalty to the working class.

What was daily life like for border guards wearing the jackets?

Border troops wearing the green jackets carried out routine duties such as patrolling the border perimeter, monitoring observation posts, weapons training, standing inspection, and restricting crossings at checkpoints. Despite their intimidating look, the jackets provided little protection against the cold winter temperatures.

Where can the East German border guard jackets be seen today?

The jackets and other border guard uniform items are now displayed in Cold War museums and historical exhibitions across Germany. They serve as reminders of the period of division. Original jackets have also become collectors' items among military history enthusiasts.