What entitlements will I receive as a single E-6 living in the barracks in Grafenwohr, Germany?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2020 20:45:52 -0400

I should be PCS’ing to Germany soon while getting promoted to E-6 along the way and I’m trying to plan out my finances/Budget to see how much I’ll be making and how much I can save. I was told E6 stay in the barracks in Germany and do not receive BAH. Do they get meal deduction/meal card and have to eat at the dfac? Or do they get to pocket the BAS? I’m tracking meal deductions is taken from the BAS. Also, since I’ll be OCONUS does that mean I’ll be exempt from State and federal taxes? What other entitlements beside COLA will I recieve? Lastly why do E6’s have to stay in the barracks instead of living in the economy like in CONUS? I’ve also heard E7’s stay in the barracks too.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made May 1 at 2020 10:25 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Fri, 01 May 2020 22:25:53 -0400

Unless there has been a big change in Germany, you will be paying federal taxes. Living on the economy in Germany is expensive. Take a look at the conversation rate for there dollar and Euro. I never seen a E-6 that lived in the barracks, of course I was stationed in Germany in the early 80's, there again in the 90's

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2020 10:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2020 22:44:38 -0400

If it likes Korea you will still be paying state and federal taxes. If you live in the barracks and aren’t on call 24 7 or always traveling the. You will get your BAS taken for the DFAC. You should also get COLA for where you are at in Germany. If you are single and in the barracks you do not get BAH . If you have family back home you will get the BAH where they are. You will get OHA if they feel the need to stick you off base and live off the economy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2020 12:03 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2020 00:03:33 -0400

For starters, the army isn’t Burger King, you don’t get to have it your way. You will live in the barracks because you are on an unaccompanied OCONUS Tour. It’s not like Hawaii (E6 get BAH). If you were married, you would receive OHA which is for married or E9, and O3 and above unaccompanied. You will have a meal card to use at the DFAC. You will get COLA which is around $140.

I know unaccompanied E8’s living in the barracks in Germany

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made May 2 at 2020 12:16 AM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Sat, 02 May 2020 00:16:55 -0400

You can take advantage of the ability to travel to the many countries surrounding Germany, that is an opportunity that you should take advantage of

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made May 2 at 2020 1:02 AM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Sat, 02 May 2020 01:02:13 -0400

Overseas, it was two considersations--space and discretion of the CO.

Response by CW4 Keith Dolliver made May 2 at 2020 2:54 AM

CW4 Keith Dolliver — Sat, 02 May 2020 02:54:13 -0400

I'm not sure about the meal card question, so I'll defer to others on that. You will still pay state and federal income taxes. You pay these anywhere you go in the world unless it is a designated Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE) area.

AR 420-1 covers Army Facilities Management (housing policies). BLUF, for CONUS (incl. Alaska and Hawaii) E-6 and above can live off post, for OCONUS it's E-7 and above unless restricted by the Garrison Commander. I suggest you check with the Housing office in Grafenwoehr to get a copy of their policy or see if you can find a copy of the policy letter on the Garrison website. Generally, it simply comes down to money. If there are rooms available, you will most likely need to stay on base. Usually when they hit the threshold of 90-95% occupancy is when they allow individuals to move off-base. If E-7's are staying on base they would be in SEQ housing, not barracks. Again, goes back to that Garrison CDR caveat, in overseas locations they can mandatorily assign personnel to Army housing. This is the same for personnel with families too.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 3 at 2020 7:39 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 03 May 2020 07:39:02 -0400

Last first. Graf and the surrounding area does not have a lot of available housing. They are a cluster of very small towns near by, generally built to support cultural needs. You will receive cola, you will likely be on a meal card. Taxes depend on your state, not the military, you will need to check your state website. You will pay Federal Tax. Aside from Cola, and maybe a break on state tax, that is all.

It is a great assignment, with a lot of things to do, site seeing some of the best in Europe, sports, cultural opportunities abound.