The East German unit at East Wind is a unit of National Volks Armee (NVA) Chemical Troops. The NVA was considered to be the most advanced and well supplied military force in the Warsaw Pact (WARPAC). They were on the "front line" of what could be a war with NATO should the Cold War "heat up." Thus the maintained a constant state of combat readiness should war break out.
Chemical Troops
Chemical Troops were independent branches that provided support to all the military services, but principally to the Ground Forces. The chiefs of these services reported directly to the minister of defense. Chemical Troops were organized into battalions and companies within the NVA.
The mission of the Chemical Troops was to defend the armed forces against the effects of "weapons of mass destruction" – nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons. The NVA's Chemical Troops constituted one of the world's largest NBC defense force. The Chemical Troops would perform NBC reconnaissance; mark contaminated areas; and decontaminate personnel, weapons, and terrain during wartime. They operated 30,000 armored combat vehicles equipped for NBC reconnaissance and truck-mounted systems equipped to spray decontaminating solutions on the surface areas of tanks, combat vehicles, and aircraft. Chemical Troops did not necessarily operate offensive delivery systems. Yet the strength of NVA chemical defense provided an offensive potential by enhancing the ability of NVA and Soviet forces to fight on contaminated battlefields. Thus, supported by the Chemical Troops, DDR and CCCP forces were better prepared than any other in the world for NBC operations.
As a member of the NVA Chemical Troops at Operation East Wind you will have access to a wide range of equipment such as armored vehicles, weapons and communications systems in order for you to accomplish your missions. You will be billeted and messed in conjunction with Soviet forces as a symbol of "Fraternal Unity" that the Soviets and Germans were so fond of during the period. However, you will retain your own command structure and carry on your own operations independent of Soviet over watch and control. You are after all the best that Germany has to offer in the defense of the Fatherland!
Personal Equipment
Each individual attending as a East German Army soldier is required to have all of the equipment listed on this page before they will be allowed entry to the field. Click on the name of each item for more details, and photos. There will be an inspection when you sign in. If you have questions, or are having trouble sourcing some items, please contact us.
While some of the equipment on the list may not seem to have immediate value, it is not just for the sake of realism or re-enacting. All the equipment is designed to work as a system, with other people's gear, and with the heavy equipment we provide. For example, it seems like any cup, bowl or plate would work for eating off. But using the correct mess kit means the serving line runs faster, and your kit fits into the cleaning equipment we provide.
Before being sure you have all of this stuff, be sure to read the list of items that you cannot bring.
Required Items:
- 2 sets of East German Field Uniforms
- 1 full set of 2nd generation web gear.
- 1 assault pack ( a 2nd pack is encouraged but it is not required)
- 3 assualt pack straps
- 1 winter hat .
- 1 soft cap
- 1 helmet, with cover and net.
- Sealed Rated Goggles.
- East German variant Kalashnikov Series weapon
- Greater than 3000 MAH worth of batteries
- Low or mid cap mags
- Minimum of 4 pairs of socks
- Long johns
- Warmth layer, or winter uniform
- Warm Gloves
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Black leather combat Boots
- Military sleeping bag
- Wool blanket
- Sleeping pad
- Zeltbahn
- Wristwatch
- Dead rags (2)
- 3 East German Canteens with cup
- A spoon and East German Mess kit
- Rag for cleaning mess kit
- EB Compass
- Flashlight (Prefer NVA boxlight)
- Personal first aid kit
- Personal care kit:
- Equipment care kit
- Pad of paper and a pencil
- NVA duffle bag
Recommended Items:
- Military cot
- Spare pair of boots
- Second Zeltbahn
- East German ID/Document pouch
- Soviet gas stove
- Trioxane Fuel Tablets.
- Russian or East German coffee cup
- Foot locker
- Wet wipes
Warsaw Pact Standing Orders:
- Facial hair is restricted to a well groomed mustache. Otherwise, all troops will appear clean shaven with no beard growth. Hair length will be restricted to being a military-style haircut or at least neat in appearance with no hair touching your collar. No pony-tails or shaggy hair will be allowed.
- Collar liners are mandatory for all collared uniforms - if it has a collar, it needs a collar liner.
- Helmets will be worn when on duty or forward deployed. The only time helmets are not required is when you are in the HQ camp and not on duty.
- Head covering is required at all times when outside - helmet, caps or ushankas.
- Soldiers will have their weapon and at least two loaded magazines on them at all times. This applies to downtime at the HQ camp as well. All parts of the field are in play - you need to be prepared to respond to an attack at anytime.