Germany has announced the closure of 39 military bases and 20 smaller facilities (those defined as having fewer than 50 employees). This is part of a move to turn the huge anti-Soviet Bundeswehr into a more mobile and professional military able to participate in regional missions under NATO, the EU, or UN. More bases will probably be closed next year. As in the US, local communities where bases (and payrolls) have been ordered shut down are protesting unfairness. Among the closed installations are two major air bases, the 34th Fighter Bomber Wing's Memmingerberg and the 72nd Fighter Wing's Rheine-Hopsten.--Stephen V Cole