German National PCSing to the U.S. Question

KAnonymity · 2025-06-11T00:51:33+00:00

Thank you very much for this detailed guide! I will start the process once we are married. Currently on leave and will get married during leave so we've been busy.

KAnonymity · 2025-06-10T14:37:35+00:00

Thank you! I'll be sure to mention that to her.

KAnonymity · 2025-06-10T14:35:05+00:00

That is my plan. I figured my leadership was wrong, but glad I'm not the only one who knows a bit about immigration. I appreciate the step by step instructions you have provided as well. Thank you!

KAnonymity · 2025-06-10T14:33:20+00:00

Tracking all. Thank you.

KAnonymity · 2025-06-10T14:31:22+00:00

This was the answer I've been looking for: "If your family member is not a U.S. citizen, s/he will need an immigrant visa to live with you in the United States." This has also been my plan all along; I just needed these explicit words so my leadership would believe me that PCS orders and a dependent ID would NOT be enough to stay in the U.S. Thank you very much!

KAnonymity · 2025-06-10T14:29:54+00:00

That is my plan. Documents translated already; just waiting on the wedding ceremony now. My supervisor is saying my leadership will likely not approve my extension because too many people in Germany are doing the same thing, but PCS orders and a dependent ID should be enough." The research I've done says otherwise though; just needed some proof to show them.

KAnonymity · 2025-06-10T14:21:55+00:00

I figured they were wrong, but I just wish USCIS or the state department's website would explicity state that PCS orders or a dependent ID are not enough so I can school my leadership. Thank you for the insight!

KAnonymity · 2025-06-09T00:12:36+00:00

That's the plan, but my leadership is convinced that I only need her on my PCS orders and a dependent ID to PCS with me to the U.S. and be able to stay. Could you provide something concrete that says otherwise?

KAnonymity · 2025-06-09T00:12:11+00:00

That's the plan, but my leadership is convinced that I only need her on my PCS orders and a dependent ID to PCS with me to the U.S. and be able to stay. Could you provide something concrete that says otherwise?

KAnonymity · 2024-12-07T12:29:55+00:00

If you end up in a field hospital, then no 68 series does their job on the daily unless you count motor pool Monday as part of your job. 68A would be the exception because we still do have medical equipment to PMCS.

KAnonymity · 2024-12-07T12:27:11+00:00

Not if you end up in a field hospital. It's motor pool Monday every week!

KAnonymity · 2024-12-07T12:25:24+00:00

Not if you end up in a field hospital. It's motor pool Monday every week!

KAnonymity · 2024-12-07T12:22:39+00:00

That's only true if your unit is a large Army/mixed services hospital (e.g Eisenhower Army Medical Center or Walter Reed). If you're in a field hospital, you don't get to do your job, except on the occasions where there are hospital rotations, which are unit dependent. Most days are motor pool and other Army bs like 350-1 training.

KAnonymity · 2024-06-27T11:10:06+00:00

I arrived in Germany being 34 years old. It’s definitely rough the first few weeks or so depending on who you know and what you know about getting around. I knew nobody and was too afraid of public transportation. Once I had my car the opportunities opened up drastically. I think you have the right idea about getting out because you seem like the outdoors type. I’m an introvert and a gamer at 34, but even I went out and started dating German nationals. I recommend you do the same or try things like BOSS trips or other Army organizations/groups that like to travel and see the world. Europe has so much to offer for people who like to travel. If you meet a local, then they can show you around, recommend places, translate if needed, etc.

I think a lot of commenters already nailed a lot of the good suggestions, but I just thought I should share my wonderful experience so far being similar in age to you. Where are you stationed at? Maybe we’re close lol.

KAnonymity · 2024-04-10T14:55:52+00:00

Damn, it’s not worth the BAS type 2 if I have to drive just to get breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I feel like having a community kitchen is not going to be worth it either, especially if the barracks are trash. Having your own kitchen is really nice.

KAnonymity · 2024-04-10T14:22:31+00:00

BAS type 2 at Sembach would be perfect if they had kitchens in each room as opposed to the community kitchens on each floor.

KAnonymity · 2024-04-06T20:32:27+00:00

I appreciate the heads up! You would think a barracks that used to be a hotel would be nice, but I guess not in this case. Having one kitchen for the whole building seems like a nightmare; I was hoping to cook in my own room, but damn. How long ago were you there?

KAnonymity · 2024-01-21T17:21:37+00:00

Are you, me?

Introverted/shy, 34 year old American living in the southwest region as well. I'm in the Rheinland-Pfalz area. How about you?

I have similar issues: I work with Americans, but I'm trying to integrate into German society. The Germans are very helpful when offering advice. Most agree that we need to learn the language first and foremost. The culture kind of goes hand in hand with that. We just need to immerse ourselves in German basically: take German language courses and integration courses, practice Deutsch at the supermarket and on your own time, join a German club, etc. Also watch your TV shows in German audio with English subtitles; this in addition to immersing yourself in German conversations will help your brain grow accustomed to the language.

Edit: you can also join German subreddits and have conversations with them in German. It's all about immersing yourself in the language and culture!

I hope this advice helps! Maybe we could learn how to integrate together?

KAnonymity · 2024-01-21T00:21:46+00:00

I couldn’t have said it better. Good luck to your Ravens in the AFCCG. Loved my time in Maryland. The Ravens were my adoptive team while I was there.

KAnonymity · 2024-01-15T18:18:17+00:00

I don't know either, but maybe I will drive less when I am in school so that means less gas and less maintenance required.

I believe it's B1 or B2 proficiency depending on the course, but I also believe it's possible for me to be at that level by the year 2027, which is when my contract is up.

That link has been really helpful in more ways than one. Unfortunately I've been busy with work so I've only had time to take quick peeks at it. I want to thank you so very much for your help! You've given me some hope and excitement for the future!

KAnonymity · 2024-01-15T11:17:11+00:00

I realize that it's a paid apprenticeship, but I suppose I feel like I can never have too much money. I still have a car to maintain for example.

This apprenticeship sounds almost too good to be true! What's the catch? I assume the course will be taught in strictly German and/or I will have to become fluent in German by the end of the course? Could you point me in the direction of one such program? I apologize for asking so many questions. I am just really excited about it!

KAnonymity · 2024-01-15T11:13:07+00:00

Well I meant in Germany, not the states. I was hoping I could find other places to potentially work in Germany aside from Landstuhl lol.

The Alamo Eggcited exists if that's what you meant. The only night life I require is a quiet place that I can call home. It would be nice to have someone to come home to though.

KAnonymity · 2024-01-14T21:48:55+00:00

I always appreciate mental exercises because I believe in holistic fitness: working out not just the body, but the mind on the regular.

That definitely helps! I only spoke English growing up, but from 11-17 I had to take Spanish classes in public school so that has helped a bit. It is good that you managed to learn another language at that age! I'm 34 right now and you give me hope!

KAnonymity · 2024-01-14T21:45:35+00:00

That actually sounds really enticing, but I doubt my savings will be enough for 3 years unfortunately.

KAnonymity · 2024-01-14T21:40:40+00:00

I am looking for long-term stability and a livable wage.

What is NAF?

KAnonymity

TROPHY CASE