Hello! My husband and I are in the process of PCSing to Mannheim. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on PCSing overseas? This is our first move with the Army so, needless to say, we are a little nervous and not sure what to expect. What's the housing and the base like? I would appreciate any information on Mannheim.
Thank you!!!
Well, we made it! Thank you again to everyone for all your tips, I really appreciate it. Mannheim is a beautiful city and we are slowly, but surely, getting settled in here. The housing is small and a bit outdated, but as far as army housing goes, it's really not bad at all. We've received our unaccompanied baggage, but still waiting on HHG shipment. I will say that I am REALLY glad that I took the time to do all of those tedious inventories on our belongings. Unaccompanied baggage all came in one piece, and nothing was lost or broken. It's just the piece of mind knowing that if something had been lost, it would not have just been overlooked. Hopefully we have the same luck with HHG! So far, everyone has been friendly and helpful. It's much different than in the states because it is such a smaller community everyone seems to watch out for each other. Which I really like. The only major negatives we've had so far are of course the EXTREMELY long plane ride (9 hours in an uncomfortable seat was a little too much for me!) and the lack of having a car to get around in... not to mention having to take the drivers test for Europe, which we've been told is REALLY hard and everyone is doomed to fail the first time. But, everyone has been really nice about giving us rides to the commissary and PX. You just have to be willing to ask for they're help, they've all been in your position before, so they are usually more than willing to lend a helping hand. There are no Walmarts or CVS's or really anything like that (at least that I've found so far) but I don't really mind. Yes, it can get very stressful and irritating at times, but we are really trying to look at this as an opportunity to see and do things we wouldn't normally have a chance to do. So, we're trying to take advantage of all the trips and sight-seeing as we can. It really is beautiful here!
Thank you all again for all your advice and tips!!!
Hi,
I can't give you information on Mannheim Base, but anything about Germany or Overseas bases I could help you with....
I'm German (born and raised) and I've also lived in housing...... (Giessen/Friedberg) which is now closed....
Go to marriedtothearmy.com You'll have to search the page but there us a forum that tells you all about the bases from wives reviews. It's just like this site but for army wives :). It has resources for lots of other army wife info to. I've never been to the base personally but my aunt and uncle loved being stationed there. I have been to Germany and the people are super friendly and quality of life is excellent. It's all in what you make it. Don't go there looking for it to be like it is here. It's not but if you make the effort to be flexible and open minded you will have a blast. Take advantage of the proximity to other countries and hop a train whenever you can there is so much to see. I lived in the Netherlands and northern Italy for a few months and loved my time there. Thanks to your husband. I am secretely hoping my husband will get stationed in Germany or Italy, fingers crossed :)
I don't know anything either, this is the first time my husband and I are PCSing too. We are going to Korea in August. So if you get any info please let me know. :) Good luck.
You did not say if you have kids and what their ages are as that will determine the size of the on post housing unit you receive. Most of the units are 2, 3, or 4 bedroom size and some go by rank. The economy housing is different and I can't say what they will be in Euros (it's been a while since living in Germany). Do get a good English/German dictionary and and do a Google map search to familiarize yourself with the area. Mannheim is in a great area to explore the German country side. North of Mannheim is Bad Kreuzach, Weisbaden and Frankfurt, Heidelberg is a little southeast and that was where vehicle licenses were issued (there's also a large castle and university there), Kaiserslautern is a large Army complex. Stuttgart is the home of Mercedes Benz (have tours) and Munich (Munchen) is home to BMW. Across the border is Zurich. These can all be driven in a day.
But before you can drive on the Autobahn you must pass the driver's license first (the test is in two parts of 50 questions each - written and signs in that order). As the other poster stated if you are passing you must speed up to pass quickly or your will be pushed over into the right lane by the car behind you. The German drivers do not play when it comes to driving and they drive at speeds of 100+ all day long. I now have problems maintaining the American speed limits of 75 or below and this is 20 years later.
As for furniture take the minimum you need as there are places to buy things like clocks, wooden wall units and collectibles (Hummels and such). Tours are scheduled through MWR for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, France, England and Belgium.
Consider the move another chapter in your military life book. Good luck and enjoy your experience. The other S.
My first duty station was in Japan and my recommendation for PCS'ing overseas is to think about what you want in your express shipment and what can/should go in your 'sea' shipment. The express shipment will have a smaller limit and the installation will likely have furnished temporary quarters so you won't need furniture, much cookware, etc. The larger shipment may take several months to arrive - when it does it's kind of like a special Christmas where you open all your own stuff!
I lived in Vilseck, Germany for 3 years and it was my first PCS. It was pretty scary for me but I really enjoyed it! I don't know how Mannheim housing is but its a beautiful city! I'm sure its not bad though. The one thing I wish i knew was to bring my own sheets and pillows because we went straight into housing when we got there and we had army furniture but no blankets so we had to walk to the px to buy some. The px isn't too bad, if i remember right it was kind of small, but there are tons of German stores that I recommend you check out! the commissary was nice. Try to learn some German, it will really help and make you feel more comfortable. Almost all the Germans there do speak English so it makes it a little bit easier. You really need to go see things while you are there. Like Suzanne listed, there is soooo much to do! Also about the furniture I agree with Suzanne, i am sure you will find so much to buy there and I know my housing was small you didn't need much to fill it up. This will be a great experience for you guys enjoy every minute and take advantage of all the opportunities. If you have any more questions I can try to answer them.
Have fun!
J.
I've never been to Germany, but my family and I lived overseas for 10 years (dad is petroleum engineer) and it was awesome. It was an experience I will never forget. We saw lots of the country and took vacations to different spots. We ate the local food and learned the local language.
Just look at it as a great learning experience for you and your kids. Enjoy Germany. It looks like so much fun (from the episodes I've seen on House Hunters)
Oh my gosh, jealous! We had a great time when I was stationed at a small airbase near Landstuhl. It was years ago and the one thing I remember specific to the move is the movers are terrible....
1. Take photos of ALL your possessions. Walk around with a video camera so you can get a record of everything you own and the condition it's in. Then when the packers come, make sure they accurately document everything that goes in the boxes. When the movers arrive and area ready to unpack into your house, have snacks and sodas waiting. It makes them happy and they take better care of your things. Same for when the y come to pack your things up.
2. It's much easier to just buy a cheap-ish car while there then rely on shipping your current car over there. Our car was completely destroyed in the 4 months it took to arrive. If you buy something on the german economy it will perform differently then something purchased here too. And don't drive in the left lane unless you mean it. Good luck on the drivers exam!
3. ENJOY EVERY SECOND OF BEING THERE!!!! :)
