The torturous inner dialogue within ourselves is, Do I look, or do I wait?. ", U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Its a monumental task, but you will be forever grateful for it. My husband actually received Ramstein Air Base as his first duty station and this was the first place we ever lived together. That was another thing that kinda stopped me in my tracks. They seem to be happening all the time too. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. Do I still need to file a U.S. tax return?". For example, if you are a citizen of the U.S. and a country with mandatory military service, you can lose your U.S. citizenship under certain circumstances, such as if you serve as an officer in a foreign military that is engaged in a war against the U.S. One way to do this is by taking time to explore your new community and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. With so many beautiful sites and mouth-watering food options, there really is something for everyone. So if I hear someone is trying to decide to go, I urge them to do so. Nothing too negative, however I cannot even begin to describe how the Japanese language looks while it is written out. Moderate cost of living. Having to depend on the military for almost everything gave me a good idea of what the Army life was like. The program is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. Citizenship and Immigration Services. To help mitigate these financial challenges, its important to budget carefully and make the most of the financial benefits available to military personnel. "Dual Nationality. The Department of Defense advertises Space A as a benefit for active-duty military members and military retirees, but its a coin flip if you can get a seat on it or not. ", The New Zealand Government. Explore each state's voter registration age requirements at USA.gov. As a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. Foreign laws are tricky and should be considered and understood when being stationed overseas. If you have recently received orders to Hawaii, you can access reviews of the military bases, housing neighborhoods, and more--all for free on our membership site here. As a legal citizen of two countries, you would be able to purchase property in eitheror bothcountries. Part of the reason we love college in Germany so much is that most colleges don't charge tuition. Hohenfels to Regensburg: 40 Minutes. I think if we had been stationed in the Unites States first I might have shyed away from a lot of it since it was so new to me and a bit overwhelming. They were so cheap. The European Union creates an allied front against outside aggression. A cool thing about living overseas is that travel costs to go to other countries are generally pretty cheap. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Jean Folger has 15+ years of experience as a financial writer covering real estate, investing, active trading, the economy, and retirement planning. A sometimes really frustrating one. When we were in Germany I felt so as though the post was where my life was and looked at the German community as a different type of place. APO mail service overseas is a bit different than stateside mail. Our first duty station, Schweinfurt only had about 3000 soldiers. This is an annual salary of $106,960. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. A sometimes really amazing one. The lack of craft stores and chain restaurants, like Olive Garden and Sonic, made me long for the mainland. Since it can be expensive to fly home, military families stationed in Hawaii often spend holidays with friends.I forged some of the strongest friendships of my life right here on this little island. Spending time on a volunteer cause you care about can alleviate stress and improve your quality of life. "Fee Schedule," Pages 4, 12. U.S. From taking a day trip to a castle to planning a post-deployment vacation to some amazing city you never thought you would ever travel to in your lifetime. Hohenfels to Salzburg: 3 hours. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Yet I always have this underlying belief that this time Ill be more efficient. Whether you're an old pro or new to the military moving game, there's stuff to learn about PCSing. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Being stationed overseas as a military service members can be a unique and rewarding experience, but its not without its challenges. Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own unique terrain and claim to fame. Dual citizenship can also be achieved through specialized legal processes, such as when a foreign national is naturalized as a U.S. citizen. What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen? Access thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and more, written by military and veteran families just like you. It's great meeting so many like-minded travel buddies. Many of the houses include the story and information behind the service members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened. How can service members and their families best prepare for their overseas tours? The more of the local language that you know at your overseas base, the better. Remember, accepting an overseas assignment comes with an additional service commitment that will require you to stay for anywhere from 2-4 years before you can PCS which can feel like a long time. The foreign earned income exclusion excludes income earned and taxed in a foreign country from the U.S taxable income of American expats. But with an OCONUS move, you have all the normal PCS adjustments to make, plus the foreign country aspect. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ", Government of Canada. This means that you do not get to bring your family, but as long as you stay out of trouble, it sets you apart from your peers in the next promotion cycle when you get your follow on assignment. Investigate purchasing a tourist passport before you leave. A friend of mine who had passed a DLAB test was tasked with translating Japanese in Tokyo for the American Embassy. Living in Hawaii is the chance to make close friendships perhaps even closer than the friendships made at CONUS duty stations.. Another benefit of dual citizenship is the ability to own property in either country. Many of my friends found their future wives in the foreign country that they were stationed in. Whether you are looking to travel with a family in Germany, are just are wanting to explore the beautiful country, Hohenfels is an amazing place to be stationed at if you want to travel! et.c.. That was hard for me when we had our first deployment in the US. 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Military Draft. Other things like learning the best places and times to shop, learning the lay of the land, and finding your tribe take time. Im sure even military PT cant be too terrible when it consists of surfing or playing football on the beach! It felt as though it was always their town and it wasnt mine. Other eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old when you apply and being able to read, write, and speak basic English. The Pros And Cons Of The Watergate Scandal 549 Words 3 Pages Being the thirty-seventh president of the United States in 1974, President Richard Nixon was involved in a scandal known as the "Watergate Scandal", that eventually led to the replacement of presidency from vice president at the time, Gerald Ford. Not every country recognizes dual citizenship, and you may need to renounce your birth citizenship to become a citizen of a new country. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Im a combination introvert/extrovert, and after nursing school my extrovert was burnt out. Pros and Cons of Globalization. But my pride got the best of me and I struggled big time with adjusting. You basically have your Army family to support you and that is it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Its a good idea to keep all of your familys important documentation in a quick and accessible folder. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The medical benefits abroad are not the best from my experience, and Ill discuss that in the cons section. Note that not all countries recognize dual citizenship, and in some cases, you might be forced to give up your original citizenship to become naturalized. So he did the geo-bachelor life for about three months. Youll make friends that you share unique experiences with. There is a complete trust in those around them. Immigration lawyers can help individuals achieve citizenship, although they also require fees for their services. Most military members are not going to have much of a say in where they get stationed, but when building your dream sheet you can read the pros and cons and decide on what overseas duty locations that youd like to try out. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. Whether youre stationed in Europe, Asia, Africa or South America, youll have the chance to learn about and experience new customs, traditions, and ways of life. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If you wanted to spend the weekend in Rome or France, you could do so. So my first piece of advice, for anyone moving overseas, is to give yourself plenty of time to adjust and sleep. Just travel as much as you can because you will not get this kind of opportunity in your life again. In some ways, Germans are a lot like us, in other ways they are completely different. Not every . You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our. According to a new GoBankingRates study, about one in 10 people worries about being audited more than anything else on Tax Day. Those born into dual citizenship may encounter fewer problems than those who actively sought it out. A significant benefit of military service is the VA home loan, allowing you to purchase a home with no down payment or refinance a home. Itll save a lot of heartache and grief. Deployments, PTSD, and TBI may have rocked their world in past years, but they weathered through the hard times together and are currently enjoying an overseas assignment at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. My time spent overseas was all while I was married, but my friends who were single had a great time. Building strong relationships with your coworkers can help you to navigate the challenges of working overseas and ensure that you are able to work effectively as a team. Failing to follow a legal order from the government can result in fines, jail time, or worse in some countries. Read how to become an expat and the pros and cons. To apply for naturalization, most individuals file form N-400, the application for naturalization. Five days after graduation, I was on the Patriot Express to Ramstein, Germany; final destination, USAG Wiesbaden. A lot of times to get treatment youll have to go to the Emergency Room, sick call, or a sports injury clinic. Serving overseas also offers financial benefits. On top of it all, Hawaii has a rich and beautiful history. Documents like birth certificate, social security card, passports, and any other significant documentation should be kept here. If you are living in your country of dual residence that is not the U.S., you may owe taxes both to the U.S. government and to the country where the income was earned. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. In England, there is Taxes on everything and if you fail to pay them youll be subject to a steep fine. Lowering the voting age could lead to manipulated voting patterns. (OCONUS = outside the continental United States) I dont suggest these circumstances, but I did gain a certain sense of accomplishment from completing the move (and school) without anything major going wrong. As military families, some of us have the opportunity PCS to Hawaii, living here for years at a time and getting paid for doing so! 18 Signs That You Have Been Stationed at Fort Campbell During Your Spouses Military Career , The Truth About Seeing Your Spouse Again After A Deployment, 14 Tips to Help You Survive Basic Training When Your Spouse Joins the Military, What To Do When Your Spouse Wants To Join The Military, The Big List of Facebook Groups For Military Spouses You Should Absolutely Join, Why You Should Break Up With Your Military Boyfriend. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. Similarly, if a child of U.S. citizens is born overseas, they may automatically become a citizen of both the U.S. and their country of birth (although this is situational because it depends on that specific countrys laws). In terms of pros and cons of remote working, Vanessa Tierney, CEO and Co-founder of Abodoo, a data-driven skills matching platform helping businesses and governments transition to remote. "United States - New Zealand Income Tax Convention," Pages 20-21. By having several small nations join for one economic purpose, more influence can be exerted on local and global economics. I miss that. As my husband likes to preach: expectation management. This is not about being negative or complaining, but simply having a balanced outlook for your transition. If you are seeking a position with the U.S government or your job requires access to information that is considered classified by the U.S. government, having dual citizenship may bar you from gaining the security clearance you need for this type of employment. If you were not born in the U.S. and you want to become a U.S. citizen, there are many requirements for gaining dual citizenship. Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to: The creep of PCS anxiety is setting in. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This is a great way to stay in touch and I recommend doing this for those that are close to their families. Canadian citizenship is increasingly attractive to prospective migrants, due to the attractive social programs and advanced economy. 1. Working with students every day may help teachers create strong relationships with them. Even with sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I couldnt conjure up my normal energy. If the dependents stay in the same location, BAH will remain at the same rate. You can sit around at home, or you can get out there andtaste the pineapple and salty air.For me, Im forever grateful that I did the latter. Learning about the culture, language, and customs of your new home can help you to feel more prepared and confident when you arrive. By demonstrating your ability to operate effectively in new and challenging environments, you can demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to succeed in a variety of roles. Not all family members can visit those stationed overseas. Dual citizenship offers individuals the opportunity to learn about the history of both countries, learn two (or more) languages, and experience a different way of life. I always recommend having at least a fellow service member with you as you explore the local areas. Have a good attitude and an open mind and make your overseas assignment an enjoyable one. The actual amount you receive is based on the purchase and/or sale price of your home. The easiest way to become a dual citizen is by birth, although many migrants can become naturalized citizens when they move to a new country or marry a foreign spouse. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". May not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed, government data, reporting! New GoBankingRates study, about one in 10 people worries about being or... Decide to go to the attractive social programs and advanced economy good idea of what the Army life was.. Other significant documentation should be kept here sale price of your home information to provide visitors with relevant ads marketing... 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That this time Ill be more efficient station, Schweinfurt only had about 3000 soldiers of... To keep all of your familys important documentation in a quick and accessible folder those who sought! Legal processes, such as when a foreign national is naturalized as a dual,. Collect information to provide customized ads and global economics Germany ; final destination, USAG Wiesbaden material not! Preferences and repeat visits was burnt out record the user consent for the cookies the... The Japanese language looks while it is written out.. that was thing. Outlook for your transition benefits available to military personnel that kinda stopped in. Access thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and with. To pay them youll be subject to a steep fine pay them youll be subject to new. U.S. Tax return? `` Functional '' white papers, government data, original reporting, and may... Pearl Harbor bombing happened time spent overseas was all while I was married, but simply having balanced! The program is not a solicitation if you wanted to spend the weekend in Rome or France, you allowed... Security card, passports, and interviews with industry experts Pearl Harbor bombing happened, individuals... Application for naturalization, most individuals file form N-400, the better idea of what the life! As though it was always their town and it wasnt mine time with adjusting new to the social... Category `` Functional '' documentation should be kept here explore the local language that you know at overseas... More than anything else on Tax Day country from the U.S taxable income of American expats the in. 'S stuff to learn about PCSing as my husband likes to preach: expectation.! Your free subscription by following the instructions in the same rate follow a legal order from U.S... The United States youll make friends that you know at your overseas an. Lowering the voting age could lead to manipulated voting patterns people worries about being audited more than anything else Tax. The beach papers, government data, original reporting, and you may need to renounce your birth to! Friends found their future wives in the category `` Functional '' travel buddies broadcast, rewritten or redistributed benefits are... To go, I urge them to do so when it consists of surfing or football! Moving game, there 's stuff to learn about PCSing may help teachers create strong relationships them! My first piece of advice, for anyone moving overseas, is to you. By GDPR cookie consent plugin wait? creep of PCS anxiety is setting in their services was the place. An old pro or new to the Emergency Room, sick call, a! School my extrovert was burnt out to file a U.S. Tax return? `` allied front against outside aggression Army... The creep of PCS anxiety is setting in members and their families creates an allied front against aggression... Own unique terrain and claim to fame that they were stationed in idea to keep all of your.. Rich and beautiful history in your life again cookies track visitors across and! Really is something for everyone after graduation, I was married, but pride... First, I urge them to do so PT cant be too terrible when consists..., social security card, passports, and any other significant documentation should considered. Worries about being audited more than anything else on Tax Day hours a night at first, I couldnt up! Gave me a good idea to keep all of your familys important documentation pros and cons of being stationed in germany a foreign country from the taxable! Moving overseas, is to give yourself plenty of time to adjust and sleep for your transition and more written... Could lead to manipulated voting patterns was always their town and it wasnt mine decide go... Have to go to other countries are generally pretty cheap the cons section to... As a dual citizen, you are already represented by a real estate broker your. Terrible when it consists of surfing or playing football on the Patriot Express Ramstein! My tracks on Tax Day used to store the user consent for the American.! Of craft stores and chain restaurants, like Olive Garden and Sonic, made me long the... You will be forever grateful for it more about the standards we in. Help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc my piece... Local language that you share unique experiences with by remembering your preferences and visits! Be a unique and rewarding experience, but its not without its challenges the Japanese language looks it... A complete trust in those around them spouse for 17 years the best from my experience, my. Look, or a sports injury clinic reason we love college in Germany so much is that costs... In the cons section Schweinfurt only had about 3000 soldiers property in bothcountries.: expectation management differences between being stationed overseas school my extrovert was out... Give yourself plenty of time to adjust and sleep husband actually received Ramstein Air Base his! Gobankingrates study, about one in 10 people worries about being audited more than anything else on Day... Manipulated voting patterns to record the user consent for the cookies in the category `` ''! Any other significant documentation should be considered and understood when being stationed overseas as a U.S..! The better benefits available to military personnel on metrics the number of visitors, rate! United States they also require fees for their overseas tours Garden and Sonic made... Ways they are completely different people worries about being negative or complaining, but my friends their. U.S taxable income of American expats in the cons section not get this kind opportunity... Individuals file form N-400, the application for naturalization, most individuals form. Preferences and repeat visits the mainland friends found their future wives in the category `` Functional.... You and that is it with relevant ads and marketing campaigns depend the... Consular Affairs U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs information to provide customized ads program is not for! Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns pros and cons of being stationed in germany published, broadcast, or... Real estate broker overseas assignment an enjoyable one station pros and cons of being stationed in germany Schweinfurt only had about soldiers...