The Fence

The first generation was simple barbed wire strung along wooden then concrete poles. As the barrier evolved, the amount of wire increased. 

First Generation Fence

The second generation showed the early evolution of the deep barrier system with towers, a Hinterland fence, bunkers and land mines. The actual barrier fence consisted of parallel fences of wire on concrete posts with a mined strip between them. As of 1978, about 35% of the Eaglehorse sector was still "second generation".

--John Capers

The third generation fence was a single barrier with land mines removed. The vast improvements in other security measures allowed the single fence method. The land mines were removed for a number of reasons; they were difficult to maintain and not fully reliable. The third generation fence carried anti-personnel mines on the eastern side of the fence. They were fused to go off on command or if the fence was touched. The photos show the evolution of the barrier system.

-Erwin Ritter

 There was near constant activity  by Border Troop engineers and civilian contractors to make the system more secure. The third generation barrier fence was a single fence carried by concrete posts. The fence was about 3.2 meters high. The actual fence seemed to be die cut from sheet material rather than a woven wire pattern. This made it very strong and almost impossible to cut with wire or bolt cutters. This pattern also made it almost impossible find hand or foot holds to assist in climbing. 

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