The East German Tank Commander (326)

Cold War Conversations Podcast

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 6 January 2024

⏱️ 97 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In the mid-1980s Dag was a T72 tank commander in the NVA, the East German Army and is now a volunteer at the Tank Museum at Bovington in the UK. He describes his initial tank commander training, the battle readiness of the NVA, and the challenges of a conscript army as well as a startling revelation about a significant change in doctrine in 1987. We also dig deep into the technical details of the T72, including the autoloader, deep water wading, radio communication and its advantages and disadvantages versus NATO tanks. Dag also talks about how Soviet WW2 learnings were applied into the NVA, and his regiment’s role and deployment area in the event of war. Dag shares a frank view and great insight into life in the NVA as a tank commander and the challenges of life beyond the NVA as the Wall opens and all he has known disappears. Make sure you check out the videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode326/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Check out Into History at this link https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod 0:00 Introduction 10:29 Briefing on NATO armour and perception of NATO as the enemy 18:13 Planning for potential conflict and readiness in the NVA 24:33 Understanding the roles and challenges in a conscript army 33:21 Performance and operational details of the T72 tank 42:20 Training, battlefield strategies and preparations 58:41 East German-Soviet relations and Warsaw Pact exercises 1:13:38 Reflections on service in the NVA and potential conflict with NATO 1:23:59 Reaction to the opening of the Berlin Wall and post-service encounters 1:27:34 Life post-unification: Expectations, reality and personal growth 1:31:28 Podcast extras, appreciation for financial supporters and closing remarks Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
0:05.9	Timothy Shalame is Bob Dylan and a complete unknown.
0:09.4	If anyone who's going to hold your attention on the state, you have to kind of be a freak.
0:13.9	Critics agree it's outstanding on every level. Five stars.
0:19.1	Shalemay is a revelation.
0:20.8	What do you want to be?
0:21.9	Whatever it is, they don't want me to be.
0:23.8	Now nominated for the Golden Globes for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor, Edward Norton.
0:29.3	A Complete Unknown.
0:30.6	Ladies and gentlemen, Bob Bill!
0:32.5	In cinema's January 17, rated 15.
0:37.2	Adobe Express is the quick and easy create anything app.
0:40.3	It has taken my content to the next level, making it simple to create everything I need to promote my business.
0:46.3	From Instagram and TikTok posts to logos and flyers, all in just a few clicks.
0:52.3	Build your brand with Adobe Express.
0:55.8	Search for Adobe Express to find out more and get the app for free.
0:59.7	Adobe Express, the quick and easy create anything app.
1:08.6	This is Cold War Conversations. If you're new here, you've come to the right place to listen to first-hand Cold War history accounts.
1:18.5	Do make sure you follow us in your podcast app or join our emailing list at cold warconversations.com.
1:27.3	In the mid-1980s, Dag was a T-72 tank commander in the NVA, the East German Army,
1:34.1	and he's now a volunteer at the Tank Museum at Bovington in the UK.
1:39.5	He describes his initial and tank commander training, the battle readiness of the NVA, the challenges
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Ian Sanders, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Ian Sanders and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.