Ansbach Weekly

U.S. ARMY GARRISON ANSBACH

NEWS & UPDATES

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

  • USAG Ansbach CLIF - The USAG Ansbach Community Leaders' Information Forum (CLIF) was held Wednesday, June 16. Details | CLIF Slides | Video Recording
  • Meredith Maxwell, Ansbach High School - Meredith Maxwell, a senior at Ansbach High School, made history as the first DODEA-Europe student to earn a $20,000 Foot Locker Scholar Athletes scholarship for her leadership, sportsmanship and community impact. More...
  • Sports physicals at the Ansbach clinic June 23-27 - U.S. Army Health Clinic Ansbach hosts a CYS and Sport Physical rodeo June 23-27 and again Aug. 4-8. To get your child a physical please call appointment line or book in the clinic. Additionally, parents should pre-fill out part A of AE Form 608-1A and bring it with you to the appointment. AE Form 608-1A...
  • Inbound, outbound traffic at Katterbach-Bismarck rerouted - Effective immediately, inbound and outbound traffic at Katterbach and Bismarck Kasernes is rerouted following a May 29 accident that damaged the crossover traffic light. Katterbach South Gate (High School Gate) closed until further notice. More...
  • USAG Ansbach-wide scheduled power outages - Garrison public works crews must shut power off across USAG Ansbach installations between April to July 2025 to conduct annual maintenance on transformer stations. Dates & Locations...
  • May-June: Electrical safety tests at Ansbach AFH - The USAG Ansbach Directorate of Public Works (DPW) conducts electrical safety tests, or e-checks, at Army Family Housing. Dates & Locations...
  • 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…

CALENDARS

Kantine menu: 16-20 June 2025
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kantine menu: 16-20 June 2025 (Photo Credit: Courtesy Image) VIEW ORIGINAL
June 2025 Food Truck Schedule - USAG Ansbach
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – June 2025 Food Truck Schedule - USAG Ansbach (Photo Credit: Courtesy Image) VIEW ORIGINAL
USO Ansbach calendar - June 2025
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – USO Ansbach calendar - June 2025 (Photo Credit: USO Ansbach) VIEW ORIGINAL
ACS Calendar - June 2025
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ACS Calendar - June 2025 (Photo Credit: Courtesy Image) VIEW ORIGINAL
ACS Calendar - July 2025
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ACS Calendar - July 2025 (Photo Credit: Courtesy Image) VIEW ORIGINAL

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FACILITIES & GROUNDS

  • Our USAG Ansbach Fire Department has temporarily lost the fire alarm detection signal from select buildings to their dispatch center. Typically, when an alarm is triggered, the dispatch center is immediately notified.

    Impact: If an alarm is sounded at any of these buildings, the Fire Department will not receive the signal that the alarm has been triggered. You must immediately call the Fire Department at CIV 09641-70-587-112, DSN 112.

    Buildings Affected:

    • Katterbach: Buildings 5810, 5813, 5814, 5815, 5817, 5818, 9007, 9021
    • Bismarck: Buildings 5843-D, 5844, 5845, 5849
    • Shipton: Buildings 8004, 8010
    • Barton: Buildings 5251, 5254, 5255, 5308

    Note: This is a separate issue from the system outage that occurred in May.

    (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

  • ANSBACH, Germany — Inbound and outbound traffic at Katterbach and Bismarck Kasernes have been rerouted effective immediately.

    On May 29, a traffic accident at the Katterbach-Bismarck crossover damaged the traffic light. Repairs may take weeks, according to German authorities.

    KATTERBACH

    • Enter through Katterbach Main Gate.
    • Exit through Katterbach Main Gate or Katterbach Exit Gate at the Katterbach-Bismarck crossover.
    • The South Gate (High School Gate) is closed until further notice.

    BISMARCK

    • Normal crossover from Katterbach to Bismarck is operational. Do not exit Bismarck at the at the Katterbach-Bismarck crossover.
    • Exit through the Bismarck Exit Gate behind the Garrison headquarters building (Bldg. 5843).

    Real-time opening and closing hours are available on the USAG Ansbach app. Download the USAG Ansbach app on My Army Post.

  • A paving project will take place in the parking area at Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5810 (Vehicle Registration Office) June 2-20. The project is not expected to impact the VRO or other garrison services. Exercise caution when in the area.

  • Stadtwerke Ansbach GmbH is doing construction work at the intersection of Beckenweiherallee, Naglerstraße, and Draisstraße. Traffic will therefore be diverted via the Südosttangente. According to the city, the road will remain passable up to the Bahnhofstraße/Matthias-Oechsler-Straße junction. Therefore, the intersection, right after the underpass will be fully closed from June 10-21.

    Access up to the underpass to reach the train station will still be possible. During this time, detour signs will be redirecting traffic to the southeast.

    Consequently, if you are a resident of Bleidorn or commute to Barton, your usual routes through downtown Ansbach and B13 may be affected. Follow the Umleitung signs and plan your routes to allow extra travel time.

    SOURCE 1: Stadtwerke Ansbach GmbH/ Stadt Ansbach

    SOURCE 2: https://www.radio8.de/ansbach-diese-strasse-muss-gesperrt-werden-418354/

  • Attention Patrons: The Katterbach Bowling Center will be closed Monday, June 16th – Wednesday, June 18th to allow for facility maintenance.

    Please note that the Bowling Center will also be closed in observation of the Federal Holiday on Thursday, June 19th.

    The Katterbach Bowling Center will resume normal hours of operation on Friday, June 20th 11 A.M. – 8:30 P.M.

    We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your continued patronage!

  • Thursday, June 19, is a U.S. holiday (Juneteenth). No garrison shuttle service. Emergency services and DFACs remain operational.

  • LRC and Base Operations will be closed on June 20 for a safety stand-down. There will be no services provided on this date. This includes:

    • Vehicle Inspection Center
    • Garrison Shuttle

  • The drivers testing office will resume normal operating hours June 24. Online Drivers Testing and Training resources.

  • Now through June 23 there is minimal staffing at the USAG Ansbach Vehicle Registration Office. All hours and services remain the same, plan accordingly due to office staffing.

    VRO Hours flyer
    VRO Hours flyer (Photo Credit: Courtesy Image) VIEW ORIGINAL

  • Sidewalk repair work will take place near the main parking lor on Barton Barracks, June 23 - July 11. The work area will be fenced off, but construction equipment may be moving through the parking lot at times. Exercise caution when in the area.

  • DPW conducts destructive testing at Katterbach Bldg. 5817 B & D wings. This type of testing is conducted to determine construction type. Testing should not impact garrison services. DPW will post signage at locations prior & during this testing.

  • Public Health Command-Europe (PHCE) conducts routine lead and copper drinking water monitoring across USAG Ansbach installations July 7-11, 2025. PHCE conducts water testing every three years in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Lead and Copper Drinking Water Monitoring Program. Testing will be conducted at Army Family Housing and at various installation buildings. Testing is independent from annual lead monitoring conducted by UUSAG Ansbach's DPW. More...

  • The USAG Ansbach Directorate of Public Works (DPW) conducts electrical safety tests, or e-checks, at Army Family Housing. More…

  • Garrison public works crews must shut power off across USAG Ansbach installations between April to July 2025 to conduct annual maintenance on transformer stations.

    These scheduled power outages will affect buildings across installations to include housing, barracks and garrison offices.

    Host nation law requires yearly maintenance and inspection of transformer stations on the installations.

    Expect power to be shut off on the the affected stations for approximately four to eight hours. Memos will be posted on entrances of affected buildings.

    LIST OF TIMES AND BUILDINGS: www.army.mil/a/284258

  • Effective immediately, the road north of Bldg. 6512, near the Shoppette and medical building, Bldg. 6620, is closed to both vehicles and pedestrians. This closure is expected to last through mid-September. Additionally, please be aware that access to the 6512-motor pool will be restricted to one lane.

    The closure is necessary due to construction work at the railhead. The contractor has installed fencing and gates around the repair site. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we complete this necessary work.

GARRISON EVENTS

  • June 18-22: Outdoor Recreation trip to Rome. More...
  • June 23-27: Ansbach School & Sport Physical Rodeo at the Clinic. More...
  • June 25: Volunteer Orientation & VMIS Training, 12:30 p.m. More...
  • June 26: Biergarten at the Von Steuben. More...
  • June 28: Army 10-Miler Qualifier, Katterbach Fitness Center, 7 a.m. More...
  • June 29: Classical Cafe at Terrace Playhouse, Bleidorn. More...
  • July 3: Independence Day Celebration at Katterbach, 6-11 p.m. More...
  • July 12-13: Outdoor Recreation trip to Brussels. More...
  • July 18: Windy 25 Memorial Ceremony & 5K, 12th CAB HQ, 8:30 a.m. More...
  • July 19: Outdoor Recreation skydiving trip. More...
  • June 23: Unaccompanied Housing Town Hall, Sadowski Theater, Bismarck, 1:30 p.m.
  • 25 July: ACS 60th Birthday. More...
  • July 26: Outdoor Recreation Klettersteig (Via Ferrata). More...
  • Aug. 16-17: Outdoor Recreation trip to Prague. More...
  • Aug. 28-Sept. 1: Outdoor Recreation trip to Vienna and Budapest. More...
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

OFF-POST EVENTS

  • June 18-20: Tauberzell Wine Fest with Live Music | Hirtenscheune, 91587 Adelshofen. More…
  • June 18-22: Ansbach Altstadtfest. More...
  • June 18-22: The Franconian Beer Festival in the Nuremberg castle moat. More...
  • June 18-22: 150th anniversary of the Illesheim Fire Department. More…
  • June 19: Ippesheimer Wine Run “Weinparadieslauf”. Register here...
  • June 24: City of Ansbach Summer Pass for kids 6-17 available. More...
  • June 27-28: JamKraut Jam Band Music Festival at Adelmannsdorf. More...
  • June 28-July 6: 75th Ansbach Rococo Festival in Ansbach downtown area. More..
  • July 3-7: Neuendettelsau Kirchweih. More…
  • July 12-13: Oldie Town Wolframs-Eschenbach. More…
  • July 18-27: Kinderzeche Dinkelsbühl. More…
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

GERMAN NEWS

Conscription: Will it happen or not?

Germany’s Bundeswehr faces a personnel crisis, with troop numbers stagnating around 180,000 and an aging force averaging 34 years old—far from the 500,000 soldiers it had during the Cold War. Amid growing security concerns over Russia, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius advocates adding 50,000–60,000 troops and introducing a new voluntary military service model that could eventually include mandatory elements. While the CDU/CSU pushes for conscription if voluntary numbers fall short, SPD leaders are divided—some urge infrastructure and recruitment reform over coercion. A draft bill is expected before mid-July, with the new model potentially launching next year (br24.de, June 17, 2025)

Military Spending Soars in Germany

Global military spending reached a record $2.72 trillion in 2024—a 9.4% increase from the previous year and the highest rise since the Cold War, driven by conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and growing tensions with Russia. Germany’s defense spending surged 28% to $88.5 billion, ranking fourth globally and highest in Central and Western Europe since reunification, though still just shy of NATO’s 2% GDP goal. Greenpeace criticized the shift in priorities, while neighboring European nations like Romania, the Netherlands, and Sweden increased their budgets even more sharply. The U.S. remained the largest spender, accounting for 37% of global military expenditures, followed by China, Russia, and Germany. SIPRI’s annual report highlights that while spending is up globally, greater investment alone doesn’t guarantee improved military capabilities or strategic independence. (br24.de, June 17, 2025)

Military history attract thousands near Ansbach

The 23rd annual Muna Museum Open House took place 15 June highlighting the military history of the Franconian Heights—from Nazi Germany to the U.S. Army’s arrival in 1945, and continuing through today. The event was organized by the Frankenhöhe Military History Association. Around 70 vehicles, from mopeds to helicopters to rockets, were on display. Inside, guests from near and far could admire up to 4,000 exhibits from several centuries of regional military history. During the event, the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment provided support with various vehicles, enhancing the experience for attendees. Our DHR operated a highly popular job booth, engaging visitors and providing information on how to apply for jobs within the garrison. Additionally, Mr. Thilo Pohles' documentary, highlighting the origins of the U.S. Army and Rothenburg's history during World War II, was screened for attendees. Around 3,500 to 4,000 visitors attended.

ABOUT: The Muna Museum is located on USAG Ansbach's Franken Kaserne. After being used by the U.S. Army for about 10 years, Franken Kaserne became a German Bundeswehr (army) post for more than four decades. In 2008 the U.S. Army moved back in after the Bundeswehr troops left the Kaserne due to a draw-down in 2006. In 2010 the museum association signed a rental contract with the U.S. Army for 35 years. The founding president of the association, Fritz Wittmann, was the last residing Bundeswehr sergeant major of Franken Kaserne and remains, after retiring from active duty, the Kaserne's custodian until today. (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, June 16, 2025)

Construction on B13 between Ansbach and Oberdachstetten

The B13 is expected to close starting June 23, 2025, between Oberdachstetten and Oberhessbach for about five weeks. The B13 is the main thoroughfare between Katterbach Kaserne and Storck Barracks. Traffic on B13 coming from north (Illesheim) will be diverted near Oberdachstetten via Anfelden and Colmberg back onto the B 13 at Lehrberg. Traffic from the south (Ansbach) will be diverted at Lehrberg via Colmberg and Anfelden back onto the B 13 at Oberdachstetten. Staatliches Bauamt Ansbach (State Construction Authority Ansbach)

Deployment of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) is strictly regulated

In Germany, the domestic deployment of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) is governed by strict legal constraints designed to prevent misuse against civilians or political opponents, unlike broader practices seen in countries like the U.S. Soldiers are primarily used for administrative support in crises—such as natural disasters or pandemics—only when civilian agencies are overwhelmed. The Basic Law (Articles 35, 87a, and 91) allows Bundeswehr involvement in serious internal emergencies, such as threats to democratic order, but only under strict conditions and with parliamentary oversight. In such cases, military personnel may assist police and border forces, but their powers are limited to those of the requesting authority. (Nuernberger Nachrichten, June 11, 2025)

Germany celebrates its first National Veterans Day June 15

The first National Veterans Day will take place on June 15. From now on, it will be held annually in honor of active and former Bundeswehr soldiers. The veterans' movement had called for such forms of recognition. (br24.de, June 10, 2025)

“Highly paid” US troops in Germany: What Trump's statements mean for Ansbach

During a high-profile meeting between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and former U.S. President Donald Trump, the future of U.S. troops in Germany—particularly in Ansbach—was addressed. While Trump had previously threatened to reduce troop numbers, he now emphasized their economic value, stating that the “highly paid” U.S. forces spend significantly in Germany and calling their presence “good economic development.” This statement brings reassurance to Ansbach, where the U.S. Army is investing hundreds of millions to modernize its facilities, including the key helicopter bases in Katterbach and Illesheim. The Ansbach city council had recently debated preparing for a potential troop withdrawal, but Trump’s comments and ongoing U.S. Army expansion signal continued commitment to the region. (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, June 8, 2025)

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

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