The Unconventional Soldier S5 #079 Cold War Life & The East German Army
Feb 13, 2025
Kim Read, a former soldier and military trainer, shares his unique experiences from Cold War Germany. He recounts remarkable anecdotes about encounters with WWII veterans and details the lives of former East German soldiers, including a tank driver and a Stasi officer. The conversation dives into the psychological impact of Stasi surveillance, contrasting military cultures, and the ongoing perceptions of the Ukraine conflict among Germans. Kim's insights offer a compelling reflection on the lasting effects of history on modern identities.
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Working with the Enemy
- Kim Reid worked with a former SS-21 commander in the East German army.
- The SS-21 was a key target for NATO artillery, highlighting the irony of their later collaboration.
Stasi Colleague
- Reid's other colleague worked for the Stasi, controlling trains to prevent escapes to the West.
- He had a dark humor, always saying "I'll have to report this."
Stasi's Legacy
- The Stasi's extensive reach into East German society is still felt today.
- Some Germans remain wary of surveillance and data privacy, a legacy of the Stasi's pervasive monitoring.