I was a military brat, and aware of the prestige and the Plum posting that Europe was for families.
But it is now a decade since the end of the Cold War, and we have other priorities.
It is the military's mission to respond to those priorities.
Good military families will have good morale. And they will buck up and do their duty whereever their men are posted.
I was fortunate to be stationed on two AF bases during my tour in Germany: Hahn & Spangdahlem (77-81). I don't recall anybody in my unit, or anybody who I knew, saying that these were "plum" assignments. The military was a step-child during the Carter years, and was going through the pain of establishing an all-volunteer force.
I loved Germany...but I was a bachelor, too, with no wife or family to care for. I didn't have any problems with weekly/twice weekly Staff Duty Officer, where I was on-site for 24 hours straight. I was also able to enjoy the challenge of being in the Wing Command Post for 4 days straight during alerts, because I was one of two officers in my unit with the requisite security clearance. The Battery Commander was the other, and he had his share of pressing duties.
Plum assignment? I don't think so, but I have many great memories: living near the Mosel River for 3 years (Traben-Trarbach), the summer of 79 (3 months TDY at Todendorf Anti-Aircraft Range), monthly visits to Eduard Kroth Winery in Zell, and being invited to sit at the "stammtisch" of my neighborhood gasthaus, to name but a few.
However, our defense needs have changed, and it's time to reduce our presence in areas where's it's not needed, such as Germany.