Ansbach, United States Army Garrison

Ansbach Bruecken Center - Shopping Mall downtown

The cost of living in Germany is fairly reasonable compared to other countries in western Europe, although Germany's cost of living is more expensive than it's eastern European neighbors and many other parts of the world.

On average you should expect to pay from 20- 25 euros for lunch in an average bar, café or restaurant or up to 6 euros for a sandwich or bakery snack. A cup of coffee is around 4 euros.

For more information please visit Army Community Service.

Special and Critical Installation Information

All personnel assigned to Germany must have in their possession a valid stateside license to be eligible for USAREUR licensing and must have a USAREUR license to operate vehicles.
The electrical current in Europe is 220 volts, 50 cycles compared to 110 volts, 60 cycles in the States. A transformer is a device that converts 110v electrical currents into 220v electrical currents. These devices allow one to use American appliances. You must use caution when using 110 volts, 60 cycles appliances here in Germany. For example, clocks operate at 5/6 the normal speed. This means they lose ten minutes every hour, in other words, they don't work. Most appliances with heating elements (toaster and irons) operate satisfactorily with a transformer. U.S. Microwaves, when operated by transformer, will eventually burn out. You may find it easier to use appliances that will not require a large transformer, such as a coffee maker or hair dryer, and purchase 220 volt appliances in Europe. These items may be sold at the military exchange or the thrift shop for a fraction of their original cost.
The German currency is the Euro. It is recommended that all incoming personnel have some Euros upon arrival for incidental expenses, telephone calls, etc.
Active Duty do not need a Tourist Passport to travel to Germany, however, you will need a Tourist Passport to travel to other countries (once you are here you may get the opportunity to travel to other countries and will wish you had one). If you are a U.S. citizen you can obtain a passport while here, it is easier to obtain one while you are still in CONUS.
The following records should be hand-carried: Orders, school records, soldiers with family members on accompanied assignments-DA form 5888 (EFMP Screening), passports, drivers license, bills, addresses, birth certificates, marriage licenses, secondary access to your bank accounts and items needed to file income taxes. Family members seeking a job need to bring educational documentation.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) -- Screening must be completed before you PCS to Germany.
If your dependents are not command sponsored, you cannot be assigned quarters until you command sponsored.
International dialing from the U.S is 011 followed by the country code 49 and then the area code (minus the first zero). ACS at 09802-83-2883 would be 011-49-9802-83-2883.
There are several dogs (Bull-Terrier, Stafforsshire-Bullterriers) that come under the “Dangerous Dogs” law and they are not permitted to be brought into country. See “Pets” topic for a detailed discussion of allowable pets.
As of 8 April 08 all child car seats must meet European standards ECE-44/03 or ECE 44/04.

Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 314 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial 011-49-9802-83-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.

Mission

U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach delivers and integrates base support to enable the readiness of permanent, rotational and expeditionary forces for a Strong Europe.

History

Ansbach has been a garrison city since the end of the 2nd World War and is the governmental capital of Middle Franconia. Stadt Ansbach has hosted military garrisons for hundreds of years. The first military installation, known as Hindenburg Kaserne, was built in 1772. It hosted German Soldiers until the end of World War II when it was occupied by the U.S. Army. It was returned to the German government in the early 1990s and is now home to a Bruecken Center shopping mall. Ansbach is a beautiful city with a rich history. Margrave's Palace, the Orangerie and Park, and the Kasper-Hauser-Memorial are just a few of the many historical sights located here. Ansbach borders the Franconian Heights Nature Park which has extensive forests and open space and is also a point of interest on German Castle Road, which begins in Mannheim in the German west and goes as far east as Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.

For more interesting information please visit: https://home.army.mil/ansbach/index.php/about/history

Population

Approximately 55,000 residents.

USAG Ansbach continues its vital mission of streamlining base support operations management, allowing tactical commanders to concentrate on their essential training and missions. The garrison takes pride in its support to more than 6,400 Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members, who are working and living within the USAG Ansbach area.

Location

U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach is located in Middle Franconia and is in an area that includes the city of Ansbach and the town of Illesheim. Within this areas are several different installations: Barton Barracks, Bismarck Kaserne, Bleidorn Kaserne, Franken Kaserne, Katterbach Kaserne, Oberdachstetten Training Area, Shipton Kaserne, Storck Barracks, and Urlas Kaserne. The city of Ansbach is located in the northern part of Bavaria, approximately 117 miles southeast of Frankfurt and 26 miles southwest of Nuernberg. The base operator can be reached at 011-49-9641-705-92-1140 or DSN 467-1110.

If you have questions or desire information on grave sites and memorials within Europe, visit : https://home.army.mil/ansbach/index.php/about/history

Directions

Ansbach is located in the northern part of Bavaria, approximately 117 miles southeast of Frankfurt and 26 miles southwest of Nuernberg.

Driving from Nuemberg

If you arrive in Nuernberg you need to follow exit signs, proceed on Flughafenstrasse to T-junction Marienberg Strasse and turn right follow Marienberg Strasse to cross-road Erlanger Strasse turn left and follow this road until you see signs for Nord-Westring (right turn) then follow signs for Ansbach B14, once you are on the B14 to Ansbach stay on this road the B14 runs directly through Katterbach and all military newcomers must report to In-Processing Training Center(ITC) building number 5818 on Katterbach Kaserne.

Directions for DoD Civilian or Contractor

If you are a DoD civilian or contractor you will need to report to the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center, which is located in Grafenwoehr in Tower Barracks, building 244. For more information please call: 09641705262081. DSN: 526-8008

Base Transportation

A Military Shuttle Bus is available to transport community members between the various Kasernes located throughout the USAG Ansbach Military Community. The Shuttles run Monday through Friday, but are not available on weekends, German, or U.S. Holidays.

The latest information on Shuttle Route, Schedule, and other information can be found here : https://home.army.mil/ansbach/index.php/my-fort/all-services/shuttle

You can always contact Ansbach Community Transportation and Motor Pool CIV: 0981-83-1800/7757 or DSN: 468-1800.

Contact Information

Civilian (from off the installation): 09641-705-92-1140

From a DSN Phone: 314-467-1110 or simply press 0 on the DSN Phone to be connected.

Photos

Cost of Living

Installation Details