[mfwoods]

Not only that, but these bases usually also have a non-trivial contribution to the local economy. Especially in smal(ler) towns, I'd expect there are quite some people who'd rather have a job because of those bases (directly or indirectly) than stop some of the spying (maybe).

[weinzierl]

As a German who lived near the bases Grafenwöhr (the base where Elvis Presley served) and Hohenfels I can confirm this. Wikipedia says Grafenwöhr alone supplies 3600 jobs for locals civilians. I've heard there has been resistance against the bases in the past, but now they are part of the local economy and every reduction in personnel has caused a small outcry.