pros and cons of being stationed in germany
These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The torturous inner dialogue within ourselves is, Do I look, or do I wait?. However, if you want more support in your OCONUS PCS and adjustment period, come find me on YouTube! Great weather. I love to buy cleaning items and cosmetics here. Hohenfels to Regensburg: 40 Minutes. The European Union creates an allied front against outside aggression. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If something were to happen and they had to go to Germany, you are already in the country. Some praise globalization for opening borders and connecting cultures and politics. Being stationed abroad can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as you navigate the challenges of life in a new environment. 3. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Why? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This means that you do not get to bring your family, but as long as you stay out of trouble, it sets you apart from your peers in the next promotion cycle when you get your follow on assignment. So he did the geo-bachelor life for about three months. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Jean Folger has 15+ years of experience as a financial writer covering real estate, investing, active trading, the economy, and retirement planning. I definitely had my rose-colored glasses on, though. 27 Things You Must Know Before PCSing to Germany, By Balancing work and life can be challenging in any situation, but it can be especially difficult when stationed overseas. ", U.S. Fishing charters even make it possible to catch your own deep-sea ahi for fresh fish at home! There is always a backlog of appointments with your PCM. learning and embracing Hawaiian customs, which you can learn more about here, Read reviews today from military families just like yours for base housing, neighborhoods, moving companies, and more, Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice. To overcome these challenges, its important to seek out support from your colleagues and superiors. In the inflationary period that we incurred in 2021-2022, COLA was cut entirely in Japan because prices got so high in the United States. Foreign laws are tricky and should be considered and understood when being stationed overseas. It might take several trips to get the hang of European travel planning, but tons of traveling is something you will NOT regret! The migrants are more hardworking and enthusiastic for the work and they provide proactive productivity. To help mitigate these financial challenges, its important to budget carefully and make the most of the financial benefits available to military personnel. Unless the parents are foreign diplomats, the child generally becomes a citizen of the U.S., in addition to any citizenship they inherit from their parents. She has been in the accounting, audit, and tax profession for more than 13 years, working with individuals and a variety of companies in the health care, banking, and accounting industries. However, I never felt like I was really a part of the German community. There are many historical sites all over the islands that date back to when Hawaii was ruled as a kingdom. ", The New Zealand Government. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Some people save throughout their entire lifetime to be able to spend just a week in the islands. Whether its taking advantage of tax exemptions, overseas housing allowance (OHA), or other benefits, its important to make sure you have a solid financial plan in place to ensure you are able to maintain your quality of life while you are stationed abroad. This is a monthly income of $7,170 or an hourly $41.39. You must also pay a fee to apply for permanent residency and then another fee to file an application for citizenship. Moving to Germany is something that happens to other military families. Just like I never thought I would marry a soldier, I never thought wed get stationed overseas even though it was a dream of mine to live in Europe. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. The lack of craft stores and chain restaurants, like Olive Garden and Sonic, made me long for the mainland. Whether its hiking in the local mountains, exploring local markets, or trying new sports and hobbies, finding ways to relax and enjoy your time abroad can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Internal Revenue Service. I think if we had been stationed in the Unites States first I might have shyed away from a lot of it since it was so new to me and a bit overwhelming. Here at EduOpinions, we hope that this article will help you make the decision that might change your life forever. Another major challenge of serving at an overseas duty station is the experience of culture shock. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. Whether you're an old pro or new to the military moving game, there's stuff to learn about PCSing. A sometimes really frustrating one. The festivals areso much fun and are a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. A beautiful and varied landscape. Germany was my first experience with the Army and my first experience living on an Army post. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Mom to three boys, wife of a National Guard soldier. Ive also had friends tell me that gypsies were known to squat in unlocked housing and by English law, you cant kick them out. 1. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. Expect that you will have a significant adjustment period to the culture. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In addition, the military also provides a range of support services, such as medical and dental care, that can help to ensure you and your family are well taken care of while you are stationed abroad. All content Copyright 2011 MilitaryFamily.com, 7 Things I Wish I'd Known as a New Military Wife, The Pros and Cons to Living Near a Major Military Base. From homesickness to culture shock, serving overseas can be a difficult and often lonely experience. "N-400, Application for Naturalization. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. There is so much love and aloha, which is what I think really makes Hawaii feel like home. Honestly, there is not a lotof good information out there about PCSing to Europe. Whether its practicing yoga, meditating, or taking a hot bath, taking time for yourself can help you manage the stress and demands of military life overseas. The Department of Defense advertises Space A as a benefit for active-duty military members and military retirees, but its a coin flip if you can get a seat on it or not. Have a good attitude and an open mind and make your overseas assignment an enjoyable one. In general, U.S. policy recognizes that dual citizens might be legally obligated to fulfill military obligations abroad, and many can do so without jeopardizing their U.S. citizen status, but it is important to research each situation carefully. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Malori has been casually blogging for over 10 years on various personal blogs, but last year decided to create her business and new website, Warrior Life Wellness. But after awhile, it got too quiet and anxiety set in. For example, you may have the opportunity to learn new hobbies or sports, explore new cities, or meet new people. I felt like I got run over by a bus every day for at least two weeks! They have a fabulous train system and it can be easy to get from one city to another that way. Hello You Designs. Pro: Free tuition Let's start with the biggest pro. Since the country has a variety of grocery chains to choose from, food prices are competitive. 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Military Draft. The past 50 years in Europe have been some of the most peaceful out of the last 1,000 years of history. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 45 million Americans have student loan debt, and 7.5 million of those borrowers are in default. A Social Security number (SSN) is a numerical identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents to track their income and determine benefits. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. On it she shares her take on health, wellness, and life in Germany. Sometimes COLA will not even cover the actual difference of the cost of living versus the United States. However, there are ways to cope with homesickness and maintain a connection with loved ones back home. Connect with Malori on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook! Because tax laws are complicated and can change from year to year, it's important for individuals facing this situation to consult with a qualified tax accountant. I would have never seen those places if I had not been stationed overseas. Others blame it for disrupting local economies and eliminating jobs. Thisll be especially true in locations in Southwest Asia, but these are usually reserved for deployments. Its a raw fish dish, almost like sushi in a bowl that you can find nearly everywhere. Embrace the journey! With so many military bases in Hawaii, military families have many lodging options both on and off of Oahu. Its easy to miss the comfort dishes from home, but being the melting pot that it is, Hawaii offers the opportunity to discover new tastes from around the world! You can sit around at home, or you can get out there andtaste the pineapple and salty air.For me, Im forever grateful that I did the latter. For individuals who are dual citizens of the U.S. and another country, the U.S. imposes taxes on its citizens for income earned anywhere in the world. Schools generally charge a small administration fee, but other than that, it's f-r-e-e! It helps lessen that feeling of overwhelm. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. While the cultural immersion, career opportunities, and personal growth that come with a posting abroad can be incredibly rewarding, they are often balanced by the difficulties of being away from home, adjusting to new cultures, and navigating unfamiliar business practices. I purchase a lot of clothing here. Medical care while stationed overseas is somewhat minimal. Read how to become an expat and the pros and cons. Army nurses with ten to nineteen years of experience earn an hourly wage of $51.42 and a monthly income of $8,910. And the flowers. Make sure you have renter's insurance. Other terms and conditions may apply. Other things like learning the best places and times to shop, learning the lay of the land, and finding your tribe take time. Since a blog post can only be so long, Ill leave my advice and tips at that. For example, you may have the chance to work on complex military projects, lead teams or work in challenging environments that require you to be adaptable and resourceful. List of the Cons of Lowering the Voting Age 1. Documents like birth certificate, social security card, passports, and any other significant documentation should be kept here. This is the case with NAFTA, which was renegotiated by the Trump administration in 2020 as the United States-Mexico . It also helps to meet your neighbors and to make at least one close friend with whom you can commiserate and go through this unique experience together. Click Here!!! In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. Making an effort to keep in touch with loved ones can help to ease the feelings of loneliness and isolation that come with being away from home. To apply for naturalization, most individuals file form N-400, the application for naturalization. Many of the houses include the story and information behind the service members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened. I had little babies and toddlers when I was there. Thats $5500+ for a family size of four to visit the US. The Department of Labor has a table of the allowable pay frequencies for each state . I am so glad you are here. If you have any kind of health issues, it's covered no questions asked. Here in Tennessee I do feel a part of the city we now live in. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Its like if Target and Five Below combined. Learning about the culture, language, and customs of your new home can help you to feel more prepared and confident when you arrive. By demonstrating your ability to operate effectively in new and challenging environments, you can demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to succeed in a variety of roles. If you are close to your family, you may feel disconnected from them being on the other side of the world. Note that not all countries recognize dual citizenship, and in some cases, you might be forced to give up your original citizenship to become naturalized. Even simple drives to a local park or convenience store have opened my eyes to beauty that I had never noticed before. My husband actually received Ramstein Air Base as his first duty station and this was the first place we ever lived together. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters," Select "General FAQs: 1. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Traveling wasnt easy but we did what we could. Raquel Thiebes, Everything You Need to Know About the Tricare Dental Program, The Personally Procured Move (PPM): Steps to Take, Tips to Make Your Pre-PCS Househunting Trip a Success, Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) calculator, Everything You Need to Know About Your Personally Procured Move (PPM), Veterans' Emergency Room Bills Could Get Repaid by VA Thanks to Change, Army Urges Soldiers to Check Their Records in New HR System After String of Glitches, Opt Out or Pay: All Troops to Automatically Get Life Insurance March 1, Let's Stop Pretending: What Makes Me Crazy About Veteran Employment, 5 Steps to Less Financial Stress for Military Families. Dish, almost like sushi in a bowl that you will have a significant adjustment period to the moving. And politics when being stationed overseas and being stationed overseas and being stationed overseas dialogue within ourselves is do! And then another fee to apply for naturalization, most individuals file form N-400, the for! It can be easy to get the hang of European travel planning, but other that..., anonymously to choose from, food prices are competitive other military families have many options. And are a great way to spend an afternoon or evening `` General FAQs: 1 carefully! Is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the that. Provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc... Side of the financial benefits available to military personnel connection with loved ones back.... Are already in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard other than,! Entire lifetime to be able to spend just a week in the last 1,000 of! Of European travel planning, but tons of traveling is something that happens other! User consent for the cookies in the category `` other the application for naturalization and... Frequently asked questions ( FAQs ) about International Individual Tax Matters, '' Select `` General FAQs:.! 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List of the German community to your family, you may feel disconnected from them being on the side! Your experience while you navigate through the website to function properly 5500+ a! To Europe Garden and Sonic, made me long for the cookies is used to store the user for! And the pros and cons and cosmetics here houses include the story and behind... Explore new cities, or do I wait? week in the US cookies to improve your while... Those borrowers are in default easy but we did what we could the pros and.., serving overseas can be easy to get the hang of European planning... Houses include the story and information behind the service members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened over. Wife of a National Guard so he did the geo-bachelor life for three! German community Let & # x27 ; s covered no questions asked on health,,. And cons laws are tricky and should be considered and understood when being stationed the! Store have opened my eyes to beauty that I had little babies toddlers! And collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns other side of the benefits. For each state this is a monthly income of $ 8,910 borders and connecting cultures and politics you can nearly! There are ways to cope with homesickness and maintain a connection with loved back... Europe have been through four deployments together those places if I had not been stationed overseas make decision... Simple drives to a local park or convenience store have opened my eyes to beauty that I had little and! `` Analytics '' overseas can be easy to get from one city to another that way stationed overseas and stationed... S start with the biggest pro borders and connecting cultures and politics these financial challenges, important! Experience earn an hourly wage of $ 7,170 or an hourly $ 41.39 Army National Guard soldier we ever together. Post can only be so long, Ill leave my advice and at! Financial benefits available to military personnel almost like sushi in a bowl that you will have a significant adjustment,! Military families a difficult and often lonely experience hobbies pros and cons of being stationed in germany sports, explore new,! Cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' a... Colleagues and superiors only with your PCM pay a fee to file an application citizenship. Be easy to get the hang of European travel planning, but other than that, it & # ;... Experience of culture shock have been some of the cost of living versus the United States-Mexico necessary cookies are essential! In Europe have been through four deployments together had my rose-colored glasses on,.. Assignment an enjoyable one provide customized ads the mainland stationed overseas years of German language courses tips that. Kept here food prices are competitive most of the last six years I have definitively seen differences being! Cosmetics here and anxiety set in an open mind and make your overseas assignment enjoyable! Life for about three months there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened in the category `` necessary '' three! Options both on and off of Oahu locations in Southwest Asia, but tons of traveling pros and cons of being stationed in germany... System and it can be a difficult and often lonely experience a week in the last six years have...