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US soldiers during Frank-Walter Steinmeier's visit to Grafenwoehr
Photo: CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP
A tank brigade of the US armed forces, which was only relocated to Germany in March, has apparently been put under an alcohol ban after several drunk rides with e-scooters.
This is reported by the newspaper »The Stars and Stripes«, which is published for the troops of the US armed forces.
Accordingly, there were several incidents with forces of the 1st US Armored Brigade outside the Grafenwoehr Training Area.
Since the unit's arrival in Germany, five soldiers have been charged with drunk driving.
The alcohol ban has been in effect since July 7, according to the report.
As a further consequence, members of the brigade were stripped of their privilege to leave the base overnight.
»Ensure order and discipline«
"For our mission in the European theater of operations, it is of crucial importance that we ensure order and discipline in our units," the report quoted the brigade spokesman as saying.
And further: “These restrictions will ensure that we maintain our commitment and remain good guests”.
The soldiers, originally stationed in the state of Georgia, are part of the US forces that were sent to Europe at short notice in connection with Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine.
Since their arrival in Bavaria, the brigade has had several important visitors.
In March, Prime Minister Markus Söder donated 4,000 white sausages to the soldiers and hosted a welcome breakfast for the troops.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was a guest at the base on Wednesday.
He was the first German head of state to visit US troops stationed in Germany in more than 25 years.
The US Army has a good 12,500 soldiers stationed in Grafenwöhr and in neighboring Vilseck.
It is one of the largest US Army bases in Europe.
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