Ansbach Weekly

Clinic conducts MASCAL exercise March 19 - U.S. Army Health Clinic Ansbach at Urlas Kaserne conducts routine medical treatment and evacuation training Thursday, March 19. Expect increased activity near the clinic. The exercise is not a response to any specific threat. The clinic routinely trains the Medical Force.

HHB 1-57 ADA wins Europe-wide basketball tournament - Congratulations to #USAGAnsbach’s 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment! HHB 1-57 ADA won the 2026 IMCOM-E Unit Level Basketball Championship March 8 at Wiesbaden. More...

New mailing guidelines effective March 16 - Postal customers mailing items to and from international destinations, including APO/FPO/DPO addresses, must provide detailed item descriptions on customs forms. Our mail is shipped through the German Customs system which classifies it as International Mail. Customs forms for International mail...

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...

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...

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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• March 10-14: Dragon Week at the garrison library, a new activity, craft, or both each day! More...
• March 13: BOSS & FAP Resiliency Paint Night, 5-7 p.m., Von Steuben community center, contact Outdoor Rec. to sign up! More...
• March 13: Terrace Playhouse presents, Exit, Pursued by a Bear, 7:30 p.m. More...
• March 14: Day ski/snowboard trip to Lermoos, Austria. More...
• March 14: Terrace Playhouse presents, Exit, Pursued by a Bear, 7:30 p.m. More...
• March 17: Community Leaders' Information Forum (CLIF), Von Steuben, 2:30 p.m. More...
• March 19: Leadership & Lattes, Von Steuben, 9-11 a.m. An overview of USAG Ansbach's Family Advocacy Program. Meets 1-hour FAP desk-side briefing requirement for Commanders and 1SGs. More...
• March 20: Beekeeper Training, Von Steuben, 1:30-5 p.m.. Register with DPW Environmental CIV 09641-70-587-1679, DSN 587-1679
• March 20-21: Mini Bazaar at the Von Steuben. More...
• March 20-22: Outdoor Rec trip to Milan, Italy. More...
• March 20: Terrace Playhouse presents, Exit, Pursued by a Bear, 7:30 p.m. More...
• March 21: Terrace Playhouse presents, Exit, Pursued by a Bear, 7:30 p.m. More...
• March 22: Terrace Playhouse presents, Exit, Pursued by a Bear, 7:30 p.m. More...
• March 25: Retiree Outreach visit by Foreign Benefits Unit (FBU), Tricare Liaison, & DFAS Europe. Schedule FBU appointments by March 23. More...
• March 25: Volunteer Orientation & VMIS Training, 12:30-1:30 p.m. at ACS. More...
• March 27: Nuremberg by Rail. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. More...
• March 27-April 3: Outdoor spring break trip to Greece.
• March 28: Saub(ä)er - City of Ansbach Spring clean-up event Starts at Katterbach Main Gate 8:30 a.m.
• March 31: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
• 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...
• April 28: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
• May 1: USAG Ansbach Graduation Recognition, Von Steuben, 10 a.m.
• May 4-8: USAG Ansbach Spring Clean-Up
• 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.

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

• Mar. 14-22: Spring Fair Fürth with booths, rides and different activities. More...
• Mar. 15: Matthiasmarkt Neustadt an der Aisch. More...
• 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...
• Mar. 22: 25th Bad Windsheim Weinturm Run. More...
• Mar. 20 - Apr 6: Easter Market at the market square in Nürnberg. More...
• Apr. 4-26: Nürnberg Spring Fest with booths, rides and different activities. More...
• Apr. 25-26: Rothenburg's Spring Festival in the Old Quarter. More...
• Mar. 28: Saub(ä)er - City of Ansbach Spring clean-up event Starts at Katterbach Main Gate 8:30 a.m.
• 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...

North of Rothenburg: Laser aimed at combat helicopter pilot

An unknown person attempted to blind the crew of a US Army helicopter. The police warn that the penalty could be severe. According to information from the Rothenburg police department, the incident occurred on Monday evening around 7 p.m. An as yet unknown perpetrator blinded the pilot north of Rothenburg, who was on a routine training flight. (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, March 12, 2026)

Bavaria's State Government Cannot Force Universities to Cooperate with the German Armed Forces

The Bavarian state government cannot require universities to cooperate with the German Armed Forces. The Constitutional Court in Munich overturned a corresponding new regulation in the Free State. The regulation violates the state constitution, specifically the rule of law and academic freedom. The state government cannot even mandate such a defense-related obligation. That is solely a matter for the federal government. The regulation, now declared invalid, stipulates that Bavarian universities must cooperate with the German Armed Forces if this is necessary in the interest of national security. Among those who filed the lawsuit were the Education and Science Workers' Union (GEW) and the German Peace Society in Bavaria. (Deutschlandfunk, Marcy 12, 2026)

Iran war: Is the German military caught in the crossfire?

The Bundeswehr is not a party to the war in Iran, but attacks from Iran have also hit facilities where German troops are stationed in the Middle East. For now, there is no plan to withdraw troops, but that could change. After the first military strikes by Israel and the United States, Iran launched counterattacks that mainly targeted US military bases. But the German military, the Bundeswehr, is also stationed at some of the bases that were hit. (Deutsche Welle, March 6, 2026)

Low-flying Tornados disturb children

Since November 2025, the German Armed Forces have been permitted to conduct low-level flights as low as 76 meters in the reactivated Low Flying Area 7 (LFA7), covering parts of Middle Franconia and Swabia. Recent flights by Tornado jets from Büchel Air Base caused distress at Wemding Elementary School, where loud noise terrified students, prompting staff to call parents for two children. While Eurofighters from Neuburg Air Base are expected to use LFA7 starting in 2027, the Bundeswehr emphasizes the necessity of realistic training for operational readiness despite noise impacts on residents. Tornado jets will be replaced by F-35A aircraft in 2027, further modernizing Germany's defense capabilities. (Nuernberger Nachrichten, March 13, 2026)

German Armed Forces to Station Arrow Missile Defense System in Swabia

Germany is expanding its defense capabilities with the Israeli Arrow missile defense system – now also in Bavaria. It is to be stationed in Lagerlechfeld and Kaufbeuren. This will make Swabia one of three Arrow locations in Germany. The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) intend to station the Arrow missile defense system in Kaufbeuren in the Ostallgäu region and on the Lechfeld near Augsburg. This was confirmed by State Parliament member Bernhard Pohl (Free Voters) in response to an inquiry from BR24. The Allgäuer Zeitung newspaper first reported the news. The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) plan to install a missile battery at Lagerlechfeld Air Base. (br24.de, March 11, 2026)

Johann Wadephul, German Foreign Minister, on the war in the Middle East

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, following his visit to Israel and discussions with Israeli and U.S. counterparts, does not foresee a quick end to the Iran war, as both sides remain focused on dismantling Iran's missile and nuclear programs. He emphasized Germany's role in addressing the war's impacts, including refugee crises and energy prices, while advocating for Iran's territorial integrity and preventing regional chaos. Wadephul, the first European foreign minister to visit Israel since the war began, traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, stressing the importance of addressing both the Middle East conflict and the ongoing war in Ukraine. (Tagessschau, March 11, 2025)

Russia expanding military forces near NATO borders

Russia continues to add new military units near NATO’s eastern flank, according to a new threat assessment that warns against easing Western sanctions on the Kremlin. More military firepower is how allies can deter potential conflict with Russia, according to the latest annual report by the Lithuanian intelligence service. (Stars and Stripes, March 9, 2026)

Protests are back then in the villages around the Hesselberg.

Dinkelsbühl – The "Citizens' Protest Against Low-Flying Aircraft" initiative reacted "with dismay" to the German Armed Forces' announcement that they will again permit low-level flights in Area 7. Dieter Beyer (Ansbach) and Monika Dollinger (Markt Berolzheim) believe the interests of hundreds of thousands of people are being ignored. (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, March 10, 2026)

Ramstein Air Base: US Military Hub in Europe

The US airbase in Ramstein, Germany, plays a crucial role for the United States. It has always been controversial, and the Iran-Iraq War has brought it into the spotlight again. The Ramstein base is a world unto itself. In western Germany, near the town of Ramstein-Miesenbach, a sprawling military complex stretches out, complete with runways, hangars, and numerous buildings. The airbase is like a small town in its own right, nestled in the rural Rhineland-Palatinate region, strictly sealed off from the surrounding hilly landscape. And even though Ramstein Air Base is located on German territory, it enjoys immunity similar to that of a foreign embassy: German officials and politicians may only enter with the permission of the US commander. (Deutsche Welle, March 10, 2026)

Iran attacks German army base in Jordan

According to a report, Iran attacked a base in Jordan overnight on Monday. German soldiers are stationed there alongside US troops. They sought shelter, but the extent of the damage is still unclear. The German army base in al-Azraq, Jordan, was attacked overnight on Monday with ballistic missiles fired from Iran, according to Der Spiegel. The US Air Force is also stationed at the airbase. (Welt.de, March 10, 2026)

Results of local elections

• Ansbach: No candidate secured an absolute majority in the mayoral election. Incumbent Thomas Deffner (CSU) leads with 38.2%, followed by Hans-Jürgen Eff (Ansbach Citizens' Association) at 14.3%. A runoff election will be held on March 22. Voter turnout was 58.0%.
• Neustadt: A runoff election is required after Alexander Müller (CSU) narrowly edged out Heike Gareis (SPD) with 42.5% to 41.0%. Incumbent Klaus Meier (SPD) did not seek re-election. Voter turnout was 65.8%.
• Bad Windsheim: Independent candidate Philipp Fierl defeated incumbent Jürgen Heckel (WiR) with 58.3% of the vote. Voter turnout was 63.2%.
• Dinkelsbühl: Incumbent Mayor Dr. Christoph Hammer (CSU) retained his position with 58.2%, defeating independent challenger Anja Schmidt-Wagemann. Voter turnout was 68.4%.
• Feuchtwangen: Patrick Ruh (CSU) was ousted by Dr. Ulrich Grünwald, who won with 61.9% of the vote. Voter turnout was 61.7%.
• Wassertrüdingen: A runoff election will be held between Jörg Edelmann (Citizens' Alliance, 41.0%) and Jochen Reuter (CSU, 39.8%). Incumbent Stefan Ultsch (SPD) received only 19.2%. Voter turnout was 64.7%.
• Heilsbronn: Sebastian Gaukler (CSU, 41.8%) will face Eva Didion (SPD, 29.0%) in a runoff election. Voter turnout was 64.8%.
• Uffenheim: Challenger Thomas Schmitt (Citizens' List, 42.6%) will face incumbent Wolfgang Lampe (SPD, 38.3%) in a runoff election. Voter turnout was 63.1%.
• Steinsfeld: Heinz Dürr became mayor after voters wrote in his name on a blank ballot, following Margarita Kerschbaum's withdrawal. He received an absolute majority.

(Fraenkische Landeszeitung, March 9, 2026)

Germany Now Fourth Largest Arms Exporter

Germany rose to become the world's fourth largest arms exporter between 2021 and 2025. This was published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its report on the international arms trade. Germany thus overtook China, which now ranks fifth. Worldwide arms deliveries have increased by almost ten percent in the last five years. The largest recipient region is now Europe, which has more than tripled its imports compared to the previous five years. According to SIPRI, fighter jets and long-range air defense systems were particularly popular imports from the USA. (Tagesschau, March 9, 2026)

Heating plant for Illesheim barracks to be made ready for emergencies

The Illesheim District Heating Association, which supplies heat to the U.S. barracks in Illesheim, approved its 2024 financial statements and 2026 business plan during a brief meeting. With €3.56 million in projected income offsetting €2.8 million in expenses, major planned expenditures include €80,000 for a UPS system, €55,000 for a fire alarm system upgrade, and €60,000 for a heat transformation plan. The association, supported by Bad Windsheim and Illesheim municipalities, continues to modernize its heating plant for efficient local heat supply (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, March 4, 2026)

If Iran attacks a NATO country: Will Article 5 be invoked?

While Germany has ruled out direct involvement in the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, concerns are growing over potential Iranian attacks on NATO member states, as seen with recent incidents near Cyprus and Turkey. If Iran were to attack a NATO member, Article 5 could be invoked, requiring collective defense, though each member, including Germany, would decide its level of support, which could range from financial aid to military assistance. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has emphasized that NATO as an organization has no plans to engage in the conflict, though individual allies like France and Britain have deployed forces to the region, while Germany has allowed the use of Ramstein Air Base for U.S. operations. (br24.de, March 5, 2026)

Personnel shortage remains the major problem for the Bundeswehr (German armed forces)

In light of the escalating threat situation, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces, Henning Otte, has demanded a rapid personnel transformation in the army. To achieve the goal of 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists by the mid-2030s, the success of the new conscription model is essential, according to the 2025 annual report published today. Should voluntary service prove insufficient, a return to conscription would be the next step. (Tagesschau, March 3, 2026)

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