However, the criminality rate is so low that it does not happen very often. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. 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. benefits of being stationed in germany; Posted by: Comments: 0 Post Date: June 9, 2022 . You can now cancel or change contracts with a one-month notice period after the first 24 months. If not, then it might be difficult to get used to the traditional stuff. Usually, they are only available in 3D, and a ticket costs 15 euros (freaking expensive, if you ask me). Germany has a big network of public transportation, including buses, trams, trains, and if the place requires it, a ferry (like in Hamburg). I am so glad you are here. Can I get advice on the schooling system in Germany and how it compares to India? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The whole point of Christmas Eve is to wait for midnight. Just because tuition fees are 0 or very low, you still need to think about your living expenses. President George W. Bush continued the trend, downsizing some several hundred bases and returning tens of thousands of troops home. The Sip: Happy Halloween With a Side of MilSpouseFest 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. During summer, friends meet at parks and BBQ! 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. Some bases have nothing around them and other have major cities. Germans often wont speak English in certain situations out of embarrassment or simply because they dont want the exchange to last too long. This has to do a bit with con#3 bureaucracy. , villa bologna malta wedding cost comments comments You have so many varieties! Four years later, we traveled back to the US, with another baby, and tons of memories behind us. Relocation can be a challenge, not only for you, but for your whole family. I'm about to PCS to Stuttgart (Moehringen). The starting point is that US Forces in . http://www.youtube.com/c/MaloriMayor14 I have a growing library of videos about how to PCS to Germany, as well as what life is like here. 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! Many expats report that, initially, they find Germans to be not the most welcoming. benefits of being stationed in germany . May require a visa to enter and live in the host nation country. Sponsors often go so far as to pick you up from the airport or arrange your transportation in-country. You can travel to the north, explore the German beaches, or go to the south and explore the Alps! To cover them, students are allowed to work part-time while pursuing a full-time course. The higher your spouse's rank, the higher your weight allowance. Even the safest deployments carry risk. 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? This is the Air Force's main side, where you'll find the BX, the McChord Commissary, and the Space-A . Generally speaking, the military will allow you to ship one car (aka "personally owned vehicle" or "POV" for short). The torturous inner dialogue within ourselves is, Do I look, or do I wait?. Hospital staff, in general, tend to be friendly and efficient, and hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. This con is my own opinion. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. You will be able to make memories together, from sharing your Thanksgiving traditions to long summer nights at the park as the kids play. Enjoy your time, take lots of photos, and breathe it all in. Air Force guy here. If you are looking to study in Germany, I got good news for you: there are no tuition fees in most German universities! Always drive with caution and focus. This is the example of dasElterngeld, an app designed to help new parents file for parental allowance (Elterngeld). Pets, in this case, means dogs or cats. Know your benefits. You have JBLM Main, which is the Army's main post and where you'll find the MWR, the PX, the Commissary, and more. Supermarkets sell one-time BBQs during the summer months, or if you are a real pro, you bring your portable BBQ from home. High pay rate Germans still love Americans but you're gonna get a lot of Trump comments. Another thing I did not expect was experiencing culture shock. According to the DAAD, living costs for a student in Germany are, on average, 850 euros a month. They wanted us to chill and have good experiences out of base and they wanted that too for themselves. Become our local expat expert for your area! Rising through the ranks can be hard for many workers, but it's especially true for foreigners. A common stereotype of Germans is tha 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. This becomes more clear when you speak the language. Army "brat" here, Germany is the shit. 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. The healthcare system in Germany is highlymodern and well developed. Please note that this requirement also applies to you if you were born in a US military base in Germany. 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. Germany has so much history and places to explore. Most banks are closed during lunchtime and open in the afternoon for a couple of hours. 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. Depends on what you do, it's fucking cold and you gon Hohenfels. Maybe it's not safe or too expensive to move the whole family for only one year. There are, of course, some crimes happening in every major city within Germany. I'm a US citizen that was born on a Military Base in Germany. What makes a positive difference when moving to a foreign country is receiving your household goods. benefits of being stationed in germany. This proximity makes weekend trips to countries such asFrance, Belgium and the Czech Republic eminently possible. 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. Depending on where you live, you can experience consecutive days of snow or rain. When Im away from Germany for too long, I have to confess that I miss the German bread. Bread is just as good. Ive met people who have had to wait up to 6 weeks to get an internet connection at home. One can easily get across the country and even travel to neighbouring countries by train and bus. Overall the cost of living in Germany is on par with the rest of Western Europe. I felt like I got run over by a bus every day for at least two weeks! The drinking age here is 16. , , emodal contact phone number; how to stop a narcissist in his . Before we moved there I wasn't sure what it would be like. She also creates YouTube videos about PCSing overseas and life in Germany for other milspouses who are walking the same path. Plan to ask good questions in the first place and you will be rewarded with clear answers. The Finer Points of Moving Overseas, Part I, By 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. 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. Germans love insurance! LeAnna, her husband Andy, and kiddo, "Lil B" love to live a minimal lifestyle, not only for the "thrill" of pinching pennies but in order to save for traveling the world. This can then lead to making an appointment or finding a new doctor with state insurance a challenge. 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. So it was a shock for me to find that Christmas in Germany was so quiet. If you're an 88 you'll get lots of miles, usually at least one four day per month, been here in baumholder two years, been able to travel 16 countries, good place to be. Complaining is an art in Germany. Give it to your family and friends ASAP and let them know that it is the. . Plstico Elstico, un programa de msica y canciones de Pacopepe Gil: Power Pop, Punk, Indie Pop, New Wave, Garage Cities are also well serviced by local bus, train and tram systems, so much so, that many expats don't feel the need to own a car. 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. A kiosk is a small shop that sells coffee, cigarettes, snacks, sweets, cold beer, and some hard alcohol. 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. From our experience and other expats', the pros, more often than not, outweigh the cons. I'm amazed with how many bases Army has throughout Germany. Hohenfels Germany: What can it offer you? However, I was on a rotation there. You can purchase on base or at any off base Esso. They are nice and friendly especially when you are polite and try to speak some Italian (hello, thank you, etc). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Employers need to have real reasons to let you go. So Your Spouse Just Deployed??? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Pro #1 Efficient Public Transportation, Pro #6 A Lot Of Green Areas In Cities, Pro #8 Same-Sex Marriages Are Recognized, Pro #14 Able To Drink Alcohol In Public, Con #4 Getting Internet At Home Can Be A Long Painful Process, Con #5 Flats Are Rented Without A Kitchen, Con #7 Traditional Food Is Generally Fatty, Con #9 Tough To Find Movies In Their Original Language In Cinemas, Con #10 Contracts Are Long And Hard To Get Out Of, Con #12 Doctors And Banks Have Funky Opening Hours, An Introduction to the German School System, Vacation Days In Germany [A Detailed English Guide], The German Autobahn [A Detailed Guide For First-Timers], Renting in Germany [A Detailed Guide in English]. I get 30 vacation days! Finer Point #1: You must be named on your service member's orders in order to relocate with him. One can simply get on a bus, train or even rent a car and experience a completely different environment within a few hours. While you can get by with only knowing English, knowing the language would be a much easier experience for you. You can apply for citizenship, yes. These movies are called OV (original version) or OMU (Original with subtitles in English), and few cinemas play them. The TMO will most likely direct you to them as part of the moving overseas process. 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 . 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. She has some great advice for anyone who will be pcsing to Germany anytime soon. 1 MorningstarJP 4 yr. ago Germany is pretty awesome. 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. Granted, you are almost guaranteed to have a 2-3 week spell (often in July or August) that it can get quite toasty. Compared to coastal cities in the US and other major European countries, Germany is relatively affordable. Expectation Management The first thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged. There are several things they won't tell you about deployment. When I think back to those years, I think about all the things I learned during our time in Germany. That is German punctuality, being at a place at least 5 minutes before the agreed time. By Sean Kimmons, Army News Service March 30, 2020. Expect that you will have a significant adjustment period to the culture. If you are searching for a mobile service provider, we wrote a whole guide about Germanys best mobile providers to help you out. Having unrestricted access to Germany through citizenship means that visas or residence permits' requirements do not limit you. 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 . I craved quiet time. 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. It makes a world of difference. Get on board. Depending on an expat's salary, income tax can be as high as 40 percentof their income. USAREUR License: A Complete Guide to US Military Driving in Germany. Germans are famous for their efficiency, reliability, and punctuality. (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. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. benefits of being stationed in germanypentecostal church of god northern california district stephen stills speech benefits of being stationed in germany One will be in something called "unaccompanied baggage" and the other will be in your actual "household goods" shipment. If you dont, you will get caught and will get into trouble. Related Guide: Renting in Germany [A Detailed Guide in English]. The being in Germany part was perfect. 1. I wish I had. Weather in Germany can be tough to get used to. In the video below, we have outlined the most important rules to follow when cycling on the roads of Germany. You will miss them when you get back to the states. Esso Fuel Cards in Germany: Everything You Need To Know. The more complicated answer is how the amount is calculated. It might take several trips to get the hang of European travel planning, but tons of traveling is something you will NOT regret! At times, the government can take a long time to pay medical providers. My wife and I have never felt discriminated against. But after awhile, it got too quiet and anxiety set in. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Overall we had a challenging yet amazing experience. 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. Drinking will be an issue for a lot of younger soldiers. Germany is one of the most innovative countries worldwide, with a strong history of leveraging science and technology to benefit its economy. The same rules for Sunday apply every day after 10 pm. There you have it. No really, go. The less of your current household you take with you, the better. So Im happy to meet with Germans and appreciate their punctuality. Wiesbaden is by far the best installation there. A big part of it is covered by your employer. You can also just meet a friend after work and have a walk with a beer in your hand, without having to put it in a brown bag or anything. 1 // JBLM is massive - When I say it's massive, I mean it. I again drew on my former European experience. Let them know what an experience this will be for them, and for you. Basic needs such asfood, electricity, internet and clothing are all relatively affordable. However, I was wrong. The biggest con of living in Germany is the high amount of tax that is deducted from a workers pay. Depleted uranium. Its a monumental task, but you will be forever grateful for it. 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. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) I love helping other milspouses in their move to another country. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! You can either bring the beers yourself or buy them from a kiosk. This meant I had the pleasure of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school. Living in Stuttgart currently. In general you may be a bit further behind other people in the Army who have been in the USA. How many people are stationed at Ramstein? It's amazing. I wanted to be stationed there after my tour in Japan was done, but it wasn't an option. As with everything in life, there are pros and cons to living in Germany. There may be exceptions and some host nation restrictions, however. 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. Only to endure the harsh reality of the "mission" was completed after month and the rest of it was spent in the field (longest we were out there was 57 days), help some poor souls out by Poland and yeah. The country has plenty of job opportunities and excellent infrastructure. In case you do get unemployed at some point, you may have access to extensive unemployment benefits in Germany. This is without a doubt the best assignment I have ever had. Germany's preference for higher education scholarships and funding for international students is frequently criticised. When my husband Mark received orders for Germany in 2017, he was deployed to east Africa. (Your mileage may vary). Germans tend to negotiate for more flexible working hours and often put their families above work. I'm concerned about my birth certificate and legality. The quality of the beer is top-notch, award-winning, and just plain delicious if thats your thing. That way you don't run into higher ups who are out partying. You might get lucky and have friendly neighbors who wont mind you vacuuming or turning your washing machine on Sundays . As it would happen, my husband had to report to Germany before I was done with school. 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. up to 12,000 of the roughly 36,000 stationed in Germany will not go . 7 days, 7 emails! Considering over 40 countries and 90+ cities have been explored, we'd say they are doing something right! Finer Point #3: Less is more when it comes to your household goods shipment. -Can I take foreign language courses nearby? The first thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged. 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. 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Even in the coronavirus crisis, the fact that the federal government and the governments of the federal states have to coordinate with one another often presents a challenge. kardashian covid 19 positive; london fog vs balboa mist benefits of being stationed in germany . A friend of mine who was stationed in Germany PCS'd to Korea and now he travels all over Asia too. (It IS possible for government housing to feel like home!) 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. Repeat for 3 years with the occasional trip to Munich or Frankfurt thrown in there. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". When i got to Fort Riley i realized the army is very different in America. I think that Germany works so efficiently because people abide by the rules. Germany is magical. Click Here!!! Ready to pack your bags? Related Guide: Can you drink tap water in Germany? Its the weekend? escalation'' in particular by being clear to Moscow about what the . 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. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I don't remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. If you dont cancel it on time, it typically auto-renews for another 12 months. Most of Germany has excellent tap water. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". So he did the geo-bachelor life for about three months. On a road trip my wife and I did in 2020, we drove from Dusseldorf and stopped in the south of Germany, Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia. Germany has a great public transport system. Your Sanity? I extended to stay here another 18 months. Embrace the journey! My parents came for my graduation and to help with the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers. And then he got orders to Germany. Culture shock is definitely a thing and being homesick especially if you are in the hotel for 60 days. Sample Post 16 June 22, 2016. I was able to pick up on some words and phrases, which was super helpful. Finer Point #2: A good sponsor is worth his weight in gold. Where else do you get such a fast and easy change of culture and country? 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. In Dusseldorf, for example, only one cinema is known for showing movies in their original language. In many areas of government, the federal states have great freedom of decision; for example, in education policy. Pets for Patriots brings veterans and shelter animals together. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You might have a mobile service provider who has excellent reception in your city. When you are in Germany, there will be plenty of castles and other villages, towns, and other places to explore. Both doctors and banks dont have consistent opening hours. But on top of that, we had a new country to explore together. If you drink alcohol, this is a cool thing. All in all, it depends where in Germany you are stationed. Kaiserslautern is practically little America, and Grafenwoehr is cold and boring. I was stationed in vilseck and was with 1-2cr. 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.
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