Defenders or Intruders?: The Dilemmas of U.S. Forces in Germany

Following Dr. Nelson’s A History of U.S. Military Forces in Germany; this book examines contemporary socioeconomic problems created by the stationing of U.S. troops in West Germany (FRG). The issues are magnified by the FRG’s strategic importance to the United States, the large number of U.S. troops stationed in the FRG, and the length of time they have remained there. Dr. Nelson assesses the strategic relationship of the two countries against the backdrop of the FRG’s security dependency, which adds a unique psychological dimension to the relationship and has created severe strains in the alliance. Dr. Nelson analyzes the sociological dynamics of the military relationship, clarifying their effect on the political and diplomatic relationship between the two nations. His focal point is the morale of U.S. troops stationed in West Germany, which he studies in relation to military readiness and the acceptability of U.S. forces in German society. The study of morale leads, in turn, to an investigation of some fundamental aspects of the all-volunteer force, which since 1973 has supplied the majority of U.S. military personnel. The book concludes by offering policy recommendations for maintaining West Germany’s acceptance of U.S. forces and, thus, preserving the integrity of the military alliance between the United States and the FRG.