Bundesgrenzschutz - The German Federal Border Agency

Photo Album: Joint BGS / Cave training at Wildflecken

The BGS was established in 1951 under the Interior Ministry as the western allies allowed Germany to establish a national police force to secure borders, air and seaports. The previous year, the new customs service had been established, and Bundeswehr would follow in 1955. These measures insured the sovereignty and stability of the Federal Republic of Germany. 

	BGS Officer at left and a GAK Captain on the border. The BGS carried side arms on patrol with machine pistols in their vehicle. --Ritter		BGS patrol observes the border. --Ritter

The BGS evolved through the years; in addition to border security, it assumed civil control and anti riot functions to assist urban police, was granted police power along the railway system and the GS9 “Special Operations“ sub unit was created for anti terrorist missions.  By 1976 it was separated from the German draft system and became an all volunteer police force.

The BSG routinely patrolled the border on foot, in vehicles, from the air and staffed fixed observation points.  They were the experts in observing and cataloging the actions of the East German Border Troops and had a complete understanding of the barrier system. When East German engineers went into the Spring and Summer construction phase, members of the BGS were highly visible and would monitor the open barrier daily.  Eaglehorse troopers were very familiar with the BGS and would exchange a friendly wave. In the late 1970's and early 1980's, the unit at Camp Lee and the BGS would conduct a joint patrol once per month. In the mid and late 1980's closer coordination and more frequent joint patrols occurred.

	Part of the BGS Barracks at Oerlenbach in 1989. Some of the barracks space is being used to hold refugees from the East. --Ritter		Joint US and BGS Patrol in 1988, Eaglehorse personnel, center, CPT Dan La Vulo, Border Officer and to right, SSG Tom Favia, Border NCO. --Ritter

The BGS officers seen in the Eaglehorse sector came from the barracks at Oerlenbach, just south of Bad Kissingen. Their patrol responsibility ran from our northern boundary by Melpers to well into the 2/2 ACR sector in the southeast. Depending upon the level of activity, between 16-30 officers deployed each day to observe. They routinely coordinated actions with the German Customs Police, the Bavarian Border Police and the US military.  Spot reports were sent from their helicopter patrols and when observing East German operations such as fence construction and mine clearing.  As the BGS became aware of East German SIGINT operations, they switched to reporting by telephone. 

	An Eaglehorse Award Certificate signed by then SCO, LTC M.G. O'Connell, awarded to BGS personnel after participation in a joint pistol shooting competition at the Rottershausen range complex, not too far from Orelenbach, SE of BK. Rottershausen, a large 3rd ID ASP also had ranges and facilities that I believe were jointly used by BGS and US forces. The ASP is closed but the other areas are still in active BGS use. --Ritter		Joint BGS/US Patrol. Ritter

Once the barrier system came down and Germany reunited, the BGS absorbed some units of the former East German Border Troops that were involved with security along the Polish and Czech border. Other former BT units brought into the BGS helped dismantle the barrier and mine system along the former inner German border. In the immediate years that followed, however, almost all former East Germans were separated from the BGS.  The BGS barracks at Oerlenbach is still operational as a training center / police academy. They conduct a portion of their driver's training course on the former US airstrip at Reiterswiesen.