What is Eastwind?
East Wind is loosely based on a 'what if' concept. What if the Berlin Wall did not come down and the USSR and its allies were still going strong in the early to mid 1990's.
So we have NATO vs WARSAW Pact.
Each year's scenario will likely be different but will usually involve some section of border between East and West Germany.
East Wind I was loosely based on a NATO Operation called Able Archer 83 and its Soviet response Operation RYAN.
Many historians believe this to the closest the Cold War ever got to going hot - really hot as in nuclear.
For EWI, an added element was inserted to trigger the event. In the scenario, a small nuclear strike occurred against the massed Soviet units. The resulting EMP knocked out radios leaving both sides in the dark as to what was going on except via updates by land lines or courier. The Soviets beleived this was an attack by NATO and commenced their assualt into Germany. The section of border where EWI took place was not involved in the mass armies and consisted of an undersized Soviet Recon Company and its local East German Grentztruppen facing off against the West German Border Guards and a undersized US Signal Company.
Throughout the next 6 days raids and probes were conducted by both sides. On the 6th day, word reached these units about the true cause of the nuclear detonation.
The Red Army Faction, a militant left-wing terrorist group, had detonated a small nuclear device. They had hoped to start a war that would allow the Soviets to overrun NATO and spread communism into Western Europe.
Once this was confirmed, both sides returned to their previous positions and stood down.
What will this year's East Wind be based on? That is classified information and the best way to find out is to attend EWIII.
I can assure you that it will not be the same event. New land, more equipment and of course a new scenario.
How long does EW last?
East wind will run a total of 9 days during which you will be housed & fed just like the the troops would have during the Cold war. No you do not have to come all of the 9 days, but having been there, There is something to be said about being there to watch the camp go up to that final breakfast with your comrades.
How does Eastwind differ from other large Airsoft events?
It differs by its sure scale & detail. 9 days, 24/7 of Airsoft meets Historical Reenacting.
What did you miss at EWII?
Well let me show you.
The Soviet flag & the 7Pota colors flying proudly over the East Bloc camp.
Welcome to the 315 Radio Relay Company!
Inside the Soviet armory:
But NATO came ready to respond!
Inside of the NATO TOC
Squad leaders are briefed on Soviet vehicles they may encounter:
Comms were monitored 24 hours a day on the Soviet side, both radio & hard wired field phones.
East German troops brief the Soviet commander on NATO movements along the border.
As stated before, Eastwind runs 24 hours a day. Here you see a Soviet patrol debriefing after a late night patrol into West Germany. After 1900, almost everything was done in red light to lessen the effects on night vision.
Food was the highlight of the week:
Looks better as this
NATO's pride is their MKT-85.
Troops would line up just waiting for Breakfast to be ready.
By the looks on their faces, I guess it was not ready yet.
Fruit loops never tasted so good.
Here NATO troops are fed in the field from the back of the M151 "Mutt".
the EB mess was a comfy place for Soldats to gather with any down time they may have or to get warm while walking guard duty.
Soviet Troops enjoy some hot tea while waiting for breakfast & the sun.
East German Soldat getting in out of the rain.
Most time out of combat was spent taking care of the necessities like crank charging radio batteries,
KP
Sewing collar liners
taking time to shave & brush teeth.
or the all important SLEEP!
Both sides have an ever growing motor pools:
Soviet Left to right: East German Gaz, Russian UAZ, & a Unimog
Center - UAZ
This Ural motorcycle was useful in deploying field phone wire.
NATO was also motorized sporting 2 deuces, a CUCV, & an M151 "MUTT".
Ever ride in a Deuce? Well here are a few clips from NATO solider Perez's camera as they moved out to stop Soviet aggression. And then later after hostilities ended & the cultural exchange began.
NATO troops in the field.
NATO troops ready for inspection.
NATO soliders taken POW.
Cleaning up. Notice the foot pump.
Some one says this is a picture of the NATO camp... but I don't see anything
Oh wait, there it is.
Does this tent look cosey? Let Perez give you a
A few East Bloc fighting positions
I personally spent all night in this one watching for NATO.
Our East German allies were a critical part of the East Bloc forces, spending almost every day in West german territory.
The East Bloc camp
Patroling against any NATO agression
Ppsk Mikailovich preparing for a late night interrogation (go to the bottom to hear the whole thing)
Guarding the camp
Tired & Dirty but still able to smile after 9 days.
After several sleepless nights, the stress of 6mm combat, hunger, cold, & everything else the week could throw at us, the bonds & memories that formed will last forever.
Now what can you expect at EWIII? Only time will tell. I can tell you that NATO has added a few more deuces, another MUTT & CUCV, & most importantly, The British squad will have a Ferret.
Not to be out done, the East Germans will be trading up their GAZ for a BTR-40.
And this year NATO will join the Soviets in the use of period correct military radios.
And my final treat:
This link will give you the back story what lead to this event & the audio file of the interrogation itself. This is the most told story of the week.
