Posted on Feb 10, 2017
When PCSing to Germany, what airline will my family and I most likely be on?
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Also, what problems might we face before, during, and after the flight?
PCS
Germany
Military Family
Children
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 14
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Ok, so while people talked about the Airlines, I will mention one thing. That is to keep in contact with your sponsor. Submit a DA FM 5434 to your unit in order to request s sponsor. You can go to militaryonesource.com to take a course on sponsorship and what to expect. I would honestly ask your leadership, they should be able to help. Your sponsor is a key person in ensuring you have a smooth transition from state side over to Germany. When you get your itinerary from SATO, let your Sponsor know then, so that way he is tracking ahead of time and can organize someone to pick you up if he can't. The money machines work with visa/master card, so I would go and get some euro when you get off plane, so that way you are prepared to buy anything you might need (i.e food or basic necessities). Most Germans that work at the airport know english since they interact with people from all over on a regular basis. And most younger germans know english because they usually learn it in school. Just ask, "Hallo, Sprechen sie english?" if they say "JA" then your good.
Another thing, get your passports now before you get here, don't rely on your orders to get you everywhere. Your family members will have to get both official and travel passports I am pretty sure. Ask you CoC to double check. Official passport are free.
Lastly, in order to drive a car in Europe, you will need a USAEUR (US Army Europe) license. Now days you can get on JKO (Joint Knowledge Online) to take the drivers test. Your spouse will need one also, So start studying and take the test now, so then that way it is one less thing you have to worry about. There is a lot of information I could put out, but that is some of the important things. Hope everything is going smooth, it can be a bit rough at times, but it will all pay off in the end. If you have any questions, feel free to message me on here.
Another thing, get your passports now before you get here, don't rely on your orders to get you everywhere. Your family members will have to get both official and travel passports I am pretty sure. Ask you CoC to double check. Official passport are free.
Lastly, in order to drive a car in Europe, you will need a USAEUR (US Army Europe) license. Now days you can get on JKO (Joint Knowledge Online) to take the drivers test. Your spouse will need one also, So start studying and take the test now, so then that way it is one less thing you have to worry about. There is a lot of information I could put out, but that is some of the important things. Hope everything is going smooth, it can be a bit rough at times, but it will all pay off in the end. If you have any questions, feel free to message me on here.
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SPC Erich Guenther
Well on the car rental, important to note what is said above because the Germans will rent you a car without a USAEUR license. Seen that happen and the SPC lost rank that was caught doing it. He had some International License deal via AAA but was not authorized via his Chain of Command for a USAEUR license. Avoid crossing that line. Also 60% of Germans or more speak fluent English. They like you to at least try to speak German before you blurt out something in English.......you will find out though that 60% or more understand and can speak English in a pinch if they need to. Fluency levels in the city areas are high but very low in the off the beaten path areas.
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SPC Brady Allen
Well if you rent a car coming straight of the plane (which I would definitely not recommend). It would be completely legal because per German Law you can drive on a foriegn license for up to 90 days (being the first 90 days in country. But because you arent familiar with the rules of the road, I would say not do it. With the germans liking you to at least speak a little german, this is true. The stigma that most american military members have is that they dont even care to speak german and EXPECT germans to speak english. You will get some respect if you try.
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SPC Brady Allen
A little note for you SGT (Join to see) , When driving a vehicle that belongs to a military member, the German plates on his/her car are strictly USAEUR plates. So in saying this, anybody that has a USAEUR plated vehicle or driving a USAEUR plated vehicle MUST have a USAEUR license. I am sure you will make friends that are German, but they should never drive your car if they don't have a USAEUR license. This is a violation the USAEUR policy, and you could get in some trouble and possibly lose your license for some time (at your Chain of Commands discretion.
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As soon as you get on the plane. Set your watch to their time. If it is need time, go to sleep. By the time that you get their, you should be wide awake. Good luck and have fun
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I can't remember what airline it was when I PCS'd over there, but the jetlag due to the time difference was the worst part (as others have said). I also recommend trying to get on the time schedule over there while in the air (sleep on the plane when it is night there).
Other than that, good luck, and hope you enjoy your time there!
Other than that, good luck, and hope you enjoy your time there!
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