UK To Maintain Military Presence In Germany Beyond 2020

The Defence Secretary has given details of where personnel from the Army and Ministry of Defence (MoD) will remain in Germany once the withdrawal of British Army units to the UK has been completed.

In a speech at the Conservative Party Conference, Gavin Williamson said around 185 Army personnel and 60 MoD civilians will be based there:

“We are increasing our British points of presence across the world. We will not close our facilities in Germany and will instead keep them open and forward base the Army there.”

Army personnel will be permanently based at the 45-square mile Sennelager Training Area, which is used by both UK and NATO forces for live firing. 

Video: Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson MP speaks to Forces News after the Conservative Party Conference.

Mr Williamson also told the Conference that retaining Sennelager alongside the adjacent Athlone Barracks will provide remaining British personnel with vital domestic infrastructure, including housing and schooling.

Army personnel will also remain in Minden, which provides river crossing capability for NATO and is operated by British and German troops.

Elsewhere in Germany, he said the Army is maintaining a presence at the Ayrshire Barracks in Mönchengladbach, where approximately 2,000 vehicles can be stored.