Assembling and delivering nuclear artillery rounds to the Cold War West German Army (300)

Cold War Conversations

In February 1983 US soldier Manuel Alzager was sent to a mysterious posting to the British Zone in the north of West Germany a long way from the main US forces in southern Germany.

After a lengthy journey, he is picked up by a West German private and eventually arrives at the 81st USAFAD (US Army Field Artillery Detachment), where his mission is to guard, assemble, and deliver low-yield nuclear artillery rounds to the 7th West German Army Artillery Regiment.

He describes how the rounds were assembled as well as their orders in the event of unauthorised intruders. Being stationed in the British Zone of West Germany Manuel also tells us about the love/hate relationship with the Brits where they would fight, make up, drink, and fight again.

0:00 Introduction and overview of the episode

0:55 Manuel Altsaga's experience and assignment in West Germany

13:25 Mission and protocol related to nuclear artillery rounds

21:10 Public awareness and potential spy encounters

24:29 Guard duty and response plan for potential attacks

30:06 Social interactions and bonding with British soldiers

32:14 Manuel's departure from Germany and reflection on his service

33:38 Manuel's assignment at Fort Bragg and decision not to re-enlist

37:00 Transition to civilian life: College and California National Guard

39:17 Acknowledgement of financial supporters and promotion of Facebook discussion group

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Manuel's other episodes are here:

A 17-year-old in the Cold War US Army https://coldwarconversations.com/episode57/

Experiences of the Cold War Reforger 82 NATO Exercise https://coldwarconversations.com/episode100/

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