17/11/2024
Preparing for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) from the USA to Germany as a military service member involves several critical steps to ensure a smooth transition for you and your family. Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you:
1. Obtain Necessary Passports and Visas:
• Tourist Passports: All family members, including dependents, should have valid tourist passports for personal travel.
• Official Passports: Dependents traveling to Germany will need an official passport with a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) stamp. Soldiers and family members will also need tourist passports to do any traveling outside Germany. 
2. Command Sponsorship and EFMP Screening:
• Command Sponsorship: Ensure all dependents are command-sponsored to receive full benefits, including housing and medical care.
• Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Complete the EFMP screening for all family members to identify any special medical or educational needs. 
3. Arrange Housing:
• On-Post Housing: Contact the housing office at your gaining installation to apply for on-post housing.
• Off-Post Housing: If considering off-post housing, research the local rental market and understand the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) rates. 
4. Plan Household Goods and Vehicle Shipment:
• Household Goods (HHG): Schedule your HHG shipment through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS).
• Privately Owned Vehicle (POV): The military will pay to ship one vehicle. There is endless debate on whether to bring a super large vehicle like a full-sized truck. I say, if it is paid for, bring it. You will learn how to deal with narrow roads and parking spaces and parking garages that have lower ceilings (know the height of your vehicle). 
5. Prepare for Driving in Germany:
• USAREUR Driver’s License: Study the USAREUR driver handbook and take the driver’s orientation and test online or in person upon arrival. 
• Vehicle Registration: Once your vehicle arrives, it must pass a safety inspection and be registered with U.S. Army Europe. 
6. Medical and Dental Preparations:
• Medical Records: Ensure all family medical and dental records are up to date and hand-carried during the move.
• Immunizations: Verify that all required immunizations are current, especially for school-aged children.
7. Pet Relocation:
• Health Certificates: Ensure pets have current health certificates and vaccinations, including rabies shots administered within one year but not less than 30 days before flying. 
• Microchipping: Pets should be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip.
8. Financial and Legal Considerations:
• Banking: Maintain your current U.S. bank account and consider opening a local on-post account for ATM cash transactions and paying German bills. 
• Legal Documents: Carry important documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, wills, and powers of attorney.
9. Cultural and Language Preparation:
• Language Skills: Learning basic German phrases can be beneficial.
• Cultural Awareness: Familiarize yourself with German customs and cultural norms to ease the transition.
10. Stay Informed and Connected:
• Sponsorship: Request a sponsor at your new duty station to assist with the transition. 
• Community Resources: Join community-driven pages and forums related to your new installation for firsthand information and support.
