For those who have been stationed in other OCONUS bases, is Germany your favorite? Least favorite? Why or why not?

A1C Clay Slater — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 07:22:41 -0400

I've been stationed here for about a year, and I have no reason to dislike Germany. Others seem to either love it or hate it. Recently the COLA here has dropped, but being an A1C in the dorms I don't have much in the way of expenses anyway.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Apr 22 at 2015 10:03 AM

MSgt James Mullis — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:03:48 -0400

I did two tours in Germany. My first was in 1983 as a SrA at the now closed Hahn AB and the second was in 1995 as a TSgt at Ramstein AB. Both times I loved Germany almost as much as the US. Whats not to love, great people, great food, great beer, great festivals, great travel opportunities.

I recommend getting a car if you can or even renting a car on the weekends if you can't afford to buy one (spit among four friends, its not that expensive). Take advantage of the MWR/SVS/ITT tours (whatever they're called now). I have fond memories of the region which include: hiking around Garmisch, numerous Volksmarch's, skiing in Austria, cruising on the Rhine and Mosel rivers, trips to Paris and London, three separate trips to Oktoberfest in Munich, the Wittlich pig fest, a tour of the Bitburg brewery, various castle tours, and many more. The key is to get out there while you can.

Oh and there are times when I really crave a Döner kabab and fries from Ramstein.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 6:33 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 18:33:11 -0400

It's my favorite base so far just by virtue of being my second base. I spent 8 years in Minot and was more than ready to move on.

If you are careful with your money, COLA should not be an issue. I am the only income for my household of four and am doing fine. Your assignment is what you make of it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 10:09 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:09:57 -0400

The one thing i have learned over the years about any assignment is, Its all what you make of it. The best assignment in the world to you might be the worst to someone else

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 3:31 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:31:47 -0400

As a BMET and in your squadron, we travel to lots of other bases for our MERC trips to look after their equipment. Many of the stories that are passed on to us is how lucky we are to be in Germany. SSgt Valle said it below, it is what you make of it. It's hard to be away and in such an expensive half of the world. You said you don't have much in the way of expenses; that's a good start to enjoying everything. Venture out with the ITT and USO tours. Go by yourself, lots do. Dont' wait on everyone else. Where else can you fly to Ireland for the weekend for $80 and NOT have to be on leave?! No where! If you need anything, let me know. My Airman travels more than anyone I've met and he's a SrA. Have a plan when you go, but don't think too much as it can get you nervous.