My unit is rotating to Germany/Poland for 9 months. What to expect?

SSG Greg Smith — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 20:42:22 -0400

Hey I’m an 11B E5 and my unit is going for a 9 month rotation to Europe pretty soon. I’ve always wanted to go to Europe so that will be a good check off my list. I was just wondering if anyone has any idea what to expect out there right now. Will there be time to explore? Is the training good or subpar? Does covid mean a lot of travel restrictions? Thanks in advance if anyone has any information.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Aug 10 at 2020 8:59 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 20:59:28 -0400

I wish you a good safe and productive deployment.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Aug 10 at 2020 9:54 PM

SPC Nancy Greene — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 21:54:19 -0400

Be careful & stay safe

If you have the chance to travel, do not go alone. Germany was beautiful in 86-87, even though I didn’t have the opportunity to travel as much as I would have liked. You do realize their electricity is 220, which means you will need a transformer unless you are staying in American barracks.

Enjoy!
Nancy

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 10 at 2020 9:54 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 21:54:42 -0400

Enjoy, explore, make some notes, capture the ‘great’ photo opportunities and save them for your later years. If you are able to caption the photos or take notes for later consumption please do.

I have a few photos of 1954-55 Korea and wish I had more.

Researching the countries you have access to will provide a great travelogue to pursue.

Work at learning a bit of Polish beyond, ‘Ya Chee Koham’.

Soldier to the best of your increasing abilities and responsibilities. Strive to lead/guide your troops into enjoying the country and for them to not be barracks (tent) rats!

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 10 at 2020 10:05 PM

SSG Brian G. — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 22:05:19 -0400

You are doing a rotation rather than a PCS move. Hard to say what to expect as each area is going to be different. Some areas of Europe loved us, while others could not stand us. And this was back in the early 90's. The attitudes are likely even more polarized now with the current world political climate.

As for time to explore etc., that will likely be determined in large part by your CoC and your mission. IF however you do get a chance to do so, please... indulge but do so safely. Go in pairs or groups but do not go alone, as mentioned above. While stationed in Germany years back we had three sm's put into the infirmary when they chose to go out on their own... two by Turkish nationals and one by German nationals.

Learn the language as much as you can. Goes a long way when you can speak German to a German. You should have a 10 day head start class that will orient you to the area and give you at least rudimentary language manipulation.

Response by TSgt George Austin made Aug 11 at 2020 1:45 PM

TSgt George Austin — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 13:45:06 -0400

You will LOVE Poland. They love Ami's. My wife is Polish from near Poznan. She was an English teacher there. This was before Coke & Pepsi started ruining the complexions. Beautiful women.. Alcoholism is rampant so if you can pass on the booze you will gain in the "friend" areas. Travel every second you have free. Find a Top in Poland and see if he can PCS you there. Top's have the power. Watch some Steve McQueen flicks and learn the habits.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2020 12:29 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:29:58 -0400

I am going to be real with you i just came from a rotation from there last month and it was boring we was living on camp Aachen and its nothing to do cause of the pandemic.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2020 10:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 22:26:43 -0400

I was there for 10 month and before COVID we got to travel and go to town. Once the lockdown started, well it was boring on base. Now you can travel again but I bet its only for a few more weeks before they close everything down again. Poland is amazing. Try to learn some key words and use it with the Locals and they will love you. I had a great time and can't wait to go back.

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Aug 19 at 2020 10:51 PM

SGT Justin Anderson — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 22:51:30 -0400

If you get town pass, watch your drinks some clubs will drug your beverage unbeknownst to you, be cautious around gangs of Turks. Enjoy the country. Had blast being stationed there, tried to drink the country dry and chased all their women.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2020 7:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 19:44:08 -0400

What’s sup man. I am willing to bet that we are in the same Brigade, therefore we will be going on the same rotation. I just a rotation with the brigade to Poland/Germany 2018-2019. It’s an interesting time. You will be training a lot, but you will also have time to explore depending on your units METL. A lot of people to include higher leaders got in trouble during the rotation which got of got the whole unit hemmed up at times. If you have an specific questions, feel free to ask. Ironhorse!