 The "Grenztruppen" became the fourth service branch of the National People's Army (NVA), the armed forces of the GDR, until 1973 when they were separated and became directly subordinate to the MfNV.While wearing standard NVA uniforms, the "Grenztruppen" had their own dark green arm-of-service colour, and their service and dress uniforms bore a green cuff title with white lettering ""Grenztruppen der DDR"" on the left arm.From 1973, service in the "Grenztruppen" became entirely voluntary, ending the use of involuntarily conscripts – only professional soldiers and voluntary conscripts could serve in its ranks.