Conscripted to a West German Nuclear Missile Unit

Podcast: Cold War Conversations · Ian Sanders

Opublikowano: 2026-05-22

Kris is a former conscript in the West German Bundeswehr during the Cold War. He shares his experiences from the moment he received his conscription notice at 17, ultimately joining the Luftwaffe, where he served with the Pershing nuclear missile system. Basic training was a rite of passage filled with challenges. Kris recounts the camaraderie formed with fellow recruits and the harsh realities of military life. Still, it was during this time that he learned valuable lessons about discipline, teamwork, and resilience. As the conversation unfolds, we explore the operational...