East German Border Guards

East German Border Guards were military personnel responsible for maintaining the border between East and West Germany during the Cold War era. Their primary role was to prevent illegal crossings into West Germany and West Berlin, enforcing strict security measures including patrols, checkpoints, and surveillance. They operated under the East German government’s directives, often using weapons and barriers to stop defectors. Their presence symbolized the division of Germany and the broader East-West Cold War tension. Many guards faced difficult ethical decisions, as their duties involved controlling the movement of people between the contrasting political systems.