MCGRAW KASERNE Meaning and
Definition
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McGraw Kaserne is a term that refers to a military installation located in southwestern Germany. More specifically, it is a former United States Army base situated in the city of Munich. A kaserne is a German term used to describe a military barracks or compound.
McGraw Kaserne, also known as McGraw Army Compound, served as a significant military facility during the Cold War era and housed various units of the US Army. Established in the 1950s, it played a crucial role in supporting the American military presence in Europe and acted as a base for divisions such as the 66th Military Intelligence Group and the 511th Military Intelligence Battalion.
The primary purpose of McGraw Kaserne was to provide administrative, logistics, and training support for the stationed military personnel and their families. It featured a range of facilities including housing units, offices, recreational areas, mess halls, medical facilities, and other essential amenities required for the wellbeing of military personnel.
However, as geopolitical circumstances changed and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty was signed, leading to the reduction of US military presence in Europe, McGraw Kaserne was eventually closed in the early 1990s. Its closure marked the end of an era for the American military in Munich.
Today, the former site of McGraw Kaserne has been repurposed for civilian use and undergoes redevelopment, transforming into a mixed-use area encompassing residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. It serves as a reminder of the historical significance of the US military presence in Germany during the Cold War period.
Etymology of MCGRAW KASERNE
The word "McGraw Kaserne" has its etymology rooted in the combination of two elements: "McGraw" and "Kaserne".
1. McGraw: "McGraw" refers to a family name in this context, specifically the General McGraw family. The exact origins and etymology of the name "McGraw" are uncertain, but it is thought to be of Scottish or Irish origin. The surname likely derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Craith", meaning "son of Craith". Over time, variations of spellings and pronunciations emerged, and "McGraw" became one of them.
2. Kaserne: "Kaserne" is a German word meaning "barracks" or "military base". It has its roots in the Middle High German word "kazerne", which emerged around the 14th century.
