Clay Kaserne
Clay Kaserne PCS Guide
Base History & Name
Thirteen plays, musicals, family shows and the volunteers who made them happen were honored at the 64th Annual Tournament of Plays (TOPPERs) Awards Show at the Wiesbaden Fitness Center on Clay Kaserne April 26. (Photo by Travis Thurston)
Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany, began as a Luftwaffe airfield in the late 1930s. The airfield supported German military aviation during the buildup to World War II and played a key role as a base for fighter and bomber units.
After World War II, the U.S. Army took control of the site in 1945. The installation was named Wiesbaden Air Base and became a major hub for U.S. Air Force airlift operations during the Berlin Airlift (1948–1949).
The base served as a strategic point for U.S. and Allied operations in the early Cold War. It supported intelligence, logistics, and command missions that were vital to American and Allied interests in Europe.
In 1973, the installation was officially renamed Lucius D. Clay Kaserne to honor General Lucius D. Clay, a key figure in the Berlin Airlift. Over the years, the base hosted various U.S. Army and Air Force units, including intelligence and signal commands.
After the U.S. Air Force left in the 1970s, the U.S. Army took over the site. Clay Kaserne became a command and control center for U.S. Army Europe, supporting a range of military operations and missions.
Today, Clay Kaserne serves as the headquarters for U.S. Army Europe and Africa. The base remains a critical hub for U.S. military operations, training, and support, fostering strong ties with the local German community and NATO allies.
Namesake
Clay's leadership and diplomatic skill were crucial in maintaining Western access to Berlin and stabilizing postwar Germany. His legacy is closely tied to U.S.-German relations and the defense of Western Europe during the early Cold War.
Major Units & Training Programs
Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll conducts physical training with Soldiers from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa units April 9, 2025, on Clay Kaserne, Germany. The Secretary of the Army's initial visit to Europe underscores the commitment to lethality, readiness, and innovation. (U.S. Army...
Major Units
2nd Theater Signal Brigade
Provides communications and information systems support to U.S. Army Europe and Africa, enabling command and control for joint and multinational operations across the theater.
66th Military Intelligence Brigade
Conducts multi-discipline intelligence operations in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, focusing on intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination.
Headquarters, U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF)
Serves as the command headquarters for U.S. Army operations throughout Europe and Africa, providing operational command, planning, and support for ground forces.
Training Schools
USAREUR-AF Command and Staff Training
Overview
Provides professional development and operational readiness training for staff officers and senior NCOs assigned to U.S. Army Europe and Africa headquarters and subordinate commands.
Course Length
Varies (typically 1-2 weeks per module)
Who Attends
Staff officers and senior NCOs
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Because peak permanent change of station moving season is upon us, it is advisable if you already have your PCS orders to schedule you household packing and shipment with transportation and personal property, said Connie Silk, Army Community Service. Currently on Fort Campbell there could be a four- to six-week delay to get an appointment. (U.S. Army)
Arriving at Clay Kaserne begins with receiving your official orders. Next, contact the Transportation Office to discuss your move options. Most choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also called a DITY move. Each method offers different reimbursement and flexibility options, so review your needs carefully. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to schedule and track your move—this is the DoD's official online tool for all PCS shipments.
You are entitled to several allowances to offset costs. Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) covers some hotel and meal costs while you secure housing, and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) helps with upfront moving expenses. These entitlements can make your transition smoother. Clay Kaserne has unique check-in procedures and local resources; review the base's welcome packet before arrival. For more details, visit the official garrison website or connect with your sponsor for up-to-date local info.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor from Clay Kaserne as soon as you receive orders.
- Keep all PCS documents, orders, and receipts in a secure folder.
- Use DPS to track your shipment and communicate with your moving company.
- Take photos of high-value items before the movers arrive.
- Plan pet travel early—review EU entry and base-specific requirements.
- Check weight allowances for HHG shipments to avoid excess costs.
- Review Clay Kaserne’s in-processing checklist before arrival.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move.
Official source for travel allowances and rates.
Guidance and support for every step of your PCS.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance.
Official Wiesbaden Garrison arrival information.