Will I need a passport when PCSing from Germany to the States?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 May 2019 21:32:02 -0400

Im PCSing back to the states this may and my passport recently went through the washer. I am not sure if i have enough time to get a new one. Are my PCS orders enough to get me back into the states?

Response by LTC John Mohor made May 1 at 2019 9:35 PM

LTC John Mohor — Wed, 01 May 2019 21:35:17 -0400

Back in my day government orders and my Military ID got me home. Military chartered flights etc. not sure post 911 but in 2004 I never had to show my passport going to Kuwait and Iraq so roll with it if time won’t allow.

Response by CW3 Matt Hutchason made May 1 at 2019 9:40 PM

CW3 Matt Hutchason — Wed, 01 May 2019 21:40:31 -0400

That’s a big negative, Ghost Rider. A passport is required. You may want to talk to your 1SG for help getting yours replaced.

Response by SSG Timothy Miller made May 1 at 2019 11:41 PM

SSG Timothy Miller — Wed, 01 May 2019 23:41:54 -0400

When I was AD, all you needed were your orders and ID card. Your ID card is your passport to re-enter your own country.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2019 2:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 May 2019 02:09:56 -0400

You don't need a passport to PCS back to the states. Your ID and orders will carry you straight through customs and immigration. If you picked up a German spouse, they would need one though.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made May 2 at 2019 12:34 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Thu, 02 May 2019 12:34:44 -0400

Did you need a passport to PCS to Germany ?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2019 3:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 May 2019 15:23:59 -0400

Your CAC card is your passport. Family will need passport though

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 2 at 2019 5:47 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 02 May 2019 17:47:40 -0400

No. You can use military orders and your Geneva Convention Card (Military ID) in lieu of a Passport. The same applies when travelling to a foreign nation. Your orders & ID act as your Visa. However, it is a good idea to apply for a passport once you get back to the US. They are valid for 10 years (if you are over 16) and act as proof of Citizenship & a Birth Certificate even when expired.