What bases/installations are available for 11B assignments in Germany?

2016-01-18T13:15:17-05:00

Also, how did you guys like your time over there? Was it easy/affordable to travel around Europe? Is it a hassle to get your driver's license? Would it even be worth it bringing your vehicle? I was stationed in Korea before and the public transportation system was really good and pretty cheap. Feel free to contribute any knowledge you may have that you feel can help me!

Response by SPC Stephen Gerard made Jan 18 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-01-18T13:38:18-05:00

I'm sure it'll be better than Riley. I've only been over there on leave and as a civilian, and found that it was very easy to travel, but affordability is dependent on the mode, distance, and weather - it's mostly inexpensive. When I was there the first time, there was no passport requirement for SM's (flew direct into Germany from mid-tour R&R), so travel outside of the country would be impossible. PCS, though, removes this problem. Depending on where you go, I might be able to recommend a few eateries and one fancy, inexpensive hotel.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2016 2:13 PM

2016-01-18T14:13:10-05:00

If I'm not mistaken there are only two main places 11B can be stationed at now in Germany. That's Vilseck and Hohenfels. What you want to do ( be in a Stryker line platoon or OPFOR at a training center) will decide on where you want to be stationed at. The drivers test isn't bad and yes you should bring one vehicle. Research how the ration system works for alcohol, tobacco, fuel and coffee as you are only allowed specific amounts per month. Europe is definitely worth being stationed at and the traveling is great.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jan 18 at 2016 7:11 PM

2016-01-18T19:11:04-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Having spent a total of almost 30 years in Germany (Military and Civilian), I'd like to give you a few tips that made Germany my home for many years even after I got out of the Army. First, go to Germany with the thought in mind that you ARE going to a foreign country. If a German comes to the US you expect them to try to speak some English, likewise, you need to learn some German. If you go with the thought in mind that you want to learn to communicate with your German friends and neighbors, in their language, then you will do fine.

If you want to meet REAL Germans......don't go to all the American hangouts. There will be several just outside the gate, and one or two downtown. Find a nice restaurant or "Gasthaus" where you can sit and have a couple of beers. Within a week or so you will have your first German friends, especially as they realize that you are trying to speak, and learn, German. This is a great way to meet that "pretty European girl" you were talking about.

Go to the German "Backerei" (Bakery) and "Metzgerei" (Butcher) (and other German stores) near you. You will not only learn more German, but you will also enjoy some of the best breads and fresh deli items that you have ever had !!

If you go with the attitude that you are ready to learn a little bit and try to fit in, you will be quickly accepted by the Germans. You will find a lot of friends, and many new things to do. Don't waste the trip by just sitting around the barracks drinking American beer from the Class VI, every medium to large town in Germany makes their own beer or wine. Find something that you like and got to a "Bierfest" or a "Weinfest" as you get a chance. And, of course don't miss the chance to go to "Oktoberfest" in Munich !! (Another great way to meet people from around the world !!)

I wish you "Viel Gluck" (Good Luck) and hope that you have a great time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 12:59 PM

2016-01-19T12:59:14-05:00

I can't really speak with much authority, I haven't been in Germany since 1992, and it would suffice to say that there have massive changes since then. Drink the beer, and eat lots of Pommes Frites (French Fries) Get out of the base, get on a train and go where your interest takes you. Public transit is great and inexpensive there, And so is the food if you take some time to Learn some basic words in German, which will make it easier on you to order what you want, and to catch a taxi/bus, make reservations at a hotel, and how to meet interesting and beautiful women there. Good Luck

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 4:27 PM

2016-01-19T16:27:04-05:00

I have been in Vilseck for the past year and a half. Out of that time, I have spent four months in Romania and am a few months into a 9 month rotation to Egypt. We have done two EIB tests and had a two month restriction/no drinking order, as well as a QRF status I can't go into much detail about. You will also go to Hohenfels at least every year (similar to JRTC) for 30-45 days. Moral of the story? You will be BUSY here. I haven't had time to do hardly anything in Europe - yet. Most of the people who were stationed in Germany and loved it were here long before this unit became over-tasked (remember, there used to be several bases but most are closed now).
My intent is not to discourage you from coming here, but you need to hear some current truths. Individual experiences may vary. I know some guys who have skated out of every training event and deployment and done nothing but travel all over Europe. That's not how I do business though.
Do I regret coming here? Sometimes, but not entirely. I have gotten to see and do a lot of new things and experience living in another country. I also take advantage of my leave time. Most young guys buy plane tickets back to the US every time they get leave - HUGE mistake. Spend your money on travelling instead! On block leave I went to Greece once and Sardinia on another. I also plan on going to the Maldives on the next one, which would be almost financially impossible from the US. A plane ticket to the Maldives from Germany is in the $500 range versus $1500+ from the US.
Other points - the PCS to Germany was an absolute nightmare. Hopefully you'd get a sponsor that actually helps. If you ship a vehicle, it can take forever (3-5 months) to arrive because the shipping company, IAL, is horrible. I shipped a car and it wasn't a mistake. Mine took around 4 months but I was reimbursed (after much hassle) for a rental for the time I needed one due to the car not arriving on time. Housing was terrible to deal with. All of the on-post agencies are pretty much on Grafenwoehr so you'll be going back and forth between there and Vilseck constantly (about a 25min drive or longer bus ride).
The license test is easy if you pay attention in the class. Tons of people fail but there's no reason to. The big hassle about driving in Germany is the vehicle inspection. Make sure your car is in perfect condition or you will have problems. Also, avoid aftermarket exhaust, window tints, wheels that stick out past the wheel wells, and other crazy stuff like that. If your car leaks anything they will fail you. Getting a USAREUR motorcycle license is a little bit of a pain, but riding in Germany is absolutely awesome (for about 4-5 months a year).
If you do PCS to Germany, the first thing you will hear when you get to your new unit is how much 2CR sucks. My advice - stay positive as long as you can. Just try to do what you can to make the unit better. I could write all day about what sucks about being here but it won't do anybody any good. Try not to let those guys get to you. Just know you WILL be busy! This isn't the "5-10 years ago Germany assignment" where you got to travel constantly. We are doing OAR rotations left and right, along with training rotations and deployments. It isn't that bad. If I were you I'd do it just for the experience. Just expect a little bit of suck....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 2:30 AM

2016-01-20T02:30:32-05:00

It's pretty easy to ship your car over here. It's worth it too unless you have a bigger vehicle. We drive a tahoe and it's a nightmare out here, pretty much like everything else in germany. I leave in two weeks and I've never been so excited to leave an installation. There is too much to bitch and gripe about on here so I wont. All I will say is I survived. Good luck mate.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 10:58 AM

2016-01-21T10:58:50-05:00

Germany is an excellent assignment period. Is it affordable, yes...the euro conversion is now even with the dollar so is makes purchasing item in local currency easier to figure out. Bring a vehicle or buy a new one (tax-free) through New car sales found at any PX throughout Europe. The gas is very low grade, 85 octane at best. The primary insurance for cars in Europe is USAA, which cost at least $300 - $400 more a month than what you pay here in the states. If your single, i recommend not to ship a car and use the buddy system or post shuttle offered on post to get around. You can fly everywhere and it's cheap to jump from country to country. Take a buddy though or you make yourself a target. Don't ship any household electronics that are 110 volts, everything in germany is 220. Your TV needs to be dual voltage or it will fry in place once you plug it in. "pack light, freeze at night" yes.... pack light, you will buy alot of stuff while your there. If you go in well below your allowed weight you will be good coming out. Do a split move and put alot of your goods in storage and ship only the bare minimum. Good luck !!!!!

Response by SSG George Holtje made Mar 21 at 2020 10:39 PM

2020-03-21T22:39:50-04:00

Vilseck. Vilseck is Awesome (if you’re weird like me apparently)