Exploring Bavaria: Visiting Us Army Base Locations

The US Army Garrison Bavaria is headquartered in Grafenwöhr, Germany, with four locations: Grafenwöhr (Tower Barracks), Vilseck (Rose Barracks), Hohenfels (Hohenfels Training Area), and Garmisch (George C. Marshall Center and NATO School). The base has a long history of military use, dating back to the activation of the III Royal Bavarian Corps in 1900. Today, it is the largest US base outside of the United States, hosting 40,000 soldiers and civilians. In this article, we will provide an in-depth overview of the US Army Garrison Bavaria, including information on how to get to the base, the services offered, and its historical significance.

The US Army Garrison Bavaria is headquartered in Grafenwöhr, Germany

To get to the US Army base in Grafenwöhr, you can travel by car, train, or plane. If you're driving, you can take the A9 or A3 highway, depending on your starting point. The base is well-signposted, and you can follow directions to "US Army Garrison Bavaria" or "Tower Barracks." Alternatively, you can take a train to the nearest major city, Nuremberg, and then rent a car or take a bus to Grafenwöhr. The journey from Nuremberg Central Station to Grafenwöhr by bus takes around an hour and a half.

When travelling to the US Army Garrison Bavaria, it's important to have the correct documentation. All visitors must present a valid passport and may be required to provide additional identification or undergo security checks upon entry. It is recommended to contact the base in advance to confirm the required documentation and to ensure a smooth entry process.

The US Army Garrison Bavaria is a bustling hub of military activity, hosting a significant number of soldiers and civilians. The garrison's mission is to provide high-quality base operations and community support to all US personnel in Grafenwöhr-Vilseck, Hohenfels, and Garmisch. The base offers a range of facilities and services, including education centres, community services, lodging, and recreational activities.

Grafenwöhr itself is a charming town that has benefited economically from the military presence. The training area's establishment as a US Army base has brought consistent economic growth to the region. The town boasts a rich history, with landmarks such as the gothic town hall, dating back to 1462, and the Water Tower, adding to its allure. The military's presence has also influenced the town's population, with a notable increase in inhabitants over the years.

The base is made up of four locations: Tower Barracks, Rose Barracks, Hohenfels Training Area, and George C. Marshall Center

The US Army Garrison Bavaria is headquartered in Grafenwöhr, Germany, and is made up of four locations: Tower Barracks, Rose Barracks, Hohenfels Training Area, and George C. Marshall Center.

Tower Barracks

Located in Grafenwöhr, Germany, Tower Barracks is one of two subdivisions that make up the installations of Grafenwöhr and Vilseck. The area has long been recognised as well-suited for military training, and the US Army has been using it for this purpose since 1947. Grafenwöhr Training Area (GTA) was first established in 1908, and after WWII, the US Army expanded the area to meet increased training needs. Today, it is the largest NATO training facility in Europe, providing vast ranges, simulation centres, classrooms, and facilities for realistic and relevant training for US Army, Joint Service, NATO, and allied units and leaders.

Rose Barracks

Rose Barracks is the second subdivision of Grafenwöhr and Vilseck. A large build-up of Rose Barracks in Vilseck occurred in the mid-1980s to support a brigade-sized element, and it is now home to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

Hohenfels Training Area

The Hohenfels Training Area (HTA) in Hohenfels, Germany, was founded by the German Army in 1938 and became a US Forces training area in 1951. It is a subordinate garrison of the Grafenwöhr Bavaria Garrison and is used for major training exercises, including force-on-force combined arms training.

George C. Marshall Center

The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies is located in Garmisch, Germany, and is named after the US Army Russian Institute, which was established in Garmisch in 1947. The George C. Marshall Center, along with the NATO School, provides essential forums for international military diplomacy, education, and cooperation.

The garrison's mission is to provide a high-quality base and community support service

The United States Army Garrison Bavaria is headquartered in Grafenwöhr, Germany, with four locations: Grafenwöhr (Tower Barracks), Vilseck (Rose Barracks), Hohenfels (Hohenfels Training Area), and Garmisch (George C. Marshall Center and NATO School). The garrison's mission is to provide a high-quality base and community support service to all US personnel in Grafenwöhr-Vilseck, Hohenfels, and Garmisch. This includes managing and maintaining the base's infrastructure and facilities, as well as providing various community support services.

To achieve this mission, the garrison ensures the efficient operation and integration of support services across deployment, sustainment, and redeployment operations. This involves coordinating with various units and organizations within the base to deliver a comprehensive range of services that meet the needs of the US personnel and their families.

One of the key aspects of the garrison's mission is to provide a high-quality base operations. This includes maintaining the physical infrastructure, such as barracks, training areas, and support facilities. For instance, the garrison manages the Tower Barracks in Grafenwöhr, which houses two 173rd ABCT Battalions and supports Regionally Aligned Forces (RAF) under the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI). Similarly, the Rose Barracks in Vilseck is home to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and various support units.

The garrison also plays a crucial role in supporting the training and readiness of US forces in the region. The Hohenfels Training Area is a major training site for force-on-force combined arms exercises, hosting the Joint Multinational Readiness Center. Additionally, the garrison provides direct support to several commands and units, including the 7th Army Training Command, the Combat Maneuver Training Command, and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

Furthermore, the garrison's mission extends beyond purely operational aspects. Community support is a vital component of their mandate, encompassing a wide range of services and amenities that enhance the well-being and quality of life for US personnel and their families. This includes educational services through Adult Education Centers, financial services through organizations like the Army Emergency Relief, and recreational facilities such as the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort. The garrison also organizes community events like the German American Volksfest, fostering cultural exchange and camaraderie.

Overall, the US Army Garrison Bavaria is committed to providing a high-quality base and community support service by effectively managing its resources, maintaining infrastructure, facilitating training, and offering a diverse range of services that cater to the needs of US personnel and their families stationed in the region.

The base is home to 40,000 soldiers and civilians, making it the largest US base outside of the US

The US Army Garrison Bavaria is the largest US base outside of the United States, with a population of 40,000 soldiers and civilians. Headquartered in Grafenwöhr, Germany, the base has four locations: Grafenwöhr (Tower Barracks), Vilseck (Rose Barracks), Hohenfels (Hohenfels Training Area), and Garmisch (George C. Marshall Center and NATO School). The base was established in 2013, following the transformation of the U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwöhr into a single garrison.

The Grafenwöhr Training Area (GTA), which is the largest NATO training facility in Europe, has a long history of military use. It was first established in 1900 following the activation of the III Royal Bavarian Corps and was officially designated as a training area in 1908. After World War II, the US Army expanded the area to meet increased training needs and now it provides a vast range of facilities for realistic and relevant training for US Army, Joint Service, NATO, and allied units and leaders.

The US Army Garrison Bavaria has a critical mission to provide "high-quality base operations and community support" to all US personnel in Grafenwöhr-Vilseck, Hohenfels, and Garmisch. It also directly supports several key commands and units, including the 7th Army Training Command, the Combat Maneuver Training Command, and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

The base is easily accessible from various parts of Germany and Europe. For example, the USAG Grafenwöhr Army Base is located in eastern Bavaria, close to the border with the Czech Republic. On the other hand, the USAG Ansbach Army Base is only a couple of hours away from the Alps and is 40 km from Nuernberg. Additionally, the USAG Hohenfels Army Base is conveniently situated in the central and southern parts of Germany.

The base has been in use since 2013

The U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria is the largest U.S. base outside of the continental United States, and it hosts 40,000 soldiers and civilians. The garrison's mission is to provide "high-quality base operations and community support" to all U.S. personnel in Grafenwöhr-Vilseck, Hohenfels, and Garmisch. The garrison also directly supports various tenant units, including the 7th Army Training Command, the Combat Maneuver Training Command, and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

In February 2017, the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria established the 5th Community to better manage resources and ensure efficient operations across its training camps. This move was in response to the growing rotational force and training troop presence at the base.

The history of the base dates back to the early 20th century. The Grafenwöhr Training Area was created following the activation of the III Royal Bavarian Corps in 1900. After the Nazis took power, the Wehrmacht used the training area for military training and to guard enemy prisoners of war. After World War II, the U.S. Army Europe expanded the role of the training area to meet the increased training and facility needs of their troops.

The Hohenfels Training Area, founded by the German Army in 1938, became a U.S. Forces training area in 1951. In 1988, it became the home of the Combat Maneuver Training Center, providing realistic force-on-force combined arms training exercises for the U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army's manoeuvre battalion task forces.

Frequently asked questions