293rd Base Support Battalion
The Mannheim Military Community had its original roots with the American occupational forces immediately following World War II. The 1st support Brigade was activated in June 1965 at Taylor Barracks, Mannheim. When the 7th Army Support Command was dissolved in 1970, the Brigade became a major subordinate headquarters under the Theater Army Support Command, Europe (TASCOM). When TASCOM merged with U.S. Army Europe headquarters in 1974, the U.S. Military Community Activity-Mannheim evolved. Until 1991, USMCA-Mannheim was the single point of control for all American soldiers, civilians, and family members, providing base operations support for tenant units in its assigned area.
In 1990, Mannheim Military Community's area of responsibility was considerably extended with the consolidation of the Worms Community Activity, including the sup-community of Weierhof. The area of operation grew to the current BASOPS area of over 938 square miles.
On 1 October 1991, the Mannheim military Community Activity was redesignated as the 293d Base Support Battalion, under the 26th Area Support Group based in Heidelberg. Until that time, the USAREUR Provost Marshal had been the Community Commander, assisted by the deputy community commander, who commanded nearly 1,400 soldiers and civilians. The change of command conducted on 7 August 1994 marked a new era with the first Headquarters, Department of the Army Battalion Command selected Lieutenant Colonel to assume command. The Commander, 5th Signal Command is now the Senior Tactical Commander for the Community and performs duties similar to a Lord Mayor - monitoring and advising o quality of life issues and promotion German - American relations. The mission of the 293d Base Support Battalion is to provide support and serve as a power projection platform for tenant and transient units, and ensure that the 14,000 military, civilian and family members in the Mannheim - Worms Community are living well, receiving consistent, excellent service. The battalion's strength has dropped to approximately 500, but out dedication to maintain quality of life remains.
