Anyone PCS Overseas before??

I know we got a ton of military people on here, so who has PCS'd Overseas before??

What can i exspect, look forward to, try to avoid, and what helpful tips can you give ...?

 

From a guy who was stationed in Amsterdam.....you know my answer.

 

hahahaha

 

What can i exspect -- out processing and in processing is a pain, as is getting your house packed up,

look forward to -- new adventures

try to avoid -- short tempers

and what helpful tips can you give -- ship your vehicle in plenty of time so it will be there when you get there, same with your hold baggage, get your PO box before you leave so you only have to change your address once. Get a sponsor

 

Where are you going in Germany, I have a few friends over there. PCS is a pain but also exciting. Make sure you have all your paperwork hand carried, dont let the movers pack stuff you need, put it in your truck or out of the house. They will pack trash cans full of trash and full ashtrays if you look out. LOL.

 

I PCS'd many years ago to Korea... which was a huge pain in the ass... and I was single...

so... expect multiple headaches and damage to your household goods...

but you'll have good German beer...

 

Whatever you do... Know your weight allowance's and do not blow them. It can get very expensive. Hand carry all important documents, Pack essentials in the unaccompanied baggage, everything else in household goods. Buy a used Beemer to use when you get there, I brought back a saab when I came back. Back then they had a deal where you went to sweden to pick it up at the factory, The day was filled with a tour and being taught the handling of the 900 turbo on a test track.

 

I have been to every crap hole place between california and southeast asia twice. Expect plenty of cheap ho's trying to get your dollars.


Its all an adventure

 

Get USAA renter's insurance. If your stuff gets destroyed from the move; which something will, it takes a long time for the AF to reimburse you. USAA is immediate. I lost my entire household goods shipment when I PCS'd to the UK back in 2000. USAA cut me a check right away. THe AF took 6 months to reimbusre me for the stuff USAA wouldn't.

 

I've had very pleasant, easy PCS's in my career. Take the time and watch them pack your stuff. If you see something you don't like...tell them. Its YOUR stuff. The other suggestions were spot on...carry the important stuff, lock the things you don't want packed away in the car or empty room. Plan ahead and be as prepared as you can and things will go pretty smoothly. Good luck and have fun.

 

I don't know about Germany, but man if you ever PCS to Korea the 3 things I would tell you to prepare yourself for are

1: The smell of Kimchi and garlic
2: They're idea of personal space and friendship is much much closer then ours, if you see two guys cuddling, they are friends don't freak
3: bargin on the street vendors, they expect you to and get a KATUSA to help you learn how to properly barter

 

You'll love Germany. Get out and see the sights, do NOT stay on base and bitch about how much you miss America.

 

Thanks for the info

 

Spot on

 

I PCS'd to Yokosuka Japan back in 1988, I loved it:
-Make sure you have an regular "civilian" passport
-Don't do anything stupid overthere, you represent the US, and SOFA is different in each country.
- I opened up a savings account back home and set up an allotment to it so I had money when I got home.
- When you get back you will realize what a great country you were blessed to be born in
Good Luck!
IMO...

 

Try not to marry a local. I had a friend who went broke sending his wife home every time she got home sick.

 

Pssssstt - he's already married and going to become a dad in Dec

 

still good advice though...

 

True...

 

Oh I meant the other guy that is PCSing (Man Im so stupid) Well good advice for his friends.