Kelley Barracks
Kelley Barracks PCS Guide
Base History & Name
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Kelley Barracks was built by the German Army in 1938 and first served as a military base for Wehrmacht forces. After World War II, U.S. forces took control and repurposed the site as a key base for American military operations in occupied Germany.
The installation was renamed Kelley Barracks in 1949 to honor a fallen American soldier. It quickly became a hub for U.S. Army Europe activities during the early Cold War era, supporting a growing American presence.
Throughout the Cold War, Kelley Barracks served as a command and control center for U.S. Army operations. The base hosted major units, including the VII Corps headquarters, which coordinated missions across southern Germany.
The 1950s and 1960s saw significant expansion at Kelley Barracks to meet increased personnel and operational needs. These upgrades reinforced its strategic importance within NATO’s defense posture and solidified its role in European security.
After the Cold War, Kelley Barracks underwent downsizing and restructuring as U.S. military strategy in Europe shifted. Despite these changes, the base’s mission evolved again in 2007 when it became the headquarters for United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM).
This transition marked a new era for Kelley Barracks, positioning it as a center for U.S. military engagement with African partners. The installation now supports coordination and cooperation across continents, reflecting its ongoing strategic value.
Today, Kelley Barracks remains a vital U.S. Army installation in Stuttgart, Germany. It supports USAFRICOM and other tenant units, providing critical infrastructure for multinational cooperation and regional security.
The base continues to serve as a bridge between U.S. forces and European allies. Kelley Barracks adapts to evolving global missions, maintaining its importance in U.S. and allied defense efforts.
Namesake
Staff Sergeant Kelley is remembered for his courage and leadership, which exemplified the highest traditions of military service. Naming the barracks in his honor serves as a lasting tribute to his sacrifice and valor.
Major Units & Training Programs
Two key players from the 405th Army Field Support Brigade took part in the U.S. Africa Command J4 Component Conference at Kelley Barracks in U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany, Feb. 11-13, led by Air Force Brig. Gen. George T.M. Dietrich III, AFRICOM’s director of logistics (J4). The...
Major Units
United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM)
USAFRICOM is responsible for U.S. military operations, security cooperation, and building defense partnerships across the African continent. It plans and coordinates activities to strengthen regional security and counter transnational threats.
Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA)
SOCAFRICA oversees all U.S. special operations activities within the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility, including counterterrorism, crisis response, and partnership development with African special operations forces.
Arrival & In-Processing
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Welcome to Kelley Barracks! Arriving prepared ensures your check-in is smooth and efficient. Knowing what to expect at the gate and during in-processing helps you and your family settle in quickly. For more details, visit the official Kelley Barracks website.
Kelley Barracks is accessed primarily through the Main Gate, which is open 24/7 for authorized personnel. All adults must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or DoD credential to enter. If you use a state driver’s license, ensure it is REAL ID Act compliant. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections at all times. Security is strict to protect everyone on base. To bring visitors or family members, stop at the Main Gate’s Visitor Control Center for a pass. Sponsors must be present or have pre-arranged access for guests. Always follow posted instructions and cooperate with security personnel.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Passports (for all family members, if applicable)
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Marriage Certificate
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical and Dental Records
Kelley Barracks offers a robust sponsor program. Request a sponsor through your gaining unit or by contacting the unit’s administrative office. If you have not been assigned a sponsor prior to arrival, reach out to your unit’s S1 or the in-processing office for assistance. Sponsors help with everything from gate access to local orientation.
Report to the Welcome Center at Kelley Barracks for in-processing. The center is typically located near the main administrative buildings. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 0800–1600. In-processing involves stops at Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your gaining unit. Plan for the process to take 2–3 business days. Bring all required documents and arrive early to avoid delays.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Kelley Barracks Main Gate. Hours are Monday through Friday, 0700–1700. The VCC issues visitor passes, registers guests in DBIDS, and processes sponsorship requests. Ensure you have valid ID and sponsor information for all visitors.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Tressi Werdebach, Army Personal Property Lead Element quality assurance inspector, checks packing quality and inventory items on an inspection. (Courtesy photo)
Arriving at Kelley Barracks starts with receiving official PCS orders. Next, contact the base Transportation Office to discuss your move options and set up your shipment in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). DPS is the DoD’s online portal for scheduling, tracking, and managing your household goods (HHG) move. You may choose a government-arranged HHG shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), sometimes called a DITY move. Each option has different requirements and reimbursement rates, so review your entitlements before deciding. You are eligible for key allowances like Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) to cover short-term housing and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to offset relocation costs. Kelley Barracks is a smaller installation, so lodging may be limited—book early and keep receipts for reimbursement. For more details, visit official DoD resources or contact your sponsor for local insights.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early to get insider tips and local contacts.
- Keep orders, IDs, and key documents with you during travel.
- Understand your HHG weight allowance to avoid excess costs.
- Label boxes by room and inventory high-value items.
- Take photos or videos of your belongings before packing.
- Book temporary lodging as soon as you receive orders.
- Plan for pets in advance—pet-friendly options are limited near Kelley Barracks.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to schedule and track your move.
Check current rates for TLE, DLA, and other travel entitlements.
Guides, checklists, and support for every step of your PCS.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance based on rank and dependents.