benefits of being stationed in germany. Most important, your military spouse won't receive any additional monies such as Overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) or Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) for living off the installation. Finding local friends in Germany is very tough. Have you ever been stationed overseas? I must clarify, though, that not all of the Autobahn (German for highway) has no speed limits, its just some parts of it. Unaccompanied baggage usually arrives within three to six weeks ahead of your household goods, but that isn't always the case. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. Please try again later. Well, as you probably have guessed by now, I did marry a soldier and we did get stationed overseas! Most doctors offices are open from Monday to Friday. I am so glad you are here. It helps lessen that feeling of overwhelm. By filling in a form, youll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. Another thing I did not expect was experiencing culture shock. Four years later, we traveled back to the US, with another baby, and tons of memories behind us. The most important one, which almost every German has, is the personal liability insurance (Hapftlichversicherung), which covers the costs you might have if you accidentally break someones belongings or cause an accident. In this case, however, a sponsor is someone who already lives where you're headed and who serves as a point of contact of sorts for your family. When they leave, they sell the car to an incoming military family. Considering over 40 countries and 90+ cities have been explored, we'd say they are doing something right! The only things open are some small local shops and the gas stations. Finally, get out and travel, travel, TRAVEL! I spent 3 years in Stuttgart on Panzerkaserne. Stuttgart is nice, but stupidly expensive. During the winter months, the sun goes down at like 4 pm. Today I bring on my Buddy Daniel (11C) and my Brother Joseph (19D) to talk about what it's like for them being stationed in Vilseck, Germany! Many expats enjoy living in Germany as its easy to travel to other European countries. benefits of being stationed in germany. A word of caution: If you plan to use your bicycle as your main mode of transportation, you need to know that you are not the king of the road. You can now cancel or change contracts with a one-month notice period after the first 24 months. Other companies, usually younger ones, have a more social and friendly environment where NERF guns are welcome, and chit-chatting is also ok. As long as you do your job correctly, its all good. Old processes and bureaucracy that is so German. When you are being transferred overseas, most branches of the service will assign one to you. Pets for Patriots brings veterans and shelter animals together. Please let me know if you would like to guest post about where you are stationed! If your military service member is being stationed overseas someplace where you and your dependent . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. You will most likely ship all your household possessions overseas in two separate shipments. I come from Guatemala, a country where criminality is high, and I can say that I feel very safe living in Germany. He flew over first, and my son and I joined him around four months later to start our first military and overseas experience. Expectation Management The first thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged. If you are into this kind of food, then youll love it here. Are there good offers from Telecom providers in Germany? It allows you to travel, work in, and access a range of services in most European countries. This means that the military says it's okay for you to tag along and use the military installation resources while you are living abroad. In an ongoing story, that is certain to be of interest to Americans abroad, Germany has begun treating certain US Military Personnel as tax residents of Germany. However, if you want more support in your OCONUS PCS and adjustment period, come find me on YouTube! Benefits Europeans experience due to the EU: 1. Below are some of ourbiggest pros and cons of moving to Germany. But with an OCONUS move, you have all the normal PCS adjustments to make, plus the foreign country aspect. I wish I had. To learn about adjusting to life in the country, read Culture Shock in Germany. Homelike is an online booking platform with offers of apartments and co-livings in nine European markets, including Germany and the UK! Another legal difference in Germany is the danger of being fined if you don't follow the country's naming laws for a new child. That is German punctuality, being at a place at least 5 minutes before the agreed time. up to 12,000 of the roughly 36,000 stationed in Germany will not go . How many people are stationed at Ramstein? Depending on where you come from, some things in Germany might be shocking, while others will bring you a lot of joy. Even the safest deployments carry risk. Go see a castle. I knew we were in for the adventure of a lifetime, but I did not have proper expectations of what that entirely meant. Germany has a great public transport system. Check out our guides on how to move to Germany and the best cities to live in Germany. It really does take several weeks to get over jet lag! 1. Plstico Elstico, un programa de msica y canciones de Pacopepe Gil: Power Pop, Punk, Indie Pop, New Wave, Garage Former teacher turned blogger turned mom turned full time travel addict, LeAnna has never been one to live life by the rules. Pinterest board dedicated to all the places you are going to travel, Detailed Guide to Using Your Esso Fuel Card in Germany, what to expect when heading to USAG Hohenfels, 18 Tips On How To Budget Travel Ireland Like A Pro, Bangkok Itinerary 5 Days: Making The Most Of Your Time in BKK, Krabi With Kids: Why Krabi Is the PERFECT Thailand Family Holiday Destination, USAG Hohenfels: The first glance at your new duty station. (It IS possible for government housing to feel like home!) benefits of being stationed in germany. If the dependents stay in the same location, BAH will remain at the same rate. Living in Stuttgart currently. So it was a shock for me to find that Christmas in Germany was so quiet. During my time there we did a lot of traveling . The U.S. military presence in Germany has been particularly important in accruing these military benefits for the United States. Though expats from otherEuropean countries may not notice it as much, those from more exotic countries may struggle with daily meals consisting of bread and potatoes. Although the system is not perfect, it is quite reliable, safe, and you can arrive almost anywhere with it. In the video below, we have outlined the most important rules to follow when cycling on the roads of Germany. . The world-renown Autobahn is a thing. I extended to stay here another 18 months. Mobile reception is not the best in all of Germany. You must pay monthly contributions in order to use them later or upon request. Only in Europe, baby! This was a big step forward towards equality and openness. The being in Germany part was perfect. There's a definite glass ceiling in workplaces in Germany that only a few get to break through. They see it more as providing feedback than simply pointlessly complaining about stuff. You can then use this card at any Esso station, Having a CMR (Community Mail Room) that gives you a US address, even while in Germany is a God-send!!! Do I need to explain any more? Have a day trip and see what is out there. The annual income of a nurse in Germany is around 33,000 EUR, which is around . I enjoy it. A great pick-me-up is finding a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend! So happy to have Malori from Warrior Life Wellness to tell us all about what it is like to be stationed in Germany! 400 liters a month for cars, 600 for vans/trucks. BRUSSELS The United States and . Jens mission is to help fellow expats beat bureaucracy and to have a smooth time while they settle into their new life in Germany. 18 Signs That You Have Been Stationed at Fort Campbell During Your Spouses Military Career , The 5 Stages of Watching Your Best Friend Move Away, What You Need to Know About Being Stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, 14 Tips to Help You Survive Basic Training When Your Spouse Joins the Military, What You Should Do When Your Boyfriend Wants to Join the Military, What To Do When Your Spouse Wants To Join The Military. We wrote a whole guide about Pfand in Germany and a complete Trash Guide to help you understand this better. If this guide was helpful to you, and saved you time of research, please consider supporting this website bybuying us a coffeeas a small donation. Finally, as you begin the "take this" and "leave that" process, keep in mind that chances are good that you will only add to your weight allowance while you are living overseas with your shopping adventures. We were able to explore three new countries within two weeks. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". They'll even help you get a passport. For example, when it is. 1. Janet Farley, The Pentagon Is Behind on Issuing Policy to Allow Cadets Who Have Kids to Remain at Service Academies, Opt Out or Pay: All Troops to Automatically Get Life Insurance March 1, Everything You Need to Know About the Tricare Dental Program, The Personally Procured Move (PPM): Steps to Take, Tips to Make Your Pre-PCS Househunting Trip a Success, Everything You Need to Know About Your Personally Procured Move (PPM), Hawaii Congressional Delegation Asks IRS to Exempt Red Hill Families, DoD Still Hasn't Released a Form Needed for Retirees One-Time Chance to Change SBP, Veterans' Emergency Room Bills Could Get Repaid by VA Thanks to Change, Army Urges Soldiers to Check Their Records in New HR System After String of Glitches. The information in this guide is very subjective and based on my own experience. Let them know what an experience this will be for them, and for you. Pro: Public Transport Blog: https://www.warriorlifewellness.com YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/c/MaloriMayor14Instagram link: http://instagram.com/warriorlifewellnessFacebook link: http://www.facebook.com/warriorlifewellnessEtsy shop: http://bit.ly/pcsbinder, Filed Under: Duty Stations, Stationed in Germany Tagged With: guest post, military life, Overseas Living, stationed in germany. Usually, they are only available in 3D, and a ticket costs 15 euros (freaking expensive, if you ask me). Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. You consider your dog or your cat an important part of your family. A friend of mine who was stationed in Germany PCS'd to Korea and now he travels all over Asia too. 0 . See Shipping Your Petfor tips on how to make the trip a more pleasurable one for your furry family member. There are also specific rules tied to being here with the military, like how to use VAT forms, what you cannot have sent to your APO box, getting your home-based business approved, and more. Before packing your bags and boarding the plane, keep these finer points in mind as you plan your fabulous world tour. Oh boy, if you are new in town, this one will come as a shocker. We have lived in Germany & Tennessee during our time as a military family. Finer Point #1: You must be named on your service member's orders in order to relocate with him. All rights reserved. Be careful when naming your child. If there are indications of other motives for being in Germany, such as being married to a local person, sending children to German schools or extending tours, then income and related. Depending on where you live, you can experience consecutive days of snow or rain. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. They go over so. If not, then it might be difficult to get used to the traditional stuff. Maybe it's not safe or too expensive to move the whole family for only one year. The Sip: Happy Halloween With a Side of MilSpouseFest We created the ultimate list of the best English movie theatres in Germany for you to check out. Simple Germany is a trademark registered in the European Union. Below we give you some of the top benefits encountered by expats living in Germany. My wife and I have never felt discriminated against. benefits of being stationed overseas. No matter where a service member is in the world, there is always a pit deep down in the stomach of the military spouse. Wiesbaden is by far the best installation there. Finer Point # 4: Some things can be shipped; others cannot. I felt like I got run over by a bus every day for at least two weeks! The Baby Boomers are retiring/ have retired leaving many vacancies unfilled. benefits of being stationed in germany. (Being 2020 I know this isnt possible right now but hopefully it will not be this way in the future.). Most banks are closed during lunchtime and open in the afternoon for a couple of hours. Some of the benefits you are entitled to as a German citizen or resident are: Excellent healthcare system: According to the World Health Organization, Germany's health care system ranks in the top 25 worldwide. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. However, the criminality rate is so low that it does not happen very often. Almost every contract you sign with a service provider (internet, mobile phone, gym, insurance, etc.) Sponsors often go so far as to pick you up from the airport or arrange your transportation in-country. But, aswith any destination, life in Germany comes with certain prosand cons. To the extent that private companies have been formed in an effort to simplify long processes for people. Dont get me wrong, they could be very nice and polite, but just because you have a beer with someone a couple of times does not mean they are your friends. January 14, 2021. I'm stationed in Germany and the best benefit, for me anyways, is how easy it is to travel to other countries on the weekends. Always! Once the initial euphoria you feel over your future sightseeing and world-class shopping escapades has subsided, however, you will still have to deal with The Move, every military spouse's favorite job, right? There is even insurance in case you are a victim of a phishing email scam. Germans still love Americans but you're gonna get a lot of Trump comments. However, visiting Europe, even for an extended trip, is much different than coming here to live. LORAN radiation. If you wanna have the best nights out go to the next town or 2 over. Benefits for being stationed in hawaii Extra pay when stationed in hawaii frankdgreen Level 1 (Contributor) 2 Answers 0 1 It is possible there is a special program for it but it all depends on the posts needs and strengths in jobs pick a similar job and it will help but remember nothing is for sure in the army. Granted, you are almost guaranteed to have a 2-3 week spell (often in July or August) that it can get quite toasty. Generally speaking, Germans can be tough to engage with, but once expats make an effort to immerse themselves in local culture and perhaps learn the language, theyll find that the locals will warm up to them. No really, go. I craved quiet time. On military arranged flights overseas, space may be on a first come, first serve basis so plan ahead or have a Plan B at the ready, just in case. When you are in Germany, there will be plenty of castles and other villages, towns, and other places to explore. It helps lessen that feeling of overwhelm. I'm concerned about my birth certificate and legality. I can go anywhere in Europe for the weekend and only spend a couple hundred bucks for the entire trip. Because culture shock threw me for such a loop, I made a YouTube video about it! Grocery shopping Originally, I thought shopping on Post would be better than shopping in the German Economy. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. I'm a US citizen that was born on a Military Base in Germany. We didn't have the equipment necessary because we followed the PACKING LIST that DID NOT have certain stuff listed (IOTV as one of them), but nevertheless, we were bitched at and/or smoked for not "thinking outside the box" and "not realizing we are in the Army". Some families ship critical items in advance via the flat-rate boxes offered by the US Postal Service. It is such good quality that you can drink it directly from the tap. Your car will be rationed to 400 liters per month but I have yet to meet anyone who exceeds their limit, even with plenty of travel. June 14, 2022. Moving overseas, though, can be a bit different than moving a few states over. Not really too sure what you're wanting an answer to, but I can answer questions if you have them. Please note that this requirement also applies to you if you were born in a US military base in Germany. Some bases have nothing around them and other have major cities. Hawaii's perfect weather. The whole point of Christmas Eve is to wait for midnight. The healthcare system in Germany is highlymodern and well developed. poems about making mistakes and learning from them Plstico Elstico. - CON: Cycling not that straightforward Dont ask me why, but that is how apartments are usually rented out in Germany without a kitchen. Whether you actually like the answers you hear or not may be another story, however. The moment you jump on a train or car and travel within the country, you get no reception or access to the internet. High pay rate Embrace the journey! Gas Station - Yes, 2 vehicles per sponsor but usually not a problem to get a third one authorized i.e. Meaning you're going to need a doctor to say that being exposed to something-documented is causing your illness and tie in the issues you're having to that specific set of documented diseases, illnesses and say in their medical experience what you were experiencing during active duty is what's causing your current issues or something to that effect. The actual German food, such as bratwurst is really good as well. It might take several trips to get the hang of European travel planning, but tons of traveling is something you will NOT regret! For many years, Germany has been a popular destination for expats. Germans are always on time. If you are not used to having cash in your wallet, you will need to get used to carrying some. Household goods will contain everything else, assuming you are legally allowed to ship it. Ask your friends and family to visit. Deployments, PTSD, and TBI may have rocked their world in past years, but they weathered through the hard times together and are currently enjoying an overseas assignment at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. pearl river st patrick's day parade 2021 Fr den Reiter. Even if you live on post, like we are mandated to do, you have to get used to the driving rules, shopping on the economy, cultural nuances like shops being closed on Sundays, and most of all, the language. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. My parents came for my graduation and to help with the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers. A distinct advantage of using your VA loan is that you may not have to pay some of the additional fees normally paid at Copyright 2023 Military.com. On Sundays, almost everything is closed. It is mandatory for everyone who lives in Germany to be insured. Just remember that no matter how shitty your unit is, youre still in Europe. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". If you are moving to a shared apartment (WG), most likely, a flatmate already has an internet contract, and you wont have to worry much about it, except for paying your monthly share. In this guide, I lay out all the good and the bad you might encounter to evaluate whats it like to live in Germany. I was able to pick up on some words and phrases, which was super helpful. Thus the last "war" for which active duty is qualifying for Veterans preference . Your Car? If you are command sponsored, then work with TMO and the other resources available to plan your move and the family's personal travel. We have a whole section about insurances. Something you cant find as easily as in the US. You have JBLM Main, which is the Army's main post and where you'll find the MWR, the PX, the Commissary, and more. These VA Home Loan FAQs ensures Military.com members are fully prepared to take advantage of this exclusive benefit. One can easily get across the country and even travel to neighbouring countries by train and bus. Huge Muslim population now so DO expect the side eye every now and then. All in all, it depends where in Germany you are stationed. This is not about being negative or complaining, but simply having a balanced outlook for your transition. Compared to coastal cities in the US and other major European countries, Germany is relatively affordable. -Does the USO offer recreational trips and tours from this location? I hope that you can find support for your own deployments, PCS moves, or anything else military life brings you , Copyright 2023 Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life on the Foodie Pro Theme. In other words, Germany is imposing tax (and apparently penalties) on the income earned by US military personnel stationed in Germany. Living and working easily in Germany. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I don't remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. 2. Its going to be what you make it. Generally, any official process needs some forms, tons of appointments, and a lot of time. This con is my own opinion. Try to keep an open mind: Unlike the last PCS, you aren't moving a couple states over. This is why I think Germans justify not having AC anywhere in Germany which is most office buildings, public transportation, hospitals, and flats. The TMO will most likely direct you to them as part of the moving overseas process. A typical German is actually required to take a class that costs thousands of dollars, is hundreds (yes, as in 300+) hours of classwork and driving practice and pass a difficult test in order to receive a drivers license. A good sponsor can answers these types of questions for you: - Will my tall bookcases and king-size bed fit in the housing units on base or off? Various military occupations, such as nuclear weapons technicians and dental technicians, include routine and usually safe exposure to radiation. After a weekend of alcohol fueled debauchery you will go back to vilseck for a week of suffering just to repeat the process over again. If you are searching for a mobile service provider, we wrote a whole guide about Germanys best mobile providers to help you out. If you are born in Germany to US parents, you can retain both citizenships. Copyright 2016 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Related Guide: Vacation Days In Germany [A Detailed English Guide]. Related Guide: Can you drink tap water in Germany? If not, skip this one . Born Abroad" issued by the State Dep't from the nearest consulate or embassy--your parents who were military and stationed in Germany at that time would have gotten that document and used it to apply for your US passport . Also you'll be getting 4 day weekends every month. I love helping other milspouses in their move to another country. Also you'll be getting 4 day weekends every month. I am a married E5, no kids but 2 dogs. If you are ever in a solo PCS situation, especially overseas, get your family or close friends to help! Living in Germany as an Expat with the military has afforded us some amazing insights into different cultures of the world, amazing travel opportunities, and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Cash is still a super common thing. An article from Insider shares all the details of this story. However, I think that due to the efficiency Germans are used to, they are straightforward when dealing with you as a client, especially in public offices (post, immigration, etc.). benefits of being stationed in germany; Posted by: Comments: 0 Post Date: June 9, 2022 . In a world in which 40 per cent of all nations are still ruled by dictatorships, and wars result in millions of deaths and refugees, this kind of community of stability . Education benefits- (918) 781-5678. The questions just keeping coming, don't they? When I think back to those years, I think about all the things I learned during our time in Germany. And when you shop in your local town, you get to know the people who live there. Before the movers show up on your doorstep, make sure any professional books, papers and equipment are separated and noted as such. I wanted to be stationed there after my tour in Japan was done, but it wasn't an option. Being stationed overseas is quite an experience. It's a little easier if you're married to a German, like I am. Uncategorized. In the next column, we'll discuss what to expect about life in general once you get there! Related Guide: Unemployment Benefits in Germany. Even with Covid-19, some establishments still dont accept card payments at all. The same rules for Sunday apply every day after 10 pm. A few years after exiting the military we decided to take our 2 kids and 2 dogs and make a permanent move to my wifes little village. About 34,500 American troops are stationed in Germany 50,000 including civilian Department of Defense employees and the plan Trump reportedly signed off on last week envisions reducing . Congratulations! As my husband likes to preach: expectation management. This is not about being negative or complaining, but simply having a balanced outlook for your transition. "How is my life going to be miserable today?". 2. Though most Germans speak English well, there's a general reluctancefrom their side to speak the language. Hospital staff, in general, tend to be friendly and efficient, and hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 16/06/2022 . The German language can also bepretty hard to learn, but for long-term expats it is certainly worth it. It was a complete shit show for all of us. Once you know that you that your next set of orders will be sending you abroad, contact the Transportation Management Office (TMO) to learn the logistical nitty-gritty details relative to your move. trader joe's marlborough sauvignon blanc tickets for chelsea flower show 2022 benefits of being stationed in germany. You can either bring the beers yourself or buy them from a kiosk. Then, you have McChord Airfield. Before we moved there I wasn't sure what it would be like. The Finer Points of Moving Overseas, Part I, By All the family meets, drinks, dances (sometimes), and eats until the mornings early hours. Other things like learning the best places and times to shop, learning the lay of the land, and finding your tribe take time. You may be at risk of illnesses or injuries caused by contact with: Radiation: A type of radiation exposure from atmospheric and underground nuclear weapons tests; Mustard gas: An odorless poisonous gas used in military tests in the 1940s; Herbicides: Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam and tested or stored in other locations; Occupational (job-related) hazards: Chemicals, paints . EU student can work a total of 20 hours in a week and Non-EU students are allowed to work 120 full (8 hours) 240 half (4 hours) day per year to cover all your additional expenses. Germans often wont speak English in certain situations out of embarrassment or simply because they dont want the exchange to last too long. January 31, 2019 by Guest Writer 5 Comments. Firing people in Germany is not like we see it in the US movies, where one day you arrive at the office, your boss fires you, you pack your things, and walk out of the building with a box filled with your belongings. Relocation can be a challenge, not only for you, but for your whole family.
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