[Scout32]

I went to Berlin in 1973 and 1983 for a City Combat course given by the Berlin Bde.The wall was omnipresent.After our training was through they took us,first.on a tour of West Berlin and then took us through Checkpoint Charlie to tour East Berlin.The difference was amazing.West Berlin was full of life and color,while East Berlin was drab and gray.Everywhere we went there would be Vopo's watching to see who we talked to and where we went.We watched a changing of the guard by thwe Easr German Army,they goose stepped during the change of guard ceremony.We were actually warned not to get to close or they may "accidentally" kick us.We also visited the Soviet War Memorial,which had a Russian Honor Guard.Fortunately these were the only Russian soldiers I ever saw in 2 tours in Germany.It was one of the most exciting times in my life watching the Berlin Wall come down on TV.I knew my German friends dreams had come true.