Posted on May 25, 2020
What should I do to best prepare for my PCS to Vilseck, Germany?
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I am moving to Germany in 4 weeks. It will be my first duty station. What should I do in the weeks leading up to myself leaving? What can and can’t i do with the time I have left? I’m attempting to be productive
(married, No kids, 2 Vehicles, 1 motorcycle)
(married, No kids, 2 Vehicles, 1 motorcycle)
Germany
Vilseck
Europe
PCS
OCONUS
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 10
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Look up the guidelines for shipping your car, they are very strict in cleanliness and mechanical issues/mods.
Get your passport prior to leaving, there are a lot of four day weekends and plenty of opportunities to travel. (After covid clears up)
You will have to get your USAEUR license during in-processing, if you complete the JKO class online prior to arriving, you will be able to walk out same day with your license, other wise you will have to take the 100 question test in person and have to wait 1-2 business days to get your license. Just search “USAEUR” in jko and bring the cert with you to in processing.
I’m sure you already competed command sponsorship for your spouse, but verify she’s on your orders and she has her passport.
Lastly, establish communication with your sponsor now if you haven’t. Germany is one of the places where having a sponsor is very important. When you arrive to Germany you will typically spend 1 night in ramstien and you will be bused to grafenwoehr. It is important that your sponsor is already tracking you arriving so they can pick you up. You will not be released from there with out a sponsor.
Lastly lastly, if you haven’t made reservations for a hotel yet.. do so now. This was one of the biggest issues I’ve seen with married soldiers arriving to Germany. Last minute hotel reservations are very iffy.
Hopefully I didn’t flood you with too much information.. good luck
Get your passport prior to leaving, there are a lot of four day weekends and plenty of opportunities to travel. (After covid clears up)
You will have to get your USAEUR license during in-processing, if you complete the JKO class online prior to arriving, you will be able to walk out same day with your license, other wise you will have to take the 100 question test in person and have to wait 1-2 business days to get your license. Just search “USAEUR” in jko and bring the cert with you to in processing.
I’m sure you already competed command sponsorship for your spouse, but verify she’s on your orders and she has her passport.
Lastly, establish communication with your sponsor now if you haven’t. Germany is one of the places where having a sponsor is very important. When you arrive to Germany you will typically spend 1 night in ramstien and you will be bused to grafenwoehr. It is important that your sponsor is already tracking you arriving so they can pick you up. You will not be released from there with out a sponsor.
Lastly lastly, if you haven’t made reservations for a hotel yet.. do so now. This was one of the biggest issues I’ve seen with married soldiers arriving to Germany. Last minute hotel reservations are very iffy.
Hopefully I didn’t flood you with too much information.. good luck
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MAJ Byron Oyler
SPC (Join to see) - The recommendation regarding driving in Europe is a no fail mission, the Germans take driving seriously as a privilege, not a right. I knew a nurse that disrespected the process and took the test three times. Make sure your US motorcycle drivers license is good to go otherwise you will not be able to afford that process on a PFC income (it is expensive).
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The government will only ship 1 car at there cost. The MC can be shipped as HHG (I believe) as long as your furniture does not exceed the weight authorized. Keep doing PT. Go on line and find some basic German and practice with your wife. Your duty station is rural but the culture of the towns, the beaut of the region and the history and travel will be great if you get out.
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CW4 Keith Dolliver
Correct, motorcycle can be shipped with HHG. Also correct they will only ship 1 car, so leave the other with family or sell it. You are not entitled to store your vehicle at government expense if you are shipping (one or the other, either store or ship only one vehicle). Also, make sure your driver's license won't expire when you are in Germany. Your USAREUR license is valid as long as you have a valid US driver's license so ensure that's up to date.
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Start learning to speak German, because the locals will respect you better. Second, locate some of the many interesting sites that you could visit while stationed in Germany. Both will enhance your tour of duty and give great memories for years and years.
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