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

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 Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ 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/ 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. Extra episode information https://coldwarconversations.com/episode300/ Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices