What should some do to prepare for their first duty station?

Nadia Muraca — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:05:38 -0400

Is there anything she should be doing to get ready. I’ve been trying to help her but she won’t let me do anything. Like does she need sheets , tv , dishes etc. I’m probably being over paranoid I just want to do what I can to make this am easier tradition. ?

Response by Nadia Muraca made Jun 17 at 2020 12:07 AM

Nadia Muraca — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:07:05 -0400

My daughters first duty station will be in Germany.....

Response by SSG Robert Ricci made Jun 17 at 2020 12:12 AM

SSG Robert Ricci — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:12:24 -0400

The military will provide her with everything that she will need. Seriously. Stuttgart so beautiful city. If she wants to get ready she should learn to enjoy beer perhaps? Unless she doesn't drink. I was stationed there and I enjoyed it but I was also stationed elsewhere in Germany that I enjoyed better. It's an opportunity of a lifetime and hopefully she'll take advantage of it when she gets some leave and take a week and go to Italy or go to Switzerland or something. But the military will provide her with everything that she needs.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Jun 17 at 2020 12:29 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:29:00 -0400

Sounds like your daughter just wants to spread her wings and do things on her own. Let her fly and after she gets to Germany and gets settled in then ask her if you can send her a care package and what she would like in it. She'll have access to the PX and local shops so she can buy the things she needs. I know that as a mom you want to help her, but right now the best thing you can do is to let her do this on her own and be ready to support her when she asks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 1:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 01:35:32 -0400

I'm here now. Its wonderful weather and she'll enjoy it. Time for your little bird to leave the nest.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jun 17 at 2020 8:27 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 08:27:47 -0400

Not trying to be rude, but , its time to cut the apron strings. The best thing you can do right now, is just support her decision. She wants to do this on her own legs, on her own terms. US military bases in Europe are small pockets of America, they have a Walmart type store called a PX/BX, they have a grocery store called a Commissary, and lots of small niche stores, like an ATT, Beauty salon, flower shop, and local representatives of the surrounding area selling their wares. There is a movie theater, fast food restuarants, and a host of other amenities. She will be able to purchase all that she requires or needs easily. She will also have access to some amazing travel opportunities within Europe, at really affordable prices. Let her live, and make choices. You cannot protect them forever.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 17 at 2020 9:16 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:16:33 -0400

When young folks join they want the opportunity to learn and experience things. Everything your daughter needs/wants will be either issued or available for purchase. This experience is just as new for her as it is for you so don't feel offended or blown off if she doesn't have a wish list just yet. Joining the military feels like you are being shot out of a cannon so it may take her a minute to get her bearings on what she might need. Once she is settled just offer to send a care package and take the time at that moment to stock her up on anything she needs. Being overseas is awesome but she will most likely have a favorite snack or drink that she misses from home so that is the stuff she will most likely want or be itching for. Being supportive and a sounding board is the best thing you can be right now. Plus, her being in Germany gives you an excuse to take a trip to visit.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 17 at 2020 3:28 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 15:28:18 -0400

She needs nothing until she gets there and see the lay of the land. Unit provides bed, bedwear, furniture. She can buy off consignment shops of PX/BX for extra/pretty goodies, much cheaper than you can ship them, She will also have a weight limit on what she can take.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Jun 17 at 2020 10:27 PM

SGT Suraj Dave — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 22:27:03 -0400

If youre living in the barracks get a PO box, especially if you like to shop online for products you cant get in the area or just like to take advantage of online deals. If you amazon 2 day a package to your base, it will get there in 2 days. It will probably take a week though for Brigade to pick it up from division, your battalion to pick it up from brigade, and then finally for battalion to inform you have a package waiting for you.

Response by SGT Edward Fern made Nov 18 at 2020 10:11 PM

SGT Edward Fern — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 22:11:04 -0500

I left the military in may of 89 so I really don’t know what she might need but if she’s living in the barracks they supply the sheets

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jun 18 at 2021 1:12 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 13:12:06 -0400

She only needs what’s issued and her orders, that’s about it, and keep it tight. Everything else she needs will be provided except for personal things. And be early to wherever she needs to be, it’s not hard.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2021 1:15 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 13:15:06 -0400

she will do fine, this will be something to talk about for years, there are many historical places to visit on her time off, other countries to visit, there is a BX/PX for all her needs, let her do this on her terms, if she needs help she'll ask, in my 31 years never made it to germany other than my layovers to iraq, wish i could've done a tour there myself, i had many uncles that fought over there during ww2