PCSing to Vilseck, Germany (General Info)

SPC Tiffany Ivanov — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 15:38:04 -0400

I am PCSing to 1 SQ 2nd Cav in Vilseck, Germany and my report date is March 2016. My husband and I reenlisted for Germany and will be command sponsored with our 2 year old daughter. Any info you can give me about what to expect, what I should do to make the transition easier, etc, would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 3:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 15:43:04 -0400

Expect a 4 hr bus ride from ramstein to vilseck minimum. Call ahead for hotel reservations. Stay in contact with your sponsor. Small community and its quite here. Cell service is not the greatest. Willing to answer specific questions if needed.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 3:49 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 15:49:57 -0400

Im currently in 1st Squadron, definitely the best squadron in the regiment! Any idea on which Troop you'll be attached to? Also the inprocessing process is pretty simple, the only problem is that the building where most of it takes place is in Graf, about a 20 minute drive on the tank trail from Vilseck.. But the bus services between posts are pretty efficient. If you have any questions about the squadron or need any advice don't hesitate to ask. Welcome to 1/2!

Response by SPC Wade Griffiths made Jul 19 at 2015 3:54 PM

SPC Wade Griffiths — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 15:54:13 -0400

Umm... Germany is a lot like the States.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 4:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:03:08 -0400

SPC Ivanov,

If you have pets start getting their health certificates ready and contact your nearest Patriot Express (SPACE-A flight) to get y'all's flight ready. Expect to spend some time in the hotel, whether it's on Tower Barracks or Rose Barracks. Housing works really well, but because of the AO it takes some time to find you housing so be patient. To get ahead of the learning curve you and your husband can google the drivers test for Germany, it will help tremendously! Also you'll be PCSing during the "winter" it's a dry cold but it's sporadic. DRESS FOR GERMANY not the weather. TTP always have an umbrella and jacket in your vehicle. The unit was founded 23 May 1836 get to know it! Also learn the Regimental Song (Hit the Leather and Ride). All in all if your sponsor can't get you an answer feel free to message me and I will answer you as soon as possible. WELCOME TO GERMANY! ALWAYS READY!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 4:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:06:55 -0400

When you get Euros, get it off post because the exchange rate is better than on post banks. Check out Antonio's Italian Restaurant in Vilseck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 4:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:07:50 -0400

Check out http://www.grafenwoehr.army.mil

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Jul 19 at 2015 4:24 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:24:55 -0400

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! USAEUR is AWESOME!!!!
Vilseck and 2nd ARC are in Bavaria - but not the postcard mountainous Bavaria. Its hilly in spots and reminds me of the the Ozarks / Missouri - Arkansas with forests, rivers, etc. I was stationed in Bamberg and Stuttgart over my career and am a total German freak. What kinds of questions do you have???? Send a list and I will answer the best I can.

Response by SPC Larry Buck made Jul 19 at 2015 4:29 PM

SPC Larry Buck — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:29:32 -0400

Was in Hohenfels, but be careful... Looking at the scenery on the way is cool, but the time to get your bearings and a nap priority number one! I messed up and didn't think about it, first thing in the morning was formation and guess who walked up on me? I had no sleep from lag and stress, and at pitch black 5:30am subdued rank is unnoticed in a fast paced introduction with new faces and the really large 1st Sgt!!! Whoops forgot about checking rank...
And don't call him Roger!!!
You copy!!! Rodger, 1st Sgt!!
Sadly I found out he was messing with me and first name was Rodger?! I was embarrassed
So do homework for now till you go to avoid that mess get photos of all chain of command and the whole post that your allowed by law ( google it) to have Intel prior to pcs for smoother transition from home to what the hell did I sign up for?!!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 4:34 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:34:52 -0400

I'm in vilseck right now I'm in fires sqdn

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jul 19 at 2015 4:42 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:42:21 -0400

Make sure you request a sponsor through the easigate. Also, most units (including your next unit) is on facebook - you can check them out there as well. The post is within Bavaria, somewhat in more of a rural part of Germany but still within an hour or two of some of the larger cities. It is a great installation, and there are some tremendous training opportunities and ranges. Be positive and plan ahead, the winters are a little tougher in Bavaria and the sun is not out as often but you get used to it and will make the best of your time. I am sure you and your family will enjoy your time in Germany.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 11:37 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 23:37:51 -0400

They speak German there and they spend Euros.

Response by A1C Markus Frank made Jul 20 at 2015 1:41 AM

A1C Markus Frank — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 01:41:20 -0400

You are lucky.. . One of the most beautiful places in Germany. Friendly people..however, I recommend not to wear uniform around town. Almost all people will speak English.. . Just be patient with them. They might be shy at first. Have a local teach you how to drive on the Autobahn . And let me know of any specific questions

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 7:32 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 07:32:40 -0400

Learn a little German and travel. I was there 10 years

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 7:58 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 07:58:52 -0400

Germany has been a lot like Fort Lewis, WA weather and scenery wise. Temps are usually mild but tends to be bi-polar. We get a rain shower and highs of 80s in the same day. In the last 2 years we haven't seen much snow accumulation- and don't expect the weather to shut down post or postpone any training. 2CR has a lot of missions going on and frequently are in the field at Hohenfels. There are very few openings in the CDC. There are multiple people that choose German preschool - it is cheaper and they learn the language. Jobs for spouses suck but if that is part of your plan start looking at usajobs now and applying 3-6 months out. Government housing is predominately in the communities surrounding the area anywhere from a 10 min to 45 min drive. You don't get a choice to where you live and you have to be on the wait list for a given amount of time before being authorized to get a rental on your own.
Check out the mil site (previously mentioned), there are also multiple facebook pages where you can ask questions and get information from people living in the area.
Apply for travel passports now if you plan on traveling outside Germany while stationed here.
Get your cell phone unlocked - most you'll be able to use (saving you a little money).
Don't expect your sponsor to hold your hand, you are fortunate that you have one talking to you now. Be prepared to make your hotel reservation and get to Vilseck (viva shuttle bus) from Ramstein.
You can study for the drivers test online.
The sooner you are able to ship a car the more likely you will have transportation upon arriving (about 8 weeks).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 2:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 14:05:17 -0400

You at coming to the same unit I am in just a different squadron. Just make sure you get in contact with your sponsor a few months out. Also make sure you keep in contact with them while you are traveling so they know exactly when you get to Graf so they will be waiting on you when you get there. If not you will be waiting 30 or so minutes because that is how long it takes to get to Graf from Vilseck. It takes about two and a half weeks to inprocess because you have to go through a bunch of mandatory classes. Also if you have your multi can do not turn it in at your losing CIF because that is the uniform for the regiment. I am sure I will come up with more later and I will with send you a message or post on here.

Response by LTC Martin Metz made Jul 21 at 2015 7:16 PM

LTC Martin Metz — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 19:16:23 -0400

Vilseck is really in a good spot to travel in Germany (especially Bavaria). Take advantage of any leave and see the country. Start learning German now and it helps with interfacing with the folks there.

Response by SSG Shawn Ireland made Sep 8 at 2015 8:03 PM

SSG Shawn Ireland — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 20:03:51 -0400

Did either PNCOC, or BNCOC there. Being that I was in school, we didn't get much of a look at the area. Germany is pretty much the same everywhere except when you get close to the Black Forest and down south close to the Elps! You should enjoy yourself regardless. Enjoy!

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Sep 8 at 2015 9:04 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 21:04:37 -0400

No, but I was stationed in Ramstein. Join a Volksmarching club. Great activity you can do as a family.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 9 at 2015 3:39 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:39:54 -0400

Their XO is quite active on here. Have a good time in Germany.
https://www.rallypoint.com/units/1st-sqdrn-1st-squadron-2nd-cavalry-regiment-stryker-vilseck-germany

1st Squadron (1st SQDRN), 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (Stryker) in Vilseck, Germany is on...

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Response by CPL Dan Tholke made Sep 9 at 2015 5:12 PM

CPL Dan Tholke — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:12:51 -0400

Learn as much German as you can. I was there from 1984 to 1990 and wouldn't have liked it as much if I didnt learn the language.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 9:36 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 09:36:20 -0400

SPC Tiffany Ivanov I don't know if you are already there but, I would really appreciate that you keep me posted of all the process since I'm going there next year.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 7:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 19:43:42 -0500

my report date is march 20 2016. and i want to take a leave before i come. do i have to report on the 20th or i have to be there earlier?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2017 3:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 15:39:02 -0500

Also get your foreign currency off base instead of the military banks on post. It comes out better for your bank account.

Response by SPC Paul Guerrero made Jul 5 at 2023 11:08 PM

SPC Paul Guerrero — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 23:08:11 -0400

Vilseck sucks, I was Stationed there for about a year and hated it. I was at Pinder Barracks prior and that was awesome.
The good thing is you have a husband and daughter that should make it warming.