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 Germany
offers a variety of landscapes from the coast in the north to the
Bavarian Alps in the south. The country boasts a multitude of
historical towns and cities, romantic castles, and excellent
museums. The tourism infrastructure is well developed and most
of the people speak English.
To learn more about German cities, castles, and festivals, take a
look at our Germany map and travelogues. |
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US MILITARY TIPS
US Air Force |
US Army |
US
Navy | US Marine Corps
Berlin | Heidelberg |
Frankfurt | Munich | Stuttgart
PCSing or going on TDY to Germany?
Use this page as
your guide!
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Most US Military Bases in
Germany are located in an East-West stretch across Southern Germany from
the French border to the Czech Border. These bases are the
remnants of US Occupied Territory after World War II, and the US Army
and Air Force maintains these same bases even today. This
East-West swath holds the Frankfurt area bases at its northern most
border, and Garmisch-Paternkirchen on its southern most border.
Each of these bases are grouped into Military Communities, which allows
smaller bases to share facilities and housing areas with other nearby
posts. The largest of these military communities centers around
Kaiserslautern, on the German-French border. This joint community
is home to upwards of 80,000 Americans and is akin to a small American
state within the heart of Europe.
This webpage was designed to introduce you to your new home and to
provide you with important information to assist in your relocation and
settling in to your community.
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Military in Europe |
MILITARY
INSTALLATIONS
Learn more about your destination.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
The military offers Morale, Welfare, and Recreational Facilities to
assist service members.
EDELWEISS LODGE
AND RESORT
Armed Forces Recreation Center -- Europe features a hotel, ski lodge,
cabins, and campground in Garmisch, Germany.
TDY Destinations
Read about your potential TDY destination from those who have already
been there! |
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Military Finance and Allowances |
CURRENCY CONVERSION AND BANKING
By following our guide to currency conversion and banking, you can
save over $1000 over your tour in Europe. And you don't have
to do anything but use the right ATMs and banks!
PERSONALLY PROCURED MOVING PROGRAM (DITY MOVE)
The Personally Procured Move Program (formerly called the
Do-IT-Yourself Move, or DITY Move) is designed to provide
servicemembers with an alternative method of moving their household
goods.
DISLOCATION ALLOWANCE (DLA)
Learn about dislocation allowance, which help offset the
costs incurred in moving a household during a permanent change of
station.
BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING (BAH)
BAH compensates servicemembers to allow for housing on the local
economy.
OVERSEAS
HOUSING ALLOWANCE (OHA)
Those servicemembers stationed in US
territories or in overseas countries receive an Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)
instead of BAH.
CONUS COST
OF LIVING ALLOWANCE (CONUS COLA)
The fundamental goal of CONUS COLA is to compensate servicemembers for
the high cost of living at certain duty stations.
OVERSEAS
COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE (OCONUS COLA)
Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA) is an allowance paid to service
members stationed overseas in high cost areas (including Alaska and
Hawaii). |
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Travel to and
Arriving in Germany |
Arrivals
When you first arrive in Europe, you will have
to in-process in Frankfurt.
In-Processing
When you arrive at your Local Military
Community, you will have to go through in-processing before you get to
your unit.
Jet Lag
Jet lag is a major problem for
people arriving in Germany. Click here to learn more.
Passports
Planning to travel around Europe?
You may need a passport. Click here to find out! |
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Shipment of Goods |
SHipmeNTS
Confused about what to bring, what
not to bring, and what to mail to yourself? We'll tell you what
to do!
Claims
Click here to find out what to do
if your goods arrive damaged.
MAIL
Learn about Army Post Offices and the Military
Postal System. |
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Lodging |
TEMPORARY LODGING
When you first arrive in Germany, you will have to stay in Temporary
Lodging.
On
Post Housing
Find out what to expect from living on-post.
Off Post Housing
Interested in living off-post on the local economy? Click here
to learn more.
Improve Quarters
Do you want to change the appearance of your living quarters?
There are facilities available which will help you do so...for free!
Government
Furniture
Find out what government furniture you are authorized. |
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Radio and
Television |
Television/cable/satellite dishes
You can still see many of your
favorite American programs and sports games while stationed overseas.
AFN Television
Schedules
Click here to get the schedule for your favorite AFN channels.
AFN Antenna
and Decoder Setup
Instructions on setting up your AFN Antenna and Decoder.
RADIO
Enjoy listening to your local
American news and music stations. |
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Electricity and
Appliances |
Electricity
Electricity in Germany and the rest of Europe
runs on a different voltage and clock cycle than in the US. Find
out more before you plug anything in!
Telephone and Internet Service
The telephones in Germany run on a
different system as well. Click here to learn more.
Paying your Phone Bill
Having trouble deciphering your
phone bill? We'll let you know what you are looking at.
Cellular Phones
Cellular phone service is generally quite excellent in Europe. |
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Driving in Germany |
SHIPPING YOUR
VEHICLE
You must follow the proper procedures when shipping your vehicle
overseas. Learn more about these stringent requirements here.
INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION
There are
certain documents you must bring and certain steps to take when
registering your vehicle.
INSPECTION OF YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle must pass inspection in order to be driven in Germany.
These standards are different than in the US, so make sure you're
prepared!
DRIVER'S
license
Learn more about obtaining your driver's license and access the Study
Booklet.
driving tips
Here are some tips for driving in Germany. |
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Dining and Shopping
in Germany |
Selecting a
restaurant
Read our travel tips so that you can
make the best decisions on where to eat!
Dining OUT
Now that you've selected a restaurant, find out what
to expect inside!
BEER Dictionary
Confounded by the numerous beer types
available in Germany? Read out guide to navigate your path to
your favorite type of beer!
Shopping
Planning on doing any shopping in Germany?
Check out our guide on German customs and sizes. |
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Education and Employment |
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DoDDS
Learn about what to expect from Department of
Defense Dependent Schools.
Colleges and
Universities
Interested in higher level education? Find out
more about the opportunities in Europe.
POST 9/11 GI
Bill
Learn more about the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which went into effect on
August 1, 2009 and includes housing benefits and applies to ROTC and
Service Academy officers.
YELLOW
RIBBON PROGRAM
Learn more about the Post 9/11 GI Bill's Yellow Ribbon Program, which
provides additional funds to service members who have 100% coverage
under the Post 9/11 GI Bill and are
attending a Yellow Ribbon School.
VA
HEALTH BENEFITS
Learn more about VA health benefits for combat veterans.
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for a job? Find out more about jobs available family
members in Germany.
AFRC GARMISCH
JOBS
The Edelweiss Lodge and Resort offers applicants a once in a life-time
opportunity to work and live in the resort town of Garmisch. |
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