US ARMY GARRISONS

USAG Garmisch

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a popular German resort area, became a U.S. military recreation center in 1945. The military presence has since evolved into the US Army Garrison (USAG), Garmisch, and supports the Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC), the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies and the NATO School in nearby Oberammergau. The local population of the city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is approximately 28,000 and the US military community numbers around 1600 active duty personnel, DOD civilian employees, and family members.

The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, located on Artillery Kaserne, is a unique U.S. Department of Defense and German Ministry of Defense security and defense studies institute. The Center's programs, including post-graduate studies, conferences, research, and foreign area studies, are designed to encourage understanding and "intellectual interoperability" among participating civilian and military professionals, as a necessary step in forging a new cooperative community of nations. More than 5,500 military and civilian officials from more than 100 nations have graduated from resident courses and more that 14,500 have attended more than 260 conferences since the Center was dedicated in 1993.

The NATO School, located in Oberammergau, about 12 miles to the northwest, is NATO's key training facility on the operational level. Since 1953, the NATO School has trained and educated members of the Alliance as well as personnel from partner nations. The city of Oberammergau is noted for its religious woodcarvings and is the home of the world famous Passion Play.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is surrounded by many exciting places to visit. There are King Ludwig's castles; the Neuschwanstein Castle in Füssen, which was modeled after storybook illustrations; the rococo style Linderhof castle located near Oberammergau, and Herrenchiemsee, located on an autoless island in the middle of Germany's largest lake, Chiemsee. And don't forget Munich, the wonderful capital city of Bavaria with its beer gardens, cultural activities, Nymphenburg Palace and, of course, the annual world-famous Oktoberfest.

For more information check the USAG Garmisch website at www.garmisch.army.mil.

FACILITIES

Sports and Recreation

The Edelweiss Lodge and Resort, is run by the Armed Forces Recreation Center. The resort is comprised of a first class hotel, a year-round vacation village and campground, a sports lodge, a nine-hole golf course, and many recreation programs, such as skiing, hiking and white water rafting. It also offers guests a robust program of tours to the surrounding areas of interest. The Fitness Center on Sheridan Kaserne has a well-trained staff, convenient hours of operation, locker rooms and a full array of fitness equipment. Golfers can play a nine-hole, par 36 course at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany's tallest mountain. The facility offers a pro shop, practice areas, lessons and a restaurant serving lunch. It is open from mid-April through October.

Health Services

A medical van makes periodic visits to provide basic health care services. More specialized care is provided at German hospitals and military hospitals. The health benefits advisor assists with military health problems and is a liaison for patients using host nation health care facilities. A veterinarian visits periodically to provide immunizations and minor medical treatment.

Schools

There is a K-8 at Garmisch, and high school students attend international schools.

Community Services

The Army Community Service (ACS) center offers various programs and services for soldiers, civilians and family members; parent education classes, financial maintenance classes, relocation information and support, mobilization and deployment support, employment services, Army Emergency Relief (AER) and volunteer programs. Child Development Services provides full service, center-based child care, the Family Child Care (FCC) program, the School Age Services (SAS) program and respite child care for service members in pay grade E-4 and below. Youth Services operates a sports and fitness program for organized seasonal sports. Volunteers are an integral part of every community. Volunteer experience offers great potential for self-fulfillment and may also be reflected on resumes for future job employment.

The Chapel offers services and religious education in numerous denominations. Your Chapel staff can provide information about them. There is a wide range of Bible study groups, classes and retreats offered by the program.

Scouting

There are active scouting programs for both boys and girls. They advertise and recruit members through the schools, libraries, youth activity centers, media and various other institutions.

Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers (BOSS)

This program is designed to bring single members' quality of life in line with their married counterparts. Billets afford them more living space so they may decorate to their own tastes and include amenities such as floor kitchenettes, private facilities, fitness equipment and government furnishings. It also involves single personnel in recreational travel and community help programs.

Shopping

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service PX is located in the Shopping Center on Artillery Kaserne. Facilities include a barber/beauty shop, Bavarian Rosenthal Shop, Bookmark, Class VI Store:, two-hour film processing, a Food Court:, gas station, new car sales, pickup point, shoppette, sports store and video/dvd rental. A modern, well-stocked commissary sells U.S. brand-name products and many European specialties. There also franchised restaurants such as Burger King and Popeye's Chicken.

Multi Crafts Facility

Offers various craft activities and classes, a Ceramic Shop, a Wood Craft Shop, a sewing and quilting room, a portrait studio and picture matting and framing, including a poster dry mounting service.

Music and Theater

The Garmisch Players Community Theater provides a good balance of community-generated staged theater activities to be enjoyed by both the doer and viewer. The Music Department provides musical performances and children's shows throughout the year. Get in touch with the Entertainment office, if you want to be part of it.

Car Care

The Auto Skills Center at Artillery Kaserne offers assistance in performing automotive maintenance and repair. Equipment, tools and trained mechanics make everything, from charging a battery to major overhauls, possible at great cost savings.