DDR UN Peacekeeper/observer uniforms

[willie777]

Does anyone know what DDR UN Peacekeeper/observer uniforms look like?

[ehrentitle]

UN Peacekeepers - The DDR sent VOPO to participate in the UN mission in Namibia in 1989. There is a special patch that was supposed to have been worn, but so far no photos have surfaced showing its wear. See this thread http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=163155

[ehrentitle]

NVA Military Observers - There were NVA military observers (along with other Warsaw Pact nations) of NATO exercises. They were high ranking officers, Colonel and above and wore the last issue rank along with a special patch. Here is the thread on this topic
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=252356

[-AntiCitizenOne]

is that NVA member wearing a lastest issue winter FDA?

[Adam H]

I'm sure willie777 will correct me but I suspect his original question concerned DDR troops in UN Peacekeeping roles and/or in UN MilOb roles, which are quite different.

Did the DDR participate in any other UN missions either as MilObs or an actual peacekeeping force?

Interesting info regarding the officers sent to observe NATO exercises. I know the USSR had officers posted in West Germany for similar purposes, did the DDR do this as well or were they deployed only during the actual exercises?

[Klaus1989]

NVA officers were invited along with other Warsaw Pact officers to observe NATO military maneuvers in 1988. That is what is occuring in the photo. From what I know, DDR never normally had military obeservers in BRD like USSR did. And yes that is last issue winter FDA that NVA officer wears.

What I am wondering is whether any photos exist of VOPO in Namibia at all? I have never seen any. I assume they would have worn the Sommer FDA?

Klaus

[ehrentitle]

Adam, Good point I read more into the question that originally intended. Namibia is the only Peacekeeping or Observer Mission for which the DDR is listed on the UN's peacekeeping website: http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/

Klaus, I and others on the forum has looked for photos of VOPO on the UN Mission in Namibia. So far none have surfaced.

Unless someone can find the thread on NVA Military Observers I may start a new one since it's a fascinating subject in it's own right.

[willie777]

I'm sure willie777 will correct me but I suspect his original question concerned DDR troops in UN Peacekeeping roles and/or in UN MilOb roles, which are quite different.

Did the DDR participate in any other UN missions either as MilObs or an actual peacekeeping force?

Interesting info regarding the officers sent to observe NATO exercises. I know the USSR had officers posted in West Germany for similar purposes, did the DDR do this as well or were they deployed only during the actual exercises?

Yes, that is what I meant.

[ehrentitle]

Yes, that is what I meant.

Willie - Then you got two answers for the price of one! Plus you inspired me to start another thread on NVA Military Observers. To my knowledge Namibia was the only UN Mission in which the DDR provided personnel, in this case VOPO. And no one has yet to come up with photos of VOPO in uniform in Namibia.

[grossmacht]

i can post a pic of the 30 vopos who were sent to observe and maintain the integrity of the elections in namibia...almost ironic...
but i have to dig it out.
MsG.
-dan

[willie777]

OK, I saw the pictures posted on the other thread, and thanks Kevin, for posting them. They may not be very clear, but I get the idea. But now I have another question... Has anyone ever seen a picture of a VOPO wearing the UNTAG medal or ribbon?