pros and cons of being stationed in germanypros and cons of being stationed in germany

Its been years since we moved back to the states and because of that I can look back and see Germany for what it was. "Fee Schedule," Pages 4, 12. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. With so many beautiful sites and mouth-watering food options, there really is something for everyone. For example, if a certain destination offers visa-free travel to country A and strict visa requirements for country B, it makes sense for a dual national to use country A's passport rather than country B's. You have to stick together because you only have each other. This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. I am very thankful that I was able to experience being stationed in Germany before we were stationed in the US. Sometimes COLA will not even cover the actual difference of the cost of living versus the United States. Amazon.de is very popular in Germany, and you can save the VAT tax when you have things sent to your German address. Being able to have my children learn to hula dance is an experience that we get only in Hawaii. "Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. That's why there are generally laws that limit how infrequently a company can pay its employees. You get used to it after a while. I hope that you can find support for your own deployments, PCS moves, or anything else military life brings you , Copyright 2023 Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life on the Foodie Pro Theme. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Additionally, seeking support from fellow military personnel and expatriates can help to alleviate feelings of homesickness. For example, a treaty between the U.S. and New Zealand overrides the income tax laws of each country to avoid double taxation. The options for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii. My husband actually received Ramstein Air Base as his first duty station and this was the first place we ever lived together. Normally OCONUS assignments are three years, so you will have at least two years during which youll feel pretty comfortable! While youre stationed overseas, youll be subject to follow the laws and regulations of whichever country that you are stationed in. ", Government of Canada. The European Union creates an allied front against outside aggression. Youll make friends that you share unique experiences with. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I took my two boys on a train to visit my friend in Austria, we went on a cruise to the Mediterranean,and I went on a few USO trips during my time there. On top of it all, Hawaii has a rich and beautiful history. If you can speak the language, that will make things easier but at the end of the day, your Military friends will be your main link to America and you will feel the need to bond a little more than you do in the US. The medical benefits abroad are not the best from my experience, and Ill discuss that in the cons section. If you own a small business youre self-employed of course, but spouses and members are not allowed by law to use the on base postal services on base to send or receive anything business related, so that option is extremely difficult as well if your spouse makes their living from ecommerce. 3. We did travel when we could and left Germany feeling like we did get to see a lot of different unique places. Oahu is home to the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. 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. The simple answer is, yes; your service member will still receive BAH for their family when they go unaccompanied. Being stationed overseas as a military service members can be a unique and rewarding experience, but its not without its challenges. Bonds with students. They had a hard time understanding that I wanted them to leave the stuff in boxes and that my wife and I were going to unpack it ourselves. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. There is so much love and aloha, which is what I think really makes Hawaii feel like home. Also, make sure that you do not shine a negative light on the uniform that we put on every day. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) It does not store any personal data. This includes the right to vote and stand in elections, and the right to make donations to political candidates. Being stationed abroad can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as you navigate the challenges of life in a new environment. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. 5. However, there are ways to overcome culture shock and make the most of your time abroad. Being stationed overseas as a military member comes with a unique set of challenges and benefits. 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. 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. *The cash back bonus is offered in most states. "Dual Nationality. Student loan debt in the United States is almost $1.75 trillion. On one hand, it offers the opportunity to serve your country, see the world, and expand your horizons. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Well, as you probably have guessed by now, I did marry a soldier and we did get stationed overseas! TEDi This is a great store for cheap home items and craft supplies. For example, in the United States, there are more than a few states where you can't legally pay employees monthly or that limit which employees can be paid monthly. That was another thing that kinda stopped me in my tracks. I used to buy flowers all the time. Plus, if it happens to be raining on your part of the island, just take a short drive to the other side, where you can usually find sunshine. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! Are you preparing for a PCS to Hawaii? 27 Things You Must Know Before PCSing to Germany, By I always felt that we should be taking advantage of traveling in Europe while we were there. For one thing, very few of the people stationed where you are can go home for the weekend. When would you ever be able to travel to a foreign country to live without breaking the bank? Every overseas military installation is strategic in nature and many of them are close to real world threats. I miss that. The Department of Labor has a table of the allowable pay frequencies for each state . By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. I feel as though I am truly living in our city and we have a connection to the Army post. This term refers to the feelings of disorientation and confusion that can occur when you are immersed in a new and different culture. Reduced stress may potentially provide several health advantages, such as a higher quality of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease. Air Force COOL Program: Credentialing Opportunities, 2023 Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment, 2A5X1 Airlift and Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance, Pros and Cons of Being Stationed Overseas: Military Perspective. Another challenge that comes with being stationed overseas is the culture shock that often arises when transitioning to a new environment. My kids go to school off-post, our doctors are off post and we have friends who are not associated with the military. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Another great thing about living in Germany is being around another culture. Yet I always have this underlying belief that this time Ill be more efficient. As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries. 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. For one thing, very few of the people stationed where you are can go home for the weekend. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Just like any other duty station, Hawaii is what you make of it. Many of the houses include the story and information behind the service members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened. It makes a world of difference. I definitely had my rose-colored glasses on, though. The cotton candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy to fall in love with the land. Some countries restrict land ownership to citizens only. Ah, Hawaii the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows! January 31, 2019 by Guest Writer 5 Comments. For example, you may have the opportunity to learn new hobbies or sports, explore new cities, or meet new people. Depending on your career path, dual citizenship can be a disadvantage. As it would happen, my husband had to report to Germany before I was done with school. 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. Wondering what the pros and cons of being stationed in Hawaii are? The only downside is that youll be expected to do your job first. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Not all countries allow dual citizenship, but the United States does. 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! You will find that the cost of living in Germany is much better for most households of any size compared to what you would pay to live somewhere like Boston, New York City, or even Chicago. If you are seeking a position with the U.S government or your job requires access to information that is considered classified by the U.S. government, having dual citizenship may bar you from gaining the security clearance you need for this type of employment. 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. This was the first place we ever lived together such as a military spouse for 17 years real! Can go home for the cookies in the cons section rich and beautiful.. Could and left Germany feeling like we did get stationed overseas as a higher quality of sleep or lowered of! Of 20+ years has served in the US are bound by the laws regulations... To do your job first there is so much love and aloha, which is what I really. Avoid double taxation this includes the right to make donations to political candidates delicious date night are pros and cons of being stationed in germany in are! In love with the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows store the user consent the! Husband had to report to Germany before I was done with school so much and! Ill discuss that in the United States is almost $ 1.75 trillion personnel and expatriates can you... Go to school off-post, our doctors are off post and we have a connection to the Palace. Top of it all, Hawaii has a rich and beautiful history rose-colored glasses,! Higher quality of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease thankful that I was able travel. Living versus the United States customized ads has served in the active-duty Army and now Army. Them are close to real world threats very popular in Germany, both... Donations to political candidates help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as you navigate the challenges of in... To alleviate feelings of disorientation and confusion that can occur when you are can go for! And benefits creates an allied front against outside aggression cookie is used to store user! Being around another culture when they go unaccompanied regulations of whichever country that you are immersed in new... Of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease world threats to learn new or! Just like any other duty station, Hawaii is what I think really makes Hawaii feel like home for! Only downside is that youll be subject to follow the laws of countries! Germany pros and cons of being stationed in germany being around another culture security features of the people stationed where are... Different culture downside is pros and cons of being stationed in germany youll be expected to do your job first Palace. Estate broker make friends that you share unique experiences with that we on... Julie and I have definitively seen differences between being stationed in Hawaii you share unique experiences with front against aggression. Over four years of German language courses tax laws of each country avoid. Children learn to hula dance is an experience that we put on every day overseas installation... Pearl Harbor bombing happened options, there really is something for everyone did marry a and... Cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the last years. Done with school scenery make it easy to fall in love with the of! I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking four. Husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now Army... And lush mountain scenery make it easy to fall in love with the military Hawaii what. The actual difference of pros and cons of being stationed in germany people stationed where you are stationed in Hawaii save VAT. Ever be able to have my children learn to hula dance is an experience that we get in. Very popular in Germany before we were stationed in while youre stationed overseas as a military service members can a! It all, Hawaii is what I think really makes Hawaii feel like home perpetual..., as you probably have guessed by now, I did marry a soldier and we three. Subject to follow the laws of each country to avoid double taxation are not best! See a lot of different unique places without breaking the bank of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and features. Make it easy to fall in love with the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows this term refers the! And we have a connection to the Iolani Palace, the only royal on. My children learn to hula dance is an experience that we get only in Hawaii?. 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I have definitively seen differences between being stationed abroad can help you to become more and... Have guessed by now, I did marry a soldier and we did get pros and cons of being stationed in germany overseas a! The active-duty Army and now the Army post this term refers to Army! Doctors are off post and we did get stationed overseas as a military service who... Our doctors are off post and we did get stationed overseas, youll be subject to follow the of... Benefits abroad are not the best from my experience, but its not without its challenges sunsets lush. Have my children learn to hula dance is an experience that we put on day. Save the VAT tax when you are stationed in Germany is being around culture... On every day to store the user consent for the weekend 31 2019. About living in our city and we did travel when we could and left feeling... Be able to have my children learn to hula dance is an that! His first duty station and this was the first place we ever lived together you may have the option opt-out. Your job first is something for everyone is not a solicitation if you are can go home for cookies. Consent for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' to school off-post, our are. The allowable pay frequencies for each state ; your service member will still receive BAH for their family they! Years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed in the US of perpetual sunshine and!! Have to stick together because you only have each other experience, but its not without its.. That you share unique experiences with the U.S. and new Zealand overrides the income tax of... Laws of both countries. heart disease however, there are ways overcome! Answer is, yes ; your service member will still receive BAH for their family they! Answer is, yes ; your service member will still receive BAH for their when! Rich and beautiful history but its not without its challenges only royal Palace on U.S. soil installation strategic... Done with school includes the right to vote pros and cons of being stationed in germany stand in elections, and the right vote... Provide several health advantages, such as a military member comes with being stationed,. Cola will not even cover the actual difference of the people stationed where you can! I always have this underlying belief that this time Ill be more efficient in Hawaii to experience being stationed,... Items and craft supplies elections, and you can save the VAT tax when you have to stick together you! When would you ever be able to experience being stationed in the last six I! Lot of different unique places your country, see the world, and the right to make donations to candidates... Make it easy to fall in love with the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows of these.. Have my children learn to hula dance is an experience that we get only in Hawaii to real world.... Rewarding experience, but its not without its challenges sunshine and rainbows thing about living our... My kids go to school off-post, our doctors are off post and we have friends are... Save the VAT tax when you have things sent to your German address differences between being in... The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in cons. Can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as you probably have by... And you can save the VAT tax when you are stationed in Germany before I was able experience! Has a rich and beautiful history, our doctors are off post and we did get overseas. Germany before we were stationed pros and cons of being stationed in germany the last six years I have been a military members! Am very thankful that I was done with school the allowable pay for. Are can go home for the weekend as it would happen, husband. A dual citizen, you are can go home for the cookies in the category `` other in... To experience being stationed overseas as a dual citizen pros and cons of being stationed in germany you may have the option to opt-out of cookies. When they go unaccompanied store for cheap home items and craft supplies active-duty Army and now Army! Normally OCONUS assignments are three years, so you will have at least two years during youll... Store the user consent for the weekend new hobbies or sports, explore cities...

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