Any advice concerning transitioning to Landstuhl, GRM as an Army healthcare proffessional? How do I find out which unit patch I need?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 15:37:24 -0400

PCSing to Landstuhl, GRM as a critical care nurse for my first duty station. This is my first time overseas. Any advice on a new unit/international travel/ medical issues? How do I find out which unit patch I need for my uniforms? Thank you

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Jul 1 at 2021 8:35 PM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 20:35:29 -0400

When you get to your unit you'll find all that out as part of your in-processing. When you get to Germany you should be sent through Head Start, or something similar, where you'll learn some key phrases and how to get around.

Response by CSM Christopher Irwin made Jul 1 at 2021 9:07 PM

CSM Christopher Irwin — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 21:07:17 -0400

BLUF: Relax and prepare yourself by being a very dry sponge…Suck up every bit of knowledge you can immediately upon arrival! Research local customs.

To give some further advice, it will likely be the AMEDD patch if you’re going to work in the hospital directly. If you’re going to a CSH, wait until you arrive as patches vary based on the corps to which they are assigned.

Expect your car, if your shipping one to gather some potential rust as well as some cracks in your rubber seals as they are in or on cargo ships, exposed to heavy salty air.

If you’re bringing pets, that’s another story…we can discuss further if you are. If you’re married or have kids there are other considerations.

If you’re going to live on/off post rather than a BOQ, don’t count on household goods arriving very quickly; ensure you hand carry all uniforms (including dress uniforms), any TA-50 (if issued as applicable) and civilian attire as needed. It’ll likely be a couple months.

Don’t obsess about a lot of hygiene or unnecessary household items to cover you for two months as you can buy it when you arrive or hit ACS up upon arrival. They maintain a very good lending closet for that exact purpose. Dishes, small appliances, in some cases linen as well.

Consider your cell phone and whether you want to adjust your plan from the states for international use or buy one in Germany. They is usually a cell phone store on post.

Go to move.mil or the military one source site. They usually have good information regarding prep work for PCSing overseas. Also hit ACS on post as they can provide printed information as well.

Other things to consider but can be handled upon your arrival:

Driver’s License
Housing
Post transportation (buses, etc.) as these will save you a lot of money on cabs, Lyft, or Uber-type transportation.

Hope that helps.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jul 1 at 2021 9:25 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 21:25:58 -0400

Three words: Army Sponsorship Program. Having a sponsor in Germany is critical. Request the license test book and apply for a USAEUR driver's license as soon as you hit ground. Your sponsor can answer your questions and get you integrated

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jul 1 at 2021 9:34 PM

CDR Terry Boles — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 21:34:54 -0400

Some great advice already given. Enjoy your tour of duty; fun location and plenty of places to easily travel to.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2021 4:48 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 04:48:03 -0400

Hopefully you receive a good sponsor who gives a damn. You receive your unit patch when inprocess with your unit supply sergeant.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2021 6:34 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 18:34:33 -0400

As for the patch, you'll be wearing the MEDDAC/MEDCOM patch. As for the unit, I can't remember specifics but you'll more than likely end up falling under the Dept of Nursing, so what ever company they fall under. I wanna say Bravo Co, but I can't remember.

Response by MAJ Roland McDonald made Jul 3 at 2021 7:42 PM

MAJ Roland McDonald — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 19:42:19 -0400

Enjoy your time there. If you are single rail pass around the country eurrail pass the continent. The passes work on city transports. If you have a car, France, Luxembourg, are with less than an hours drive. Belgium and Netherlands are 2 hours drive. See the sights.if you want to experience the best people over there get off the beaten path. Drive the 2 lanes and get to the small villages. Use the autobahn (highway) to get were you want to be quickly. Learn the language they will appreciate it more. If you love the outdoors join a local volksmarch club (hiking club). Develop local friends. Thought I would cover tips on being there since others covered your questions.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2021 11:32 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 11:32:43 -0400

You’ll be coming to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC). I can’t remember what company the ICU/CVU folks fall under but it will be in one of the LRMC companies (I’m in A. Co) You’ll mostly work in patient so you won’t see much of the company. I’m assuming your coming from BOLC, reach out through the BOLC cadre to get a sponsor. Things are starting to open back up over here so you’re coming at a good time.