pros and cons of being stationed in germany

I pay income tax in a foreign country. Hearing that you're going to be stationed in Germany is always super exciting news. You may build a network of friends all around the world if you are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people. These VA Home Loan FAQs ensures Military.com members are fully prepared to take advantage of this exclusive benefit. 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. As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries. "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters," Select "General FAQs: 1. This includes the right to vote and stand in elections, and the right to make donations to political candidates. 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. As a dual citizen, you'll reapthe benefits of being immersed in the culture of the two countries. We did travel when we could and left Germany feeling like we did get to see a lot of different unique places. Click Here!!! 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. Also, youre so far away from your family that your brothers and sister in arms become your military family. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Other times, however, the process can take many years and can be extremely expensive and complicated. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Learn everything you need to know here. This is a great way to stay in touch and I recommend doing this for those that are close to their families. Cost of living in Germany + PRO: Low cost of living Overall the cost of living in Germany is on par with the rest of Western Europe. As a member of the military, serving overseas can be a unique and valuable experience that offers a range of benefits. One of the biggest perks of traveling from Oahu is the availability of Space-A flights. They also have the right to seek work in both countries, while foreigners must pass through a lengthy process to get a work permit. Our first duty station, Schweinfurt only had about 3000 soldiers. "What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen?". This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. Dual citizenship is when a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time, with all the rights and privileges that come with it. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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 had spent 5 weeks in Austria for a summer music program, and I remember feeling like I fit in so well. Sitting, talking, and having a long time at a restaurant is expected. Navigating foreign business practices, dealing with language barriers, and communicating with colleagues from different cultures can all be difficult and time-consuming. Investigate purchasing a tourist passport before you leave. You probably know of someone who spent a summer or a semester of college traveling through Europe or Japan. Best Air Force Bases Overseas. 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. 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. Here in Tennessee I do feel a part of the city we now live in. Being stationed in Hawaiiis an opportunity like none other. Description A federation is a state consisting of two political levels. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Being able to have my children learn to hula dance is an experience that we get only in Hawaii. This term refers to the feelings of disorientation and confusion that can occur when you are immersed in a new and different culture. Too many mosquitos, bugs, and pests. 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. Here are some of the best bases you will find overseas. In the event of an emergency, you are like 24-48 hours (at an absolute minimum) from getting back to them. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear. Why I Love Parenthood and the Bravermans, 5 Ways To Make Friends When You Have Small Children , shutting down some Military installationsin Germany, 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. You should have this anyway even while living in on-post quarters. 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! As you can see there are a lot of great things about being stationed in Germany. 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. A sometimes really amazing one. If something were to happen and they had to go to Germany, you are already in the country. Being stationed in Hawaii is being stationed in paradise. A sometimes really frustrating one. Approximately 92% of US student loans are owned by the US Department of Education. It does not store any personal data. It may help teachers feel refreshed and support a good work-life balance. As a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. Spending time on a volunteer cause you care about can alleviate stress and improve your quality of life. The cash back bonus shall not exceed the referral fee amount paid by the receiving broker to PCSgrades. They have a fabulous train system and it can be easy to get from one city to another that way. Another big difference I have found is the way I interact with the surrounding community. It is a reasonably affordable place to live. It felt as though it was always their town and it wasnt mine. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Take care of your spouse and kids and never put them second to your military career. A PCS to Hawaii also means learning and embracing Hawaiian customs, which you can learn more about here. Similarly, if a child of U.S. citizens is born overseas, they may automatically become a citizen of both the U.S. and their country of birth (although this is situational because it depends on that specific countrys laws). Those opportunities are first offered to those stationed overseas. 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. ", Government of Canada. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Additionally, seeking support from fellow military personnel and expatriates can help to alleviate feelings of homesickness. I know of spouses with graduate degrees that cant get a job at our base besides fast food and retail. Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to: The creep of PCS anxiety is setting in. ", U.S. You mean I have to pay for that? Being a little closer to thewar zone has itsbenefits. 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. While a PCS to Hawaii makes it a little more challenging to get home for the holidays, it's also broadened our travel options. When Germans clock out from work, they will travel far and wide. ", U.S. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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%). The average 2019 graduate owed $28,950 in college loans. The festivals areso much fun and are a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. They can also receive an education at the same price as domestic students. Ever heard of poke? Do I Have To Report Income From Foreign Sources? http://www.youtube.com/c/MaloriMayor14 I have a growing library of videos about how to PCS to Germany, as well as what life is like here. I used to buy flowers all the time. Balancing work and life can be challenging in any situation, but it can be especially difficult when stationed overseas. Make a list of your dream travel list, and then strategically plan your year according to the training holiday schedule. And the flowers. 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. 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. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. As someone who spent four years in Germany, I have to recommend that if you have the opportunity to go overseas, do it. Know what a VAT form is and how it can save you money. As a family member, a soldier and then as a spouse, I have been through numerous tours in both Germany and Belgium. 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. If you have any kind of health issues, it's covered no questions asked. It might take several trips to get the hang of European travel planning, but tons of traveling is something you will NOT regret! She is the co-founder of PowerZone Trading, a company that has provided programming, consulting, and strategy development services to active traders and investors since 2004. Conversely, some countries may require you to use a specific passport, if you have it. "IRS Provides Tax Inflation Adjustments for Tax Year 2023. What Are the Advantages of the EU? It really does take several weeks to get over jet lag! The sushi is some of the freshest youll ever find, as fish is caught daily. This personally happened to me and I had to take emergency leave after my Dad had a heart attack. Reliable, punctual people. . 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. Internal Revenue Service. She has been in the accounting, audit, and tax profession for more than 13 years, working with individuals and a variety of companies in the health care, banking, and accounting industries. 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. As military families, some of us have the opportunity PCS to Hawaii, living here for years at a time and getting paid for doing so! Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Sometimes dual citizenship happens automatically (for example, when a child is born in the U.S. to foreign parents). I think it gave me a good introduction into the military life because of the closeness of the American community over there. A beautiful and varied landscape. 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. 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. Other eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old when you apply and being able to read, write, and speak basic English. Connect with Malori on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook! 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? I also assumed that since Germany is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock would not exist! However, if you want more support in your OCONUS PCS and adjustment period, come find me on YouTube! Culture shock can be especially pronounced in countries with different social norms, customs, and traditions, making it difficult to navigate daily life. 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" 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 more of the local language that you know at your overseas base, the better. Since it can be expensive to fly home, military families stationed in Hawaii often spend holidays with friends.I forged some of the strongest friendships of my life right here on this little island. Just like any other duty station, Hawaii is what you make of it. Ah, Hawaii the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows! So Your Spouse Just Deployed??? By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Hot and humid summers. Pinch yourself, because you're not dreaming! A person with dual citizenship is a citizen of two countries at thesame time, which has both advantages and disadvantages because it is a complex legal status. Even though the Military is shutting down some Military installationsin Germany, people are still PCSing to Germany. We even had a beer delivery truck. On one hand, it offers the opportunity to serve your country, see the world, and expand your horizons. She also creates YouTube videos about PCSing overseas and life in Germany for other milspouses who are walking the same path. My kids were only 3 and 5 when we moved back. The downsides of being stationed in Hawaii with the military are the high cost of living, long deployments, and limited job opportunities. So he did the geo-bachelor life for about three months. July 5, 2021 by Megan Voegele Leave a Comment. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Jean Folger has 15+ years of experience as a financial writer covering real estate, investing, active trading, the economy, and retirement planning. The research indicates when a young adult feels unjustly targeted, they will resist the implied injustice and act to regain control, meaning they will not comply. Writer, reader, coffee drinker. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. For individuals who are dual citizens of the U.S. and another country, the U.S. imposes taxes on its citizens for income earned anywhere in the world. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. From taking a day trip to a castle to planning a post-deployment vacation to some amazing city you never thought you would ever travel to in your lifetime. However, I never felt like I was really a part of the German community. 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. To overcome these challenges, its important to seek out support from your colleagues and superiors. You will be glad you did. Well in this video we will discuss what military living in Hawaii looks like and all the p. Get involved with your base and sit in on classified briefings to get a better understanding of whats going on with your base and how you contribute to the real world mission. APO mail service overseas is a bit different than stateside mail. 5. The torturous inner dialogue within ourselves is, Do I look, or do I wait?. While having a positive attitude about any PCS is important, its equally important to have realistic expectations. With crystal clear turquoise waters, white powdery beaches, and bright blue skies, Hawaii will likely be like nothing you've ever seen before. The obligation to serve if asked was an accepted feature of life . We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. If you are single, there is a lot of fun to be had being stationed overseas. Nationality and Foreign Military Service. 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 I also assumed that since Germany is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock would not exist! 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. Being stationed abroad can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as you navigate the challenges of life in a new environment. For example, you may have the opportunity to learn new hobbies or sports, explore new cities, or meet new people. If you are ever in a solo PCS situation, especially overseas, get your family or close friends to help! Living in Hawaii is the chance to make close friendships perhaps even closer than the friendships made at CONUS duty stations.. Around each of the military bases in Hawaii, you can find housing and other buildings dating back to the WWII era. Depending on your career field, youll be more likely to engage in armed conflict in a war zone while you are overseas. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Because culture shock threw me for such a loop, I made a YouTube video about it! The Department of Labor has a table of the allowable pay frequencies for each state . There have been fewer wars fought on the continent then at any time since the reign of the Roman Empire over the region. Right in your inbox. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. This is a monthly income of $7,170 or an hourly $41.39. 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. Being stationed overseas as a military member comes with a unique set of challenges and benefits. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. 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. These experiences can help you to broaden your horizons and develop new interests, leading to a more well-rounded and fulfilling life. 3. Its a coin flip if they speak English or not. For one thing, very few of the people stationed where you are can go home for the weekend. List of the Pros of Living in Germany 1. Reduced stress may potentially provide several health advantages, such as a higher quality of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease. Citizen.". Luckily he survived and I arrived in 36 hours to be by his side. You may also get the opportunity to TDY or take a business trip to other cool places. That likely cost them a pretty penny. Even simple drives to a local park or convenience store have opened my eyes to beauty that I had never noticed before. 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. 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. You simply cant find that type of Military community in the states. Get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and our latest award-winning content. Lowering the voting age could lead to manipulated voting patterns. Island hopping is a fantastic option for travel in Hawaii as well, and 4-day weekends are the perfect opportunity! German roadways also differ from much of Europe. -- Raquel Thiebes has been blogging about living overseas since 2007. For most people, the complicated process of gaining citizenship requires the help of an immigration lawyer. That's why there are generally laws that limit how infrequently a company can pay its employees. What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen? Those born into dual citizenship may encounter fewer problems than those who actively sought it out. 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. Vikki Velasquez is a researcher and writer who has managed, coordinated, and directed various community and nonprofit organizations. I had little babies and toddlers when I was there. That's why I started blogging about the overseas experience. 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. Having to depend on the military for almost everything gave me a good idea of what the Army life was like. In this case, that person would become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship. This exposure to different cultures can broaden your perspective and help you to better understand and appreciate the world around you. Many of the houses include the story and information behind the service members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened. You also have to pass a test to show an understanding of citizenship rights and responsibilities, and demonstrate language skills in English or French. Citizenship and Immigration Services. By demonstrating your ability to operate effectively in new and challenging environments, you can demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to succeed in a variety of roles. Hohenfels to Regensburg: 40 Minutes. Also, make sure that you do not shine a negative light on the uniform that we put on every day. 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. Featured Content Hult International Business School Student 5 Germany was my first experience with the Army and my first experience living on an Army post. 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. But after awhile, it got too quiet and anxiety set in. I Am A Citizen of Another Country. Hohenfels to Paris: 8 hours. Unless a wife is German, her family is usually 2000+ miles away. If you are close to your family, you may feel disconnected from them being on the other side of the world. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The options for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii. The United States requires all dual citizens to enter on their U.S. passport. My parents came for my graduation and to help with the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers. While the cultural immersion, career opportunities, and personal growth that come with a posting abroad can be incredibly rewarding, they are often balanced by the difficulties of being away from home, adjusting to new cultures, and navigating unfamiliar business practices. Share. "Dual Nationality. Introduction In this paper the United States system will be analyzed, the pros and cons for the federation will be explained as well as what a federation is. 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. Dual citizens can travel freely in both countries, as well as work, do business, own land, and do other activities that may be restricted to foreigners; however, there are also disadvantages, as dual citizens may face extra taxes or even military service. Another great thing about living in Germany is being around another culture. Being in the military, you will be able to submerge yourself in a foreign local culture completely on the governments dime and have experiences that youll never have in the continental United States. She recently PCSed with her family from Germany to Belgium and back again. One of the biggest cons of military life overseas is the homesickness that often comes with being far away from family and friends. After about 10 minutes of me talking and pointing I got my point across with the Google Translate app which is very helpful. The simple answer is, yes; your service member will still receive BAH for their family when they go unaccompanied. After three and a half years on Oahu, Im still constantly wowed and blown away by the beauty of this island. If you are living in your country of dual residence that is not the U.S., you may owe taxes both to the U.S. government and to the country where the income was earned. It's great meeting so many like-minded travel buddies. Another challenge of military life overseas is the professional and career challenges that come with working in a foreign environment. The shortest path to becoming a dual citizen is through birth, either by having parents with dual citizenship or by being born in a country with birthright citizenship. Unlike foreigners, dual citizens do not require a visa or permit to visit the countries where they have citizenship, and they can stay for as long as they like.

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