Ansbach Weekly

Re-registration of your vehicle just got easier... U.S. Army Europe and Africa's Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) introduces a new online renewal system, providing personnel with a streamlined process similar to services available in the U.S. More...

Free tax filing for the military - MilTax provides free military-specific tax preparation software and expert support to help the military community navigate their taxes accurately and with ease. More...

CIF closed Feb. 2-16, appointments only beginning Feb. 17 - The USAG Ansbach Central Issue Facility (CIF) located at Barton Barracks, Bldg. 5264, will be closed to regular appointments and walk-ins February 2-16, 2026, to implement a new platform to manage clothing and individual equipment. Beginning Feb. 17, the CIF transitions to appointment-only operations. More...

European Virtual Career Fair Feb. 17 – Intent is to support all Army Transition Assistance Program (TAP) sites across Europe. This event will serve as a centralized hiring opportunity for transitioning service members, spouses, and military-friendly employers with hiring needs across the European region. More…

COLA Living Pattern Survey (LPS) - The Living Pattern Survey is available now through March 30. Who should participate? Service members (or spouses) assigned to a permanent duty station and have been residing at the duty station for at least two months. Survey...

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...

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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• Feb. 13-16: Outdoor Rec ski/snowboard trip to Dolomites, Italy.
• Feb. 17: European Virtual Career Fair for transitioning service members, spouses, and military-friendly employers. More...
• Feb. 21: Outdoor Rec ki/snowboard trip to Oberstdorf. More...
• Feb. 26: Scenario-Based Training, "In Their Shoes: Teen Dating Violence", 2-4:30 p.m. at Katterbach Youth Center. Register at https://bookacsa.timetap.com.
• Feb. 26-28: Terrace Playhouse theater production of "Mean Girls", 6:30 p.m., Ansbach Middle High School. More...
• March 10: Private Organization (PO) Summit, Von Steuben, 9 a.m. - noon. Interested PO's can call the PO Coordinator at CIV 06111-43-587-1816/1503, DSN 587-1816/1503.
• March 20-21: Mini Bazaar at the Von Steuben. More...
• 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...
• April 16: 2026 Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony (VRC), 2 p.m. Sadowski Theater. More...
• May 1: USAG Ansbach Graduation Recognition, Von Steuben, 10 a.m.
• May 4-8: USAG Ansbach Spring Clean-Up
• June 18: USAG Ansbach annual Garrison employees Organization Day , Franken Kaserne, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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

• Feb. 12: English Stand-up Comedy (The American Apology Tour) with Pat Moore at Crazy Nate's, untere Zwingerstrasse 9, Nürnberg. 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 26: English Stand-up Comedy with Zana Fejzic at Crazy Nate's, Kirchenweg 38, Nürnberg. More...
• Feb. 28: Champagne Mood - A lighthearted cabaret concert at Karlsplatz Cultural Center, Ansbach. Start 7 p.m..
• Mar 17: Charity Concert conducted by Veitshöchheim Army Band at the Kur- und Kongress-Center Bad Windsheim. Tickets available at the Book Store Dorn (Kegetstr 2, Bad Windsheim) or at the event location on the day of. More...
• Apr. 25-26: Rothenburg's Spring Festival in the Old Quarter. More...
• 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 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. 12: Women's Carnival with Chicolores at Kammerspiele Ansbach. More...
• Feb. 14: Carnival Parade Heilsbronn. Start 2:14 pm.
• Feb. 15: Carnival Parade Nürnberg
• Feb. 15: Carnival Parade Mitteleschenbach. Start 2 pm.
• Feb 15: Carnival Parade Ornbau. Start 1 pm.
• Feb 15: Carnival Parade Emskirchen. Start 1:30 pm.
• Feb 15: Carnival Parade Markt Bibart: Start 2 pm.
• Feb. 17: Carnival Parade Herrieden
• Feb. 17: Carnival Parade with children Wassertrüdingen. More...

For more Faschingsparaden within the Ansbach County, click here!

For more Faschingsparaden within the Bad Windsheim County, click here!

US signals limited military pullback from Europe

Despite fears of a major U.S. military withdrawal from Europe, American and NATO officials have indicated that no large-scale troop drawdowns are imminent. Instead, the U.S. plans to make minor, targeted adjustments, such as reshuffling senior NATO command roles to European allies and not replacing some administrative staff. When it comes to troop deployments, air bases and training ranges operated by the U.S. in Europe, for the most part “things will stay the same,” an officer from a NATO member state said. (Politico, February 11, 2026)

German Armed Forces Participate: NATO Launches Arctic Mission

It's a signal to Trump: The US president justified his territorial claims to Greenland with security concerns. Now NATO is increasing its military presence in the region, with the German Armed Forces contributing fighter jets. (br24.de, February 11, 2026)

US signals limited military pullback from Europe

“We will continue to show up,” America's ambassador to NATO said. American policymakers are telling European leaders not to expect major U.S. troop drawdowns anytime soon, according to seven U.S. and NATO officials, calming widespread fears across the continent’s capitals. (politico.com, February 11, 2026)

US authorities plan stricter entry rules for tourists

Anyone wanting to vacation in the United States may soon have to disclose more information about their lives. However, some of the proposals are still vague. (Nuernberger Nachrichten, February 10, 2026)

NATO shake-up sees US ousted from 2 warfighting-level commands

The US will hand over charge of Joint Force Command Norfolk to the United Kingdom and relinquish leadership of Joint Force Command Naples to Italy. NATO announced a command restructuring plan that will see the US giving up leadership of two allied operational-level commands to European senior officers. The US will hand over charge of Joint Force Command Norfolk to the United Kingdom and relinquish leadership of Joint Force Command Naples to Italy, a statement from the alliance said. The statement also noted that Joint Force Command Brunssum will now be led by Germany and Poland on a rotational format. (Breaking Defense, February 10. 2026)

USAG Ansbach commander hosts reception

The US garrison in Ansbach and Illesheim is undergoing a significant expansion, with the addition of 940 soldiers and their families expected by 2026, which will increase the American community's size to over 12,500 people. This growth is supported by substantial infrastructure investments, including a $330 million modernization project at Barton Barracks for new troop housing and a massive maintenance hangar. Further projects include a new elementary school in Illesheim and a pedestrian bridge over the B14 to enhance safety and convenience. Base commander Colonel Aaron J. Southard emphasized that these developments signify a long-term commitment to the region and reinforce the strong economic and civil cooperation with the local German community, from shared medical facilities to mutual firefighting assistance. (FLZ, February 9, 2026)

Some Army civilians worked during the shutdown—and were told to say they didn’t

During the recent government shutdown, some non-essential Army civilian employees were improperly instructed to report to work, a clear violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act. After working for up to two days, these employees were then directed by command leaders to falsify their official timesheets to state they had been on furlough for that period. This directive caused significant fear and frustration among the workers, who felt they were being forced to illegally certify inaccurate records in what they perceived as an attempt by leadership to cover up the initial mistake of having them work during the shutdown. (Defense One, February 9, 2026)

US force posture on the agenda for high-level NATO talks in Europe

Amidst growing European anxiety about American military commitments, the Pentagon's top strategist, Elbridge Colby, is set to brief NATO allies on future U.S. military plans for the continent. This comes as the Munich Security Conference releases a report titled "Under Destruction," suggesting the post-Cold War order, upheld by the U.S., is ending. However, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker has rejected this narrative, stating that President Trump's push for increased defense spending from allies is a form of "tough love" intended to strengthen the alliance and reduce Europe's military dependency on the United States, not to dismantle NATO. Colby's presence is significant as he has long advocated for European allies to take on a greater share of their own security responsibilities. (Stars and Stripes, February 10, 2026)

B14 closure Feb. 10-13 between Külbingen and Wicklesgreuth

Sections of Highway B14 between Ansbach and Nuremberg will be closed Tuesday, Feb. 10 - Friday, Feb. 13. This may impact commuters traveling to Katterbach. The Ansbach State Construction Office is having trees felled along the road between ‘Külbingen’ and ‘Wicklesgreuth’. This is part of the preparations for a new cycle path along the B14. The B14 will be closed here from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on all four days. During this time, the detour signs (Umleitung) from Obereichenbach via State Road ST 2246 and Wustendorf to Wicklesgreuth. Also, take extra time for the detour. (Radio8, Feb. 9, 2026)

Bavaria's police have a handcuff problem: online shops are selling keys to anyone

Keys for Bavarian police handcuffs are freely available for purchase online. It is even reported that one suspect has already freed himself using them. The Bavarian police arrested a person in Middle Franconia and handcuffed them. The suspect managed to free himself and escape – apparently because he possessed a key to the handcuffs. How could this happen? A report by Bavarian Broadcasting (BR) revealed that civilians can quite easily obtain a master key for police handcuffs. The keys are readily available in various online shops. According to research by ‘inFranken.de’, the cost ranges from 4,- Euros to 13,- Euros. (InFranken.de, February 9, 2026)

Germany Issues Formal Travel Advisory For US

Germany has issued a travel advisory to its citizens travelling to the United States, citing risks linked to immigration enforcement and public-order situations. Germany’s Federal Foreign Office said on Tuesday that German citizens should be aware of demonstrations and clashes with American migration and security authorities. The advisory is not a political statement about the U.S. but aims to give impartial information for German citizens travelling to the country at a time of increased tensions during President Donald Trump's aggressive deportation drive. (Newsweek, Jan. 28, 2026)

Military training area transformed Grafenwöhr into an international town – and one could even say: Elvis still lives here.

Grafenwöhr, a small Upper Palatinate town with medieval roots, was transformed in 1910 by the creation of a major military training area that has shaped its economy, identity, and culture ever since. What began as a quiet farming community quickly grew alongside the garrison, gaining infrastructure, industry, and waves of new residents driven by global conflicts—from POW camps in World War I to U.S. Army control after 1945 and continued multinational training missions today. Despite being physically separated by a fence, the town and training area developed a deeply intertwined, multicultural character, marked by German-American friendships, marriages, shared festivals, and even Elvis Presley’s legendary 1958 visit. Locals describe Grafenwöhr as unusually cosmopolitan for its size, where foreign cultures feel normal, English is widely spoken, and the long U.S. presence has evolved from wartime occupation into close partnership, making the town a living example of how military history reshaped a community while fostering enduring international ties. (Nuernberger Nachrichten, January 26, 2026)

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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