During the Cold War, Berlin served as a major strategic and political battleground between the United States and Soviet Union. The city was divided into East and West Berlin, with each side being occupied by different military forces. In this article, we will explore the troops that were stationed in Berlin during this period and their roles in the Cold War conflict.
1. United States Troops
During the Cold War the United States took a major part in defending Berlin. US soldiers protected West Berlin to stop possible attacks. By having troops there America promised support to its partners and defended West Berlin against Soviet attacks.
1.1. Berlin Brigade
The United States Army formed The Berlin Brigade exclusively for the West Berlin area. The military unit contained soldiers from infantry and armor forces next to artillery troops who guarded the city firmly.
When deployed the Berlin Brigade acted to stop any Soviet military invasion. Their mission included constant patrols of both Berlin Wall sectors and border controls plus security duties for American residents of West Berlin.
1.2. USAFE controlled all air forces based in Europe.
In addition to regular ground forces the United States built up a big air force presence in Berlin. The United States Air Forces in Europe ran their operations from Tempelhof and Tegel airports plus several other air bases in West Berlin. Military bases in the form of air facilities helped the US Army move its fighting forces with their necessary supplies.
- Soviet Troops
The Soviet military set up its troops in East Berlin. To keep East Germany under Soviet rule the Union maintained large numbers of troops across East Berlin. These units formed part of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany.
2.1. Soviet Army
The regular Soviet Army troops concentrated their largest deployment in East Berlin. The military contained tanks plus foot soldiers alongside field gun weaponry. The Soviet Army oversaw East Berlin to keep people from breaking Soviet rules and stopping those who tried to escape to the West.
2.2. Soviet Air Forces
Air units of the Soviet Armed Forces were stationed near East Berlin. They ran air bases across East Germany to support Soviet Army missions and protect their installation.
- East German Troops
During Soviet control of East Berlin the National People’s Army (NVA) defended East Germany under Soviet supervision. The NVA used its ground forces with their air units and naval ships on duty.
3.1. Border Troops
The Border Troops protected both the Berlin Wall and East Berlin’s borders by stopping anyone from leaving East Berlin towards Western Berlin. They assisted NVA officers who answered Soviet military commands to patrol and protect their land border.
3.2. Working-class Combat Groups formed a trained military force
East Berlin’s paramilitary groups included the Combat Groups of the Working Class (Kampfgruppen der Arbeiterklasse) as their main contribution. Though they did not belong to NVA formally they tied organizationally to it and backed up regular troops when needed.
- French and British Troops
During the Cold War period both American and Soviet forces had support from British and French troops in Berlin. Although their military forces had fewer soldiers than the superpowers they protected their nations just as effectively.
The British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) and a division of French Forces in Germany protected West Berlin alongside their professional military troops.
Conclusion
After World War II ended Berlin became the battlefield where US and Soviet Union forces faced off without direct conflict. American troops across the Berlin Brigade and USAFE protected West Berlin through their presence. Under the strategic plan Soviet forces arrived in East Berlin forming the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany alongside their Army and Air Forces. As a sovereign nation East Germany formed its own military force named the National People’s Army plus created the Border Troops to guard the Berlin Wall. Soldiers from Britain and France were holding positions in West Berlin.
During the Cold War Berlin became the physical representation of the permanent conflict between East and West. First Line Looks: Many soldiers served in Berlin as both political opponents competed to keep their territory safe.