But Stuttgart isnt the only base in the area. I traveled a lot, all over Europe. Sometimes the only legal tender is the US dollar. This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. Fort Story is a great place to call home if you get stationed on the east coast. Covers the Camp Darby and Vicenza communities. Those visiting the country will likely need some extra time to recover from jet lagtravel to Japan and other destinations nearby can bring a significant amount of fatigue from long flights from the United States. In 1990 VII Corps was deployed directly from Germany to Saudi Arabia The base represents one of three main locations that are part of Joint Base San Antonio. Several other military bases can be found a short distance away. The best Army bases are not just limited to the United States. in Stuttgart. Housing for families is also available in communities like Waynesville, St. Robert, and Plato. Provide fair, uniform, and high quality delivery of services. Children are just minutes away from school. Whats the better ones to ask for? Kinmuan. Browse our selections for the best Army bases in the U.S. and internationally, as well as the top bases for singles, couples, and families. Both Leavenworth and Leonard Wood were shut out by recruits, receiving no requests, according to the Army. Know a good story about national security or the military? The area features plenty of history including castles, historical sites dating to antiquity, and there is a 15th century Market Cross and town pump in the local area. Regardless, they're all ones you won't want to miss: 1. For fucks sake DONT DRINK AND DRIVE. Army personnel refers to Fort Carson as The Mountain Post with quick access to the Rocky Mountains and nearby Denver. Virginia is home to more Army bases than any other state in the nation. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island; Puget Sound, WashingtonJust a short ferry ride away from Seattle, Whidbey Island is near two preservation areas, making it ideal for camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking and even whale watching. Health Protection Condition Levels (HPCON), Travel Restrictions Installation Status Update. Some stairwell housing has three or four bedrooms in a single unit. Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, tied. This will give you a general idea of what you can expect based on your budget. Military and overseas voters will effectively get more time to return absentee ballots under a bill Gov. The property is used for better purposes these days in Fairfax County along the northern end of the Potomac River. The top five most-requested duty stations were: Fort Richardson and Fort Wainwright in Alaska. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1950s US Army Base Tanks Kiel Germany Red-Border Kodachrome Slide at the best online prices at eBay! U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart is a joint service military community composed of five installations in the greater Stuttgart metropolitan area. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. The Army installation also serves the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, and Colorado National Guard. Additionally,thanks to NATO's nuclear sharingarrangement, an estimated 20 nuclear weapons are believed to be keptat Germany's Bchel Air Base in western Germany something which hasattracted much criticism fromGermans. The best Army bases for couples offer a solid mixture of affordable housing, nightlife, as well as on-post amenities. That's why I started blogging about the overseas experience. Located some 80 miles away from London and much closer to Cambridge (some 25 miles) this area features towns with populations up to 10,000 and there are many things to do in the local area. (The Kansas base is also home to the United States Disciplinary Barracks, the militarys only maximum-security correctional facility.) According to the US Army Recruiting Command, the labor market is the most challenging its been since the US military transitioned to an all-volunteer force in the 1970s. Both military installations are major Army training bases. 3. The historic Army base is one of the largest in the world with 50,000 active-duty soldiers calling it home. In this installment of Dear Jack, Marine veteran and amateur life coach Jack Mandaville helps a service member find new, healthier hobbies. Graf is your hooah hooah base in Germany, closest entertainment/nightlife is really Nuremberg, so you're at least 45 mins away from real fun and there isn't much more for another hour or so. Paratroopers of 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) 25th Infantry Division conduct airborne training operations at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 14, 2017. Louisville offers more nightlife and entertainment. Email Jenna. Her husband is on active duty in the US military. However, the Occupation Statutewas succeeded by another agreement with its NATO partners. Fort Richardson and Fort Wainwright in Alaska. 3. Ben Knight is a journalist in Berlin who mainly writes about German politics. Kelley Barracks serves as the headquarters for the United States Africa Command and U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart. Thus, even though you might feel like its forever until you reach the continental U.S. again youll always have that special someone by your side when island fever might creep up. Go figure. However, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has noted that U.S. infrastructure in Europe has been reduced by 30 percent since 2000, and base closures there don't require the permission of a Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, as U.S. bases do. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Hundreds of active-duty Army recruits said theyd rather head for the mountains of Alaska or Colorado for their first duty stations. There are many bases in Japan; some are on the island of Honshu, some are in Okinawa. Each time family members or friends come to visit, they'll need to stop and fill out paperwork and get a temporary ID (unless they have a valid military ID already). The summers are especially beautiful and for city life, you are just an hour away from Seattle. Other bases are definitely family-friendly. Additionally, having visitors can be a pain. Caserma Ederle is an Army base in Vicenza, Italy. How many? HuffPost's top politics stories, straight to your inbox. Fort Carson, Colorado. If you're stuck on the base for days on end, visit the Wild B.O.A.R. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. By participating in the program you agree to have your information shared with a participating Real Estate Agent and they may contact you by phone, email, or text message including by automated means about real estate services. More than 20,000 U.S. military personnel, U.S. federal agencies, civilians, and family members make up the garrison community working and living onPanzer Kaserne, Patch Barracks, Kelley Barracks, Robinson Barracks, and Stuttgart Army Airfield. You can find a home in just about every type of climate and environment. One of the best counties for public education in the nation (consistently top 5), and one of the highest average household incomes. If anything, it's at least a change of scenery if you're . In 2007 AFRICOM was established. It features Robinson Barracks Elementary School, a commissary, furniture store and broadcast studios for American Forces Network Stuttgart. As a result, joining the Army is an exciting way to pursue your goals while seeing the world. US Army photo by Kyle Crawford. A Preeminent Command and Control Platform for Joint Commanders in a professional and caring hometown where people want to live. Sheridan Barracks, Garmisch-Partenkirchen Shipton Kaserne, Ansbach Smith Barracks, Baumholder Spangdahlem Air Force Base, Spangdahlem Storck Barracks, Illesheim Stuttgart Army Airfield, Filderstadt Mainz-Kastel Storage Station (scheduled to close in 2022) USAG Wiesbaden Military Training Area, Mainz, Gonsenheim / Mombach Kinmuan 33W 3 yr. ago Wiesbaden area has always been way better. Some PCS or come TDY to Japan and fall in love with the lifestyle; youll find some troops trying to extend their tours or trying to get reassigned to the base they were originally assigned to. Meanwhile, Fort Leonard Wood is home to the Armys engineer, military police, and CBRN chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear schools. These bases have limited numbers of entry-level soldiers combined with fewer MOS, Strickland said. Heres how. Meanwhile, the US Army BavariaGarrison, headquarteredat Grafenwhr, near Bavaria'sborder with the Czech Republic, is the largest overseas US Army basein the world, both in population and acreage, coveringover 97,000 acres (390 square kilometers). The Army post is massive with 137,000 acres of property which extends into the nearby counties of Pueblo and Fremont. Whether you want to do a British pub crawl, take in a football match, or explore the local history, both Mildenhall and Lakenheath have plenty to offer. APO mail service overseas is a bit different than stateside mail. What did we miss? This deal, known as the Convention on the Presence of Foreign Forces in the Federal Republic of Germany, was signed in 1954 by West Germany. As a full-time writer, Becca works closely with several nonprofit organizations and is a passionate advocate for human rights and military families. Option 19 is only one strategy that the Army has implemented to try to up its lagging recruit numbers. See a list of every US Military Base in Germany below, including info on its location, how long it's been in use, its overall mission, and more. If you have questions about Veteran programs offered through or by the Dept. It is located in Stuttgart, in the Baden Wurttemberg province, in a place well known worldwide for brands like Porsche or Mercedes. Patch Barracks. As a result, I put together more than two dozen tips that will be more useful for your PCS to Europe so you can be more ready that you ever dreamed possible. Living in the local community is a great way to embrace the German culture and get the most out of your overseas experience. the Cold War developed US Army VII Corps was re-formed in July 1950 and The cash back bonus is only available with the purchase and/or sale of your home through the use of a participating program real estate agent. This is also more military personnel than the US keeps in any other country except Japan. The answer to that question depends greatly on what youre looking for in such a locationa place to bring a family? Similar to sites like Craigslist in the U.S., Bookoo allows German nationals to list their properties for rent. German homes also don't typically have air conditioning, ceiling fans, or even screens on the windows., Living in non-government housing means you'll have a longer commute to base and you will be there often. Here's our easy PCS 101 IRRRL stands for Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan,also known as a "Streamline" or a "VA to VA" loan. More than 20,000 U.S. military personnel, U.S. federal agencies, civilians, and family members make up the garrison community working and living on Panzer Kaserne, Patch Barracks, Kelley . When the military occupation of West Germany officially ended, the countryregained control of its own defense policy. Fort Sam Houston caters to the U.S. Army while Lackland and Randolph predicate to the Air Force. Real people are your best resource when moving overseas -- and in-processing is the time to meet them. Fort Leonard Wood is practically halfway between Springfield and St. Louis. The U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart is a joint service military community composed of five installations in the greater Stuttgart metropolitan area. Military Sex Assault Reports Rise, Even as Army Numbers Fall, increasing the number of guaranteed first duty stations to 32, More than 80,000 service members and civilian personnel. You'll get treated to some of the finest food, wine, and culture in the world which makes Caserma-Ederle the most desirable overseas Army base. Along with a housing community, the base also offers its own elementary, middle, and high school. All in all, it depends where in Germany you are stationed. U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden The home of U.S. Army Europe and Africa Headquarters, servicing 15 installations and housing areas in and around Wiesbaden, to include the Clay Kaserne, Dagger Complex in Darmstadt, a housing area and training site in Mainz and McCully Support Center in Wackernheim. In fact, Germany hosts the largest portion of US troops in Europe roughly 38,600, though the numbers vary as troops are regularly rotated to other countries. Logistically, living off-post is much easier when friends and family come to visit. Figures provided to DW by the US militaryshow that these five garrisons, each consisting of various installations at different locations, currently comprise around 29,000 military personnel. More than 20,000 U.S. military personnel, U.S. federal agencies, civilians, and family members make up the garrison community working on Panzer Kaserne, Patch Barracks, Kelley Barracks, Robinson Barracks, and Stuttgart Army Airfield. Right in your inbox. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. Advertising Notice: MilitaryBase.net and Three Creeks Media, its parent and affiliate companies, may receive compensation through advertising placements on MilitaryBase.net; For any rankings or lists on this site, MilitaryBase.net may receive compensation from the companies being ranked and this compensation may affect how, where and in what order products and companies appear in the rankings and lists. The U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart is a joint service military community composed of five installations in the greater Stuttgart metropolitan area. As The North Carolina location is near to Area J and Flight Line Park, McKellars Lodge, Tank Trail, and Mott Lake for weekend getaways. Your email address will not be published. The statute allowed France, the UKand the USto keep occupational forces in the country and maintain complete control over West Germany's disarmament and demilitarization. Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates above your own. *The cash back bonus is offered in most states. At the height A short distance away is Patch Barracks in Stuttgart-Vaihingen. The White House said Monday it now estimates that just since December Russia has suffered 100,000 ca For decades, soldiers and Marines have wielded the M240 to deadly effect. All real estate commissions are negotiable. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. Naval Station Rota is located on the coast of Spain, which means plenty of beaches to explore. Joint Base Charleston; Charleston, South Carolina Charleston is Southern charm at its best. Those coming to stay should expect host nation restrictions on things that surprise some Americans such as Spanish laws regulating certain types of pets (dogs) viewed as dangerous animals. After returning from That includes almost 200 installations in Germany, roughly 100 in South Korea as well as in Japan, and about five dozen in Italy. Seventeen U.S. Army bases can be found on German soil as of 2014. By USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Office. On the other hand, major bases that offer most Army military occupational specialties but drew few takers were: Related: Edgar Allan Poe Was a Sergeant Major in the US Army. Most American children will go to school at a Department of Defense Education Activity school (DoDEA), located on the installation. After McChord Air Force Base joined Fort Lewis in 2010, the military base has become one of the most sought after for both branches, especially singles. Eating out in Europe can be more expensive than stateside. They lack the history and unique charm of houses in the local community., For many service members and their families, finding the right house is the most stressful part of living overseas. Part of HuffPost Politics. 10. #2 - Kelley Barracks, Germany Image: Wikimedia.org Kelley Barracks was formerly known as Helenen-Kaserne. If you really want to see the world you should also consider requesting stations outside the U.S. for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm to include many of the VII Sign us up. No, seriously. It also acts as the headquarters for the U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza of the United States Army Installation Management Command. Add those to the hundreds of bases and training areas in the United States, and Uncle Sam has some pretty impressive real estate holdings. Columbus is the second-largest city in Georgia with a lot to see and do with activities that cater to families. No, thanks. Before you start exploring all this great country has to offer, you'll need to establish housing at your new installation. U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart gets high marks for being well located to explore local German culture including the Mercedez-Benz Museum, the Wilhelma Zoological-Botanical Garden, but also Stuttgart Market Hall which is a destination for a variety of local and regional cuisine. Please check with a program Customer Service Representative for details. To reprint or license this article or any content from Military.com, please submit your request. Jenna Biter is a staff writer atCoffee or Die Magazine. Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost? From the end of World War II until the early 1990s these include Patch Barracks, Robinson Barracks, Panzer Kaserne and Kelley I spent 12 years over in Germany, mostly in Stuttgart or Bayern (3 different posts). You spend extended amounts of time away from your loved ones and dont always get to see them every day. The U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart is a joint service military community composed of five installations in the greater Stuttgart metropolitan area. Unlike living in government housing, visitors won't need a pass or an escort to get to your home., While living in a German community is a great cultural experience, it's not always easy. The majority of the bases are operated by the US Army, but the Marines and USAF also have bases in the country. There is little debate that serving the military while raising a family is extremely difficult. There is a definite language barrier for some when traveling to Germany. Yongsan Garrison is in Seoul, the capital of the country and largest metropolis. Patch is one of the two main residential installations in Stuttgart. Fort Bragg is such a large installation that it offers more than one commissary along with fitness centers, classes, and MWR events. That isnt always true of American bases in other countries where U.S. military presence can be more controversial in modern times. It represents the headquarters of the United States Forces Korea (USFK). Before you arrive in Germany, check to see if there is a Bookoo.com site for your new base. Those arriving from closer airports will have an easier time adapting. The top military base exists in lovely Hawaii in Honolulu. Since 1967, Patch Barracks in Stuttgart has been home to the US EUCOM. Where are the best overseas military bases? Nearby towns include: RAF Mildenhall is a rural community with plenty of farms. Youll get treated to some of the finest food, wine, and culture in the world which makes Caserma-Ederle the most desirable overseas Army base. The top five most-requested duty stations were: Close to 900 recruits about 15% of those who made a choice asked to be assigned to Alaska. This can be especially useful if you spend a long time in an off-post hotel. The military complex has nearly twice as many personnel as The Pentagon and represents the largest employer in the county. STUTTGART, Germany U.S. Army in Europe and Africa said Friday that it will keep seven sites in Germany and Belgium that were slated to close under a Pentagon plan to consolidate bases in. This area is well known for its local culture; flamenco, bullfighting, seafood and wine. As new weapons make their way into Americas arsenal, troops hesitate to give up their beloved medium machine gun.