Ansbach Weekly

Qualify for Army 10-Miler - Qualify virtually by running May 2 or June 27. Register...

TAP services no longer local - Transitioning Soldiers at USAG Ansbach no longer have local Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Counselors effective March 4, 2026. The site assignment for separating/retiring Soldiers in Ansbach is the Virtual Center. Soldiers can go to other sites (or work with them virtually) for appointments and classes. More...

Tenant Satisfaction Survey March 2-May 1 — 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…

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• April 1-May 1: Child & Youth Services (CYS) Month of the Military Child events. More...
• April 21: Financial Planning for Unexpected Life Events, 10-11:30 a.m., ACS. More...
• April 24-25: Operation Megaphone for Month of the Military Child. More...
• April 24: Nuremberg by Rail, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. More...
• April 28: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
• April 28: BOSS Pawsitive Prevention, 4 - 6 p.m. More...
• April 29: Domestic Abuse Awareness Month 5K Color Run, 6:30 a.m., Katterbach Fitness Center. More...
• April 30: BOSS VAT & App Class, 5 - 6 p.m. More...
• May 1: USAG Ansbach Graduation Recognition, Von Steuben, 10 a.m.
• May 2: Skydiving in Hassfurt. More...
• May 2: Army 10 Miler - Virtual Qualifier Race. Register...
• May 4-8: USAG Ansbach Spring Clean-Up
• May 12: Creating your Own Financial Plan. ACS. 10 a.m. 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 26: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
• June 18: USAG Ansbach annual Garrison employees Organization Day , Franken Kaserne, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• June 23-26: Ansbach Clinic offers School/CYS Physical Rodeo to help get your child's school and sports physicals. More...
• June 27: Army 10 Miler - Virtual Qualifier Race. Register...
• Aug. 3-7: Ansbach Clinic offers School/CYS Physical Rodeo to help get your child's school and sports physicals. More...

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

• Apr. 4-26: Nürnberg Spring Fest with booths, rides and different activities. More...
• April 17-May 10: Frühlingsfest (Spring festival) in Munich 2026. More...
• Apr. 23: Ammerndorf Brewery hosts its Beer Day - at the Minisudhaus Ammerndorf. More...
• Apr. 23: English Stand up Comedy with Nya Yeanafehn "African and American and lost in Europe" at Crazy Nates OG/Wöhrd, Nürnberg. More...
• April 24-25: 51st Ansbach Lions Club Flea Market. More...
• Apr. 25-26: Rothenburg's Spring Festival in the Old Quarter. More...
• May 1 - 3: Ansbach Mess' - Food & Feines with Various Food Trucks, Oldtimers Show and More!
• May 3: Spring Fest Neustadt an der Aisch.
• May 8 - 17: Ansbach Spring Fest at Gustav-Weißkopf-Str., Ansbach

For more Spring Fest locations click here!

• 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...
• Sept. 4-6: Imperial City Festival Rothenburg. More...
• Oct. 31 - Nov. 8: Autumn Fair with trade show in Rothenburg. More...

US Army Announces Increased Training Activities in the Region

The US Army's 7th Army Training Command has announced increased training noise and heightened military vehicle traffic around the Grafenwöhr and Hohenfels training areas from April 23 to May 2 due to the Combined Resolve exercise. Special permission has been granted for large-caliber weapons training outside regular hours on April 21 and 22 at Grafenwöhr, and residents are advised to expect elevated noise levels and possible traffic disruptions, especially on local state and county roads. The Army urges motorists to exercise caution around military convoys, which may travel day and night, and notes that unmanned aerial vehicles will also be used during the exercise, with all flights coordinated for safety. (Onetz.de, April 19, 2026)

"Ready to play a key role"

Germany is ready to participate in a naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Federal Minister of Defense, preparations are underway. However, a ceasefire remains a prerequisite, Pistorius stated in the report from Berlin. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that the risk to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz remains unpredictable, and any German naval involvement would require a ceasefire, a legal mandate, and international cooperation, particularly with the U.S. due to Germany’s limited naval capacity. While concrete planning for a potential mission is underway, actual deployment is contingent on meeting strict conditions. The ongoing blockade has led to rising fuel prices and resource concerns in Germany, prompting calls from Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder for a swift resolution to ensure continued access to essential resources. (Tagesschau, April 19, 2026)

Premiere in Bavaria: Johnny Depp Paintings at Banz Abbey

The Kunsthalle Kloster Banz art gallery is hosting the first exhibition of works by Hollywood star Johnny Depp in Bavaria. On Sunday, the Kunsthalle Kloster Banz in Bad Staffelstein, Bavaria, became the first venue in the region to exclusively exhibit works by Johnny Depp with the opening of "Introducing Johnny Depp." The exhibition, running until June 7, 2026, features Depp’s self-portraits, emotionally charged pieces like the limited edition "Five," and recurring motifs such as the "Bunnyman." Although Depp is not present due to filming commitments in London, his paintings—characterized by their interplay of light and dark and spontaneous brushwork—are now established in the contemporary art market. The exhibition is open Fridays through Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with advance registration required. (br24.de, April 20, 2026)

German Armed Forces: Soldiers Develop Their Own Drones at Grand Quadriga 2026

During the "Grand Quadriga 2026" exercise, the German Armed Forces showcased the transformation of modern warfare through the use of drones, rapid data transmission, and soldier-driven innovation. Collaborating with startups and the Cyber Innovation Hub (CIHBw), soldiers not only operated but also built and adapted their own FPV drones, emphasizing technological understanding and improvisation alongside traditional skills. This approach, supported by decentralized "Spark Cells," enables faster problem-solving, operational sovereignty, and reduced dependency on industry, with hybrid models integrating centrally procured systems and troop-led adaptations. The exercise highlighted that controlling airspace and processing data quickly are now decisive factors in military success, reflecting a shift toward soldiers as both users and co-developers of technology. (Euronews, Aoril 20, 2026)

Fewer Crimes in the Ansbach District

There has been a decline in many areas, but according to police, the number of unreported sexual offenses is particularly high. Overall, crime in the Ansbach district continued to decline in 2025. However, this does not apply to all areas, explained Cora Miguletz, head of the Ansbach Criminal Investigation Department, at the presentation of the crime statistics at the District Office. 4,853 crimes were recorded last year, 89 fewer than in 2024. The clearance rate remained almost unchanged at 67.3 percent. This rate is below the Bavarian average (68.1 percent), but above the average for Middle Franconia as a whole (66.6 percent). (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, April 17, 2026)

Germany apparently intends to offer minehunters

Germany wants to participate in a potential mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has signaled this willingness several times in recent weeks. He has not provided any further details. The ARD Berlin studio has now learned from government sources that such participation could include mine clearance and maritime long-range reconnaissance – if key conditions are met. These include, for example, an end to hostilities. Furthermore, a mandate from the German Bundestag and a viable military concept would be required. Then the Bundeswehr could assume corresponding tasks within the framework of an international operation, it was stated. (Tagesschau, April 16, 2026)

Application boom at the German Armed Forces: Up 20 percent

Nearly 23,000 people applied to the German Armed Forces in the first quarter – a 20 percent increase compared to 2025. The number of volunteers performing military service also rose. The German Armed Forces have been actively recruiting since the beginning of the year. In the first quarter of 2026, the German Armed Forces recorded a significant increase in applications and new recruits. By the end of March, approximately 22,700 people had expressed interest in a military career, representing a 20 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense. The number of new recruits was around 5,800, a ten percent increase compared to the previous year. (br24.de, April 16, 2026)

Europe is accelerating a NATO fallback plan in case Trump pulls out

Amid growing concerns about U.S. reliability under President Trump, European NATO members—led by a significant policy shift in Germany—are developing contingency plans to ensure Europe’s defense using existing NATO structures should the U.S. withdraw or reduce its commitment. Dubbed “European NATO” by some, the initiative aims to increase European leadership in command roles, supplement U.S. military assets, and preserve deterrence against Russia, while also addressing operational continuity and nuclear credibility. The effort, which accelerated after Trump’s threats to leave NATO and seize Greenland, involves practical planning for air and missile defense, logistics, and potentially expanding France’s nuclear umbrella. While Europe faces challenges due to its historical reliance on U.S. capabilities, the transition is underway, with more Europeans in key NATO posts and joint projects to bolster defense capacity, marking a fundamental shift toward greater European responsibility within the alliance. (Wall Street Journal, April 14, 2026)

US Special Forces Practice Infiltration at Training Area in Bavaria

In February, US soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group conducted a challenging infiltration exercise at Bavaria’s Hohenfels training area, covering over 145 kilometers in a week while avoiding detection by humans and drones. Operating in teams and enduring harsh winter conditions, the Green Berets practiced behind-enemy-lines tactics, drone deployment, and camouflage without specialized equipment to simulate real-world battlefield scenarios, particularly the complexities of modern electronic and drone warfare. The exercise highlighted the increasing difficulty of remaining undetected due to advanced sensor technology and ongoing efforts to develop protective gear that blocks heat signatures. (focus.de, April 14, 2026)

Secret Defense Plan in Nuremberg

In the event of war, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and tanks would have to be transported across Germany. Nuremberg is a hub for this. Nuremberg is, in theory, a massive military hub. Nuremberg is preparing for a major NATO military exercise, "Land Shield," in 2027, which will see large-scale troop and vehicle movements across Germany, highlighting the city’s strategic importance as a transport hub due to its highways, port, freight yard, and airport. The city faces significant challenges in upgrading infrastructure, especially bridges, to support military logistics, requiring billions in investment and coordination between federal, state, and local governments. While traditional WWII bunkers are no longer viable for civil protection, Nuremberg is focusing on adapting subway stations, underground garages, and basements as emergency shelters, aiming to digitally map these resources for public access. Despite having robust information points and a modern siren system, the city acknowledges that both civil and military defense preparations will demand substantial effort and resources in the coming years. (Nuernberger Nachrichten, April 11, 2026)

Train service disruptions Nuremberg-Ansbach April 10-12

Due to construction work all S-Bahn trains on line S4 between Ansbach and Nuremberg will be canceled this weekend, April 10-12. On Friday, April 10, the disruption is limited to the section between Nuremberg-Schweinau and Nuremberg Central Station, with most S4 services beginning and ending at Nuremberg-Schweinau and an early departure for the morning express. The Regional Express RE90 will run as usual on Friday.

On Saturday and Sunday, all stops between Nuremberg and Ansbach will be affected. A replacement bus service will operate for the S4, with most buses departing from Eibach at Hafenstraße (connecting to the S2 suburban train) and an additional connecting stop at Röthenbachcenter (serving the U2 subway line). The RE90 will start and end its journey in Ansbach with bus services covering the section to Nuremberg, resulting in travel times more than twice as long as usual. The current train status is available at https://int.bahn.de/en or in the DB Navigator app.

Train service disruptions Nuremberg-Ansbach, April 18 to July 9

Attention DB S4 Passengers on the Ansbach-Nuremberg route: Due to major construction work (slope stabilization between Roßtal and Heilsbronn and switch replacements near Nuremberg Central Station), S4 service will be drastically reduced from April 18 to July 9, 2026. Expect hourly service with additional peak-hour trains that will bypass several stops (Heilsbronn, Raitersaich, Roßtal-Wegbrücke, and Roßtal), the morning express from Nuremberg to Ansbach is canceled. The current train status is available at https://int.bahn.de/en or in the DB Navigator app.

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