Ansbach Weekly

OHA Survey - Service members stationed in Germany for 6+ months, renting private housing, and paying utilities separately: your input is needed! Report your utility expenses—electricity, gas, water, trash, heating, and more—through the annual OHA survey to help determine future allowance rates. Survey takes 30 minutes. Deadline: March 31, 2026. More...

U.S. Customs Home-Based Business news - Tax- or duty-free privileges under NATO SOFA can't be used for any commercial business, to include Home-Based Businesses. More...

Drone training - Army units regularly conduct training on drones at USAG Ansbach installations. Community members are reminded that flying personal drones on or near a military installation is strictly prohibited by German law and U.S. Army regulation. If you spot suspicious drone activity, report it to the MP Front Desk at CIV 09641-70-587-110, DSN 110 . See something, say something.

USAG Ansbach Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) email update - The Ansbach VTF has updated their email contact information to: usarmy.rheinland-pfalz.phc-europe.mbx.ansbach-vtf@health.mil Please update your contact information for them accordingly. For other VTF information their website can be found here.

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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• Jan. 22-30: 100% mandatory Army Family Housing inspections. More...
• Jan. 23: Citizenship & Immigration Brief, Ansbach Legal Assistance Office, 9:30-11:30 a.m. RSVP by emailing: usarmy.ansbach.7atc.mbx.ansbach-legalassistance@army.mil
• Jan. 24: Outdoor Rec Day ski/snowboard trip to Oberstdorf. More...
• Jan. 24: Ansbach Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby at Urlas Mall 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Jan. 27: Private Organization Summit, Von Steuben, 9 a.m. - noon; Are you a PO interested in attending? Call CIV 0611-143- 587-1816, DSN 587-1816.
• Jan. 27-31: Ansbach library Crayola Creativity Week. More...
• Feb. 2-3: Red Cross Blood Drive, Katterbach Fitness Center, Mon: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tue: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. More...
• Feb. 7: JROTC Commander’s Challenge - Can you shoot better than a teenager? More…
• Feb. 7-8: Outdoor Rec trip to the Carnevale in Venice. More...
• Feb. 8-9: Super Bowl viewing party at the Von Steuben
• Feb. 13-16: Outdoor Rec ski/snowboard trip to Dolomites, Italy.
• Feb. 21: Outdoor Rec ki/snowboard trip to Oberstdorf. More...
• March 20-21: Mini Bazaar at the Von Steuben.
• March 20-22: Outdoor Rec trip to Milan, Italy. More...
• March 27-April 3: Outdoor spring break trip to Greece.
• April 4: Outdoor Rec ski and snowboard trip to the Zugspitze. More...
• May 4-8: USAG Ansbach Spring Clean-Up

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

• Jan. 23: The Cashbags - The Best of Jonny Cash Concert at Onoldia Hall, Ansbach. Start 8p.m. More...
• Until End of January 2026: Ice Skating at the PSD Nürnberg Arena including Saturday Disco Nights. More...
• Feb. 14: Rothenburg's Valentines Day Event at the Castle garden with live music, food and beverages, different light shows, perfect for couples, friends and families. Start 4p.m. - 9 p.m.. More...
• Feb. 28: Champagne Mood - A lighthearted cabaret concert at Karlsplatz Cultural Center, Ansbach. Start 7 p.m..
• Apr. 25-26: Rothenburg's Spring Festival in the Old Quarter. More...
• May 8 - 17: Ansbach Spring Fest at Gustav-Weißkopf-Str., Ansbach
• May 22-25: Historic Festval Play "Master Draught" in Rothenburg. More...
• Jun. 3-7: Altstadtfest "Old Town Fest" Ansbach, downtown Ansbach
• 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. 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...

Carnival Season - "Fifth Season" in Germany

Carnival Season (Fasching) officially starts on Nov. 11 at 11:11 a.m.. The main carnival days start on Weiberfastnacht and last until Faschingsdienstag - right before Lent begins. Depending on the region, it's called Karneval or Fasching, the cities celebrate this with colorful floats, which are also satirical and mocking politicians and world events throwing candies and other fun stuff for children in costumes.

• Feb. 8: Carnival Parade "Faschingsumzug" Wolframs-Eschenbach Old Town
• Feb. 12: Women's Carnival with Chicolores at Kammerspiele Ansbach. More...
• Feb. 15: Carnival Parade Nürnberg
• Feb. 17: Carnival Parade Herrieden
• Feb. 17: Carnival Parade with children Wassertrüdingen. More...

Defense Department to overhaul military newspaper Stars and Stripes

The paper, which traces its roots back to the Civil War, receives some funding from the Pentagon and its staff is Defense Department employees. The Department of Defense on Thursday announced it would overhaul the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, including no longer circulating reporting from wire services like The Associated Press. In a statement posted on social media, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the department is bringing the newspaper “into the 21st century.” “The Department of War is returning Stars & Stripes to its original mission: reporting for our warfighters,” Parnell said. “We will modernize its operations, refocus its content away from woke distractions that syphon morale, and adapt it to serve a new generation of service members.” (politico.com, January 15, 2026)

What are the US military police allowed to do?

Armed US military police are permitted to patrol public areas in Germany, such as train stations and festivals, to maintain discipline among US personnel as authorized by the NATO Status of Forces Agreement. Their authority is strictly limited to members of the US armed forces, their civilian components, and dependents; they cannot police German or other citizens. The only exception is in urgent, life-threatening situations, where they can intervene regardless of nationality but must immediately hand the situation over to German police. While they are allowed to carry weapons, their use is restricted to the rules of German self-defense law. (Nuernberger Nachrichten, January 17, 2026)

Lawmakers scramble to avert partial shutdown

Lawmakers in both the House and Senate are in crunch time. So far, Congress has passed six of the 12 appropriations bills needed to fund the government. The House last week passed an additional two-bill package known as a minibus that would fund the State Department and the Treasury Department. Senators will take that minibus up after they come back from their recess. That leaves just four bills for the lower chamber to clear — including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill, which has emerged as a major point of contention between both parties. (The Hill, January 19, 2026)

Thomas Deffner useS New Year's reception to look back on the past year and preview upcoming projects

At the City of Ansbach's New Year's reception, Mayor Thomas Deffner delivered a statesmanlike address reviewing the past year's accomplishments and previewing future initiatives. In his speech, he praised volunteer emergency responders and city employees, and highlighted major successes, including a compromise that secured high-level hospital care, efforts to combat the regional doctor shortage, and the city's achievement in providing childcare for all eligible children without a waiting list. Deffner also emphasized his commitment to creating affordable housing through new developments and outlined upcoming investments in schools and road infrastructure, all while calling for citizens to vote in the upcoming local elections. (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, January 17, 2026)

Chancellor Keeps the “Trade Bazooka” Packed in Response to Trump’s Tariff Threats

In the dispute over Greenland, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats but refrained from announcing any countermeasures. As Europeans, we want to act “prudently and appropriately” in response to “such challenges,” he said after consultations with the CDU’s top leadership in Berlin. (Nuernberger Nachrichten, January 20, 2026)

NATO begins major maneuvers in Germany

It is set to be the largest and most high-profile NATO exercise of the year and will take place primarily in Germany. For the major maneuver “Steadfast Dart 26,” the military alliance has begun deploying thousands of soldiers, as well as equipment and military vehicles, from across Europe to Germany. Germany will host the exercise in the coming weeks and serve as the hub for the transfer of resources. Around 10,000 soldiers will arrive in Germany. (Nuernberger Nachrichten, January 16, 2026)

German Armed Forces Questionnaires Are Being Sent Out

The German Armed Forces have sent out the first questionnaires for the new military service. The letters containing the documents have been packed and should be mailed today, as a spokesperson confirmed to the German Press Agency (dpa). All men and women turning 18 will now receive the questionnaire as a first step to assess their suitability and motivation for the German Armed Forces. Those who have already had their birthdays this year will receive it later. (Tagesschau, January 15, 2026)

Ottweiler Company Secures Mega Contract with US Army

An Ottweiler-based company is currently very busy at the US military base in Baumholder: New apartment blocks are being built. The OBG Group has begun construction of another 54 townhouses at the US military base in Baumholder. Since 2023, the construction of these houses for families, built to the specifications of the US Armed Forces, as well as an apartment complex in the Smith Barracks, has been underway. The current construction of the 54 townhouses in Wetzel Housing is the last funded phase of the US housing modernization program in Baumholder. This project represents an investment of approximately 46 million euros. (Saarbruecker Zeitung, January 15, 2026)

Seven candidates competing for mayor of Ansbach

These men and women will be running in the mayoral election in Ansbach on March. Voters in Ansbach have a wide selection to choose from in the mayoral election on March 8th. As was the case six years ago, the parties and groups have nominated seven candidates for the top job at the town hall. They include Mayor Thomas Deffner (CSU), Homm-Vogel and Eff, Oliver Rühl, Michael Jakob, Boris-André Meyer and Andreas Mohamed Abs. (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, January 15, 2025)

German Armed Forces to Send Soldiers to Greenland

The German Armed Forces are now also playing a role in the dispute over Greenland's future. Thirteen German soldiers will fly to Nuuk tomorrow as part of an international reconnaissance team. The goal is to explore the framework for securing the region. (Tagesschau, January 15, 2026)

Why German Soldiers Are Now Exploring Greenland

This Thursday, the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) are launching a mission with an initial contingent of 13 soldiers, intended to demonstrate strength to Donald Trump and deter him from taking the ultimate step. Other NATO countries are also sending soldiers – officially solely at Denmark's invitation. (Sueddeutsche Zeitung, January 15, 2026)

VAT for restaurants reduced: Will eating out become cheaper?

A reduction in the VAT rate for restaurant meals in Germany from 19% to 7% is unlikely to result in widespread lower prices for consumers. According to a survey by the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga), the vast majority of restaurateurs, fewer than one in ten in Bavaria, plan to use the resulting savings to cover rising costs for personnel, energy, and food, and to fund long-overdue investments. The primary goal for the industry is not to reduce menu prices but to absorb increased operational costs and prevent further price hikes, ensuring their economic stability. While a few exceptions exist, most restaurant patrons should not expect cheaper meals, as the tax relief is being treated as a measure to support the struggling gastronomy sector rather than a direct consumer benefit. (br24.de, January 13, 2025)

Katterbach/Untereichenbach | Interim solution allows partial reopening

Good news for drivers on the local road between Ansbach-Untereichenbach and Katterbach: Starting this coming Friday (December 19), the road will reopen to traffic coming from Untereichenbach. This was announced by the city of Ansbach. The road will remain closed to traffic coming from Katterbach until further notice. Buses and agricultural vehicles can continue to travel in both directions. A speed limit of 30 km/h applies on the local road. (radio 8, December 17, 2025)

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