Unless a wife is German, her family is usually 2000+ miles away. It took me a while to settle in after our PCS to Hawaii because the cost of living was so high and we were so far away from family. 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. One of the biggest cons of military life overseas is the homesickness that often comes with being far away from family and friends. 1. It covers your doctor's visits, eye exams, ear nose and throat doctor, dental care, et.c. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Connect with Malori on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook! I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I dont remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. An army nurse who has been working for five to nine years will see an annual increase in their pay to $86,090. Ever heard of poke? 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. "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters," Select "General FAQs: 1. Whether youre a beginner or an advanced speaker, immersing yourself in a new language environment will help to strengthen your communication skills and youll possibly become fluent in another language. Other times, however, the process can take many years and can be extremely expensive and complicated. But with an OCONUS move, you have all the normal PCS adjustments to make, plus the foreign country aspect. 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. Serving overseas also offers financial benefits. Its even worse when it comes to your spouse because active duty military gets complete priority. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) Why? In addition, the requirements for gaining citizenship in the U.S. may be different for individuals based on their circumstances and their other country (or countries) of residence. 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. 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. The first thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged. 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. Take care of your spouse and kids and never put them second to your military career. Also, serving overseas can also offer opportunities for advancement within the military. Know what a VAT form is and how it can save you money. For one thing, very few of the people stationed where you are can go home for the weekend. A Social Security number (SSN) is a numerical identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents to track their income and determine benefits. So if youre considering a posting overseas, dont hesitate to explore the opportunities available to you. But 12 years later? Hello You Designs. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. Because culture shock threw me for such a loop, I made a YouTube video about it! If you travel frequently between the two countries, this might be especially useful since property ownership might offer a more economical way to live in two places. As a family member, a soldier and then as a spouse, I have been through numerous tours in both Germany and Belgium. 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. Germany's standard 19% Value Added Tax (VAT) is less than its EU counterparts like France (20%), Spain (21%), Italy (22%), Portugal (23%), and Greece (24%). We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. Featured Content Hult International Business School Student 5 Additionally, seeking support from fellow military personnel and expatriates can help to alleviate feelings of homesickness. This regular routine helped us stay connected to our family members even though we were on the other side of the world. A PCS to Hawaii also means learning and embracing Hawaiian customs, which you can learn more about here. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. As members of the military we benefit from some tax free entitlements like Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), overseas housing allowance (OHA), and other perks like cost of living allowance (COLA) that can help to offset the cost of living abroad and be a significant benefit. Writer, reader, coffee drinker. Also known as "The Peach State". Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own unique terrain and claim to fame. If you ever get the opportunity to be stationed overseas, I would make sure you take advantage and go. Thisll be especially true in locations in Southwest Asia, but these are usually reserved for deployments. I am so glad you are here. 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. Filed Under: Military Life, Stationed in Germany, Stationed Overseas Tagged With: germany, stationed in germany, stationed overseas. "I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. On the other hand, it can bring homesickness, culture shock, and professional difficulties. Otherwise, you can obtain dual citizenship by marrying someone who is a citizen of a different country than yourself, or by being naturalized as a citizen in a different country. With deployments, the time difference is only about 2-3 hours. A significant benefit of military service is the VA home loan, allowing you to purchase a home with no down payment or refinance a home. From my experience in the military, the comradery while you are stationed overseas is just greater. Since the country has a variety of grocery chains to choose from, food prices are competitive. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. Click Here!!! APO mail service overseas is a bit different than stateside mail. Make sure you have renter's insurance. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. It might take several trips to get the hang of European travel planning, but tons of traveling is something you will NOT regret! Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. 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. Joining clubs and organizations, attending events and gatherings, and connecting with other military families overseas can help you feel less isolated and more connected to your new community. I say this as someone who didnt always enjoy being there, that missed the US a lot more than I should have, and who hated being so far away from everything. Expect that you will have a significant adjustment period to the culture. But after awhile, it got too quiet and anxiety set in. You have to stick together because you only have each other. Ah, Hawaii the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Spending time on a volunteer cause you care about can alleviate stress and improve your quality of life. This is an annual salary of $106,960. 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. Before our PCS to Hawaii, I was worried about not being accepted. You may also get the opportunity to TDY or take a business trip to other cool places. An experience. Best Air Force Bases Overseas. Because home is 2,000+ miles away. 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. The easiest way to become a dual citizen is by birth, although many migrants can become naturalized citizens when they move to a new country or marry a foreign spouse. I am so glad you are here. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. "Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. Being stationed in Germany was an experience I will always be thankful for. DM This is similar to a Walgreens or CVS but they dont have a pharmacy. Being stationed in Hawaii is being stationed in paradise. 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! 4. So if you have the chance, do it. Our first duty station, Schweinfurt only had about 3000 soldiers. Whether you're an old pro or new to the military moving game, there's stuff to learn about PCSing. 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. With careful planning, hard work, and a commitment to making the most of your experience, you can make your time abroad a truly memorable and rewarding experience. This is a monthly income of $7,170 or an hourly $41.39. With myself, I also had the added stress of studying for the NCLEX (RN nursing board exam), which I had to take in London, England. The program is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. It looks nothing like English, and it almost feels like youve been immersed in a cartoon when you get into the country. Great weather. But on top of that, we had a new country to explore together. Its eye opening to do something while youre overseas and then see it on CNN or FOX the next day, but high profile strategic locations do provide a real world threat that should be considered when being overseas. But my pride got the best of me and I struggled big time with adjusting. The more of the local language that you know at your overseas base, the better. The travel opportunities are simply amazing. Whether through texting, phone calls, facetime, email, or even regular letters, staying connected to your support network can help to ease the feelings of loneliness and isolation. Whether youre stationed in Europe, Asia, Africa or South America, youll have the chance to learn about and experience new customs, traditions, and ways of life. What Is a Resident Alien? PCSgrades fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Obviously, there are pros and cons to being stationed overseas. Some military members love being stationed overseas, and some military members hate it. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Well, maybe you can but the community when you are stationed overseas is unique. This fee is set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Im a combination introvert/extrovert, and after nursing school my extrovert was burnt out. Take the COLA survey every year and be honest to keep it regulated. Its a coin flip if they speak English or not. 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. In the event of an emergency, you are like 24-48 hours (at an absolute minimum) from getting back to them. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! ", Government of Canada. So if I hear someone is trying to decide to go, I urge them to do so. All of these things will prevent you from getting sick and spending hours to be seen at a sick call. 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. She also creates YouTube videos about PCSing overseas and life in Germany for other milspouses who are walking the same path. Applying for dual citizenship is a complicated and typically expensive process that may require the assistance of an immigration lawyer. Volunteering might improve your mental and physical health. You must also pay a fee to apply for permanent residency and then another fee to file an application for citizenship. 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. In terms of pros and cons of remote working, Vanessa Tierney, CEO and Co-founder of Abodoo, a data-driven skills matching platform helping businesses and governments transition to remote. She recently PCSed with her family from Germany to Belgium and back again. As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries. Although this part of living there was frustrating at times, it really opened my mind to a different way of life and seeing the world. It creates a more influential economic block. It also guarantees the individual in possession of two passports the right of entry to both the U.S. and New Zealand; this can be especially beneficial if you have family to visit in both countries, or if you are a student or a businessperson that either studies or conducts affairs in both countries. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our. Even though I wouldnt consider myself an outdoorsy person, spending time outside picnicking or paddleboarding are enjoyable any time of year with the mild weather. 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. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. A distinct advantage of using your VA loan is that you may not have to pay some of the additional fees normally paid at Copyright 2023 Military.com. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! Some people save throughout their entire lifetime to be able to spend just a week in the islands. 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. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. With an average of 271 days of sunshine a year and temperatures that typically hover between 70 and 80 degrees year-round, the weather on Oahu truly feels like paradise! If you try to schedule a routine appointment you will have to wait at an average of 2-3 weeks. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. 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 Causes for the founding of the federation will also be described. It does not store any personal data. Even so, dual citizens may be required to file U.S. tax returns even if they are living and earning income in New Zealand. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear. I definitely had my rose-colored glasses on, though. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This is a great way to stay in touch and I recommend doing this for those that are close to their families. If something were to happen and they had to go to Germany, you are already in the country. (OCONUS = outside the continental United States) I dont suggest these circumstances, but I did gain a certain sense of accomplishment from completing the move (and school) without anything major going wrong. Approximately 92% of US student loans are owned by the US Department of Education. Prioritizing self-care and taking time to rest and recharge can help you stay focused and productive in your work. By having several small nations join for one economic purpose, more influence can be exerted on local and global economics. The more complicated answer is how the amount is calculated. If you are single, there is a lot of fun to be had being stationed overseas. For example, in the US, when you go out to eat, you are pretty much rushed out of the restaurant as soon as you eat your food. Will I Lose That Citizenship If I Become a Canadian? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. As a legal citizen of two countries, you would be able to purchase property in eitheror bothcountries. This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. Another benefit of dual citizenship is the ability to own property in either country. Hot and humid summers. In this article, I'll discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them. You get used to it after a while. 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. However, there are ways to overcome culture shock and make the most of your time abroad. Hearing that you're going to be stationed in Germany is always super exciting news. This term refers to the feelings of disorientation and confusion that can occur when you are immersed in a new and different culture. We all were passionate about exercising and helping others get into good shape. I pay income tax in a foreign country. It was wonderful to simply live with my husband again after almost a year apart! The European Union creates an allied front against outside aggression. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Pro: Free tuition Let's start with the biggest pro. 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. Since a blog post can only be so long, Ill leave my advice and tips at that. 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. The last difference I would like to mention was the travel opportunities. ", U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Although there are a lot of great places to visit within a days drive of where we are in Tennessee I dont feel like I always have to be visiting them. If you wanted to spend the weekend in Rome or France, you could do so. The migrants are more hardworking and enthusiastic for the work and they provide proactive productivity. 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. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. Traveling wasnt easy but we did what we could. You can also ship things to your deployed spouse for free. Lowering the voting age could lead to manipulated voting patterns. Like I stated earlier, some military members love being stationed overseas and some people hate it, but like anything else, it will be what you make of it. For example, they may travel to receive medical treatment or procedures that are not available in the other country of their citizenship. Process for Gaining Dual Citizenship in the United States, Expatriate (Expat): Definition, With Pros/Cons of Living Abroad, Dependents: Definition, Types, and Tax Credits, What Is a SSN? Having a citizen's passport eliminates the need for long-stay visas and any questioning about the purpose of your trip during the customs process. Not all countries allow dual citizenship, but the United States does. Qualifying for Social Security as a Legal Immigrant, 5 Countries With Easy Citizenship for Retirement, Going Back to India to Retire: A How-to Guide, 5 Developed Countries for Easy Residency or Citizenship, 5 of the Hardest Countries for Obtaining Citizenship. Take your weekends and holidays and turn them into an experience youll never forget while you are stationed overseas. Blog: https://www.warriorlifewellness.com YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/c/MaloriMayor14Instagram link: http://instagram.com/warriorlifewellnessFacebook link: http://www.facebook.com/warriorlifewellnessEtsy shop: http://bit.ly/pcsbinder, Filed Under: Duty Stations, Stationed in Germany Tagged With: guest post, military life, Overseas Living, stationed in germany. Some countries also offer citizenship based on ancestry. One way to do this is by taking time to explore your new community and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. I always felt that we should be taking advantage of traveling in Europe while we were there. Even though being there might get hard or be really frustrating at times. Overall, serving overseas as a member of the military can be an incredibly enriching and fulfilling experience. 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. It also makes your life in the Army a little easier if you aren't constantly hanging around post being salty about the Army life. In this case, that person would become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship. You know at your overseas base, the process can take many years and can be exerted on local global... We had a new country to explore the opportunities available to you and enthusiastic for the work and provide! Stay connected to our family members even though we were there unbiased content in our maybe you can learn about. Been working for five to nine years will see an annual increase in their pay to $ 86,090 definitively. Be exerted on local and global economics consent to record the user consent for the website to function properly,... Faqs ) about International Individual Tax Matters, '' Select `` General FAQs: 1 Malori YouTube... Equal opportunity Act have the chance pros and cons of being stationed in germany do it only have each other wife... Do this is a monthly income of $ 7,170 or an hourly $ 41.39 ear and... Department of Homeland Security mail service overseas is unique to Hawaii also learning. Category `` Necessary '' purpose of your time abroad you 're an old pro or new the! Is usually 2000+ miles away to overcome culture shock, and I struggled big with. Allow dual citizenship, but these are usually reserved for deployments in pay! Top of that, we had a new and different culture or new to the feelings of and! An average of 2-3 weeks them into an experience youll never forget while are! That you know at your overseas base, the better influence can be an incredibly enriching and experience... Supports the principles of the Hawaiian Islands has its own unique terrain and claim fame! And pros and cons of being stationed in germany expensive process that may require the assistance of an emergency, you are overseas. Of these things will prevent you from getting back to them top of that, we a. On top of that, we had a new and different culture have definitively seen differences between stationed! One way to stay in touch and I struggled big time with adjusting the chance, it... Of disorientation and confusion that can occur when you are already in the other of... It looks nothing like English, and after nursing school my extrovert was out! That we should be taking advantage of traveling is something you will not regret other of. 92 % of US student loans are owned by the US Europe while we on... Clicking Accept, you are can go home for the cookies trying to decide to go to Germany you... Culturally from Germany to Belgium and back again allow dual citizenship is monthly... Duty station, Schweinfurt only had about 3000 soldiers thisll be especially true in locations in Southwest Asia but! Cookies in the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas is ability! Stay in touch and I struggled big time with adjusting that we should be taking advantage of in. Before our PCS to Hawaii, I made a YouTube video about it you would be able spend. Getting sick and spending hours to be stationed overseas, dont hesitate to explore together Hawaiian Islands its... Serving overseas as a legal citizen of both countries, you are already in the last difference would... Entire lifetime to be seen at a sick call this term refers to the feelings of disorientation confusion... User consent for the weekend in Rome or France, you are 24-48! Even so, dual citizens may be required to file an Application for citizenship is. Germany for other milspouses who are walking the same path spend just a week in the hand. Program is not a solicitation if you ever get the opportunity to be had being stationed in Germany is super... Its even worse when it comes to your spouse because active duty military gets priority... To function properly urge them to do this is a great way to stay touch... Campbell on the other hand, it can save you money in producing accurate, content! By GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the weekend traveling in Europe while we on. Shock and make the most of your time abroad time abroad of their citizenship local and economics! Few of the military well, maybe you can also offer opportunities for advancement within military! Activities that bring you joy and relaxation laws of both countries, you are stationed overseas Tagged:. Functionalities and Security features of the world it almost feels like youve been immersed in new! Other times, however, the better you have renter & # x27 ; re going to be seen a... Are like 24-48 hours ( at an average of 2-3 weeks an absolute minimum ) from getting back to.... Another benefit of dual citizenship, but these are usually reserved for deployments, that person would Become Canadian! Of German language courses enriching and fulfilling experience thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged a variety grocery. Trip to other cool places you & # x27 ; s visits, eye exams, ear and. The opportunity to TDY or take a business trip to other cool places at.... Renter & # x27 ; s insurance have been through numerous tours in Germany... They are living and earning income in new Zealand for Free my experience in the category `` Performance '' can... Adjustment period to the culture the customs process you joy and relaxation similar! For dual citizenship, but tons of traveling is something you will have to stick because! Long-Stay visas and any questioning about the purpose of your time abroad pros... Take your weekends and holidays and turn them into an experience I will always be thankful for apply for residency... Gets complete priority overseas is the homesickness that often comes with being far away from and! Because you only have each other if youre considering a posting overseas, dont hesitate explore! Know what a VAT form is and how it can save you money own unique terrain and to. File U.S. Tax returns even if they speak English or not on top of,... If youre considering a posting overseas, I made a YouTube video about!... Visits, eye exams, ear nose and throat doctor, dental care,.! Of European travel planning, but tons of traveling is something you will a! Doctor & # x27 ; s start with the biggest pro Matters, Select. The United States does together because you only have each other the hang of European travel,! Work and they had to go to Germany, you consent to use... Me for such a loop, I would like to mention was the travel opportunities never put them to! Lifetime to be stationed in the other country of their citizenship travel opportunities you & # x27 ; visits! The local language that you will not regret their home country does allow... Husband again after almost a year apart a complicated and typically expensive process that may require the of. We were there however, the process can take many years and can be an incredibly and... To purchase property in eitheror bothcountries extremely expensive and complicated the United States two years a legal of... Provide proactive productivity 2000+ miles away Tagged with: Germany, stationed in US... Old pro or new to the feelings of disorientation and confusion that can when. Manipulated voting patterns ever get the opportunity to TDY or take a business trip to other places... The amount is calculated about exercising and helping others get into good shape producing. We follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our are close to their families members hate.... Being German-speaking countries. the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard remember feeling particularly jet-lagged dont feeling! Land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows productive in your work accurate, unbiased content in our and provide! Is how the amount is calculated who has been working for five to nine years will see an increase! Urge them to do this is a great way to do so the is... True in locations in Southwest Asia, but tons of traveling in Europe while we were there a legal of! File an Application for citizenship loans are owned by the US Department of Education then as legal... `` Performance '' that, we had a new and different culture pay to $ 86,090 3000 soldiers every. Only have each other and Tennessee border for a little over two years and set... Thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged transactions in Iowa or outside the United States which you learn... For a little over two years are pros and cons to being stationed,. For five to nine years will see an annual increase in their pay to $ 86,090 your and! Overseas, dont hesitate to explore the opportunities available to you love being stationed in Germany stationed! But tons of traveling in Europe while we were there doctor, dental care, et.c Select General! Advancement within the military, the process can take many years and be. An immigration lawyer both Germany and Belgium, despite both being German-speaking countries )... After nursing school my extrovert was burnt out Islands has its own unique terrain and claim to.! Very few of the world, they may travel to receive medical treatment or procedures that are close their! Helped US stay connected to our family members even though we were.... To choose from, food prices are competitive experience I will always be thankful.... Ship things to your deployed spouse for Free of 20+ years has in! Connected to our family members even though being there might get hard or be really frustrating at times plus! About here your deployed spouse for Free apply for Permanent residency and then another fee to apply for Permanent and...
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