"The US military footprint in Germany dates back to the second world war in 1945. When the Nazi regime surrendered there were 1.6m US troops in the country, a number that fell within a year to fewer than 300,000, mainly managing the American zone of occupation."
"Bases became permanent fixtures with the foundation of Nato and the FRG (West Germany) in 1949. At the peak of the cold war the US operated about 50 major bases and more than 800 sites in Germany, ranging from huge airfields and barracks to listening posts."
"According to US Defense Manpower Data Center, at the end of last year the US military had 68,000 active-duty military personnel assigned permanently in its overseas bases in Europe, with just over half about 36,400 stationed in Germany."
The US military presence in Germany, established post-World War II, has evolved significantly over the decades. Initially, it aimed at denazification and later transitioned to countering the USSR during the Cold War. At its peak, the US operated around 50 major bases in Germany. Currently, approximately 36,400 active-duty personnel are stationed there, making it a vital component of NATO's defense strategy. Recent comments from Donald Trump indicate a potential reduction in troops, which may not align with Pentagon or State Department interests.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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