| Felix Dzerzhinsky Watch Regiment |
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| east germany | |
| german intelligence agencies | |
| law enforcement in communist states | |
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MISSION It was tasked with the protection of government and ( SED ) party buildings in the GDR capital of East Berlin and provided security for the party leadership's residential compound in Wandlitz near Berlin. In line with Soviet practice, the regiment was available as a politically-reliable internal security force that could be deployed to suppress rebellion or unrest. ORGANIZATION At full strength, it consisted of over 11,203 personnel, including 2,500 officers, 8,735 NCOs and enlisted men, and nine civil staff. Its commander was a Major-general after 1956. It comprised three combat groups with six motorized rifle battalions and three training battalions, as well as an artillery battalion and engineer, medical, support and reconnaissance companies. It received the same training and equipment as the Alert Police and some of its personnel were Paratrooper s. It was also equipped with modern Armored Fighting Vehicle s and Armored Personnel Carriers , anti-tank guns, anti-aircraft weapons and mortars. Its uniforms were nearly identical to those of the regular National People's Army (NVA) and were distinguished primarily by the dark red MfS service color of its insignia and by an honorary cuffband on the left sleeve with the regiment's title. Other Stasi officers wore a similar uniform, but without the cuffband. Members were selected from among the most reliable volunteer recruits and had to perform a three-year minimum service tour. OTHER GUARD UNITS The regiment was one of three guards regiments in the GDR. The other two were units of the regular army:
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