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I an effort to consolidate down the recurring discussions and maybe simplify where people can ask questions or get some questions they may not have thought of answered, I thought I would start this thread.
If you have any advice you would like to bestow on those people who are moving to Korea, Japan, UAE, Germany, Italy, etc., post it here. There are a plethora of web sites out there that give information about cell phones, cars, shipping Household Goods (HHG), etc. If you have links, post them. If you have personal experience, please share. If you have some inside advice of places to visit or avoid, let us know.
If you have any advice you would like to bestow on those people who are moving to Korea, Japan, UAE, Germany, Italy, etc., post it here. There are a plethora of web sites out there that give information about cell phones, cars, shipping Household Goods (HHG), etc. If you have links, post them. If you have personal experience, please share. If you have some inside advice of places to visit or avoid, let us know.
PCS
Advice
OCONUS
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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If you PCS to Germany and decide to buy a car over there, ensure it has a catalytic converter. U-Kat is not acceptable, G-Kat is the only way to go. Anything else, and you will not be allowed to ship it back to the U.S.
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CW3 (Join to see)
You know what they say, good decisions come from Wisdom, Wisdom comes from Experience, and Experience comes from Bad Decisions (tm).
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Each region has its own experiences (obviously). I think the absolute best approach is to quickly fill out your DA form 5434. Hopefully, you'll be assigned an appropriate sponsor IAW AR 600-8-8.
Sponsorship is so critical when going OCONUS. Your sponsor is your best resource...if you're lucky enough to get the right one.
I can speak about Japan and Korea. I PCSd with nothing. I brought nothing knowing I would bring back stuff that I would acquired during my tour. Owning a car and driving was a privilege in Okinawa and only Army personnel and senior leaders were allowed to own vehicles.
But a cheap one locally, depending on your location, with the intent of leaving it behind; unless you're headed to Germany. The cars you can obtain there are often worth buying and bringing home.
If you're married and it's appropriate, allow your spouse to get a job on post/base. She/he will need to new community of friends. It can become lonesome while you're at work. Being homesick is a regular concern.
If you're a lower enlisted Soldier headed to Korea, know that you cannot apply for command sponsorship until you arrive. Even then, you're at the mercy of your location and position.
Remain vigilant and never become complacent. Learn and enjoy the culture. Safely explore, but never alone. Have fun. Reside on post/base if you can. Then again, you might not have a choice or certain assignments might be best for living off post. Also, verify the advise you receive.
Lastly, the upper echelon's G1 website often has great and pertinent information.
Sponsorship is so critical when going OCONUS. Your sponsor is your best resource...if you're lucky enough to get the right one.
I can speak about Japan and Korea. I PCSd with nothing. I brought nothing knowing I would bring back stuff that I would acquired during my tour. Owning a car and driving was a privilege in Okinawa and only Army personnel and senior leaders were allowed to own vehicles.
But a cheap one locally, depending on your location, with the intent of leaving it behind; unless you're headed to Germany. The cars you can obtain there are often worth buying and bringing home.
If you're married and it's appropriate, allow your spouse to get a job on post/base. She/he will need to new community of friends. It can become lonesome while you're at work. Being homesick is a regular concern.
If you're a lower enlisted Soldier headed to Korea, know that you cannot apply for command sponsorship until you arrive. Even then, you're at the mercy of your location and position.
Remain vigilant and never become complacent. Learn and enjoy the culture. Safely explore, but never alone. Have fun. Reside on post/base if you can. Then again, you might not have a choice or certain assignments might be best for living off post. Also, verify the advise you receive.
Lastly, the upper echelon's G1 website often has great and pertinent information.
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I am PCSing to Izmir, Turkey to join a NATO HQs soon, so will be following this thread even as I reach out to others here and with other resources.
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