Panzer Kaserne and nearby Patch Barracks were constructed in 1938 for the German Army,[3] Panzer Regiment 7, 8 as well as Panzer Brigade 4 was stationed in Panzer Barracks from April 1938 (and both bases were joined by a specially designed trail due to the weight of tank traffic.) Additionally, the training areas were designed to train and test the new tank crews who were assigned to the 8th Panzer Regiment. There is also a small nearby training area- unusual for a Kaserne in an urban or suburban area.[4]
The 8th Panzer Regiment was the first unit assigned to the then Hindenburg-Ludendorff Kaserne.[5] Local legend suggests that Adolf Hitler may have even delivered a speech from within the former Nazi Officer's Club building. Additional myths suggest that Panzer and nearby base of Patch, were used for testing of new and experimental Nazi technology, specifically tank modifications and improvements. Added to that, there is a myth that experimental tanks were disposed of by burial to prevent capture by advancing US troops.[3] No one can verify for certain when the U.S. Forces accepted the transfer of the barracks, but it is believed it occurred in early July 1945.
During the Cold War, various units were assigned to Panzer - most notably units of the 1st ID (Forward) - a forward detached element of the 3rd Brigade 1st Infantry Division[6] until 1990.
The chapel at Panzer Kaserne during a town hall meeting for dependents and community leaders
Education
Panzer is host to a DODEA Elementary, middle, and high school for dependent children [10] and is served by nearby Stuttgart High School (formerly Patch American High School, 1979–2015). The International School of Stuttgart also operates a private Pre-K to 9th Grade dual-language school in nearby Sindelfingen as ISS BaSICS.[11] The same school has an IB K-12 school located in Stuttgart district of Degerloch.[12]
Shopping
The Base Exchange opened a new main shopping center for the Stuttgart Military Community at Panzer to replace the facility at nearby Patch Barracks. The 140,000-square-foot (13,000 m2) facility is organized like a mall.[13] Panzer hosts a commissary and is also served by similar facilities at Patch and Kelley Barracks. Panzer has been selected as the site of a newer, more modern commissary, which will make Panzer the center for shopping in the area of the four bases: Panzer, Patch, Kelley, and Robinson.
Transport
Panzer Kaserne is served by the Stuttgart VVS bus service and two nearby light rail stops in Böblingen.[14]
