Patch Barracks
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Patch Barracks is a well-known US military installation in Stuttgart-Vaihingen in Germany. It is named after Alexander M. Patch.
Patch Barracks was renamed from the German Kurmärker Kaserne in 1952. It served as home to the 7. Panzerregiment of the German Wehrmacht during World War II. After the Second World War, the barracks was temporarily occupied by French colonial troops. Subsequently, American troops took over the facility.
Today, Patch Barracks is home to the US European Command (EUCOM) and is the headquarters for US armed forces in Europe. It is also the center for the Special Operations Command, Europe (SOCEUR), which commands all US special forces units in Europe.
Patch Barracks is visible from a distance due to the 314 foot high steel framework radio tower located on the premises.
Local facilities include Patch High School, a DoDEA school for armed forces and civilian dependants.
Changes are in process to Patch Barracks, which include moving the PX to a larger shopping center on the nearby base Panzer Kaserne ( literally 'tank base'). The move was decided due to the lack of parking for both those who work at the EUCOM buildings on base and the AAFES shopping center. Changes also include renovations to the housing on base. Most renovations are complete except for the houses for O6 officers and above. The renovations to these houses is a slow process because many of the houses are occupied.
