ABSTRACT
Terrorism became a subject of major concern in West Germany with the rise in the early 1970s of radical, violent groups, whose purpose was to disrupt the social fabric of the country, destabilize its political institutions, and interrupt the alliance relationship between the Federal Republic of Germany and the United States (US). Less dramatic incidents of terrorism continued in 1973 and 1974, though during the period terrorist activity seemed to be aimed more at West German than US targets. The effect of terrorism upon military families has increasingly become a subject of concern on the part of US military leaders and community service organizations in West Germany. Military families are required to cope with several kinds of pressure not common to civilian families. Isolated attacks against US military installations and personnel by disgruntled West Germans have been occurring for many years. The US military presence in Germany is naturally an inviting target for terrorists.
