PCS’ing to Germany.?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 22:08:36 -0400

In roughly a year my wife and I plan on PCS’ing to Germany. I believe I will go to 2nd cav, I’m just curious what to expect from their training cycle. Will I have time to explore Europe with my wife? That is the sole reason of our PCS choice.
Another question, would I be able to live off post, or is it only E6 and above with that capability in Vilseck?
If not are the apartments and housing on post decent? I'm currently at Fort Polk and our town homes practically fall apart.
What places should we try and visit?

Response by SGT Russell Wickham made Mar 27 at 2018 12:08 AM

SGT Russell Wickham — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 00:08:40 -0400

Due to the draw down, there is extensive on post housing available in Germany, so off post housing is not available. Furthermore, as a PFC, you are at the bottom of the choosing order, so you will probably end up in apartments or other conjoined housing. As for choosing a unit, that won't happen. You go where the army needs you to go within the confines of your selected post.

Don't let that spoil your fun, however. You get a lot of long weekends, nearly every U.S. and German holiday is an extended weekend, and there is much to do. Amberg is just a short bus ride away, and it's a classic German city. Nuremberg is an hour away by train, and there's a lot of history there. The ICE will take you anywhere you want to go in Germany in a few hours, so get out, see the country side, and don't sweat the less than optimal housing situation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2018 12:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 00:54:28 -0400

I was stationed in Vilseck from 2003-08 before 2CR came in 2006, and I had a great time there.

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Mar 27 at 2018 1:38 AM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 01:38:56 -0400

You CAN control your visits to Doktor Mueller's

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2018 3:32 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 03:32:29 -0400

HAhahaha, you go where the Army sends you. C'mon Man!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by SSG Brian L. made Mar 27 at 2018 5:45 AM

SSG Brian L. — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 05:45:21 -0400

Are you trying to dodge a deployment? That's how it sounds.... you are a soldier and your wife needs to realize this as well... you chose the job the job did not chose you

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2018 10:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 10:23:01 -0400

If you get to Vilesek (big if as a 11 series), the housing is good. The winters a tough (snow and lots) and your at Grafenwoehr's back door (Germanys Training Area). Your also in Bavaria, LOTS to see and do, Munich is a couple of hrs away. Chiemsee and Berchtesgaden all within reach for a 3 day weekend. learn the train system and go to Nuremburg or Regensburg for the day. There was also a Crystal factory close by (wife loved that place).

Response by SFC Keith Frain made Mar 27 at 2018 1:37 PM

SFC Keith Frain — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 13:37:44 -0400

PFC Daley,
I'm jealous! Just hearing the word, "Vilseck" brings back great memories. Get ready for the time of your life. Vilseck might seem like it's in the middle of nowhere,...well, wait...it is. You've got STX, Hohenfels rotations, gunneries, Grafenwöhr right out the back door of Rose Barracks, and so much more. I was only an E4 when I was stationed with THE BIG RED 1....2-2 INF, had a great time; I am sure you will too.
Remember, Germany is basically central to everything! Utilize Ryan Air when you want to take a trip, 99.00 to fly from Germany to Scotland, Ireland, and a nice lay over in GB.
Not to sure how much the billeting has changed, but the housing was pretty decent, so on post living isn't a bad idea. Some of my friends lived off post, relatively easy living, great scenery and the German population loved having "American" friends.
I will say, this was back in 2000 when I got there, but I did a 2nd stint in Wurzburg in 2005; now that was awesome.
Brother use the MWR bus trips, you can see a lot of great sites for a little bit of money, or just jump on the train and take it to wherever.
Germany bucket list....Nuremberg, Wurzburg, & the Zugspitze
Travel to Czech Republic (with the guys)....lol
We put together a team and did the "International Four Days Marches Nijmegen" It is 100 miles of ass kicking road marching, and after each day....make your way to the beer tent and drowned your blisters in free beer with the 200 other countries that are marching too.
Well, that about says it...
God bless and good luck!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2018 4:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:25:55 -0400

First, everyone lives in on post housing whether it's on or off in vilseck or graf for the most part! The housing is mostly brand new and well maintained. To answer your question though the training cycle s pretty intense but it is shared with my beloved 173rd. You'll be there for 3 years and will have time to travel but just understand the situation in Europe is pretty intense so you never know what may happen! Prague is about 2 hours away real nice and extremely cheap. Munich is 1 hr 45, bamberg is amazing if you love beer and it's an hr away as well Nuremberg. So many places to choose from Bavaria (the state) is the nicest place in Germany IMO. Be open minded you'll enjoy it, way better than polk as I can't wait to leave that place myself!

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Mar 27 at 2018 7:17 PM

SGT Aric Lier — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 19:17:22 -0400

you will have a great time!! there is hohenfels and graf and if you are lucky baumholder, check out the red light in frankfurt too oh and the crazy sexy in hamburg is off the charts....amsterdam is a good 4 day pass trip.