SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany –
The move from Idaho to the idyllic rural Germany cost 10-year-old Gideon his favorite past time. Gone were the trout-packed rivers that coiled through rugged mountains and plains. Gone were the streambanks where he and his father once unearthed naturally occurring gold. The Gem State was thousands of miles away, and with it, the days of sweeping a metal detector through the dirt in search of something precious – or so he thought. His father, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Bradley Graves, the 52nd Fighter Wing inspections manager, knew that while the German soil lacked the raw veins of the West, it possessed a different kind of wealth. As an inspector, Graves was trained to look for what others missed, but it was his son’s persistence that ultimately sharpened his eye to the region's history. “I bought a metal detector just so I could go out with him, because it was a good way to keep us both active and outdoors,” Graves said. “Now, over the years, we’ve gotten a lot better and more involved with it.” Coins, buttons, shrapnel, buckles, and pins make up just part of the various items that have been uncovered in the region. All are signs of trade, agriculture, travel, and war, with the earliest examples tracing back well before the times of the Roman Republic. In December 2025, fueled by Gideon’s enthusiasm, Graves unearthed a small World War II artifact, a find that underscored a local truth: in Europe, history isn't just in books; it is scattered across the countryside, waiting to be found. “It was a cold day, and there was heavy frost on the ground. We had only been out for about an hour and had already found a few small buttons, but nothing super unique,” Graves recalled, “All of a sudden, I got a really strong signal, and when I dug it up, it took me a moment for it to sink in what I found.” Graves and his son found a small, unassuming, broken shard of metal. Stamped in the tag was a series of letters and numbers to identify the original owner. An ‘L’ for Luftwaffe, the letters ‘PI’ for Pioneer, ‘KOL. 16, 52’ for his unit and identity, and an A for blood type. It was a German dog tag dating back to WWII. Carried by service members, these tags were designed to identify them in case they were wounded or killed in action. “The half I found is the half that is supposed to stay with the person, so there is the potential for the remains to still be there or otherwise missing,” he added. “I was humbled by the fact that I found this.” Graves said that by finding a piece of lost history, like this dog tag, he’s helping prior service members, giving them the same respect he would want for himself. “I hope we can reunite this tag to the family members, and that by doing that we can grant them some type of peace in their mind,” he said, “Whether the tag was lost, or he was lost, making sure he isn't forgotten will hopefully give them some sense of closure ... We owe them this respect for their fallen." If the family is not identified, Graves included that he would give it to a local museum. Graves said he encourages people to try hobbies that increase involvement in the local off-base community, but stressed the absolute necessity of following local laws and maintaining a positive presence as guests of the host nation. He ensures he is always respectful to the environment, returning the ground exactly how he found it and removing any trash he unearths. “We’re guests,” he said, “We should show the respect of caring about Germany and its history. Many of these families have lived here since before the United States was founded, and they’re proud of that.” A guide for Airmen: How to metal detect responsibly in Germany While metal detecting is a rewarding way to connect with European history, Germany has strict laws governing the hobby to protect archaeological sites and public safety. For Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem AB or elsewhere in Germany, ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Before you sweep a detector across German soil, here is what you need to know: 1. Permits are mandatory. (Nachforschungsgenehmigung) You cannot simply buy a metal detector and head into the woods. In Germany, particularly in Spangdahlem’s host state of Rheinland-Pfalz, you must obtain a search permit (Nachforschungsgenehmigung) from the state’s archaeological authority (Generaldirektion Kulturelles Erbe). Permits can be acquired via https://gdke.rlp.de/wer-wir-sind/landesarchaeologie/nachforschungsgenehmigung-gem-21-dschg-rlp
Searching in public forests, pastures, and fields without this permit is illegal.
Detecting near known historical monuments or archaeological sites (usually within 500 meters) is strictly prohibited.
Even carrying a metal detector in your car near a protected site without a permit can lead to severe fines or confiscation of your equipment.
In Rheinland-Pfalz and other German states, illegal search for artifacts is punishable by administrative fines of up to 125,000 euros.
2. The dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO) Germany was heavily bombed during WWII, and the ground is still littered with unexploded ordnance, referred to locally as Blindgänger.
If your detector signals a large object, dig with extreme caution.
If you uncover an artillery shell, grenade, mortar, or any suspicious metal object, DO NOT TOUCH IT.
Evacuate the immediate area and call the German police (Dial 110). Do not attempt to move or transport the item yourself.
3. Who owns the treasure? If you find something of historical significance, it does not automatically belong to you. Germany enforces strict heritage laws. In many states, any artifact of scientific or historical value belongs to the state (Schatzregal). All significant historical finds must be reported to the local archaeological authorities immediately. 4. Respect private property. Even with a state permit, you must have explicit permission from the landowner (such as a local farmer) to search on private property. Graves, for instances, coordinates his activity closely with his landlord and shared his finding immediately. 5. Leave no trace. Always fill in your holes, don’t litter, and leave the land exactly as you found it.