Discussing why the U.S. will remain in the FRG for the foreseeable future, this book examines the U.S. military presence in Germany. It shows how that presence has affected the development of the political and diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

This book examines contemporary socioeconomic problems created by the stationing of U.S. troops in West Germany. It analyzes the sociological dynamics of the military relationship, clarifying their effect on the political and diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

Since the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and the FRG is the heartbeat of the Atlantic Alliance, West Germany is the most strategically vital European member of the alliance. U.S. forces have been stationed in the country since the end of World War II, constituting the largest U.S. overseas contingent Discussing why the U.S. will remain in the FRG for the foreseeable future, Dr. Nelson examines the U.S. military presence in broad historical perspective. He shows how that presence has affected the development of the political and diplomatic relationship between the two countries and has contributed to a dense network of military/civilian relationships, including kinships through marriage and individual friendships. Exploring the military side of this close and abiding partnership, the book analyzes U.S. successes and failures, pointing to changes necessary for maintaining the cohesiveness and viability of the U.S. presence on an ally's soil.

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.