Army Question about being stationed in Germany! Is it better living on the army base or off post?

I am new to the Army too and living in Germany. Being pregnant, you may want to be on post so you are close to everything and they have shuttles to take you around until you get your license or you don't even have to get a license if you prefer not to. Try to get a 1st floor apt. the housing is mostly stairwell and living on the 3rd floor is not fun. (that's where we live) You will probably have to come separately , my boys and i got here 2 months after my husband,This was our first duty station and my husband said they never send the wives with the soldier to a first duty station. Unfortunately, that meant my husband chose our quarters and now we are stuck. We have one of the apts. without laundry facilities and we are on the 3rd floor. Houses with yards can be found easily off post and some duplexes with yards are available on post. You will have to have a passport but the Army will help you get one. The best thing about being on post is not having to worry about electric bills. The dollar is low and the euro is high, so you could have some problems off post.They do give COLA. a cost of living allowance to kind of offset that but it doesn't come close.Things are very expensive here and if you live on a small post like we do there is very little selection at the px or comissary. If you can, buy all your baby items before you get here and have them shipped with your household goods.Except for the baby monitor they have a different frequency here and using an American one can cause you to be fined and ticketed. Most housing on post now has 110 and 220 electrical outlets so you don't have to get rid of all your American appliances, like I did. hope this helps. I came completely unprepared for what to expect and spent the first 2 weeks crying. They will overwhelm you with paperwork upon arrival too, deers cards, id's etc. Just keep asking for help until somebody helps you. Don't be afraid to ask other wives. They have all been very helpful. You will love the scenery and festivals. Willkommen!

He will need to get his orders ammended first to entitled you to go. If on post housing is available they usually encourage you to take it. You still need to pass a screening etc to be able to go. Until you are married you can't do nothing.

I have been to a few countries but never lived off base, but this is the problem I am thinking about living off post, you have to deal with a person who may or may not be able to speak english well and if he turns out to be a slum lord who do you turn to for help? You can always go to JAG and get help but it takes time and to get this resolved and have them put on the "Off limits" list..

If expenses are of any concern, then I recommend trying to get on post. Living off post on the German economy can be expensive and a financial hardship. Regarding what needs to happen in order for you to accompany him, see Iconnor's response. It is do-able, just some hoops to jump through in order to make it happen.

on base is much cheaper off base can be much more fun on base for your child will be with like minded people off base will he grow up not knowing much about Americans but off base you and the child will learn a lot more of the German language on base is a lot safer good luck smile

if stay on base it,s free if off you base you pay rent

Depending on what city you are stationed in, it can be cheaper to live off post than on post. In larger cities, it is typically cheaper to live on post, however. There are pro's and con's to both living on and off post. On post you will be closer to the PX, commissary and health clinics. There will be people around you who speak English, and who are military dependents (something in common). On post you will not have the maximum experience of living in a foreign culture. Off post you will be exposed to a foreign culture (good) and will have a cultural immersion. You will also have the ability to meet the locals, experience the actual culture (not just the PX & commissary). You will have an opportunity to learn & use a foreign language. You will enjoy going to the stores, bakeries & butcher shops more than just going to the PX & commissary. Germans also learn English in school, but may not speak it well if they have not used it in a long time. Depending on where your husband is stationed, some areas use English very frequently. Depending on where he is stationed, and the availability of housing, it is possible that you will have to go later, but if it is readily available you could go with him. Yes, you will also need a passport to go to Germany. The military will issue a no-fee passport for use with official travel. You will still need a regular tourist passport for your personal travels. Go out & enjoy Europe!!