Why do we (UK) and the US still keep an army in Germany?

Question

just curious

How do the Germans feel about it???

Answer 1

It is easier to deploy them to and from other areas. It is also part of our NATO commitment. It also helps for future contingencies, and lastly, most of the soldiers (me included) loved or love being stationed there. Great beer!

Answer 2

After the Second World War the trilateral Conferences between Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt, the Allies, agreed to put forward the disarmament of Germany and the surrounded potencies and, instead take over the task to defend Europe against a possible reemerging power state in Germany. As it did not occurred, the troops were not withdrawn firstly to counter the soviet danger (for example, they had to be there during the siege of Berlin) and after wards due to the uncertainty of the emerging new global order. One can cynically conclude that the Allies do not rely on Germany yet.
Some Germans I know, especially East- Germans, have a complex and feel ashamed of their authoritarian past, yet, whether fascist or communist.

Answer 3

part of agreements made after the end of the war.
was a over-seeing thing, turned in2 a lets b sensible.
we must stay here 2 keep an eye on any dodgy neighbours.
a lot of western money went in2 a growing country, they had 2 protect their investment or others may walk instead.
america were very specific on reaching berlin on the eve of it's invasion.
not necessarily 2 free an oppressed nation but 2 get 2 the many scientists there employed by the nazis, b4 russia.
they had 2 protect what they had, what's better than an occupying force?
the german people have no choice in the matter.
like any country, 50% probably r ok about it & 50% really don't like it.

Answer 4

hi. I'm German living in England, but i used to live in a town in Germany that has a lot of British Army. I don't really know many people who mind them being there. very good for business, as they normally have more money than the average German (been hit with the Euro- not very good). we're getting a posting back to Germany in 2009 which is for 6 years. guess they won't be leaving any time soon. not that i mind :)

Answer 5

the only thing I can think of its a central moving place. The US has closed most of it bases over here. And will soon only have a few. I'm not exactly sure the UK has them. I think the Germans have mixed feelings. We have been stationed in Germany since Aug. For the most part I think most Germans are OK with it. They sure don't mind the jobs! They get to have a job with both the German and American perks!! I have only come across a few Germans that have had problems with Americans and it has always been about environmental issues. I think for the most part they are OK with it.

Answer 6

After the fall of the wall plans were made to return foreign forces from Germany back to their respective countries. With the violent breakup of the Balkans and the coup in Moscow in 1991 these plan were postponed then shelved. It was felt that NATO still has a stabilization role to play in Europe.
As far as I know the US Army is in Germany because they brew really good beer, and have great places to ski.

Answer 7

You must know the historical background.It is because of the 2nd World War Treaty wherein Germany had to sign a treaty in which it was agreed that Germany will no longer maintain an army.US & Britain being the winners of the war took the responsibility to maintain the army.Even today after 60 years the same is continued. Strange is it not?

Answer 8

Germany is now used as a forward air base for bombers to Iraq and Afghan used by both US and Britain...dead handy....as for Russia Cold war is totally dead Russia has disbanded to a point were they are as threatening as a toddler with a spoon, Its the far east that will now pose the biggest threat and will probaly end the world in a big mushroom cloud....Oh well nice knowing Ya.....

Answer 9

We have bases there and leases that will not expire for years. It has a great central location as well for staging activities as well. Sadly the UK armies will be disbanded and become units under control of the EU. The British navy is already being scuttled and ships are changing to EU flags no longer controlled by the Brits! Soon it will be the French and Germans telling UK forces where to fight and Die. As many that hate Blair's decision to assist the UN (and the US) it was a British decision, this will no longer be the case........sad very sad indeed

Answer 10

Because the Germans complained when we tried to bring them home. Now we really don't care what the Germans think and are slowly bringing US forces home.

In fact Hungary has made us a very attractive offer for us to move our overseas medical facilities to their country.

Answer 11

With the government shutting down more of our bases (Coltishall, possbily St. Mawgan and Leeming in the future) the only bases we'll have left with be in Germany and the USAFE at Lakenheath & Mildenhall!