Ansbach Weekly

Tenant Satisfaction Survey March 2-May 15 — The survey will be sent via email to all residents at USAG Ansbach Army Family Housing (AFH) and Unaccompanied Housing (Barracks) from ArmyHousingSurvey@celassociates.com. Please complete. The feedback helps the Army make improvements to housing quality. No email? No problem. More...

Weekly IMCOM Sampler - Here’s what’s happening at U.S. Army Garrisons around the world. More…

Eye on AMC - What’s happening within the U.S. Army Materiel Command—IMCOM’s senior command. More…

Calendar and menu updates from around the garrison.

• May 17: BOSS Commissary Day, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. More...
• May 17: BOSS Barracks Breakout, 5 - 6 p.m. More...
• May 19: Financial Planning for Unexpected Life Events, 10 a.m., ACS Conference Room. More...
• May 21-25: Outdoor Rec trip to Italian and French Riviera. More...
• May 22: Nuremberg by Rail. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. More...
• May 24: BOSS Barracks Breakout, 5 - 6 p.m. More...
• May 25: Memorial Day Service hosted by VFW 10708, 11 a.m. , Storck Barracks Memorial Park
• May 26: Murph Challenge - Unit Showdown, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. More...
• May 26: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
• May 26: Pawsitive Prevention; Help BOSS at the local animal shelter, 4 - 6 p.m. More...
• May 27: Volunteer Orientation & VMIS Training, 12:30 p.m. ACS Conference Room. More...
• May 30: Neuschwanstein Castle visit with Outdoor Recreation. More...
• May 31: BOSS Barracks Breakout, 5 - 6 p.m. More...
• June 2: Retirement Planning & TSP, 10 a.m., ACS Conference Room. More...
• June 3: BOSS Meeting, 2-3 p.m. Questions? Call 0611-143-587-2165. More...
• June 4: Ansbach High School Graduation, 6 p.m. More...
• June 4-7: Fishing Course, Outdoor Recreation Center. More...
• June 7: BOSS Barracks Breakout, 5 - 6 p.m. More...
• June 9: Creating Your Own Financial Plan, 10 a.m. ACS Conference Room. More...
• June 13: Whitewater Rafting with ODR, 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. More...
• June 14: BOSS Barracks Breakout, 5 - 6 p.m. More...
• June 16: Financial Planning for Unexpected Life Events, 10 a.m., ACS Conference Room. More...
• June 16: Baby Led Weaning, 2 p.m., ACS New Parent Support. More...
• June 18: USAG Ansbach annual Garrison employees Org Day , Franken Kaserne, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. More...
• June 18-22: Croatia Trip with ODR. More...
• June 21: BOSS Commissary Day, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. More...
• June 21: BOSS Barracks Breakout, 5 - 6 p.m. More...
• June 22: Nuremberg by Rail. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. More...
• June 23-26: Ansbach Clinic School/CYS Physical Rodeo for your child's school/sports physicals. More...
• June 24: Volunteer Orientation & VMIS Training, 12:30 p.m. ACS Conference Room. More...
• June 26: Windy25 Memorial Ceremony and 5K Run, 8:30 a.m. 12th CAB HQ Memorial Park. More...
• June 27: Paddle the Main River with Outdoor Recreation. More...
• June 27: Army 10 Miler - Virtual Qualifier Race. Register...
• June 28: BOSS Barracks Breakout, 5 - 6 p.m. More...
• June 30: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
• June 30: Pawsitive Prevention; Help BOSS at the local animal shelter, 4 - 6 p.m. More...
• July 1: BOSS Meeting, 2-3 p.m. Questions? Call 0611-143-587-2165. More...
• July 4: Independence Day Celebration, Katterbach. More...
• July 11: Skydiving with Outdoor Recreation. More...
• July 18: Prague Day Trip with Outdoor Recreation. More...
• July 9-12: Fishing Course, Outdoor Recreation Center. More...
• July 28: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
• Aug. 1: Berlin Trip with Outdoor Recreation. More...
• Aug. 3-7: Ansbach Clinic offers School/CYS Physical Rodeo to help get your child's school and sports physicals. More...
• Aug. 25: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
• Aug. 29: Paddle the Main River with Outdoor Recreation. More...

MWR CALENDAR | ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE CALENDAR (ACS) | DoWEA CALENDAR

• May 8 - 17: Ansbach Spring Fest at Gustav-Weißkopf-Str., Ansbach
• May 24: English Stand-up Comedy with Malinda Perera at Crazy Nates Wöhrder Wiese, Untere Zwingerstrasse 9, Nürnberg. More...
• May 22-25: Historic Festival Play "Master Draught" in Rothenburg. More...
• Jun. 3-7: Altstadtfest "Old Town Fest" Ansbach, downtown Ansbach
• Jun. 3-7: Franconian Beer Fest at the Nürnberg Burggraben. More...
• June 26-27: JamKraut. Mars Mushrooms leads festival of Grateful Dead-friendly tunes. More...
• Jun. 26 - Jul. 1: Summer Fair and Beer Festival in Rothenburg. More...
• Jul. 9 - 12: Auf der Ziegenwiese " On the goat meadow" Music and Cultural Event in Ansbach. More...
• Jul. 10 & 18: Music Concerts: American Music Abroad. More...
• Jul. 17-18: Heilsbronn City Fest. More...
• Jul. 25-26: Wine Fest Rothenburg. More...
• Aug. 12-16: Wine Village Rothenburg. More...
• Aug. 13-16: Wine Fest Ansbach. More...
• Sept. 4-6: Imperial City Festival Rothenburg. More...
• Sept. 26: Green Night Ansbach. Ansbach's landmarks shine in green light, and numerous buildings open their doors to culture enthusiasts. The special ambiance is further enhanced by "green" activities and performances by "green" characters, transforming the balmy late summer evening into a spectacular event. Live music of various genres on different stages throughout the old town + a late-night shopping event also takes place concurrently. More...
• Oct. 31 - Nov. 8: Autumn Fair with trade show in Rothenburg. More...

Pentagon cancels Army unit’s deployment to Europe with soldiers already in Poland

A U.S. official confirmed that the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division’s deployment to Poland was canceled by a Defense Department memo that was released on May 1. A portion of the unit that is already in Poland has been directed to return to the United States, the official said. The exact reason for the cancellation is unclear. The unit, based out of Fort Hood, Texas, was deploying to Europe as part of a regularly scheduled rotation of forces. They were set to replace 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. The mission is in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, the ongoing effort to bolster NATO’s forces in central and eastern Europe. Nearly 4,000 soldiers from the brigade were set to spend several months, mainly in Poland, working with partner forces. (Task and Purpose, May 14, 2026)

US Withdrawal Plans: Why Grafenwöhr Remains a Strategic Jewel Nonetheless

The potential withdrawal of around 5,000 U.S. soldiers from Vilseck’s Stryker Brigade has unsettled the Northern Upper Palatinate, though official confirmation is pending and the Pentagon remains vague about details. Despite the region’s strategic importance—home to the vast, state-of-the-art Grafenwöhr training area, which is considered irreplaceable and has seen major U.S. investment—shifting U.S. global priorities, especially toward Asia and the Pacific, suggest Europe and Germany are becoming less central to American defense strategy. While local cooperation and infrastructure remain strong, the region must brace for significant change as the U.S. reassesses its military footprint in Europe. (onetz.de, May 13, 2026)

Military families sheltering in Germany to be moved to the US, per new Pentagon memo

Hundreds of U.S. military dependents and Defense Department civilians who fled Bahrain at the start of the war with Iran will soon be required to relocate from Germany to the U.S., according to a new Pentagon memo. Naval Support Activity Bahrain, home to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet, evacuated thousands of nonessential personnel at the start of Operation Epic Fury. (Stars and Stripes, May 11, 2026)

Body of Missing US Soldier Found in Morocco

The remains of a US soldier, who went missing a week ago during military exercises in Morocco, have been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean, the Army announced on Sunday. The soldier has been identified as First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., an officer in the 14A Air Defense Artillery branch. He was one of two US soldiers who fell from a cliff while off-duty during a recreational hike in Morocco. The two soldiers were reported missing on May 2 following their participation in African Lion, an annual multinational military exercise held in Morocco. (EuroNews.com, May 11, 2026)

Söder Demands of Merz: Grafenwöhr Should Become a Drone Center Expansion Instead of Dismantling

Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder has demanded concrete steps from Chancellor Friedrich Merz to maintain and strengthen the US presence in the Upper Palatinate region of Bavaria. This was announced by the Head of the State Chancellery, Minister Florian Hermann, on Wednesday evening during the debate on an urgent motion on the topic in the state parliament. Söder is demanding, among other things, that Merz further expand the technical infrastructure at the Grafenwöhr training area. (onetz.de, May 8, 2026)

Ansbach Crime Statistics Decline Again

Ansbach’s 2025 crime statistics show an 8.4% decrease in reported crimes and a high clearance rate of 72.8%, though the city still has the second-highest crime rate in Middle Franconia, mainly due to incidents at the Brücken-Center, train station, and district hospital. While juvenile crime is declining, there was a notable rise in homicides and increases in sexual offenses, aggravated assaults, pickpocketing, and graffiti, but decreases in shoplifting, robbery, and drug offenses. Police plan to boost visible patrols to enhance public safety. (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, May 7, 2026)

Following troop withdrawal plans: Söder promises support to Vilseck

Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder expressed his support for the town of Vilseck and the employees at the Grafenwöhr training area on Wednesday. The state government will not accept the withdrawal of 5,000 troops announced by US President Donald Trump: "We stand with the Upper Palatinate region and will do everything we can to maintain the American presence in the area," Söder was quoted as saying on the sidelines of a meeting with the CSU members of the Bavarian State Parliament from the Upper Palatinate in Munich. More broadly, according to the representatives, "nearly 7,000 jobs depend directly or indirectly on the US presence in Grafenwöhr, Vilseck, Hohenfels, and the surrounding area." The annual economic impact of the base most recently amounted to €672 million. (onetz.de, May 6, 2026)

Poland could host US troops Trump pulled from Germany, Nawrocki says

President Karol Nawrocki vows to personally lobby Trump, breaking with Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s warning against “poaching” American forces. Polish President Karol Nawrocki said Wednesday that Poland is ready to host American troops withdrawn from Germany and that he would personally lobby Donald Trump to send them east. The offer comes as the Pentagon prepares to pull around 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year, with Trump suggesting the cuts could go even further. (politico.eu, May 6, 2026)

US troop withdrawal from Bavaria: Söder holds Berlin partly responsible

Bavarian Premier Markus Söder has called the planned withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from the Vilseck base "dangerous" and urged the federal government to take action, emphasizing the economic and security impact on the region and the need for Berlin to clarify the situation, negotiate with the U.S., and consider compensatory measures for affected communities. Söder and European Parliament member Manfred Weber stressed the importance of strengthening European defense capabilities, including the potential need for conscription and a European defense union, while the Free Voters party insisted that both federal and state governments share responsibility for supporting the region and not shifting blame amid global political tensions. (br24.de, May 5, 2026)

"I don't believe the soldiers are really leaving" – Uncertainty over troop withdrawal plans

News of the planned withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. soldiers from Vilseck has caused significant uncertainty and concern among local residents, business owners, and civilian employees, who fear the loss of American purchasing power and jobs. While the withdrawal has not been officially confirmed and many recall previous unfulfilled threats, anxiety remains high, with union representatives reporting a "catastrophic" mood among workers. Local and regional politicians are pledging to oppose the move or secure federal support for the region if it proceeds, while some point to existing plans for economic mitigation. Until an official decision is made, the community continues to hope the withdrawal will not occur. (Oberpfalz TV, May 5, 2026)

US Troop Withdrawal – Billions in Losses for the Upper Palatinate

The troop withdrawal from Germany announced by US President Trump will primarily affect the Upper Palatinate region. According to information obtained by BR (Bayerischer Rundfunk), a brigade of nearly 5,000 soldiers will leave the Vilseck base. The region faces severe losses. It had already been hinted at over the weekend, and now US military sources have confirmed it to BR: After years stationed at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment of the US Army will leave the Upper Palatinate. Defense experts and even "Stars and Stripes", the official newspaper of the US military, had already speculated in recent days that this unit would likely be affected, following reports of a redeployment of 5,000 troops or more. The so-called Stryker Brigade is the only combat unit of this size currently stationed in Germany by the United States. (br24.de, May 5, 2026)

Poland is holding talks with the US Department of Defense

This was announced by Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski on Monday. Zalewski left open the question of whether some of the US troops slated for withdrawal from Germany would be relocated to Poland. "This is not the time for speculation; we must wait for the Pentagon's decision," he emphasized in an interview with broadcaster RMF24. Warsaw's goal, however, is to expand American capabilities in Poland and along NATO's entire eastern flank. (polskieradio.pl, May 4, 2026)

Will the U.S. troop withdrawal affect a Stryker brigade in Bavaria—but not Ansbach?

The U.S. government has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 soldiers from Germany over the next six to twelve months, reducing the current presence of about 39,000 troops. While speculation centers on the possible departure of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Vilseck, which would impact both local economies and U.S. infrastructure investments, no specific units have been officially named. The Stryker vehicles in Ansbach belong to a separate air defense artillery unit, and significant modernization projects continue at the Ansbach and Illesheim bases, which are key to U.S. Army Aviation in Europe. The total number of troops to be withdrawn may exceed 5,000, following recent tensions between U.S. President Trump and German Chancellor Merz amid the Iran conflict. (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, May 5, 2026)

All external links provided on this site are for informational purposes only. The inclusion of links and pointers to websites is not intended to assign importance to those sites or to the information contained on those sites. It is also not intended to endorse or recommend any views expressed or products or services offered on these sites.