The Hard Part

In the late 1970’s and early 80’s I was a part of the 3rd Armor Division, stationed just north of Frankfurt, Germany. Our mission was to guard Western Europe from a Soviet invasion. The 11th ACR was located on the border, and we were right behind them. The 11th was stretched so thin, that we knew that if the “balloon really went up” that they would be little more than a “trip wire” for the oncoming hordes.
As you can imagine, planning for such an event was an ongoing process. As a tank company commander, I spent a considerable amount of time on our General Defense Position (GDP), and walked the terrain etc. I had a large three ring binder with all my map overlays showing all aspects of the plan. All the standard stuff. Units to my left and right, artillery fire plans, mine fields, air strike boxes, alternate, and fall back positions, and much more. I knew I had to knock out 7 to 9 of their tanks for every one that I lost just to break even, so the more I knew, and thought about, the better. I also knew that the third fall back position to the west was labeled “hold at all costs”. But that was not what bothered me the most.
The hard part was my family.

If war had come to us, I knew that I would be heading East with my tank company, and my family would be left to those who were tasked to help the dependents. The plan was to fly them out of Rein Mein AFB in Frankfurt. With that being such a major base, I asked what would happen if it was unusable because of tactical requirements, or if it was unusable due to enemy action. The answer I got was that in that event they planned to land evacuation aircraft on the autobahns. Really?

No matter what the plan, I also knew that once the bullets started to fly, that it was not going to be a good situation. I was going to be in harm’s way by choice, but they were there because they loved and supported me.

So, to my dear wife, and my five children, and to all the military dependents whether at home, or “in country”, my hat is off to you. You are the unsung heroes. Your support is both amazing, and irreplaceable.