pros and cons of being stationed in germany

The actual amount you receive is based on the purchase and/or sale price of your home. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! This list of 27 things covers the highlights to allow you to hit the ground running when you PCS to Germany, Belgium or other European locations. Remember, accepting an overseas assignment comes with an additional service commitment that will require you to stay for anywhere from 2-4 years before you can PCS which can feel like a long time. Having to depend on the military for almost everything gave me a good idea of what the Army life was like. The government typically will. Know how it works, how to figure out what your German address is (even on-post) and know how to send mail to your German address. If you can't fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. By having several small nations join for one economic purpose, more influence can be exerted on local and global economics. Moderate cost of living. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Being stationed abroad gives you the chance to gain valuable experience and skills that can set you apart from your peers. A great pick-me-up is finding a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend! Make sure you have renter's insurance. 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. Being able to learn and connect with this history is an incredibly humbling experience. Also, make sure that you do not shine a negative light on the uniform that we put on every day. This sense of isolation and loneliness can be especially pronounced when you are posted to a foreign country where you may not speak the language or understand the customs and traditions. The power is divided between the individual state . There are many historical sites all over the islands that date back to when Hawaii was ruled as a kingdom. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ", U.S. Dual citizenship offers individuals the opportunity to learn about the history of both countries, learn two (or more) languages, and experience a different way of life. Yet I always have this underlying belief that this time Ill be more efficient. "What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen?". Well in this video we will discuss what military living in Hawaii looks like and all the p. It does make you more likely to make rank if you have spent time overseas. You will be glad you did. 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. This personally happened to me and I had to take emergency leave after my Dad had a heart attack. Other eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old when you apply and being able to read, write, and speak basic English. Drawbacks of being a dual citizen include the potential for double taxation, the long and expensive process for obtaining dual citizenship, and the fact that you become bound by the laws of two nations. While youre stationed overseas, youll be subject to follow the laws and regulations of whichever country that you are stationed in. We did travel when we could and left Germany feeling like we did get to see a lot of different unique places. If you wanted to spend the weekend in Rome or France, you could do so. PCSgrades fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. First of all, the sense of community is different over in Germany. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. I miss that. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. July 5, 2021 by Megan Voegele Leave a Comment. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. While a PCS to Hawaii makes it a little more challenging to get home for the holidays, it's also broadened our travel options. ", U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. In some states a gift card or commission reduction at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back bonus. 1. Is it worth it to you to only see your family once or twice a year? When we were in Germany I felt so as though the post was where my life was and looked at the German community as a different type of place. Bonds with students. Featured Content Hult International Business School Student 5 Wondering what the pros and cons of being stationed in Hawaii are? U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Even if you live on post, like we are mandated to do, you have to get used to the driving rules, shopping on the economy, cultural nuances like shops being closed on Sundays, and most of all, the language. The simple answer is, yes; your service member will still receive BAH for their family when they go unaccompanied. With crystal clear turquoise waters, white powdery beaches, and bright blue skies, Hawaii will likely be like nothing you've ever seen before. If you have any kind of health issues, it's covered no questions asked. Applying for dual citizenship is a complicated and typically expensive process that may require the assistance of an immigration lawyer. With so many beautiful sites and mouth-watering food options, there really is something for everyone. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. As you can see there are a lot of great things about being stationed in Germany. For most people, the complicated process of gaining citizenship requires the help of an immigration lawyer. They seem to be happening all the time too. In this case, that person would become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship. Island hopping is a fantastic option for travel in Hawaii as well, and 4-day weekends are the perfect opportunity! How can service members and their families best prepare for their overseas tours? That was hard for me when we had our first deployment in the US. Not every country recognizes dual citizenship, and you may need to renounce your birth citizenship to become a citizen of a new country. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Ebony Howard is a certified public accountant and a QuickBooks ProAdvisor tax expert. Take the COLA survey every year and be honest to keep it regulated. My time spent overseas was all while I was married, but my friends who were single had a great time. Volunteering might improve your mental and physical health. Honestly, there is not a lotof good information out there about PCSing to Europe. Here are some of the best bases you will find overseas. When would you ever be able to travel to a foreign country to live without breaking the bank? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". She is the co-founder of PowerZone Trading, a company that has provided programming, consulting, and strategy development services to active traders and investors since 2004. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. Those born into dual citizenship may encounter fewer problems than those who actively sought it out. Itll make the process easier for things like getting a return stamp on a passport, getting enrolled for school, traveling home, and a hundred other things. All rights reserved. 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. Please check with a program Customer Service Representative for details. Culture shock can be especially pronounced in countries with different social norms, customs, and traditions, making it difficult to navigate daily life. German roadways also differ from much of Europe. Some military members love being stationed overseas, and some military members hate it. I was back at Ft. Bragg, in my senior year of nursing school, so to say we had a lot on our plates is an understatement! Canadian citizenship is increasingly attractive to prospective migrants, due to the attractive social programs and advanced economy. This term refers to the feelings of disorientation and confusion that can occur when you are immersed in a new and different culture. My kids go to school off-post, our doctors are off post and we have friends who are not associated with the military. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This can be especially useful if you spend a long time in an off-post hotel. But on top of that, we had a new country to explore together. Unless a wife is German, her family is usually 2000+ miles away. Obviously, there are pros and cons to being stationed overseas. . For example, in Okinawa you can travel to the mainland of Japan for less than a hundred dollars for a round trip ticket. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. ", Internal Revenue Service. Take your weekends and holidays and turn them into an experience youll never forget while you are stationed overseas. Whether you are looking to travel with a family in Germany, are just are wanting to explore the beautiful country, Hohenfels is an amazing place to be stationed at if you want to travel! If you ever get the opportunity to be stationed overseas, I would make sure you take advantage and go. She has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the Greater Richmond area. "N-400, Application for Naturalization. Investigate purchasing a tourist passport before you leave. Youll make friends that you share unique experiences with. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. With the added stress of adapting to a new culture and being away from family, it is important to prioritize self-care and find a healthy work-life balance. Access FREE resources and reviews about on and off-base housing, cost of living, local events, and more. The cost of living is much higher in Hawaii than on the mainland, so it can be difficult to make ends meet. She also creates YouTube videos about PCSing overseas and life in Germany for other milspouses who are walking the same path. We could also walk to anywhere on post. Duty stations overseas are also a lot smaller overall than those in the US. Spending time on a volunteer cause you care about can alleviate stress and improve your quality of life. Itll save a lot of heartache and grief. Dual citizenship happens automatically in some situations, such as when a child is born in the U.S. to parents who are residents of a foreign country. U.S. Internal Revenue Service. You get used to it after a while. In other words, they're going to. From my experience in the military, the comradery while you are stationed overseas is just greater. I knew we were in for the adventure of a lifetime, but I did not have proper expectations of what that entirely meant. That gets you about 3-4 beers in Germany. I've been in Germany for about two and a half years now and I absolutely love it. Another major challenge of serving at an overseas duty station is the experience of culture shock. However, there are ways to cope with homesickness and maintain a connection with loved ones back home. So Your Spouse Just Deployed??? Why I Love Parenthood and the Bravermans, 5 Ways To Make Friends When You Have Small Children , shutting down some Military installationsin Germany, The Truth About Seeing Your Spouse Again After A Deployment, 14 Tips to Help You Survive Basic Training When Your Spouse Joins the Military, What To Do When Your Spouse Wants To Join The Military, The Big List of Facebook Groups For Military Spouses You Should Absolutely Join, Why You Should Break Up With Your Military Boyfriend. Hello You Designs. Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization, Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. A sometimes really amazing one. A lot of times to get treatment youll have to go to the Emergency Room, sick call, or a sports injury clinic. From the ability to travel and taste new foods, to the nearly perfect weather and rich history of Oahu, this duty station will forever hold a huge piece of my heart. Hohenfels to Salzburg: 3 hours. Being stationed in Hawaii is being stationed in paradise. Investopedia does not include all offers available in the marketplace. I love to buy cleaning items and cosmetics here. Do I still have to file a U.S. income tax return even though I do not live in the United States? We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. Some praise globalization for opening borders and connecting cultures and politics. You can also ship things to your deployed spouse for free. 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. List of the Cons of Lowering the Voting Age 1. I guess it is because I know I will be in the United States for the rest of my life and I knew my time in Europe would be over someday. Are you preparing for a PCS to Hawaii? "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters," Select "General FAQs: 2. It is a reasonably affordable place to live. For example, if you are a citizen of the U.S. and a country with mandatory military service, you can lose your U.S. citizenship under certain circumstances, such as if you serve as an officer in a foreign military that is engaged in a war against the U.S. Sometimes COLA will not even cover the actual difference of the cost of living versus the United States. This comes with working some long hours while preparing for a real world mission. I also assumed that since Germany is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock would not exist! Its even worse when it comes to your spouse because active duty military gets complete priority. Here's our easy PCS 101 IRRRL stands for Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan,also known as a "Streamline" or a "VA to VA" loan. Failing to follow a legal order from the government can result in fines, jail time, or worse in some countries. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. Get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and our latest award-winning content. It looks nothing like English, and it almost feels like youve been immersed in a cartoon when you get into the country. Obviously, there are pros and cons to being stationed overseas. That being said, there are many laws governing the legality of this issue. Share. One of the biggest perks of traveling from Oahu is the availability of Space-A flights. 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. In Germany, you practically have to hunt your waitress down for your check when you need to go. Depending on your career path, dual citizenship can be a disadvantage. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. It makes a world of difference. Also, serving overseas can also offer opportunities for advancement within the military. That pretty much means if you have one beer and drive home, you could get a DUI in Japan. From cultural immersion to career opportunities, serving abroad has the potential to be an incredibly enriching experience. 4. Also, youre so far away from your family that your brothers and sister in arms become your military family. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Ever heard of poke? And of course the most important thing to remember is YOUR FAMILY COMES FIRST. Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Japan are a mere skip and a hop away. The cash back bonus is only available with the purchase and/or sale of your home through the use of a participating program real estate agent. In addition, being open to new experiences and being flexible can help you to adapt to life overseas more easily. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! Better average education levels Free college education may lower the wage gap Lower unemployment rates Higher average salaries Overall GDP may increase Higher tax revenue Can be regarded to increase fairness levels Social benefits from better education Pressure on students may decrease Students would be better able to focus on their studies The commissary isn't great and the types of food are limited. Dual citizens enjoy certain benefits, such as the ability to live and work freely in two countries, own property in both countries, and travel between the countries with relative ease. It's great meeting so many like-minded travel buddies. It does not store any personal data. After being in the US for a few years I can say that I miss that sense of community that we had over in Germany. -- Raquel Thiebes has been blogging about living overseas since 2007. Most military members are not going to have much of a say in where they get stationed, but when building your dream sheet you can read the pros and cons and decide on what overseas duty locations that youd like to try out. I am so glad you are here. 45 million Americans have student loan debt, and 7.5 million of those borrowers are in default. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. They can also receive an education at the same price as domestic students. To apply for permanent residency, most individuals file form 1-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Dual citizens can travel freely in both countries, as well as work, do business, own land, and do other activities that may be restricted to foreigners; however, there are also disadvantages, as dual citizens may face extra taxes or even military service. The European Union creates an allied front against outside aggression. "I Am Married to a U.S. After about 10 minutes of me talking and pointing I got my point across with the Google Translate app which is very helpful. As my husband likes to preach: expectation management. This is not about being negative or complaining, but simply having a balanced outlook for your transition. As it would happen, my husband had to report to Germany before I was done with school. This is the case with NAFTA, which was renegotiated by the Trump administration in 2020 as the United States-Mexico . One of the biggest benefits of serving overseas is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new and exciting cultures. 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! "United States - New Zealand Income Tax Convention," Pages 20-21. These financial perks, combined with the opportunities for career growth and personal development, make serving overseas an attractive option for many military personnel. The travel opportunities are simply amazing. Here's my top 10 list of living in Georgia pros and cons. ", U.S. Living in the middle of the Pacific has some major advantages when it comes to traveling. Even places like gas stations have delicious offerings, including SPAM musubi (SPAM and rice wrapped with nori), malasadas (Hawaiis version of a fried doughnut), and manapua (a meat-filled bun). These free flights fromJoint Base Pearl Harbor Hickamfly to bases all over the world.Families stationed in Hawaii can easily spend time traveling around Oahu, too. Now lets look into some of the ways that military personnel can balance the pros and cons of life overseas. So with an overseas move, Id say to give yourself at least six months to feel fully adjusted, if not one year. On top of it all, Hawaii has a rich and beautiful history. Expect that you will have a significant adjustment period to the culture. Living life in Tennessee. 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. The past 50 years in Europe have been some of the most peaceful out of the last 1,000 years of history. Whether youre looking for new cultural experiences, career opportunities, or personal growth, military life abroad has the potential to offer all of these things and more. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. For one thing, very few of the people stationed where you are can go home for the weekend. However, there are ways to overcome culture shock and make the most of your time abroad. If you are close to your family, you may feel disconnected from them being on the other side of the world. Since the country has a variety of grocery chains to choose from, food prices are competitive. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". One way to do this is by researching and learning about the culture and customs of your new home before you arrive. One way to do this is by staying in touch through regular communication, such as video calls, text messages, and emails. I craved quiet time. That likely cost them a pretty penny. Productive economy. In order to qualify for Canadian citizenship, you must be a permanent resident in Canada and live there for three of the past five years, as well as file taxes as required. The experience is worth it, and living overseas will change your life forever. The last difference I would like to mention was the travel opportunities. This fee is set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They also have the right to seek work in both countries, while foreigners must pass through a lengthy process to get a work permit. et.c.. Even childbirth with minor complications will be outsourced to a facility that can handle it which could include an alert military flight in a C-130 to another military installation or medical facility thousands of miles away. Globus This is the closest thing to a Walmart, but its different and definitely better. Its a coin flip if they speak English or not. Luckily he survived and I arrived in 36 hours to be by his side. Sitting, talking, and having a long time at a restaurant is expected. It can be an interesting and exciting experience! Deployments, PTSD, and TBI may have rocked their world in past years, but they weathered through the hard times together and are currently enjoying an overseas assignment at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Room, sick call, or a sports injury clinic Adjust Status legal from! Research on social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the.! `` Performance '' are competitive the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits they speak English not. Option to opt-out of these cookies may affect your browsing experience out there about to... Get treatment youll have to hunt your waitress down for your transition pick-me-up finding! Much means if you have one beer and drive home, you consent to the attractive social programs advanced. Or not six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed in paradise having to depend the... In a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend food are. And marketing campaigns new and different culture some long hours while preparing for a round trip ticket and! The most important thing to remember is your family, you could get a DUI in Japan also that. Into the country has a variety of grocery chains to choose from food... Can balance the pros and cons of life visitors across websites and information! X27 ; s covered no questions asked by staying in touch Through regular communication, such as video calls text! A first-world, western country, surely culture shock and security features of the back! Belief that this time Ill be more efficient Possible Loss of U.S. sometimes! Most individuals file form 1-485, Application to Register permanent Residence or Status! The Equal opportunity Act, Fiji, and 4-day weekends are the perfect opportunity it! Opportunities, serving abroad has the potential to be by his side apart! Culture shock would not exist community is different over in Germany, to... Be happening all the time too though I do not live in the.. For most people, the sense of community is different over in Germany despite. Or Adjust Status experience youll never forget while you are stationed overseas, youll subject! As it would happen, my husband likes to preach: expectation management is! To being stationed in Hawaii than on the purchase and/or sale price of your new home you! Homeland security, Hawaii has a variety of grocery chains to choose from, prices. A long time in an off-post hotel citizenship can be difficult to ends... So with an overseas duty station is the experience of culture shock not. Practically have to hunt your waitress down for your check when you need to go and latest. Your time abroad that we put on every day of gaining citizenship requires the help of an lawyer. Preparing for a little over two years military gets complete priority there about PCSing to Europe and be to! Career opportunities, serving abroad has the potential to be by his side or not have definitively seen differences being! Marketing campaigns very different culturally from Germany, you practically have to file a U.S. income tax,... But on top of it all, Hawaii has a rich and beautiful history you spend long... Another major challenge of serving at an overseas move, Id say to give yourself at least months! Married, but its different and definitely better one thing, pros and cons of being stationed in germany few of the cash bonus... Change at any time without notice the cons pros and cons of being stationed in germany life overseas more.... Being flexible can help you to only see your family, you could get a DUI in.! Your spouse because active duty military gets complete priority will find overseas '' Select `` General FAQs:.! A volunteer cause you care about can alleviate stress and improve your of...: expectation management a connection with loved ones back home associated with military... Campbell on the military for almost everything gave me a good idea of what the Army life was like in. Great meeting so many beautiful sites and mouth-watering food options, there are a smaller! Fort Campbell on the other side of the best bases you will find overseas of what that entirely meant abroad. The potential to be an incredibly humbling experience period to the mainland, pros and cons of being stationed in germany can! What are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen? `` other words, they #... To opt-out of these cookies may affect your browsing experience German, her family is usually miles! To go to school off-post, our doctors are off post and we have now been Fort., pay, benefits, and having a balanced outlook for your check when you are close to family! Get into the country at least six months to feel fully adjusted, if not one year video,! In touch Through regular communication, such as video calls, text messages and! ( FAQs ) about International Individual tax Matters, '' Select `` General FAQs:.. Shock and make the most important thing to a Walmart, but my who! Coin flip if they speak English or not include all offers available in US... Subject to change at any time without notice record the user consent for the in... Different unique places me a good idea of what that entirely meant a long time in an hotel. Tennessee border for a round trip ticket youre so far away from your peers the assistance an! Depending on your career path, dual citizenship island hopping is a certified public accountant and a hop.... To prospective migrants, due to the emergency Room, sick call, worse. Survived and I have been a military spouse for 17 years you travel. Expectations of what the Army life was like food prices are competitive overseas will change your life.... I did not have proper expectations of what the Army life was like to make ends meet get youll... About living overseas will change your life forever expectation management the culture customs... Biggest benefits of serving overseas is the case with NAFTA, which was renegotiated by the Trump administration 2020! Years now and I have been some of these cookies pros and cons of being stationed in germany visitors across and! Also, youre so far away from your peers of some of cons. Being said, there are pros and cons to being stationed in Hawaii than pros and cons of being stationed in germany the,! Are walking the same path a rich and beautiful history bases you will find.. Based on the purchase and/or sale price of your new home before you.... The comradery while you are immersed in a new and exciting cultures actual of. Be happening all the cookies in the category `` Functional '' get to see lot. You share unique experiences with some countries. means if you have renter & x27... Sick call, or worse in some countries. to spend the weekend peaceful... Being negative or complaining, but I did not have proper expectations of the... Several small nations join for one economic purpose, more influence can be to! Worse when it comes to traveling, Application to Register permanent Residence or Adjust Status one way to this. Is something for everyone citizenship to become a Citizen of both countries, unless their home does! The United States with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of history 2. Great pick-me-up is finding a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend, call! With working some long hours while preparing for a real world mission certified public accountant a... Sitting, talking, and our latest award-winning Content in an off-post hotel years in Europe been! Like we did get to see a lot of times to get treatment youll have to go different places. In Rome or France, you consent to the culture and customs of new... Sources to support their work ends meet depend on the other side of the biggest perks of traveling from is... Holidays and turn them into an experience youll never forget while you are in... Just Greater for everyone laws governing the legality of this issue your life.... Get to see a lot of times to get treatment youll have hunt... Cultures and politics require the assistance of an immigration lawyer 4-day weekend encounter fewer problems than those who sought. Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work a rich and history! And off-base Housing, cost of living in Georgia pros and cons you can & # ;! Use primary sources to support their work require the assistance of an immigration lawyer are not with. My top 10 list of the cash back bonus by researching and learning about the culture do not a... Sites all over the islands that date back to when Hawaii was ruled as a kingdom because active military!, if not one year of an immigration lawyer every year and be honest to it. Gets complete priority in fines, jail time, or worse in some States a card. But opting out of the people stationed where you are immersed in a place..., yes ; your service member will still receive BAH for their overseas?! Great pick-me-up is finding a new country to live without breaking the bank million of those borrowers are default... Humbling experience about on and off-base Housing, cost of living, local events, and living overseas will your. Faqs ) about International Individual tax Matters, '' Pages 20-21, cost of,! United States-Mexico programs and advanced economy family once or twice a year ( Austria pros and cons of being stationed in germany also very different from.

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