What is Belgium like for soliders with families?

2022-03-31T18:14:34-04:00

I have heard that Belgium is boring and no one really speaks English there, but I also hear everyone who has been there loved it. I have the opportunity to re-enlist for it and I'm trying to get an idea what it will be like for my family.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2022 6:33 PM

2022-03-31T18:33:54-04:00

Take the opportunity! It’s very rare for anyone to get Shape. The station is what you make of it. TRAVEL!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2022 7:22 PM

2022-03-31T19:22:10-04:00

Take advantage of the opportunity, you may never get the chance again!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2022 9:33 PM

2022-03-31T21:33:23-04:00

Each assignment is what you make of it. But seriously....it's BELGIUM. How often do you think this assignment will come around for you?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2022 2:22 AM

2022-04-01T02:22:42-04:00

I've known a few people who were there and loved it.

Also, if you were offered the opportunity and didn't take it, it might not be there tomorrow. There are hundreds of 35F2 in their reenlistment window right now who won't take the entire weekend to decide when someone says Belgium.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2022 12:50 PM

2022-04-01T12:50:16-04:00

I’ve been told they have very delicious waffles there.

Response by CWO4 Terrence Clark made Apr 2 at 2022 1:28 AM

2022-04-02T01:28:14-04:00

Take those orders! They didn't speak English when we were stationed in Spain and Italy, either. Europe isn't that large. Throw a case of formula and a box of diapers in the trunk and head out in any direction. In a couple of hours you'll find they don't speak English in France, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, etc. Drive thru the Chunnel and the Brits will try, they're just not good at it.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 2 at 2022 7:21 AM

2022-04-02T07:21:53-04:00

Grab those orders. It's an amazing place and also a convenient place to tour the rest of Europe from

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Apr 2 at 2022 5:32 PM

2022-04-02T17:32:41-04:00

Sarge.? No, Matter Where We Live Or Are Stationed, Life Is What WE Make Of It......Have Fun In The Area And The Area Will Become Fun.
By The Way, Perhaps They Don't Speak English, That's Why Language Programs Are Available & You ARE In Their Country.. I Lived In Panama For Around 3 Years So I Learned THEIR Language,,,
Y ES La Verdad, Tambien..
"When In Rome"....,
BTW, When Others Ask "Where Are You From"?.. Please DON'T Just Say "America" Because America Extends All The Way South To The Oceans Of SOUTH America..
Tell Them"The United States Of America". It DOES Make A Difference & The'll Appreciate Our Knowing The Difference...

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 3 at 2022 7:06 AM

2022-04-03T07:06:33-04:00

Anyone who says any European country is boring never leaves their house. Also, not speaking English is a funny statement as it is not England or the US. People who get assigned overseas should study the basics of the language of the host country.

Those who do speak English are often offended by the assumption that they should. When we give the effort, t they respond in kind attempting to bridge the gap. I have personally witnessed US service/family members openly complain in front of the host that someone should speak English. This is very disrespectful.

As for your Family that should truly enjoy Belgium, they just have to leave the house to do so and experience the culture. What a rare opportunity. Study the language and enjoy the tour.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Apr 3 at 2022 7:50 AM

2022-04-03T07:50:43-04:00

When I lived in Europe I heard a fair amount of JR enlisted that did not get out and about and did not like the assignment. Maybe that is where you are getting info? They were so wrong and Europe was the best assignment of my career.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Apr 4 at 2022 12:11 PM

2022-04-04T12:11:25-04:00

English is one of the three Official Languages in Belgium, the others being Dutch and French. The education statistics say that almost 40 percent are fluent and most of the country speaks and understands some. If that is your concern, there are a lot more people that speak English as a second language in Western Europe than speak a second language in the US.
Belgium is EU, no border checks anymore, so if you are bored in Belgium, go to Franch, Germany or wherever. Train travel is cheap (or was when I was in Germany) reliable and a lot more accessible than here.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2022 10:32 AM

2022-04-07T10:32:17-04:00

It's been a week. Did you take the Belgium opportunity?

Response by SFC Jesús García Arce made Apr 26 at 2022 7:29 AM

2022-04-26T07:29:55-04:00

Take the opportunity , I had been there 1990 on the Reforger. Not every body speak Inglish, but I don't thing you had problems