Ever stationed in Germany?.....lots of questions

[rogue308]

I've been in the same place for 5 years so it's time for me to go somewhere before the Army makes up my mind for me. The wife and I have decided we're going to Germany. Hopefully someone here can help me out.

I found out I can bring long guns and up to 2 pistols but with all the stipulations is it really worth it? I could do with just 1 rifle and 1 pistol for a few years but what about reloading? I couldn't find any info on that. It would be a great time to reload a few thousand rounds a year to bring back but is it even possible to ship the ammunition back with household goods or by mail?

We've decided even though the Army will pay to ship one vehicle we're just going to sell my bike, truck and her car, then buy her a nice BMW or something there and me a new truck when we get back state side. A buddy of mine just got back and said beemers are like fords over there. He got a hell of a deal on one and brought it back. Can I get away with not having transportation the first month or so over there?

Is it better to live on post or off? I've never been a fan of post housing so I've always lived off post but that had been in the states. Comparing the euro to the dollar I'm wondering if living off post would even be practical. I know I'll get COLA (cost of living allowance) but how much is that and does it even come close to what my living expenses would be?

I tried looking up some units over there but it seems like everything is medical and support. I'm Infantry so where would I most likely end up?

Finally, I have my B4 so what are the chances I'll will be able to walk on to another Sniper section??

Thanks for any input. Any pros, cons, or tips you guys have will be much appreciated.

 

[rogue308]

Re: Ever stationed in Germany?.....lots of questions

I forgot one last thing. Do I go over, get settled in and then move my wife? or do we both go at the same time? Thanks.

 

[SurgeonPredator]

Re: Ever stationed in Germany?.....lots of questions

Try to ask USAFDoug. He's stationed with the AF in Spangdahlem.

About the weapons and the reloading: If you are prone to german laws, you have to get a permission for both.

To own weapons in Germany, you have to be member of a gun club and have to take course with a general firearms knowledge exam and then, after one year of regular training, you can apply for a so called "Waffenbesitzkarte" (short WBK, a weapon ownership license) either in yellow (long guns) or green (handguns and semi-auto rifles).

To be allowed to reload, you have to take a reloader course with another exam...I don't have that license, so I am not the best source for information on that topic.

I am a German and own both WBKs (there is a red one for authorized experts and collecotrs, too). You could also become a hunter, but this is more expensive and allows you to own "unlimited" rifles and up to two handguns. But you have to pay for an annual hunting license as far as I know. I am no hunter, so as with reloading, I am not absolutely sure about that.

If you got any other questions a german citizen can answer, shoot.

And I think I remember Bruce (on the Hide) was stationed in Germany too some time ago.

 

[cavscout1983]

Re: Ever stationed in Germany?.....lots of questions

Rogue308,

I'll forward your questions to the Rear D 1SG of 4/2 SCR. If anyone will be able to answer everything- he will. On Top of this being his 2nd of 3rd time stationed in Germany- he was born there and speaks fluent German so his experience extends to more than just the .mil side of things.

Dunno if he will have time to answer them, but I'll send them his way and forward what I get back to you.

Brad

 

[GSluzenski]

Re: Ever stationed in Germany?.....lots of questions

First off, unless there has been a total change in policy forget about shipping loaded rounds in either direction. Customs inspection will get them. Trying to hide them is smuggling! I lived off post, COLA was sufficient. Actually, the dollar is doing very well against the Euro right now. Everything about firearms and ammunition presents a challenge in Germany, but to me it was well worth it. There was a rework of the Status of Forces Agreement several years ago that requires you to have a Waffen Besitz Card from the local German government in order to have a weapon in Germany. USAREUR policy was in order to ship a weapon you had to have the Waffen Besitz Card first. Don't know if that's changed, but that's one of the things you want to check on before attempting to bring a weapon into the country. Know some who have gone to Germany and left weapons in US, obtained WBC and then shipped or hand carried the weapons to Germany. Long guns can be mailed. Need to register the weapon also with the US military. Need to have the weapon registered in order to be able to purchase ammo in a Rod & Gun and need the WBC in order to purchase ammo on the economy. Reloading also requires a license - in order to be allowed to purchase powder (SpringStoff Erlaubnis). Also, requires a class and you have stringent requirements for location of equipment, storage of powder and use. Subject to inspections by German authorities and only license holder is authorized to use the equipment and powder. Can get German hunting license (Jagd Schein) through the Rod & Gun Clubs in Europe by taking a class and written and shooting tests. Yearly license costs around $90 and must have Liability Insurance - figure on around $200/year.
Made friends with German hunters and shooters 25 years ago during my first tour in Germany and friendships and hunting opportunities continue to this day. Well, that's a lot of info, and some of it may be dated, but it gives you some things to look at. Google US Army Infantry Units in Germany for units/locations. HQ USAREUR is another good search. Good luck. Tours in Fulda, Worms and Bad Kreuznach and loved every minute of it!

 

[wallace11bravo]

Re: Ever stationed in Germany?.....lots of questions

PM sent

 

[Snakum]

Re: Ever stationed in Germany?.....lots of questions

Was in Kitzingen for three years but so much has changed my info is outdated. Have fun, though. It's a good tour.

 

[Tough Guy]

Re: Ever stationed in Germany?.....lots of questions

Illesheim, Germany DON"T GO THERE! Ya it was a long time ago... it's what made me not want to reenlist.

 

[USAFDoug]

Re: Ever stationed in Germany?.....lots of questions

If you still need info please let me know. I have been here in Germany for 2 years now.. although with the Air Force it is pretty similar to what the Army goes through. I also have a few close riends in the Army... rangers and infantry... so I can get whatever info needed from them also. Just let me know!

 

[cavscout1983]

Re: Ever stationed in Germany?.....lots of questions

Rogue308- PM inbound with info

 

[match308]

Re: Ever stationed in Germany?.....lots of questions

Friedberg Germany for 4 years. Single @ the time and loved it. Get off-post housing. Unless you go way down south, you dont need a car. As far as brining a B'mer back: In 1992, when I left, you had to send the car through an AAFES service to have emissions and safety glass upgrades wich were costly, but some guys still made some money on it. I took a 65 Ford Galaxy rag top POS over there and made a fortune selling it. If you can, get something coveted by the Hermans, (you'll know this nick-name when you get there), and you could sell it and use the profits to buy something really nice. Re: using your Sniper quals, it should be easy to find a slot but you will be mechanized more than likely. We used to say our Inf unit was an island of blue in a sea of gold. More Tankers than you can shake a stick at. Have fun and don't get addicted to German beer as it will ruin the taste for American suds.