I think that Germany works so efficiently because people abide by the rules. Wiesbaden is by far the best installation there. Are there any womens groups I can join in Powai, India? You might have a mobile service provider who has excellent reception in your city. Have a day trip and see what is out there. I'm a US citizen that was born on a Military Base in Germany. benefits of being stationed in germanyworthing court results 2021 . : .. Then, you have McChord Airfield. 7 days, 7 emails! 16. From our experience and other expats', the pros, more often than not, outweigh the cons. Beer from a local bar: 2.50. 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 . Be careful when naming your child. Employers need to have real reasons to let you go. I love it here. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Germany and US Dual Citizenship by Marriage It's a little easier if you're married to a German, like I am. When my husband joined the Army, I thought it would be amazing to be able to live overseas. HERE'S MY ADVICEI was stationed in Germany in 2010 and it was an awesome time. Gas is around $4.20 a gallon these days and a debit card-like system is used. Bio: Malori Mayor is a registered nurse, classically-trained violinist, blogger and YouTuber, and most importantly, wife to Mark for almost 5 years. Most hospital workers can speak English, so expats wont experience a language barrier. 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? To the extent that private companies have been formed in an effort to simplify long processes for people. To cover them, students are allowed to work part-time while pursuing a full-time course. Keep in mind that you will have a weight allowance that you need to meet in your unaccompanied baggage and household goods shipments. We have lived in Germany & Tennessee during our time as a military family. I felt like I got run over by a bus every day for at least two weeks! 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. You have JBLM Main, which is the Army's main post and where you'll find the MWR, the PX, the Commissary, and more. My command were never super stricked. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The antique shopper and art lover in you will rejoice in the fact that you have truly hit the mother lode. There will be 200,000 unfilled vacancies in Germany for nurses by 2030. Not following these rules will anger other road users and can result in fines. Normally OCONUS assignments are three years, so you will have at least two years during which youll feel pretty comfortable! (Being 2020 I know this isnt possible right now but hopefully it will not be this way in the future.). The Customs Office can tell you exactly what can be shipped and what cannot. When i got to Fort Riley i realized the army is very different in America. 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. benefits of being stationed in germany. For example, bikes and purses get stolen, and thieves break into homes. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. As with everything in life, there are pros and cons to living in Germany. When you are being transferred overseas, most branches of the service will assign one to you. chop shop cars where are they now; trail king tag trailers for sale 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. Most doctors offices are open from Monday to Friday. 1 // JBLM is massive - When I say it's massive, I mean it. 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. Relocation can be a challenge, not only for you, but for your whole family. By filling in a form, youll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. But, aswith any destination, life in Germany comes with certain prosand cons. We were told we were going to be there doing one mission and one mission only. It's amazing. The following two tabs change content below. So he did the geo-bachelor life for about three months. Moving from your current location back "home" works a little differently. 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. Since Germany has such a large pool of highly educated workers, competition for top positions can be fierce. In some cases, you may have to request one such as in the Navy where sponsors can be requested online. 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. Every single move we've had, there has been a mistake in what money we received back from the government to pay for the move, lodging and food. The same rules for Sunday apply every day after 10 pm. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. The pros of living in Germany definitely outweigh the cons. It helps lessen that feeling of overwhelm. Army "brat" here, Germany is the shit. These VA Home Loan FAQs ensures Military.com members are fully prepared to take advantage of this exclusive benefit. BRUSSELS The United States and . It is no wonder public transportation is so good and efficient in Europewho wants to pay those gas prices!? On average, a 30-year old might have up to 7 insurances! Sure if you wanna drop $2000 on a fucking table before drinks. The healthcare system in Germany is highlymodern and well developed. Related Guide: Vacation Days In Germany [A Detailed English Guide]. You can apply for citizenship, yes. "How is my life going to be miserable today?". 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. 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. Embrace the journey! Unaccompanied baggage usually arrives within three to six weeks ahead of your household goods, but that isn't always the case. For example, when it is. Both doctors and banks dont have consistent opening hours. Germany has spent over $1.5 billion on international scholarships in the past decade, but we know very little about the impact of these programs. No one is allowed to vacuum, use the washing machine, or do home repairs. GETTING STATIONED IN GERMANY?? Being stationed overseas is quite an experience. 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. While you can get by with only knowing English, knowing the language would be a much easier experience for you. Expectation Management The first thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged. 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. Munich, Hamburg and Berlin are frequently ranked in the top 10 'most livable' cities in Germany. If you are born in Germany to US parents, you can retain both citizenships. If you are into this kind of food, then youll love it here. Homosexuality is generally accepted in Germany. 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. What about your dog? Vehicles also tend to use bicycle lanes for their own purposes which can make it difficult getting around on a bike. 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? . During summer, friends meet at parks and BBQ! The garden itself is highly relaxing and a nice place to spend with friends, family and even just yourself. So many things to see and do. Once a German becomes your friend, they are a friend for life. Take advantage of those to travel please. Also you'll be getting 4 day weekends every month. According to the DAAD, living costs for a student in Germany are, on average, 850 euros a month. It has happened to me a couple of times in the US that Im super happy to find something for an x amount of dollars, and end up paying more than I had hoped for at checkout. The German government helps its citizens and residents maintain a good quality of life and motivate family life. Even the safest deployments carry risk. Plstico Elstico, un programa de msica y canciones de Pacopepe Gil: Power Pop, Punk, Indie Pop, New Wave, Garage This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. (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. Former teacher turned blogger turned mom turned full time travel addict, LeAnna has never been one to live life by the rules. Dont beat yourself up when you feel homesick or are totally frustrated. But after awhile, it got too quiet and anxiety set in. Germany has a great public transport system. So it was a shock for me to find that Christmas in Germany was so quiet. Finer Point # 4: Some things can be shipped; others cannot. 0 . Having unrestricted access to Germany through citizenship means that visas or residence permits' requirements do not limit you. It was my first duty station and I deployed out of there. This meant I had the pleasure of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school. Sure, your darling husband is your military sponsor and he's worth a lot to you. Just remember that no matter how shitty your unit is, youre still in Europe. Living in Stuttgart currently. If your military service member is being stationed overseas someplace where you and your dependent . Become our local expat expert for your area! If you are looking to study in Germany, I got good news for you: there are no tuition fees in most German universities! Bread is just as good. I'm amazed with how many bases Army has throughout Germany. The Baby Boomers are retiring/ have retired leaving many vacancies unfilled. When they leave, they sell the car to an incoming military family. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. 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. 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. Enjoy your time, take lots of photos, and breathe it all in. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Jen is originally from Guatemala and moved to Germany in 2012 to start a new job without any knowledge of German or life in Germany. Hamsters, gerbils, snakes, birds and other animals are out of luck here. The biggest mistake I made last year was isolating myself. Depends on what you do, it's fucking cold and you gon Hohenfels. 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. The quality of the beer is top-notch, award-winning, and just plain delicious if thats your thing. In one weekend I saw 4 different countries. (It IS possible for government housing to feel like home!) Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! Below are some of ourbiggest pros and cons of moving to Germany. Everyone brings different things to put on the grill and enjoy a meal together. I'm about to PCS to Stuttgart (Moehringen). Germany is magical. Germany has many great characteristics, however, like any other country, there are some advantages and limitations to living in Germany. You can simply cross borders with a car or by air. Expect that you will have a significant adjustment period to the culture. SOFA Article X to a Green Card Holder employed by the German Government and concluded that she was NOT entitled to the benefits of . benefits of being stationed in germanypentecostal church of god northern california district stephen stills speech benefits of being stationed in germany Or my favorite sneaky little spot The kings arms. Barring the city centres of Munich and Frankfurt, even accommodation is relatively cheap depending on where one chooses to live. Something similar happens with bank branches. At times, the government can take a long time to pay medical providers. It allows us to keep Simple Germany alive and striving. - the fact of being stationed in Germany shall not be considered as periods of residence therein, or as creating a change of residence or domicile, for the purposes of such taxation (in the receiving state). Because culture shock threw me for such a loop, I made a YouTube video about it! In general you may be a bit further behind other people in the Army who have been in the USA. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. 16/06/2022 . 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. 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 . Shopping on the economy will enhance your experience overseas. Many expats are surprised by the number of cyclists 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. If you are renting an apartment by yourself, you will need to get an internet contract under your name. 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. A friend of mine who was stationed in Germany PCS'd to Korea and now he travels all over Asia too. benefits of being stationed overseas. Do I need to explain any more? This is the example of dasElterngeld, an app designed to help new parents file for parental allowance (Elterngeld). You can travel to the north, explore the German beaches, or go to the south and explore the Alps! The packers will mark them as "professional items" and their weight will not be counted against your limit. You will be able to do so many amazing things, and your memories will stay with you for the rest of your life. 400 liters a month for cars, 600 for vans/trucks. You may consider your well-worn RV, beloved fishing boat and wine collection essential, but the military may not ship it out of the country for you. 2. Go see a castle. Usually, they are only available in 3D, and a ticket costs 15 euros (freaking expensive, if you ask me). If not, skip this one . (Your mileage may vary). Tbf, the locations popular with the Turkish population have always been well known, and are easily avoided as needed. And they should. Just have an open mind, don't be afraid to travel, and make the most of your weekends. So Im happy to meet with Germans and appreciate their punctuality. The only things open are some small local shops and the gas stations. When I think back to those years, I think about all the things I learned during our time in Germany. I also assumed that since Germany is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock would not exist! You will be able to make memories together, from sharing your Thanksgiving traditions to long summer nights at the park as the kids play. Moving overseas, though, can be a bit different than moving a few states over. Though Germany is known for its excellent beer and delicious pretzels, the restof the local cuisine can be rather limited. If you are looking for an apartment, make sure to check if the kitchen is included. Get in touch if you can provide useful info on your city or answer forum questions from new expats. That title 38 definition is NOT applicable for civil service purposes. 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. 1. It helps lessen that feeling of overwhelm. Even with Covid-19, some establishments still dont accept card payments at all. 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. Related Guide: Unemployment Benefits in Germany. Most banks are closed during lunchtime and open in the afternoon for a couple of hours. You must pay monthly contributions in order to use them later or upon request. Education benefits- (918) 781-5678. Mobile reception is not the best in all of Germany. Learn everything you need to know here. 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. 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. Stationed In Germany: What you need to know before your PCS, harder than a the kids in Heavy Weights going to fat camp, It really doesnt matter what side of the fence you are in, because whether you have already created a whole, 2) Look through the local Buy and Sell pages on Facebook, like the. There's a noticeable difference between how those with private medical insurance are treated in comparison to people on public insurance. Connect with Malori on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook! I was stationed in vilseck and was with 1-2cr. Before the movers show up on your doorstep, make sure any professional books, papers and equipment are separated and noted as such. The first benefit of German citizenship is that you have the right to live, work, study and open businesses in Germany without needing to deal with German bureaucracy. If you are ever in a solo PCS situation, especially overseas, get your family or close friends to help! This is why I think Germans justify not having AC anywhere in Germany which is most office buildings, public transportation, hospitals, and flats. In other words, Germany is imposing tax (and apparently penalties) on the income earned by US military personnel stationed in Germany. All in all, it depends where in Germany you are stationed. You have so many varieties! There may be exceptions and some host nation restrictions, however. 1 MorningstarJP 4 yr. ago Germany is pretty awesome. Please let me know if you would like to guest post about where you are stationed! Living and working easily in Germany. Expats are often surprised at the Germans punctuality and discipline. This was a big step forward towards equality and openness. Germany is known for its cute towns, countryside, and castles. The U.S. military presence in Germany has been particularly important in accruing these military benefits for the United States. Not really too sure what you're wanting an answer to, but I can answer questions if you have them. If you are searching for a mobile service provider, we wrote a whole guide about Germanys best mobile providers to help you out. Its a monumental task, but you will be forever grateful for it. Instead, you may have to arrange for storage of certain items. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I dont remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. Traveling in Germany and Europe is super easy. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. It was a complete shit show for all of us. May require a visa to enter and live in the host nation country. Dont ask me why, but that is how apartments are usually rented out in Germany without a kitchen. Germany's preference for higher education scholarships and funding for international students is frequently criticised. It is quite common, especially in summer, to meet friends at a park or any other nice outdoor place and have some beers. As an EU citizen, you can travel to and from the 27 member . Know your benefits. As an American stationed with the military, you can be exempt from paying this if you have a valid VAT form (you can get these at the ACS (Army Community Services) building on Post.) An article from Insider shares all the details of this story. The opening hours depend on the type of clinic or bank, and they are different from day-to-day. 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. Germans love to complain about everything. Five days after graduation, I was on the Patriot Express to Ramstein, Germany; final destination, USAG Wiesbaden. 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 get 30 vacation days! Germans are always on time. Hohenfels Germany: What can it offer you? 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. But on top of that, we had a new country to explore together. Whether you actually like the answers you hear or not may be another story, however. Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. To find out your particular weight allowance, visit Preparing for Your Move. I was able to pick up on some words and phrases, which was super helpful. Copyright 2016 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. It is such good quality that you can drink it directly from the tap. Luckily, there is so much variety in restaurants and food in the supermarket that you dont have to eat traditional food if you dont want to. Jens mission is to help fellow expats beat bureaucracy and to have a smooth time while they settle into their new life in Germany. 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. 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!!! Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. If you dont cancel it on time, it typically auto-renews for another 12 months. I'm concerned about my birth certificate and legality. Pets, in this case, means dogs or cats. Rent on Homelike today, and move in as early as tomorrow! I say the most because unis in Baden-Wrttemberg charge, on average, 1.500 euros in tuition fees per semester. Always! Germany has a great public transport system. All rights reserved. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. 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. Basic needs such asfood, electricity, internet and clothing are all relatively affordable. Taking advantage of affordable education in Germany and the EU. 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. Will have to pay to get yourself and your stuff there and back. It is a reasonably affordable place to live. One of my biggest mistakes was to not try to learn German before I got over there. The Army part was ok. Units will vary depending on where you are and what mos. The being in Germany part was perfect. Lots of cool shit to see though. As it would happen, my husband had to report to Germany before I was done with school. Before packing your bags and boarding the plane, keep these finer points in mind as you plan your fabulous world tour. Get your passport ASAP. I wanted to be stationed there after my tour in Japan was done, but it wasn't an option. benefits of being stationed in germany. Drinking will be an issue for a lot of younger soldiers. Four years later, we traveled back to the US, with another baby, and tons of memories behind us. I always have considered myself a punctual person. benefits of being stationed in germany. The information in this guide is very subjective and based on my own experience. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I don't remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. 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. With the help of the app, a family can file for parental allowance in 30 minutes. comelec district 5 quezon city. 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. I craved quiet time. They go over so. You will miss them when you get back to the states. We created the ultimate list of the best English movie theatres in Germany for you to check out. Oh boy, if you are new in town, this one will come as a shocker. 1. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Your Sanity? High pay rate Your Car? Analysis. 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. 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. Only in Europe, baby! 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. OPTEMPO is high everywhere but that makes it fun. In Dusseldorf, for example, only one cinema is known for showing movies in their original language. Pets for Patriots brings veterans and shelter animals together. However, anywhere you go in Germany, there are always parks and areas for people to lay out a blanket and relax. Life can literally be sunshine and rainbows while stationed in Hawaii since it will almost always be sunny, or there will be a rainbow to accompany . benefits of being stationed in germany; Posted by: Comments: 0 Post Date: June 9, 2022 . This can then lead to making an appointment or finding a new doctor with state insurance a challenge. The moment you jump on a train or car and travel within the country, you get no reception or access to the internet. Here are a few things you should keep in mind while living overseas in Germany. 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. Many expats enjoy living in Germany as its easy to travel to other European countries.