Retirees, according to Army Europe policy, you can't use MWR lodging in Germany unless you "visit" over 30 days. How is this right?

1SG Dan Thorstad — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 12:57:01 -0500

"Retired U.S. military personnel, and veterans who are 100 percent disabled, and their accompanying eligible Family members who either reside in Germany or who visit Germany for more than thirty (30) consecutive days and who have obtained a Zollbescheinigung (pink card) from a German Customs office."

Response by SPC David Willis made Nov 15 at 2017 1:07 PM

SPC David Willis — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:07:53 -0500

When it comes to budgeting I'm ok with this cut. It doesn't seem like an essential service, and seems more like a perk which may just be costing tax dollars that don't need to be spent. At least from my understanding of what you wrote that's what I think. If I'm misinterpreting it that's my fault.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Nov 15 at 2017 2:34 PM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 14:34:29 -0500

It’s meant more for active duty personnel vice those traveling the planet on a Retired ID card...

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Nov 15 at 2017 2:40 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 14:40:29 -0500

And the catch-22 is American passport holders require no visa for up to 90 day stay.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Nov 15 at 2017 2:43 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 14:43:12 -0500

Stay at an Air Force Inn, it has no such policy that I can find. It only applies to Army lodging.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Nov 15 at 2017 7:43 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 19:43:39 -0500

Sounds like it has to be connected with SOFA to me seeing how you got to ge the"pink card" from customs. I know if I use the PX or Commissary I have to get the tax stamp as well. For me it is not worth the time or hassle.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2017 4:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 16:53:05 -0500

Sounds like SOFA. The German tax man doesn’t want to miss out on a single Euro

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2018 1:26 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 13:26:13 -0500

As a current reservist, do I fall under the same guidelines if I want to vacation in Germany? Or is this just for retirees? I’m Air Force reserves but would want to stay at Army locations like the Edelweiss lodge in Garmisch...

Response by LTC Patricia Williams made Nov 8 at 2018 6:46 PM

LTC Patricia Williams — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 18:46:16 -0500

I think that all military active and retired should be allowed to use it with active duty having priority. Retirees can use Shades of Green, The HAle Koa, and the Dragon and I think it should be the same for Edelwiess

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Nov 8 at 2018 7:46 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 19:46:27 -0500

According to Army in Europe Reg 500-700L . U.S. military retirees in the USEUCOM AOR do not have status under the NATO SOFA and are not granted the rights, privileges, and benefits of the agreement. Any rights, privileges, and benefits they may receive are based on bilateral agreements and concessions with host-nation authorities.
In short, it's not our country and we've got to abide with what they determine is fair,