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Ansbach offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger German cities, but it’s still notably higher than many parts of the United States. While USAG Ansbach personnel receive Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to offset these expenses, the amount may not fully cover all lifestyle choices, particularly for larger families or those residing in off-post housing. Groceries, transportation (especially car ownership), and leisure activities also contribute to a higher overall cost of living, requiring careful budgeting and financial planning for service members and their families stationed in the area to maintain a comparable standard of living to what you might experience stateside.
Grocery costs can range for a single person between €250 - €400 per month, for a couple between €400 - €600 per month, and a family of four between €600 - €1000+ per month. You can plan for recreational activities to range between €200 - €400 per month for a few restaurant meals, occasional museum visits, and participation in local clubs or activities. Travel expenses can cost around €50 - €200 per month if you are taking day trips to Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, or other nearby towns. The Bavaria Ticket (Bayern Ticket) is a cost-effective option for regional travel, and if you are planning on international travel (within Europe) you can plan to pay approximately €200 - €1000+ per month depending on frequency and destination.
U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach is a U.S. Army Power Projection Platform consisting of aviation, engineering, and artillery assets spread across six sites and nine kasernes dispersed around the city of Ansbach and the village of Illesheim in the heart of Middle Franconia, Germany.
Today, Ansbach is home to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, the community's largest tenant unit, as well as the 7th Engineer Brigade, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. The garrison takes pride in supporting its Soldiers, family members, civilians, retirees, and Host Nation partners working and living in the Ansbach area.
Mission Statement
United States Army Garrison Ansbach integrates and delivers superior infrastructure and services for our community and readiness for our Forces to support U.S. Army Europe-Africa.
Vision Statement
USAG Ansbach – a garrison that capitalizes on the COHESIVENESS of our community to steward our resources and multiply our IMPACT for 2030, and beyond.
Ansbach has a long history of being a garrison town dating back to 1863 with the formation of a regiment of “Bier-Ulanen” or “Beer Lancers.” These “Beer Lancers” served in the royal Bavarian army until after World War I when they were absorbed into the army of the new German Republic. The German government would later build the original airfields at Katterbach and Illesheim in the 1930s along with the railhead systems that are still available for use to this day.
After World War II and with the onset of the Cold War, the Ansbach area saw a buildup of American forces including elements of the 4th Armored Division, and then the 1st Armored Division who would make their headquarters at Hindenburg Kaserne, which was located at the current site of the Brücken Center downtown.
After the end of the Cold War in the 1990s, the garrison has continued to transform and grow and today is home to:
Today the city of Ansbach has a population of over 41,000 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 of Soldiers, family members, civilians, retirees, and Host Nation partners living throughout the garrison footprint.
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: Bismarck Kaserne, Barton Barracks, 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 Nuremberg. Illesheim is located approximately 15 miles north of Ansbach.
USAG Ansbach is located in northern Bavaria, Germany approximately 40 kilometers (circa 26 miles), southwest of Nuremberg. The garrison is spread across three major U.S. installations among the cities of Ansbach, Katterbach and Illesheim.
Driving from Nuremberg Airport to Katterbach Kaserne:
Time: Approximately 55 minutes.
Driving from Munich Airport to Katterbach Kaserne:
Time: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
For GPS coordinates to other USAG Ansbach Kasernes, click here.
The Ansbach Logistics Readiness Center (LRC) operates two (2) shuttle routes in the USAG Ansbach Community. One shuttle runs between Barton Barracks, Bleidorn Barracks, Shipton Kaserne, Urlas Kaserne, Katterbach Kaserne, and Bismarck Kaserne; the other shuttle runs between Storck Barracks and Urlas Kaserne.
Shuttles run Mondays through Fridays and do not run on U.S. or German holidays. All passengers must present ID cards or installation passes, without exception. Shuttles are open to all community members, but Soldiers have priority.
LRC can be contacted at CIV: +49 (0)9641-70-587-3080 or DSN: 587-3080.
To reach a base operator please call:
Commercial (from off the installation): +49 (0)9641 70 5921140
From a DSN Phone: 314-592-1140 or simply press 0 on the DSN Phone to be connected
For more contact numbers please refer to the Garrison Phone Book