PCS'ing to Germany: what should I expect?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 10:43:47 -0400

So I found out I'm going to Germany.
How should I prepare for this ? This my first pcs i dont know exactly where too Germany .I also have a large family comming with me makes a total of 7. What should I exspect for my family and what should I exspect for me as an infatry man. Any and all replies would be greatly appreciated .

Response by CSM David Heidke made Aug 12 at 2015 10:44 AM

CSM David Heidke — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 10:44:39 -0400

beer should be expected...

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Aug 12 at 2015 10:58 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 10:58:30 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member do you have orders yet for a specific brigade or command? This would be helpful for us to know.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Aug 12 at 2015 11:24 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 11:24:29 -0400

When you get some time off roll down into Garmisch and check out the Zugspitze.
Kreuzberg - Berlin if you can get there.
Also .. get the heck out of Germany on occasion! One of the great things about Europe is everything is within driving distance!

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Aug 12 at 2015 11:56 AM

MSgt James Mullis — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 11:56:37 -0400

Here are my thoughts on Germany in no particular order: Good food, good beer, expensive gas, awesome festivals all summer long (my favorite was the Wittlich Pig Fest), a great highway and train system, mostly friendly people. Study for your drivers license test (many people don't and fail it). It may have changed but German stores are normally closed on weekends, with the exception of published shopping Saturdays. The DoD schools are typically very good. As for the flight, you'll probably arrive in the morning, but to you it will feel like the afternoon. When you get there, stay up as long as you can taking a short nap in the afternoon. Go to bed at 9 or 10 pm and wake up in the morning ready to go. Don't worry about buying things to bring to Germany, they have everything you could need.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2015 12:04 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 12:04:39 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, dont take a big vehicle over there unless you have too because parking spaces in towns and certain roads are made for big American trucks and SUV's. Get out and learn the German culture and attempt to learn the language. Travel and see as much as you can, to include neighboring countries. I loved Germany and I can't wait to go back.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2015 12:13 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 12:13:04 -0400

Big vehicles are hard to maneuver through the towns (hard when you have a large family). Gas is at it's lowest in 2 years at $3.27. Gas, tobacco, alcohol, and coffee are all rationed items. Daycare can be difficult depending on where you get assigned. DOD school system is okay, but may be more difficult than where your kids are attending now. Study the drivers test online before you come, but it's not that hard. Ship a car 2 months early so you are not without transportation. A lot of the housing is 10-40 min off base. Once you know what base you can start asking more detailed oriented questions. There are multiple missions going on right now, so be prepared to be in the field or in another country.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Aug 12 at 2015 1:23 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 13:23:42 -0400

Another thing .. watch out for the #1 lane on the Autobahn!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2015 4:09 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 16:09:28 -0400

Thanks everyone it helped out so much
it's much appreciated