What is the best way to bring your family with you on an unaccompanied year-long Europe tour? Any general advice for living in Germany?

2018-01-18T21:34:32-05:00

I have a possible PFI tour as a member of a reserve component. Any advice on what to bring and how to bring it? Any advice on what living situations would look like for family not added to orders? They're allowed, just not paid for by DoD. Any general advice for Germany?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2018 8:59 AM

2018-01-19T08:59:57-05:00

The military will not assist your family at all they would need to come over threw the normal process and will not have access to post facilities. I would leave them at home if they are not command sponsored if they want to and you have some time them coming over for a trip/visit would probably be a better idea IMHO.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2018 9:34 AM

2018-01-19T09:34:05-05:00

Thanks for the response. I know they wouldn't be command sponsored and I would have to go through the civilian process. I plan on having them come over on a travel visa, then applying for a resident visa while they're in country. I understand they wouldn't fall under the SOFA agreement. I just wanted general travel advice as a non-sponsored dependent(s) and what to expect when they get there.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jan 19 at 2018 9:51 PM

2018-01-19T21:51:59-05:00

I'd say airplane and enjoy the beer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2018 3:07 PM

2018-06-04T15:07:33-04:00

I would not recommend bringing family to Germany, if they are not Command Sponsored. You'll run into many problems that may be overlooked, such as SOFA issues, and they will not necessarily be able to utilize any facilities on-post (even if you live there): PX, Commissary, MWR, etc. It's not like it used to be in Germany- all milk and honey. There are many problems with migrants particularly in the urban areas (towns with 50,000 people and up) and things are becoming more dangerous.

You might get around it if your Spouse/Children would get a job at the Exchange or other Army MWR facilities. AAFES has employees nearly worldwide. Then, they could be granted some work exemptions for staying in Country. You'd have to speak with the Command JAG, or Legal Office on post to be sure though.

Suggest you do as SSG Howell recommends- keep them at home, or get temporary visas (90 days or less).