The Defense Department will restructure the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade and subordinate units in Germany as part of the Army’s Aviation Restructuring Initiative in Europe, defense officials said today in a statement.

The 12th CAB restructuring will reduce the U.S. presence in Germany by about 1,900 military positions and an estimated 2,850 family members, officials said.

The department will maintain aviation capabilities in
Germany using a continuous rotation to augment the remaining aviation assets and personnel, officials said, and will augment aviation assets further if surge capabilities are needed.
The Army will provide a rotational presence of an aviation battalion task force, two medevac teams and an air traffic service company to complement the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, they added.

Operation Atlantic Resolve

The units rotating to Europe will support Operation Atlantic Resolve and major training exercises in central and eastern Europe and in Germany.

In the near term, the defense officials said, three local national employee positions will be reduced. Long-term impacts on local national employment won’t be clear until the restructuring is complete, they added.

Carter and von der Leyen

In a telephone call with German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen today, Defense Secretary Ash Carter outlined the restructure as part of the Army’s Aviation Restructuring Initiative in Europe and discussed the Army’s plan for rotational forces to complement the brigade, officials said in a separate statement summarizing the call.

Carter and von der Leyen vowed to remain closely connected throughout the restructure process, the statement said, and they expressed mutual appreciation for the strong military relationship between the United States and Germany.

Both leaders said they look forward to meeting again in Europe, officials said.