Embarking on an Adventure: A US Army Private's Journey to Frankfurt, Germany in 1979

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SPC Tyler HHB 2/39th FA Larson Barracks 1980

K Tyler

https://tylerenroute.net/an-intimate-look-into-the-life-of-a-veteran-turned-author-an-autobiography/

The story follows a US Army private sent to Frankfurt, Germany, to join the 21st Replacement Battalion in 1979. His time in Frankfurt and his first epic Atlantic Ocean crossing to Europe are recounted here.

The flight was very long, so I mostly looked out the window. My nerves were tired when the German airport doors opened. I searched the skies for flames and objects. I continued scanning the horizon via the aircraft windows for Soviet-looking people. The airport's cleanliness was my sole observation. No garbage or graffiti was seen. I didn't check the wall for rubbish or gang signs. I searched for AK-47s, tanks, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Dolph Lundgren's Rocky IV persona. Airport cleanliness was excellent. When we got off the aircraft and strolled through the airport, I heard foreign language announcements from ceiling speakers. Several folks at the baggage claim seemed to be reading the same papers as me. They seemed to be going through the same thing as me. We boarded the bus while a gruff sergeant checked our names. We were clothed in Class A uniforms but didn't know where we were heading. We were ordered to wear Class A uniforms. I became calmer over time. Morning 9:30.

It was awful that smoke was constantly present. When airlines and bus terminals allowed smoking. The smoky smell made it hard to breathe and appreciate the surroundings. With public smoking bans, it's impossible to fathom. I never fell asleep on an aircraft. In turbulence, I feel safest when I clench the seat grips and pull or push on the fiberglass to control the aircraft. I feel safest in command. I tighten up when not in command. I was instructed to report to the 21st Replacement Battalion in Frankfurt, Germany. It was unclear where I would be transferred, what my tasks would be, or how my life would go. We were told Army life was similar to civilian life. We would wake up, do PT, eat, and then conduct morning formation to complete our daily chores. Most Army training went like this. My information needs were not met. Fear of ignorance plagued me. I recognized my strengths as a soldier, but being abroad made me feel miserable. Not knowing what to anticipate, I was afraid. I understood why the US Army remained in West Germany so long.

**Frankfurt/M: Rhein/Main Air Base, Airport. (2023, March 16). Mil Airfields. https://www.mil-airfields.de/germany/frankfurt-rhein-main-airport.htm#oer1642**

East and West Germany were formed after World War II. The Soviet Union dominated this communist country. The US dominated West Germany. Two nations were separated by a wall. in the "cold war era," when we learnt that the Soviet Union was our adversary in school and the news. It was reported that individuals throughout the US were shooting nuclear missiles at us. German city Frankfurt appeared alarmingly near to the enemy. Would you select me? If I fought, what would happen? If I were shot, what would I do? I teased the other jet-lagged warriors on the aircraft. They can't sleep because we're getting off the aircraft and perhaps fighting. We learned we would fight Iran over captives in basic training. Most of the flight, I glanced out the window for shooting tracers and fire in the pitch-black beyond. I studied Soviet goals to undercut American strength in Europe and their techniques while training. This was required for all military and civilian subversion training missions to Europe.

The 21st Replacement Battalion has WWII-style barracks. The Replacement Battalion received all US Army personnel stationed in Germany. We were assigned bunks and informed when to report for the next formation. After getting off the bus and going to the Charge of Quarters (CQ) station, we were informed when lunch would be served. I sat on the mattress in my OD Green G.I. boxer shorts and matching t-shirt, my uniform hanging in the wall locker next to my bed. I fell asleep during lunch and woke up for church. 16:45 was the last formation till 6:00 a.m. the following day. I hurriedly changed and went to the mess hall for supper before bed. I was becoming used to military life, and I knew I had a lot to learn in Germany. We were advised to stay at the Replacement Bn. until our permanent service orders came after head count. It may take two weeks to complete.

We had to arrive in uniform at 0900 formation and depart at 1700 formation each day. If we slipped below a particular level, we were always in the barracks. I was an E-1 private, the lowest military rank. The day room was where I watched AFN for two days. I think AFN is the cheesiest TV network. Most of the movies they aired were American, but their marketing targeted young American servicemen overseas. Our colleagues and I took a holiday and visited Frankfurt while being processed at the new firm. My military service and drinking started in Germany. I drank black German Lager beer there, which was excellent. After drinking my first German dark beer and becoming intoxicated, I "wet" the bed, which was humiliating. It was stupid since I was intoxicated and promised I would never drink again that day. After two weeks, I was sent to Alpha Battery, 1/76th Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division, Larson Barracks, Kitzingen, Germany. I got ready and waited for the 3rd Infantry Division contact to take us to Division.