ACCOMPANIED ORDERS AND COMMAND SPONSORSHIP

Active Component military personnel with dependents may elect to receive 36-month accompanied orders. Dependents must be command sponsored through a rigorous overseas medical screening that should begin within ten days of receipt of orders. Reserve Component personnel and civil servant orders are different and explained below.

MEDICAL SCREENING

Marines and Sailors must begin their overseas medical screening within 10 days of receipt of orders and be completed within 30 days for the servicemembers and 60 days for family members per BUMED Instruction 1300 2.B. The overseas medical screening must be completed with a medical provider in-person.  The purpose is to screen for potential travel concerns, which may include medical, educational, and/or dental needs, to ensure that the gaining location can meet their needs. Check with EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) if it applies. Click here for more details or contact the MARFOREUR/AF Force Surgeon HSS_MFE@usmc.mil. 

Forms:

NAVPERS 1300_16

NAVMED_1300_1

NAVMED 1300_2

RESERVE COMPONENT WITH FAMILY MEMBERS

Reserve Component orders are typically written as unaccompanied orders. However, the DoD Financial Management Regulations allows for overseas housing allowance for dependents under some conditions. Reserve Component members are typically authorized only one housing allowance, so discuss your situation with the Reserve Liaison Officer (rlo@usmc.mil) early to understand your entitlements and make informed decisions. Reserve Component members must read and sign the Statement of Understanding. Click here for more details.

MFEA ADOS Orders SOU

CIVIL SERVANTS WITH FAMILY MEMBERS

[Under Construction]

NO-FEE PASSPORTS

Military personnel are authorized to travel to/from Germany with orders and DoDID and are not generally issued an official passport (billet specific). However, command sponsored dependents on accompanied orders need No-Fee Passports. Tourist passports are required for leisure travel outside Germany. Reserve Component dependents intending to stay in Germany beyond 90 days should request a Status of Forces Agreement stamp for dependent passports via the MARFOREUR/AF G-1 RPAC. Contact your local passport office or review online passport applications. Check the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) if your future duty station is outside Germany.

SPONSORSHIP

Two things people often remember about their units is how they were received and how they were sent off. We intend to do both well! All personnel with orders to MARFOEUR/AF Headquarters will be assigned a sponsor. We will try to match service, grade, marital status, family make-up, and future duty section. If you have not already been assigned a sponsor, please contact our Sponsorship Coordinator to request one. Here is an example of a sponsorship assignment letter.

Sponsorship assignment example

HOUSING

Housing in Stuttgart is one of the most complex and often frustrating aspects of a PCS to Stuttgart. Housing is governed by U.S. Army, Europe, in Wiesbaden, Germany. The local housing office is conveniently located on Panzer Kaserne next to the MARFOREUR/AF headquarters. All personnel –military and civilian, accompanied and unaccompanied—must apply for housing and check into the USAG Stuttgart Housing Office. You can contact the Stuttgart Housing Office at +49-711-729-1111 to inquire about availability and waiting lists.

Email your application here and copy your sponsor.

Housing Application DD1746

TEMPORARY LODGING OPTIONS

Personnel can reserve rooms for up to 60 days at the USAG Stuttgart hotels and up to 30 days at a time at a few local hotels. Families with more than two kids may be eligible for reimbursement of two rooms, depending on sex and ages of children. Personnel may make their own reservations, or their sponsor may do this for them. A credit card is required for reservations. Temporary lodging entitlements vary if you are a military member or civil servant.

Link to Panzer Hotel

Link to Kelley Hotel

Link to Sindlefingen Marriott

Link to Hotel Reussenstein

READY FOR SCHOOL?

Contact your child’s current school to understand how to disenroll and transfer records. Review Department of Defense Education Activity for USAG Stuttgart school information. School physicals and vaccines should be completed before you PCS. Private school information is here.

Stuttgart School Zones SY24-25

Stuttgart School Zones Map SY24-25

DOWNLOAD THE USAG STUTTGART APP

App name: USAGStuttgart. Available on the AppStore.

PURGE

Homes in Europe are smaller than U.S. homes. Start getting rid of what you don’t need or have a plan for what you will store. You rate three shipments: household goods, non-temporary storage (NTS), and unaccompanied baggage (>2000 lbs). Total weight is based on your grade and with or without dependents. All three shipments must not exceed your total weight allowance. Washers and dryers are provided by housing; do not bring them. Consider storing extra-large furniture, lawn equipment, large patio sets. If you don’t think you will need it, store, sell, or donate it.

SIGN UP FOR AN MCCS RELOCATION CLASS

Your local MCCS Information, Referral, & Relocation (I&R) Office (If available). PCS workshops are required for the service member and highly encouraged spouses and civil servants. These workshops provide an overview of all moving parts of a PCS. A great resource if you are unable to attend: NAVSUP Counseling Webinar Videos and Tutorials.

SCHEDULE FLIGHT

Your orders may direct government conveyance, but options exist. Contact your RPAC and travel office for options. The Patriot Express departing Baltimore-Washington International has limited pet space and lands at Rammstein Air Force Base. Rammstein is 2+ hours from Stuttgart and government transportation to Panzer Kaserne may be coordinated through your sponsor. If authorized to travel commercial air, most international carriers connect to Stuttgart through major airports like Frankfurt, but this connection can be restricted by pets and the size of your luggage.

TRAVEL WITH PETS

Review airline pet travel policies to inform your travel plans. Let your travel office know immediately. The Patriot Express has limited pet space and breed restrictions. Only Lufthansa and Delta allow pets to Europe but size limitations vary and restrictions apply for transfers and ambient temperature. Contracted pet travel is an expensive option. Pets need a USDA Interstate and International Certificate of Health signed within 10 days before arrival. Military vets are USDA certified. Most private vets are not. Now is a good time to contact your vet to set up appointments. Pet travel expenses can be reimbursed up to $2,000.

PLAN YOUR HOUSEHOLD GOOD SHIPMENT

Complete personal property counseling. Visit Military OneSource to create/update your account in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). If this is your first time moving, contact your local DMO first. Use the Locator Maps tool to find your nearest DMO (or Personal Property Office if you are not on a USMC base). Remember, houses in Europe are small. Don’t bring too much and don’t bring a washer and dryer. Express shipments average 10 weeks or more. Household goods at least 12. The housing office provides loaner furniture for on-base and off-base housing.

PLAN YOUR POV

Active component military and civil servants are typically authorized to ship or store one vehicle at government expense. Reservists can ship or store a POV at government expense only with 366+ day orders. Schedule at PCSMYPOV. Contact your lender for an international shipping approval letter. Shipping takes 8 to 10 weeks. Europeans drive smaller cars. Full-size trucks/SUV are hard to park and drive in cities. You may need to rent a car during your PCS and they are not reimbursable unless your car is not delivered by its required delivery date. Research rental car cost at both ends. Contact your insurance company now for shipping and German rates.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

A Power of Attorney allows someone (the "principal") to appoint another person (the "agent") to act on their behalf, making decisions regarding financial matters, healthcare, or other legal matters as designated. Contact your local legal services office to determine if a power of attorney could assist you in your PCS.

UPDATE YOUR OBI

Use MOL to update your OBI and contact your RPAC with any issues or questions.

BANKING

Contact any financial institution you use and inform them of your forthcoming PCS. Ensure you understand their requirements for you to continue uninterrupted service during and after you PCS.

SCHEDULE ROUTINE MEDICAL

Medical appointments can be limited at the USAG Stuttgart Medical Clinic. Schedule and complete any routing medical or dental appointments before you PCS in order not to delay. Talk to your providers about scheduling a 90-days supply of any prescriptions to be filled just before your PCS. Make sure all records are updated, especially for specialty care.

TELL YOUR HOUSING OFFICE/LANDLORD

Housing rules and laws vary by location. Make sure you tell your housing office or landlord about your PCS as soon as possible and set a move-out date. Contact your local legal services office if you have trouble breaking a lease. You may be covered under the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act.

SHIP YOUR POV

Confirm your appointment and have all required documents. Confirm your state/county’s vehicle deregistration requirements before shipping your vehicle. Does your insurance company know you are shipping/storing your car? Procure German insurance before shipping your vehicle. German insurance requires significantly higher liability coverage than most U.S. states. Travel to/from the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) is reimbursable on your PCS travel claim.

RENEW U.S. DRIVER’S LICENSE

Renew a driver’s license if your or your spouse’s will expire during your overseas tour. State requirements vary, but doing it in person may be easier than by mail, especially with RealID. Also, a valid U.S. driver’s license is required to get a USAREUR license for driving in Germany or an international driver’s license.

RESEARCH GERMAN RENTER’S INSURANCE

If you own stuff, you should insure it. Contact your insurance company to understand renter’s insurance rates for your new PDS for both on and off-base housing.

BUILD YOUR PCS BUDGET

All PCS moves are expensive. An OCONUS move can have expenses beyond those associated with CONUS moves. This could include rental cars, small appliances or voltage adapters, etc. Active component members will receive Dislocation Allowance (DLA) at the with or without dependents rate. Civil servants may qualify for some moving allowances. Travel claim reimbursement can take weeks. You need to plan your expenses.

PLAN YOUR PDS DEPARTURE

Often, we focus on our destination and forget how to plan our departure. In addition to telling your landlord you are moving, you should plan for: cleaning your house, temporary furniture, house inspection, hotels at your current duty station, leave dates and location. Contact your RPAC to understand your PCS entitlements.

SET UP A MAILBOX

Ask your sponsor to set up your Army Post Office Community Mail Room (CMR) General Delivery (GD) box. This will allow you to begin forwarding mail before you execute your travel. Contact the U.S. Postal Service to set up your change of address and mail forwarding. Each USAG Stuttgart camp has a CMR and you can change to a permanent CMR box once you are assigned housing.

CONTACT CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

CDC’s are located on Patch, Panzer and Kelley Barracks. Childcare is offered for ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Space is limited and the waitlist can be long. Contact the CDC for more information.

YOUTH SPORTS REGISTRATION

If your child plays recreational sports, do not wait until you arrive to get them registered for summer and fall sports. If you wait, they will not get to play. Review the Army Child and Youth Services Sports and Fitness page for seasons and registration timelines. Physicals are required and must use this form.  

CONFIRM THE STATUS OF YOUR PASSPORTS

Ensure all dependents have both a no-fee and tourist passports. Servicemembers will PCS to Germany with Orders and DoDID (CAC). A tourist passport is required for leisure travel within Europe for all personnel and for dependent leisure travel to/from Germany and the U.S. If your passports may not arrive before your flight dates contact your personnel administration center for a potential orders modification.

GTCC STATUS AND CREDIT LIMIT

Confirm with your GTCC Agency Program Coordinator that your card is active and has available credit to cover PCS travel.

COMPLETE YOUR OUTBOUND INTERVIEW (OBI)

Sign into your Marine On-Line (MOL) account to complete your Outbound Interview (OBI). All Marines in receipt of PCS orders will utilize the OBI module within MOL. This will cover all information needed by IPAC/admin to finalize PCS orders. This will also determine your travel entitlements. The OBI is used to finalize the flight booking process. Be sure to include your pet(s) in your OBI. See "Schedule Flights" section.

CELL PHONES

Most U.S. cellular providers have coverage in Germany and Europe, but normally at international calling and data rates. Check with your U.S. provider to determine rates. TKS is a popular Vodaphone provider for German cellphone lines and has an office at the Panzer Kaserne Exchange. Newer iPhone and Samsung devices use eSIM and can carry more than one eSIM at a time. GoogleVoice is an option but must be set up in the U.S. Research options before you arrive to facilitate a faster mobile and data transition.

TAKE THE USAREUR DRIVER TEST

U.S. Army Europe provides German driver’s licenses to U.S. military, civil service, and SOFA status dependents over 18. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required to get a USAREUR license. This website provides regulations and helpful driving links. Complete the Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) U.S. Forces Driver’s Training Program for Europe Course #007 & 007-B. Sponsors can set up dependents JKO accounts.

SCHEDULE WELCOME ABOARD CLASS

Navigate to the Central Processing Facility to fill out your Joint In-Processing Needs Assessment. Email the form, request a Welcome Aboard brief, and copy your sponsor.

SCHEDULE HOUSING APPOINTMENT

Use the USAG Stuttgart App to schedule your housing appoint for the first week you arrive. In-Processing Brief must be attended before first housing appointment. Schedule accordingly.

CHECK OUT OF YOUR UNIT

PET USDA INTERSTATE AND INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF HEALTH

The APHIS Form 7091 must be signed by a USDA certified veterinarian no earlier than 10 days before your arrival to Germany.

TRAVEL TICKETED

Your plane travel should be ticketed 3 days before your flights if reserved through the government travel office. Confirm all passenger information is correct and upload your flight to your airline’s travel app, if applicable. For Patriot Express, confirm online Make sure you have the e-ticket receipt for your travel claim.   

UPDATE ACCOUNTS

Consider updating accounts that require two-step authentication from text to email to avoid issues once you leave CONUS.

90 DAYS OF PRESCRIPTIONS

We recommend you arrive with 90 days of supply for each medical prescription for each family member. It can take weeks to get your initial primary care management appointment at the Patch Medical Clinic.

NOTIFY CREDIT CARDS

Contact your credit card companies to let them know you will be moving overseas. Update your mailing information. Turn on paperless statements.

SCHEDULE DRIVER’S LICENSE PICKUP

Use the USAG Stuttgart App to schedule Driver Licensing for the first week you arrive.

CONFIRM ARRIVAL PLAN WITH SPONSOR

Make sure you and your sponsor have confirmed the details of your arrival, pickup, and transportation to the hotel. Confirm all contact information.

BOARD YOUR PLANE

Your European adventure begins!

Arrive in Stuttgart

Meet your sponsor – get recall roster

Check into your hotel

Get some sleep!

[First Week Action Items] Most appointments can be scheduled via the USAG Stuttgart App. Your sponsor will assist you.

DEERS

Medical

Driver’s License

Welcome Aboard Brief

Housing

Cell Phones

Register pets

Schedule POV pick-up/Registration

Complete Level 1 Sponsorship Survey

[First Month Action Items]

Unit Check-in

Car Shopping

Vehicle pick-up, inspection, registration

International Driver’s License

View homes

School registration

Regional G-2 Traveler Briefs

Take the ACS Hospital Tour

Explore

German banking

Complete Level 2 Sponsorship Survey

Receive Unaccompanied Baggage shipment

COMPLETE LEVEL 4 SPONSORSHIP SURVEY