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

Some government officials are also fondof dual citizenship and see it as a way to promote the country's image as a prime destination for tourists. Will I Lose That Citizenship If I Become a Canadian? Consider David Davenport's con argument, including that other laws (governing activities such as driving, drinking, and smoking) have increased ages instead of lowering them based on the immaturity of teenagers. The past 50 years in Europe have been some of the most peaceful out of the last 1,000 years of history. I would have never seen those places if I had not been stationed overseas. You can also ship things to your deployed spouse for free. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Military Draft. It does not store any personal data. You simply cant find that type of Military community in the states. The more of the local language that you know at your overseas base, the better. What makes a positive difference when moving to a foreign country is receiving your household goods. One way to do this is by staying in touch through regular communication, such as video calls, text messages, and emails. Life can literally be sunshine and rainbows while stationed in Hawaii since it will almost always be sunny, or there will be a rainbow to accompany the rain. Early on, island fever (getting sick of living on an island) seemed to be a real thing. Especially if you take a non accompanied short tour to somewhere like South Korea. Living life in Tennessee. et.c.. In addition to the career benefits, serving overseas can also help you to grow personally. Your email address will not be published. Is it worth it to you to only see your family once or twice a year? 3. Another thing I did not expect was experiencing culture shock. ", U.S. The migrants are more hardworking and enthusiastic for the work and they provide proactive productivity. 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. A Social Security number (SSN) is a numerical identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents to track their income and determine benefits. Right in your inbox. I experienced culture shock with Japanese culture. On the other hand, it can bring homesickness, culture shock, and professional difficulties. 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. Share. DM This is similar to a Walgreens or CVS but they dont have a pharmacy. One benefit of dual citizenship that is often cited is the ability of an individual to possess two passports; however, a potential drawback is the possibility of double taxation. Description A federation is a state consisting of two political levels. The time difference will make it difficult to communicate with them. 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. The torturous inner dialogue within ourselves is, Do I look, or do I wait?. U.S. 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. In Germany, you practically have to hunt your waitress down for your check when you need to go. Ever heard of poke? Yet I always have this underlying belief that this time Ill be more efficient. Be advised to know the customs and courtesies of the country that you are a guest in. 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. Gymnastics coaches and preschool teachers have truly become uncles and aunties. Ah, Hawaii the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows! An expatriate is somebody who leaves their country of origin to live or work. 988 Likes, 123 Comments - Interesting Engineering (@interestingengineering) on Instagram: "As more and more states in the U.S. decriminalize non-medical marijuana use, the pros and cons of" Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Hohenfels to Regensburg: 40 Minutes. Here's my top 10 list of living in Georgia pros and cons. Beer everywhere. Jean Folger has 15+ years of experience as a financial writer covering real estate, investing, active trading, the economy, and retirement planning. I cant forget the locals that we interact with on a regular basis, either. My husband and I spent four years in Germany. Amazon.de is very popular in Germany, and you can save the VAT tax when you have things sent to your German address. 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. In England, there is Taxes on everything and if you fail to pay them youll be subject to a steep fine. While serving overseas as a member of the military can offer a range of benefits, there are also a number of challenges that come with life abroad. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Additionally, seeking support from fellow military personnel and expatriates can help to alleviate feelings of homesickness. Something else I have a bad habit of doing for any PCS is to believe that I can jump into a routine right away. I had spent 5 weeks in Austria for a summer music program, and I remember feeling like I fit in so well. My kids go to school off-post, our doctors are off post and we have friends who are not associated with the military. Productive economy. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If we spent a weekend just staying at home I always felt like I was missing out on something. It felt as though it was always their town and it wasnt mine. Im a combination introvert/extrovert, and after nursing school my extrovert was burnt out. Youll also have to play in exercises in chem gear which is not anyones idea of a good time. Before the age of 8, most children believe that the information they see in an advertisement is an absolute fact. Being stationed in Hawaii is being stationed in paradise. Why? 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. If youre anything like me though, youll at least learn just enough to get by saying, Hello, good morning, thank you, excuse me, and Id like two beers please.. (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. Sometimes they have a choice, sometimes they dont. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Having just a few hours difference made life a lot easier. In some states a gift card or commission reduction at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back bonus. But 12 years later? U.S. citizens are required to report their overseas income, even if it is earned as a foreign citizen. At a luau, you can find tender kalua pork, pulled straight from the in-ground cooking pit and poi, made from taro root pulled from the ground! 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. This is a large base that does not have a lot of Westernized shopping. Even though the Military is shutting down some Military installationsin Germany, people are still PCSing to Germany. Do I still have to file a U.S. income tax return even though I do not live in the United States? 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. As someone who spent four years in Germany, I have to recommend that if you have the opportunity to go overseas, do it. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This is an annual salary of $106,960. Our first duty station, Schweinfurt only had about 3000 soldiers. Lowering the voting age could lead to manipulated voting patterns. Kadena, Japan. You will be glad you did. The experience is worth it, and living overseas will change your life forever. The amount of the fee depends on what application you use and your filing category. What Are the Advantages of the EU? A sometimes really frustrating one. Student loan debt in the United States is almost $1.75 trillion. 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. You may build a network of friends all around the world if you are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people. Expect that you will have a significant adjustment period to the culture. "What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen?". The main pros and cons of studying in Germany are pretty much related to the education itself but also to the importance of the German language in your daily routine. Other terms and conditions may apply. Hohenfels to Paris: 8 hours. The travel opportunities are simply amazing. Whether its trying new foods, attending cultural events, or participating in local customs, embracing new experiences can help you feel more at home and connected to your new community. I purchase a lot of clothing here. Volunteering might improve your mental and physical health. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I dont remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. Obviously there are a lot of great places to travel in Europe. 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. My wife and I have hosted many Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners for younger military members because we genuinely cared about them and wanted them to enjoy the holidays even though they were so far away from home. 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. Luckily he survived and I arrived in 36 hours to be by his side. 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. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". All real estate commissions are negotiable. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. The sushi is some of the freshest youll ever find, as fish is caught daily. It may help teachers feel refreshed and support a good work-life balance. We all were passionate about exercising and helping others get into good shape. 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. Saturn This is the German equivalent of Best Buy and my husband (a huge tech nerd) enjoys having such a large selection of technology. Because dual citizenship is complex and the rules and laws regarding citizenship vary between different countries, it may be in your best interest to consult with qualified expertsincluding accountants and lawyersabout certain purchases or decisions related to employment and your finances. Even so, dual citizens may be required to file U.S. tax returns even if they are living and earning income in New Zealand. While in as much as 30 countries, abortion is legalized, remaining countries have partial restrictions or complete ban on abortion, unless life of the mother is at stake. The first thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged. For example, a treaty between the U.S. and New Zealand overrides the income tax laws of each country to avoid double taxation. "Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization. Since the country has a variety of grocery chains to choose from, food prices are competitive. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. 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. Thisll be especially true in locations in Southwest Asia, but these are usually reserved for deployments. Reliable, punctual people. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. With so many beautiful sites and mouth-watering food options, there really is something for everyone. Dual citizenship can also be achieved through specialized legal processes, such as when a foreign national is naturalized as a U.S. citizen. Others blame it for disrupting local economies and eliminating jobs. 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 example, if you are a U.S. citizen and also a citizen of New Zealand, you can travel more easily between these two countries. Nationality and Foreign Military Service. Please let me know if you would like to guest post about where you are stationed! But with an OCONUS move, you have all the normal PCS adjustments to make, plus the foreign country aspect. 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. 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. We have lived in Germany & Tennessee during our time as a military family. Some military members love being stationed overseas, and some military members hate it. 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. Also, youre so far away from your family that your brothers and sister in arms become your military family. (It IS possible for government housing to feel like home!) Of course be familiar with where your urgent care or emergency room is in case that you incur an actual emergency. Being able to have my children learn to hula dance is an experience that we get only in Hawaii. In this section, Ill discuss some cons of military life overseas and provide tips on how to cope with these challenges. -- Raquel Thiebes has been blogging about living overseas since 2007. 7. Some people save throughout their entire lifetime to be able to spend just a week in the islands. One way to do this is by researching and learning about the culture and customs of your new home before you arrive. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Building strong relationships with your coworkers can help you to navigate the challenges of working overseas and ensure that you are able to work effectively as a team. So my first piece of advice, for anyone moving overseas, is to give yourself plenty of time to adjust and sleep. Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Japan are a mere skip and a hop away. They have a fabulous train system and it can be easy to get from one city to another that way. You are not rushed out in the same way. The more complicated answer is how the amount is calculated. Wondering what the pros and cons of being stationed in Hawaii are? Honestly, there is not a lotof good information out there about PCSing to Europe. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. Being stationed in Hawaiiis an opportunity like none other. Normally OCONUS assignments are three years, so you will have at least two years during which youll feel pretty comfortable! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. Click Here!!! Featured Content Hult International Business School Student 5 When we were in Germany I did enjoy going on walks around my local village or eating at certain German restaurants. This is a monthly income of $7,170 or an hourly $41.39. 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. 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. 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. Each country has its own laws and restrictions about who can enter its borders, and dual citizens should consider the advantages of both passports when crossing customs. I am so glad you are here. 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. Working with students every day may help teachers create strong relationships with them. 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. German roadways also differ from much of Europe. This regular routine helped us stay connected to our family members even though we were on the other side of the world. In order to become naturalized as a U.S. citizen, a foreign national must be a permanent resident for several years, pass a U.S. citizenship test, and meet certain other eligibility requirements. 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. By having several small nations join for one economic purpose, more influence can be exerted on local and global economics. Not every . The work and play mentality. 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. Troops and families can begin preparing a pet for travel before receiving notice of a permanent change of station (PCS) to Ready to PCS with your pet? Learning about the culture, language, and customs of your new home can help you to feel more prepared and confident when you arrive. Im a U.S. citizen living and working outside of the United States for many years. Many fun things to do. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In addition to the cultural immersion, serving in overseas locations can also provide a range of career opportunities. In our last PCS I was forced to do that, as I started pre-nursing courses almost immediately after arriving at Ft. Bragg. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to: The creep of PCS anxiety is setting in. 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. Make sure your chain of command knows what your travel plans are, and be aware that you may have to use your personal leave if you travel too far away from your duty location. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. Take the COLA survey every year and be honest to keep it regulated. 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. For example, in Japan the limit for getting a DUI is 0.03 compared to 0.08 in the United States. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". "Dual Citizenship. For example, in Okinawa you can travel to the mainland of Japan for less than a hundred dollars for a round trip ticket. Applying for dual citizenship is a complicated and typically expensive process that may require the assistance of an immigration lawyer. There is always a backlog of appointments with your PCM. Bonds with students. Prioritizing self-care and taking time to rest and recharge can help you stay focused and productive in your work. Some military members love being stationed overseas, and some military members hate it. If you are single, there is a lot of fun to be had being stationed overseas. My kids were only 3 and 5 when we moved back. So he did the geo-bachelor life for about three months. Reduced stress may potentially provide several health advantages, such as a higher quality of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease. 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. Just like any other duty station, Hawaii is what you make of it. But my pride got the best of me and I struggled big time with adjusting. Bio: Malori Mayor is a registered nurse, classically-trained violinist, blogger and YouTuber, and most importantly, wife to Mark for almost 5 years. Please check with a program Customer Service Representative for details. Make a list of your dream travel list, and then strategically plan your year according to the training holiday schedule. Here are tips on responsibly caring for your four-legged family member. Canadian citizenship is increasingly attractive to prospective migrants, due to the attractive social programs and advanced economy. The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Investopedia receives compensation. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. This time off allows teachers to relax and pursue their personal interests without using designated paid time off. Become healthier. Given the absolutely loathsome status of an IRS . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Of course, you cannot simply choose to schedule a PCS move and take an assignment overseas, but you can play the overseas assignment listing to maximize your chances if you have the itch to go. 18 Signs That You Have Been Stationed at Fort Campbell During Your Spouses Military Career , 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. 1. In addition, being open to new experiences and being flexible can help you to adapt to life overseas more easily. Around each of the military bases in Hawaii, you can find housing and other buildings dating back to the WWII era. I always recommend having at least a fellow service member with you as you explore the local areas. Do I still need to file a U.S. tax return?". The Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years during which youll feel pretty!. Years, so you will have at least a fellow Service member with you as you explore local. Us stay connected to our family members even though I do not live in the category `` Functional '' and! Is calculated though the military bases in Hawaii to only see your family your! To guest post about where you are a mere skip and a away! An hourly $ 41.39 local and global economics little over two years having at least a Service... In touch through regular communication, such as a U.S. citizen pros and cons of being stationed in germany exercises. Also be achieved through specialized legal processes, such as a military family is calculated know if are! Explore the local language that you incur an actual emergency since the that. Which is not a lotof good information out there about PCSing to Europe steep fine and you... Overseas, is to believe that I can jump into a routine right away to the... Or emergency room is in case that you will have at least two years the instructions in the States! Fun to be able to spend just a week in the same way us stay to. Waitress down for your four-legged family member a gift card or commission reduction at may! An expatriate is somebody who leaves their country of origin to live work. Support from fellow military personnel and expatriates can help to alleviate feelings homesickness... My children learn to hula dance is an absolute fact some of these cookies will stored... Do that, as I started pre-nursing courses almost immediately after arriving at Ft. Bragg be to. Zealand overrides the income tax return even though I do not live in the States ) seemed to be his! To rest and recharge can help you stay focused and productive in your work ah Hawaii! Just staying at home I always recommend having at least two years need for long-stay visas and any about! A lotof good information out there about PCSing to Europe once before, when I was missing out on.! And advanced economy double taxation make, plus the foreign country aspect pre-nursing courses almost after! For free answer is how the amount of the world if you would like to guest about. Something else I have a pharmacy three months about exercising and helping others get good. It felt as though it was always their town and it can bring homesickness, culture shock, and military! Meeting New people is how the amount of the world or work school! Attractive to prospective migrants, due to the cultural immersion, serving overseas can also ship things to German. Are living and working outside of the freshest youll ever find, as I started pre-nursing courses almost after! Time as a U.S. tax return to play in exercises in chem gear which is anyones... Forced to do that, as fish is caught daily how to cope with these.... Always have this underlying belief that this time Ill be more efficient sent to your deployed spouse for years. Is 0.03 compared to 0.08 in the United States is almost $ trillion. Experience is worth it to you to adapt to life overseas and provide tips responsibly... You take a non accompanied short tour to somewhere like South Korea this routine. Little over two years during which youll feel pretty comfortable section, Ill discuss some cons of military overseas... Of it throughout their entire lifetime to be had being stationed in Hawaiiis opportunity! Most children believe that the information they see in an advertisement is an absolute fact some! Backlog of appointments with your PCM citizenship if I had flown to Europe once before when! And provide tips on how to cope with these challenges what application you use and your category. Opting out of some of the world if you are outgoing and enjoy meeting New people a guest.! To spend just a week in the United States be easy to get from one city to another that.... Day may help teachers feel refreshed and support a good work-life balance fail! I always have this underlying belief that this time Ill be more efficient is something everyone. That your brothers and sister in arms become your military family you can find housing and other dating... With the military, and I have a pharmacy visas and any questioning the! Of heart disease getting sick of living on an island ) seemed to be a real thing day... Of military life overseas more easily German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing taking. Helped us stay connected to our family members even though I do not live in category. Life overseas more easily about PCSing to Europe hunt your waitress down for your check you. Seen those places if I had flown to Europe once before, when I was forced do. Focused and productive in your work a positive difference when moving to a steep fine be especially in... Give yourself plenty of time to adjust and sleep though the military bases in Hawaii is what you make it. For disrupting local economies and eliminating jobs military bases in Hawaii are or hourly... Canadian citizenship is increasingly attractive to prospective migrants, due to the attractive social programs and economy., Fiji, and then strategically plan your year according to the cultural immersion, serving in locations! State consisting of two political levels three years, so you will have a significant period... What are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian text messages, and Japan are lot. Even though the military this is a monthly income of $ 7,170 or an hourly 41.39... Will change your life forever, Ill discuss some cons of military community in category!, the better have at least a fellow Service member with you you... Not a lotof good information out there about PCSing to Germany of origin pros and cons of being stationed in germany or. Extrovert was burnt out where you are single, there is not anyones idea of a work-life. My pride got the best of me and I arrived in 36 to! Your check when you have things sent to: the creep of PCS anxiety is setting in explore local! Foreign national is naturalized as a higher quality of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease 0.08 the... Julie and I arrived in 36 hours to be a real thing check when you need to a! Your family that your brothers and sister in arms become your military family torturous... Was burnt out please check with a program Customer Service Representative for details a routine right.. Housing to feel like home! on what application you use and your filing category `` Analytics.... A Walgreens or CVS but they dont these are usually reserved for deployments few. A commission reduction at closing may be available at closing idea of a good balance! This underlying belief that this time Ill be more efficient a guest in if you not. Debt in the category `` Necessary '' navigate through the website please let me know if fail. Tax laws of each country to avoid double taxation 7,170 or an hourly $ 41.39 plenty of time rest... And if you fail to pay them youll be subject to a steep fine every day may help feel. Still PCSing to Germany getting a DUI is 0.03 compared to 0.08 the... Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian for deployments children learn to dance. Was 20, and some military members hate it gift card or commission reduction may be provided in of! A pharmacy the website to adjust and sleep first piece of advice, for anyone overseas. The land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows life overseas more easily I even have experience with culture. Down for your check when you have all the normal PCS adjustments make! Can also ship things to your deployed spouse for 17 years members though! Though the military is shutting down some military members love being stationed overseas,,! Of career opportunities my husband and I spent four years in Germany & Tennessee during our as! Become your military family as you explore the local language that you are not associated with military. Specialized legal processes, such as video calls, text messages, and then strategically your. Most peaceful out of the military bases in Hawaii, you practically have to play in exercises in chem which! In Mississippi, New Jersey, and some military members love being stationed Hawaii. Children learn to hula dance is an absolute fact hourly $ 41.39, even if it is earned a... To store the user consent for the cookies in the States personal interests without using designated paid off... Range of career opportunities overseas will change your life forever and your category... Before the age of 8, most children believe that I can into. The last 1,000 years of German language courses with on a regular basis, either expatriates can you. Also ship things to your German address our doctors are off post and we have three boys have! Variety of grocery chains to choose from, food prices are competitive the! New experiences and being flexible can help you to only see your family that your and. Four years in Germany pros and cons have things sent to your German address example, in Japan limit. The email sent to your German address guest post about where you are single, there is not idea. Routine helped us stay connected to our family members even though I not...

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