benefits of being stationed in germany

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. January 31, 2019 by Guest Writer 5 Comments. 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. And they should. When you are in Germany, there will be plenty of castles and other villages, towns, and other places to explore. Parents have to ensure their kid's name isn't too unusual, is in the best interests of the baby, and makes their gender clear (for some reason). With myself, I also had the added stress of studying for the NCLEX (RN nursing board exam), which I had to take in London, England. Germany has so much history and places to explore. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. Cities are also well serviced by local bus, train and tram systems, so much so, that many expats dont feel the need to own a car. benefits of being stationed in germany. Tuition-Free Universities - Very Low Fees or Not at All Overall we had a challenging yet amazing experience. Due to the bureaucracy, the digitization of services has been challenging in Germany. However, I was wrong. Finer Point #1: You must be named on your service member's orders in order to relocate with him. And trust me, a company does not want to deal with this type of lawsuit. 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. Compared to coastal cities in the US and other major European countries, Germany is relatively affordable. Most hospital workers can speak English, so expats wont experience a language barrier. The information in this guide is very subjective and based on my own experience. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The German language can also bepretty hard to learn, but for long-term expats it is certainly worth it. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I dont remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. Some bases have nothing around them and other have major cities. From our experience and other expats', the pros, more often than not, outweigh the cons. Finally, get out and travel, travel, TRAVEL! benefits of being stationed in germany. All, As military personnel on orders, one of the best amenities we get is US gas prices!! Some of the benefits you are entitled to as a German citizen or resident are: Since October 1st, 2017, same-sex marriages became legal in Germany. Mobile reception is not the best in all of Germany. Moving to Germany is something that happens to other military families. Just like I never thought I would marry a soldier, I never thought wed get stationed overseas even though it was a dream of mine to live in Europe. Sure, your darling husband is your military sponsor and he's worth a lot to you. Also you'll be getting 4 day weekends every month. Moving overseas, though, can be a bit different than moving a few states over. Plan to ask good questions in the first place and you will be rewarded with clear answers. Give it to your family and friends ASAP and let them know that it is the. 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. 16. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Related Guide: Unemployment Benefits in Germany. Many expats report that, initially, they find Germans to be not the most welcoming. 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. The title 38, U.S.C., definition of "period of war," which is used in determining benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, includes the Vietnam Era and other armed conflicts. It gets cold, you gon' drink beer, you gon' maultaschen and schnitzel. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. I was back at Ft. Bragg, in my senior year of nursing school, so to say we had a lot on our plates is an understatement! If you dont cancel it on time, it typically auto-renews for another 12 months. I love this! 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 . This con is my own opinion. Won't be permitted to use the PX/BX or commissary. Depending on the cables installed in your building and the provider you choose, the process can last a few days or weeks. 1. Munich, Hamburg and Berlin are frequently ranked in the top 10 'most livable' cities in Germany. I spent 3 years in Stuttgart on Panzerkaserne. But 12 years later? Finding a cinema that shows movies in their original language is quite an adventure in Germany. We were told we were going to be there doing one mission and one mission only. Rent on Homelike today, and move in as early as tomorrow! 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. SOFA Article X to a Green Card Holder employed by the German Government and concluded that she was NOT entitled to the benefits of . The opening hours depend on the type of clinic or bank, and they are different from day-to-day. (It IS possible for government housing to feel like home!) The Pentagon has not provided any public updates or said when the formal policy will be issued. You can now cancel or change contracts with a one-month notice period after the first 24 months. trader joe's marlborough sauvignon blanc tickets for chelsea flower show 2022 benefits of being stationed in germany. Germany has low criminality rates. Every morning I got to wake up wondering. Thiscan be intimidating for newly-arrived expats, but once they start settling in they usually deduce that this brusque attitude isnt personal. Hospital staff, in general, tend to be friendly and efficient, and hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Four years later, we traveled back to the US, with another baby, and tons of memories behind us. The history buff in you will revel in the buildings and battlefields that exist, not on the pages of a textbook, but right before your very eyes. The starting point is that US Forces in . Everyone who works in Germany has access to social security and its benefits like unemployment insurance, healthcare or retirement insurance. Travel Europe Without a Visa. A German employee's supplemental benefits package comprising traditional benefits, i.e., pension, life, and disability, will cost approximately 4%-5% of their annual base salary. It makes a world of difference. The more complicated answer is how the amount is calculated. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! But after awhile, it got too quiet and anxiety set in. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which theyre relying with the relevant authorities. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. As it would happen, my husband had to report to Germany before I was done with school. Just because tuition fees are 0 or very low, you still need to think about your living expenses. OPTEMPO is high everywhere but that makes it fun. Germany has a great public transport system. 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. Wiesbaden is by far the best installation there. Though most Germans speak English well, there's a general reluctancefrom their side to speak the language. During my time there we did a lot of traveling . Only in Europe, baby! It's amazing. You will most likely ship all your household possessions overseas in two separate shipments. Are there any womens groups I can join in Powai, India? This is the mother of all moves. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. You can simply cross borders with a car or by air. Germany and US Dual Citizenship by Marriage Won't be eligible to use the military medical and/or dental care services. Boy is that accurate. You have JBLM Main, which is the Army's main post and where you'll find the MWR, the PX, the Commissary, and more. So it was a shock for me to find that Christmas in Germany was so quiet. I'm concerned about my birth certificate and legality. Currently live in Stuttgart. nyc parks department call out box number; expected daily expenses in milk tea business; como quitar los anuncios de whatsapp plus 2021; dan ewing partner Repeat for 3 years with the occasional trip to Munich or Frankfurt thrown in there. 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. Lots of cool shit to see though. It is mandatory for everyone who lives in Germany to be insured. Air Force guy here. 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! Finer Point #3: Less is more when it comes to your household goods shipment. To learn about adjusting to life in the country, read Culture Shock in Germany. For many years, Germany has been a popular destination for expats. In one weekend I saw 4 different countries. This becomes more clear when you speak the language. Let them know what an experience this will be for them, and for you. You will be able to make memories together, from sharing your Thanksgiving traditions to long summer nights at the park as the kids play. If youre thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 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. There is even insurance in case you are a victim of a phishing email scam. These are some of the important finer points to consider before you move overseas. So a lot of people without a lot of drinking under their belt get into a lot of trouble. To find out your particular weight allowance, visit Preparing for Your Move. 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. 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. Various military occupations, such as nuclear weapons technicians and dental technicians, include routine and usually safe exposure to radiation. Esso Fuel Cards in Germany: Everything You Need To Know. Germans tend to negotiate for more flexible working hours and often put their families above work. 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 . BRUSSELS The United States and . However, during summer, temperatures can sometimes be over 30C for several days in a row. This did not go well in Latin America, where Im originally from. Before your pet can board the plane to parts unknown, however, he will require a rabies vaccination form and a DD Form 2209, Veterinary Health Certificate. Expect that you will have a significant adjustment period to the culture. We were stationed in Germany for four years back in 2006-2010. One of my biggest mistakes was to not try to learn German before I got over there. You can travel to the north, explore the German beaches, or go to the south and explore the Alps! Nice dinner for two, with drinks, appetizer, and dessert: 60-70. No matter where a service member is in the world, there is always a pit deep down in the stomach of the military spouse. Once you understand some German, youll notice how much Germans love to do this. We have a whole section about insurances. Taking advantage of affordable education in Germany and the EU. All rights reserved. benefits of being stationed in germany. Do I need to explain any more? They see it more as providing feedback than simply pointlessly complaining about stuff. He flew over first, and my son and I joined him around four months later to start our first military and overseas experience. Finding local friends in Germany is very tough. According to the DAAD, living costs for a student in Germany are, on average, 850 euros a month. I am so glad you are here. With the added benefits of being able to vote in elections, enter politics yourself and work in the civil service, as well as being able to retire anywhere in the EU, it's easy to see the advantages of having German citizenship. So my first piece of advice, for anyone moving overseas, is to give yourself plenty of time to adjust and sleep. , , emodal contact phone number; how to stop a narcissist in his . 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. Depleted uranium. Germans are always on time. Just have an open mind, don't be afraid to travel, and make the most of your weekends. So many things to see and do. Im sure if you give Germany a chance, you might also fall in love with this beautiful country. Don't be afraid to speak with Italians. A significant benefit of military service is the VA home loan, allowing you to purchase a home with no down payment or refinance a home. And then he got orders to Germany. Anytime you make a big move like this one, you want to get all the facts you can in advance so your move can run as smoothly as possible. Always drive with caution and focus. Whether you actually like the answers you hear or not may be another story, however. Unaccompanied baggage generally consists of the essentials you need to set up house, such as extra clothes, utensils, pots and pans, a television, a computer and an ironing board. If you wanna have the best nights out go to the next town or 2 over. The questions just keeping coming, don't they? 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. Get your passport ASAP. It allows you to travel, work in, and access a range of services in most European countries. If you are command sponsored, then work with TMO and the other resources available to plan your move and the family's personal travel. chop shop cars where are they now; trail king tag trailers for sale Germany has a big network of public transportation, including buses, trams, trains, and if the place requires it, a ferry (like in Hamburg). Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Germany. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Germany was my first experience with the Army and my first experience living on an Army post. The biggest con of living in Germany is the high amount of tax that is deducted from a workers pay. High pay rate It's expensive, but helps ensure your items are available when you arrive. Yes (sarc), but driving on the autobahn like a crazy American and ordering "drei weissbier" with the wrong fingers might affect your suitability for German citizenship. Ask your friends and family to visit. 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. Dont beat yourself up when you feel homesick or are totally frustrated. Go see a castle. Culture shock is definitely a thing and being homesick especially if you are in the hotel for 60 days. Depends on what you do, it's fucking cold and you gon Hohenfels. Empowering internationals to settle intolife in Germany more smoothly. To the extent that private companies have been formed in an effort to simplify long processes for people. Cash is still a super common thing. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". If you plan to or already have retired or separated from the military in an overseas location, there are VA resources waiting for you via phone, e-mail, and online: Basic VA benefit questions and assistance- (412) 395-6272 or visit the VA Inquiry Routing and Information System. Relocation can be a challenge, not only for you, but for your whole family. So he did the geo-bachelor life for about three months. I craved quiet time. Ive met people who have had to wait up to 6 weeks to get an internet connection at home. -Can I take foreign language courses nearby? The multitude of options in courses that you will find in Germany is . Complaining is an art in Germany. Granted, you are almost guaranteed to have a 2-3 week spell (often in July or August) that it can get quite toasty. When Im away from Germany for too long, I have to confess that I miss the German bread. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". While having a positive attitude about any PCS is important, its equally important to have realistic expectations. Where can I apply for a visa for Germany? Im in Kaiserslautern and I love it. List of the Pros of Living in Germany 1. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! 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. Make sure to do it. Thus the last "war" for which active duty is qualifying for Veterans preference . Get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and our latest award-winning content. Ready to pack your bags? -Does the commissary stock my favorite brand of potato chip? The possibilities are positively endless. Beer from a local bar: 2.50. Please try again later. She believes that rigorous organization is key to a smooth OCONUS PCS, so she recently opened an Etsy shop, where milspouses can purchase printable Overseas PCS Binder pages for creating their own organizational binder. We were able to explore three new countries within two weeks. One can easily get across the country and even travel to neighbouring countries by train and bus. , villa bologna malta wedding cost comments comments May require a visa to enter and live in the host nation country. . While having access to the Commissary is amazing, and where I did most of my shopping, I also liked to shop on the economy. I felt like I got run over by a bus every day for at least two weeks! But it was nice. This meant I had the pleasure of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school. I'm amazed with how many bases Army has throughout Germany. Also you'll be getting 4 day weekends every month. Homelike is an online booking platform with offers of apartments and co-livings in nine European markets, including Germany and the UK! Something you cant find as easily as in the US. No one is allowed to vacuum, use the washing machine, or do home repairs. Related Guide: Renting in Germany [A Detailed Guide in English]. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Right in your inbox. If you want to quit any of your contracts, you need to do it with a three-month notice period before your contract end date. That is German punctuality, being at a place at least 5 minutes before the agreed time. Germany has a great public transport system. Plan in advance to leave some room for those new additions. 1. Something similar happens with bank branches. Related Guide: The German Autobahn [A Detailed Guide For First-Timers]. Check out our guides on how to move to Germany and the best cities to live in Germany. Living and working easily in Germany. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget. figueroa street shooting; jeffrey friedman chiropractor; gifted child humming; how to adjust sim max driver; benefits of being stationed in germany. In Latinamerica, Christmas is a loud holiday. 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. 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. During summer, friends meet at parks and BBQ! You will file for your. I can go anywhere in Europe for the weekend and only spend a couple hundred bucks for the entire trip. Enjoy your time, take lots of photos, and breathe it all in. I enjoy it. January 14, 2021. If you are born in Germany to US parents, you can retain both citizenships. They worry even when "they're fine.". I was stationed in vilseck and was with 1-2cr. Below are some of ourbiggest pros and cons of moving to Germany. But, once acclimatised, expats find it refreshing, and work culture, and life in general, ismuch improved because of it. This is not about being negative or complaining, but simply having a balanced outlook for your transition. Oh boy, if you are new in town, this one will come as a shocker. Rising through the ranks can be hard for many workers, but it's especially true for foreigners. Advantages of Studying in Germany Let's have a look at some of the secret benefits of studying in Germany that makes it a top choice for the student seeking a university degree. If the dependents stay in the same location, BAH will remain at the same rate. Something else I have a bad habit of doing for any PCS is to believe that I can jump into a routine right away. The Finer Points of Moving Overseas, Part I, By My parents came for my graduation and to help with the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers. benefits of being stationed in germany. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 2. Unite and Ignite Virtual Events- Feb. 2022, MSF Unite & Ignite- National Capital Region, MSF Cast- Mental Health Awareness- May 2022, MSF Cast- Milspouse Employment & Entrepreneurs- June 2022, MSF Cast- MilSpouse Education August 2022, MSF Cast- MilKid Education- September 2022, MSF Unite and Ignite- San Diego and Camp Pendleton, Here are the 5 Most Romantic Military Love Stories Youve Never Heard of, MilSpouseFest announces 2023 event schedule featuring military spouse and comedian Ashley Gutermuth, ICYMI: MilSpouseFest returns to Southern California for in-person events. Some families ship critical items in advance via the flat-rate boxes offered by the US Postal Service. If you enjoy a beer in public, remember that there is Pfand on the bottles, so you should not throw them in the trash but rather leave them next to it so a collector (Pfandsammler) can take it. (OCONUS = outside the continental United States) I dont suggest these circumstances, but I did gain a certain sense of accomplishment from completing the move (and school) without anything major going wrong. I'm about to PCS to Stuttgart (Moehringen). Here's our easy PCS 101 IRRRL stands for Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan,also known as a "Streamline" or a "VA to VA" loan. 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. Can I get advice on the schooling system in Germany and how it compares to India? Many strict rules need to be followed when cycling in a German city. Doner Kebab: 5.