We are looking for contributors to help make this the ultimate guide for expats. 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. Related Guide: Best Internet Providers in Germany. chop shop cars where are they now; trail king tag trailers for sale I think this could be a general European thing. Below are some of ourbiggest pros and cons of moving to Germany. Cha c sn phm trong gi hng. Gas is around $4.20 a gallon these days and a debit card-like system is used. There's a definite glass ceiling in workplaces in Germany that only a few get to break through. 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. Though Germany is known for its excellent beer and delicious pretzels, the restof the local cuisine can be rather limited. Moving overseas, though, can be a bit different than moving a few states over. Even so, there's a good reason why large overseas military communities have a thriving car sales market. Please try again later. Im in Kaiserslautern and I love it. It was a complete shit show for all of us. -Is the on-installation youth program alive and well for my teenager? Everyone brings different things to put on the grill and enjoy a meal together. The German government helps its citizens and residents maintain a good quality of life and motivate family life. What about your dog? If you dont, you will get caught and will get into trouble. List of the Pros of Living in Germany 1. If not, then it might be difficult to get used to the traditional stuff. I must clarify, though, that not all of the Autobahn (German for highway) has no speed limits, its just some parts of it. They worry even when "they're fine.". Living and working easily in Germany. But, aswith any destination, life in Germany comes with certain prosand cons. During an explosion, pieces of depleted uranium used in tank armor and some bullets can scatter and embed in muscle and soft tissue. Please note that this requirement also applies to you if you were born in a US military base in Germany. If you are getting ready to be stationed there, you are in for a treat! These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Grocery shopping Originally, I thought shopping on Post would be better than shopping in the German Economy. Living in Stuttgart currently. One can easily get across the country and even travel to neighbouring countries by train and bus. In general you may be a bit further behind other people in the Army who have been in the USA. OPTEMPO is high everywhere but that makes it fun. In Latinamerica, Christmas is a loud holiday. In the next column, we'll discuss what to expect about life in general once you get there! In other words, Germany is imposing tax (and apparently penalties) on the income earned by US military personnel stationed in Germany. Won't be permitted to use the PX/BX or commissary. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. Though it may not be good for you because it's still McDonald's, it is much better for you than the McDonalds in the states. My parents came for my graduation and to help with the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers. He flew over first, and my son and I joined him around four months later to start our first military and overseas experience. What makes a positive difference when moving to a foreign country is receiving your household goods. 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. Finer Point # 4: Some things can be shipped; others cannot. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Right in your inbox. 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. Uncategorized. Select a city and your desired stay dates, choose a listing, make a booking request, and pay as easily as booking a hotel room, but only after the landlord answers your questions and confirms the availability. And they should. The whole point of Christmas Eve is to wait for midnight. The pros of living in Germany definitely outweigh the cons. I am so glad you are here. Your Car? If you are renting an apartment by yourself, you will need to get an internet contract under your name. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget. A German guy once told me: Germans are like coconuts, the shell is very tough, but once you can get through it, you will find a soft and sweet person. The world-renown Autobahn is a thing. Connect with Malori on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook! Always drive with caution and focus. 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. 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. So much so that rumor has it that Walt Disney got inspiration from a German castle to create the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. Depends on what you do, it's fucking cold and you gon Hohenfels. Your email address will not be published. However, you have to choose between one citizenship before you turn 23. All, As military personnel on orders, one of the best amenities we get is US gas prices!! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. All rights reserved. Pets for Patriots brings veterans and shelter animals together. However, I was on a rotation there. You'll spend your next wedding anniversary in Paris on top of the Eiffel Tower or the walking through the gardens of the famed Tokyo Imperial Palace. In one weekend I saw 4 different countries. The higher your spouse's rank, the higher your weight allowance. 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. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. Plan to ask good questions in the first place and you will be rewarded with clear answers. Expect that you will have a significant adjustment period to the culture. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I don't remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. The same rules for Sunday apply every day after 10 pm. Take advantage of the goodwill of this person to get the real scoop on the location you are soon to call home. If you decide to go along with him without command sponsorship (and others have done so before you for the experience of living in some locations), keep in mind that you: Won't be allowed on the overseas installation unless someone signs you in. If you wish to be stationed in Germany, you will wish to tell the Army that you would like to be stationed in the Far East. It was wonderful to simply live with my husband again after almost a year apart! Supermarkets sell one-time BBQs during the summer months, or if you are a real pro, you bring your portable BBQ from home. That title 38 definition is NOT applicable for civil service purposes. Or my favorite sneaky little spot The kings arms. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, anywhere you go in Germany, there are always parks and areas for people to lay out a blanket and relax. Since Germany has such a large pool of highly educated workers, competition for top positions can be fierce. You can apply for citizenship, yes. So with an overseas move, Id say to give yourself at least six months to feel fully adjusted, if not one year. Try to keep an open mind: Unlike the last PCS, you aren't moving a couple states over. Im sure if you give Germany a chance, you might also fall in love with this beautiful country. We have a whole section about insurances. 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. JBLM is split into parts. Also you'll be getting 4 day weekends every month. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. By law, German employers need to give a minimum of 20 vacation days to their employees! Clearly, a new digital camera should be high on your current list of "must-haves.". To me, this is a pro, as it forces us to take some time to rest and recharge. Even with Covid-19, some establishments still dont accept card payments at all. 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. Many strict rules need to be followed when cycling in a German city. If your shipments exceed that magic number, you pay out of your pocket for it. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to: The creep of PCS anxiety is setting in. -Does the USO offer recreational trips and tours from this location? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". I met my wife there, she is German. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. A big part of it is covered by your employer. Your Sanity? Are there any womens groups I can join in Powai, India? These are some of the important finer points to consider before you move overseas. 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? It's amazing. This is helped in part by strong help from the government in the form of funding and incentives for research institutions and start-up companies. No really, go. With the help of the app, a family can file for parental allowance in 30 minutes. 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. The packers will mark them as "professional items" and their weight will not be counted against your limit. To find out your particular weight allowance, visit Preparing for Your Move. SOFA Article X to a Green Card Holder employed by the German Government and concluded that she was NOT entitled to the benefits of . Drinking will be an issue for a lot of younger soldiers. Im a combination introvert/extrovert, and after nursing school my extrovert was burnt out. This was a big step forward towards equality and openness. 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. A friend of mine who was stationed in Germany PCS'd to Korea and now he travels all over Asia too. 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. Lots of cool shit to see though. benefits of being stationed in germany. You are 'command sponsored' on this 'accompanied' tour. All rights reserved. The questions just keeping coming, don't they? If you wanna have the best nights out go to the next town or 2 over. Being stationed overseas is quite an experience. benefits of being stationed in germany. We are talking HUGE savings here compared to gas on the economy. Military occupational exposure. When Im away from Germany for too long, I have to confess that I miss the German bread. GETTING STATIONED IN GERMANY?? Once you get a job in Germany and are past the probation period, usually 6 months, it is tough for your employer to fire you. Another thing I did not expect was experiencing culture shock. Where can I apply for a visa for Germany? Many expats report that, initially, they find Germans to be not the most welcoming. 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. It is no wonder public transportation is so good and efficient in Europewho wants to pay those gas prices!? It is quite common, especially in summer, to meet friends at a park or any other nice outdoor place and have some beers. Whether Europe or Asia awaits you, life will be full of new and thrilling adventures. I did three tours in Germany, and one in the South pacific at a place called Johnston Atoll. 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. Related Guide: An Introduction to the German School System. Once the weekend comes assuming it doesnt get ruined by some chuckle fuck who decides to shit in the hallways you will probably end up seeing yourself spending time at Nuremberg at any of these fine establishments. This has to do a bit with con#3 bureaucracy. The VAT is Germany's sales tax which is automatically added onto items. They wanted us to chill and have good experiences out of base and they wanted that too for themselves. Depending on where you come from, some things in Germany might be shocking, while others will bring you a lot of joy. As constitutional democracies, the member states are obliged to protect freedoms and human rights, and to jointly preserve peace. But my pride got the best of me and I struggled big time with adjusting. Malori has been casually blogging for over 10 years on various personal blogs, but last year decided to create her business and new website, Warrior Life Wellness. Finally, get out and travel, travel, TRAVEL! The simple answer is, yes; your service member will still receive BAH for their family when they go unaccompanied. A great pick-me-up is finding a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend! Due to the bureaucracy, the digitization of services has been challenging in Germany. Cash is still a super common thing. However, during summer, temperatures can sometimes be over 30C for several days in a row. And trust me, a company does not want to deal with this type of lawsuit. A person with German citizenship can receive a German passport which entitles the holder to: travel without a visa to 177 countries live, work, and study inexpensively in Germany live, work, or study in the UK or other EU or EEA countries, with very few restrictions assistance from an excellent consular service 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.). https://youtu.be/mqFEQIv4IjA You are not alone in your feelings. Germany is known for its cute towns, countryside, and castles. Go see a castle. Only in Europe, baby! benefits of being stationed in germany. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. No one is allowed to vacuum, use the washing machine, or do home repairs. Most doctors offices are open from Monday to Friday. Click Here!!! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The Pentagon has not provided any public updates or said when the formal policy will be issued. USAREUR License: A Complete Guide to US Military Driving in Germany. Dont ask me why, but that is how apartments are usually rented out in Germany without a kitchen. Some employees give more. escalation'' in particular by being clear to Moscow about what the . It's not an ideal first station for younger soldiers. I enjoy it. I love helping other milspouses in their move to another country. WASHINGTON -- Soldiers being stationed in Alaska can now receive up to $4,000 to help offset the initial cost of items needed to live in the . Maybe it's not safe or too expensive to move the whole family for only one year. . Please let me know if you would like to guest post about where you are stationed! 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. As the rental prices already include bills and utilities, the service is ideal for students, expats, and remote workers who want to rent out without any additional paperwork. Culture shock is definitely a thing and being homesick especially if you are in the hotel for 60 days. Can I get advice on the schooling system in Germany and how it compares to India? The moment you jump on a train or car and travel within the country, you get no reception or access to the internet. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) Won't be eligible to use the military medical and/or dental care services. I'm concerned about my birth certificate and legality. Depending on the cables installed in your building and the provider you choose, the process can last a few days or weeks. Get your passport ASAP. Tbf, the locations popular with the Turkish population have always been well known, and are easily avoided as needed. Even the safest deployments carry risk. The first thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged. Make friends with your neighbors and find your people. If you drink alcohol, this is a cool thing. When I think back to those years, I think about all the things I learned during our time in Germany. Its going to be what you make it. 16. Relocation can be a challenge, not only for you, but for your whole family. 7 days, 7 emails! For many years, Germany has been a popular destination for expats. 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! Usually, they are only available in 3D, and a ticket costs 15 euros (freaking expensive, if you ask me). Rent on Homelike today, and move in as early as tomorrow! Do I need to explain any more? Germany has a big network of public transportation, including buses, trams, trains, and if the place requires it, a ferry (like in Hamburg). benefits of being stationed overseas. (Your mileage may vary). Once you understand some German, youll notice how much Germans love to do this. Finding local friends in Germany is very tough. 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 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. All Rights Reserved. There are, of course, some crimes happening in every major city within Germany. Make a list of your dream travel list, and then strategically plan your year according to the training holiday schedule. , , emodal contact phone number; how to stop a narcissist in his . Embrace the journey! Get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and our latest award-winning content. If you are ever in a solo PCS situation, especially overseas, get your family or close friends to help! So he did the geo-bachelor life for about three months. trader joe's marlborough sauvignon blanc tickets for chelsea flower show 2022 benefits of being stationed in germany. Germans love to complain about everything. Germany has many great characteristics, however, like any other country, there are some advantages and limitations to living in Germany. Depending on where you live, you can experience consecutive days of snow or rain. Basic needs such asfood, electricity, internet and clothing are all relatively affordable. 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. During the winter months, the sun goes down at like 4 pm. 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. Hawaii's perfect weather. a motorcycle. I have experienced some very nice and some very very rude customer service support in Germany. Other things like learning the best places and times to shop, learning the lay of the land, and finding your tribe take time. When you are being transferred overseas, most branches of the service will assign one to you. If the dependents stay in the same location, BAH will remain at the same rate. According to an article from the Deutsche Welle, the crime rates fell to the lowest in decades in 2018. 0 . Unless told otherwise, you are generally allowed to bring up to two pets per household with you abroad. Get in touch if you can provide useful info on your city or answer forum questions from new expats. 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". Mobile reception is not the best in all of Germany. The upside of these high taxes is the fact that itallows many subsidies, free education and free healthcare. Plan in advance to leave some room for those new additions. They carry a deep secret fear that one day there will be a knock at the door. Two fees might not make sense to you in Germany: Traditional German food usually involves a lot of meat, potatoes, cabbage, and fat. Before we moved there I wasn't sure what it would be like. Obviously I hear and believe how awesome it is there, but any tips for someone about to move there? New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. June 14, 2022. My experience was very laid back. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Finer Point #1: You must be named on your service member's orders in order to relocate with him. The quality of the beer is top-notch, award-winning, and just plain delicious if thats your thing. In some companies, Germans will sit in front of their screen and work all morning, take a lunch break, keep working in the afternoon, and leave at 5 pm. An interview with John - an American expat living in Germany, Interview with Katlin - an American expat in Germany, Interview with Marisa - An American living in Germany, Interview with Ana P - an expat from the Philippines living in Germany, Interview with Andrea W - an American living in Germany, Interview with Samantha Ley - An American expat living in Germany. Most hospital workers can speak English, so expats wont experience a language barrier. But when there are no speed limits, its cool to drive it when you have a great car. We were stationed in Germany for four years back in 2006-2010. Have you ever been stationed overseas? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. See Shipping Your Petfor tips on how to make the trip a more pleasurable one for your furry family member. Working in Germany comes with a good work-life balance. - CON: Cycling not that straightforward I get 30 vacation days! But on top of that, we had a new country to explore together. benefits of being stationed in germany. To cover them, students are allowed to work part-time while pursuing a full-time course. They see it more as providing feedback than simply pointlessly complaining about stuff. There are several things they won't tell you about deployment. thelma schoonmaker films; mobile suit variations pdf; how to find someone on tinder by name In many areas of government, the federal states have great freedom of decision; for example, in education policy. This is not about being negative or complaining, but simply having a balanced outlook for your transition. Barring the city centres of Munich and Frankfurt, even accommodation is relatively cheap depending on where one chooses to live. Whether she is moving to a farm in Switzerland to learn to make cheese (Yes, CHEESE), jumping off a mountain to paraglide over Cinderella castles, or taking her baby all over the world with nothing but a backpack on their backs, LeAnna designs and defines her OWN life. Empowering internationals to settle intolife in Germany more smoothly. Education benefits- (918) 781-5678. 400 liters a month for cars, 600 for vans/trucks. How many people are stationed at Ramstein? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When you are in Germany, there will be plenty of castles and other villages, towns, and other places to explore. Embrace that. 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. Shipping Your POV can provide you the down and dirty details. You will be able to do so many amazing things, and your memories will stay with you for the rest of your life. However, I was wrong. BRUSSELS The United States and . A common stereotype of Germans is tha Even with sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I couldnt conjure up my normal energy. You will find that the cost of living in Germany is much better for most households of any size compared to what you would pay to live somewhere like Boston, New York City, or even Chicago. The following two tabs change content below. As an EU citizen, you can travel to and from the 27 member . Oh boy, if you are new in town, this one will come as a shocker. Boy is that accurate. It is mandatory for everyone who lives in Germany to be insured. This becomes more clear when you speak the language. To get your fuel card, you just simply take your registration paperwork to the PX customer service and they set you up. These reasons need to be foolproof as any employee can sue the company for firing them unfairly. Something similar happens with bank branches. Germany is magical. You just found out that your next duty station will take you and your family far, far away to foreign places others only dream of visiting. 2022 Recurrent Ventures. The Sip: Happy Halloween With a Side of MilSpouseFest While you can get by with only knowing English, knowing the language would be a much easier experience for you. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! During my time there we did a lot of traveling . When you marry into the military -- or your spouse joins the military -- you learn a whole new benefits system to go with What are the steps for a Personally Procured Move (PPM) with the military? I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I dont remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. That is crazy, right? During summer, friends meet at parks and BBQ! The opening hours depend on the type of clinic or bank, and they are different from day-to-day. 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. 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. Germans love insurance! benefits of being stationed in germany. It also is great for Japanese based events and festivals that have an accommodating venue for these types of events where they can have ceremonies and other forms of entertainment. In the video below, we have outlined the most important rules to follow when cycling on the roads of Germany. 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? Is it true if you ets there you can have German citizenship? Germany's preference for higher education scholarships and funding for international students is frequently criticised. Germans love their rules and follow them. Below we give you some of the top benefits encountered by expats living in Germany. This is not only a personal feeling of mine, Germany ranked number 59 out of 64 countries in the InterNations Expat Insider in 2019 for the criteria finding friends, Related Guide: How to Make Friends in Germany. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. benefits of being stationed in germany. On average, a 30-year old might have up to 7 insurances! The healthcare system in Germany is highlymodern and well developed. Always something going on, never a dull moment. One can easily get across the country and even travel to neighbouring countries by train and bus. To learn about adjusting to life in the country, read Culture Shock in Germany. As it would happen, my husband had to report to Germany before I was done with school. These movies are called OV (original version) or OMU (Original with subtitles in English), and few cinemas play them. It also helps to meet your neighbors and to make at least one close friend with whom you can commiserate and go through this unique experience together.
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benefits of being stationed in germany