What challenges are associated with doing a Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT)?

2015-06-26T11:32:41-04:00

I will be PCSing from my current location to Germany in about a year and wanted to know if anyone had some best practices. I am married with school aged children so I am trying to plan out as much as possible. Any assistance would be helpful.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 2:08 PM

2015-06-26T14:08:36-04:00

According to your profile you are currently in Georiga, but it looks like you are deployed. Since your current assignment is on TCS (deployment) orders and not PCS orders technically it is not a COT, but I can understand the challenges your family may be facing. Where will you be going to in Germany? I ask because every different location has its own set of challenges. Luckilly, all of the outlest utilize 220 power with the two prong plugs. When you get here hit up the thrift shop for cheap step down transformers because new ones are extremely expensive. Some barracks have a mix of 110 and 220 outlets, but that is not common in military family housing. Also, most of the family housing is not located on post. Be prepared to be living outside in the Germany community with a mix of American and German neighbors. Also, the on post hotels do not have enough rooms, so many people spend their TLA in hotels off post until they sign for their quarters. It is not uncommon to spend 3 weeks or more in temporary lodging. TLA is aproved 10 days at a time and the housing office is pretty good at giving extensions while you are waiting for your permanent residence. Submit you application for sponsorship early becausse you need to rely on your sponsor much more than most PCS moves. If you have two family cars I recommend that you ship your first car early (if you can) so that it will arrive much more quickly. Having just one car will help you enormously. Also, study the USAREUR drivers handbook so that you can get your license on the first try. Yes, some people actually do fail the written drivers test and have to wait to retake it. You are not allowed to even rent a car until you get that license. You will have a choice of placing your children in on post or off post schools. Many off post schools offer classes in English, but not all of them do. All of the on post schools teach in English and German is a common second language class. Every post has active teen centers and youth centers for your children to go to after school. These are just a few tips to get you in the door. ope you have a good assignment.