TL;DR: After 14 years as an Air Force spouse and a 2-year assignment in Germany, Kimberly Johnson shares everything she wishes she’d known about PCSing overseas — from EFMP screening and TRICARE headaches to pet travel chaos and finding housing in a German village. This guide covers the real logistics, 2026 data, and hard-won advice you won’t find in an official checklist.
Kimberly Johnson knows what it’s like to navigate military life from every angle. After 14 years as an Air Force spouse, 6 PCS moves, 2 deployments, and a 2-year overseas assignment in Germany, Kim turned that hard-won experience into a career helping other military families do the same. Today, she’s a successful military real estate professional and the PCS Pay It Forward Ambassador for Offutt AFB, where she helps families buying, selling, and renting as they move to and from the Omaha area.
If you’re PCSing to or from Offutt, Kim is your go-to resource. Connect with her through the Offutt AFB PCS Pay It Forward group or start your free PCS Plan to get personalized support for your move.
But before Kim guided other families through their PCS moves, she white-knuckled her way through her own, including an overseas assignment to Germany that tested everything she had.
On a recent episode of Mastering Military Life, Kim sat down with host Lauren Taylor to walk through the reality of an OCONUS PCS… the parts that no checklist fully prepares you for. Whether you’re headed to Ramstein, Grafenwöhr, Stuttgart, or any overseas duty station, here’s what she wants every military family to know.
OCONUS PCS Quick Reference: What You Need to Know for 2026
Before we dive into Kim’s story, here are the key numbers and timelines every family needs for an overseas move in 2026:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| EFMP Screening | Required for all dependents; start immediately after receiving orders — can take 30–90 days |
| No-Fee Passport | Apply through your service member’s admin office; processing takes 6–10 weeks |
| Tourist Passport | Apply separately through the State Department; needed for personal travel in Europe |
| Household Goods | 6–12 weeks for delivery to Europe; weight allowances range from 5,000 lbs (E-1) to 18,000 lbs (O-10) |
| Unaccompanied Baggage | 2–4 weeks delivery; pack essentials you’ll need before HHG arrives |
| Vehicle Shipping | 4–8 weeks to European destinations via PCSmyPOV.com |
| Patriot Express Pet Spaces | ~10 total pet spaces per flight; book the moment you request passenger reservations |
| Pet Reimbursement (2026) | Up to $550 CONUS / $2,000 OCONUS / $4,000 for high-risk rabies countries — one pet per service member |
| OHA (Germany, E-5 w/dep) | Approximately $1,800–$2,200/month depending on location; check the DoD OHA Calculator |
| COLA (Germany) | Varies by rank, location, and exchange rate; check current rates at DTMO |
| DLA (2026) | Ranges from $1,018.96 (E-1, no dependents) to $6,385.58 (O-7+ with dependents) |
| TLA | Up to 60 days of temporary lodging allowance upon arrival OCONUS |
Does PCS Pay It Forward Offer International PCS Plans?
Yes! While PCS Pay It Forward doesn’t currently have base-specific support groups for OCONUS installations, we absolutely help families navigating overseas moves. When you start your free International PCS Plan, you’ll get:
- A personalized moving timeline built around your orders, report date, and family situation
- Connection to a vetted real estate professional who can help you sell your current home, buy at your next stateside assignment, or both — including VA loan guidance
- A dedicated PCS concierge to answer questions and point you to the right resources throughout your move
- Access to the PCS Pay It Forward network of military families and ambassadors who’ve been through OCONUS moves themselves
- Guidance on VA home loan options for families planning to buy before, during, or after an overseas tour
An OCONUS PCS has more moving parts than any stateside move, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Start your free PCS Plan here and let us help you get ahead of the chaos.
Now, let’s get into the real story.
The Military Spouse Medical Screening Nobody Warns You About
Before you can PCS overseas, the military reviews every family member’s medical history. If a dependent has seen even one specialist, the screening process flags them for a more thorough review. The receiving base has to confirm it can support whatever care the dependent needs.
For Kim, this was nerve-wracking. She’d been dealing with a vestibular balance disorder, the result of multiple concussions, and had visited neurologists across several states, including the Mayo Clinic. For months, the family didn’t know if Germany would clear them to come.
Ultimately, the base in Germany signed off, confirming they could support her care. But Kim emphasizes that families should know this process exists well in advance. If you or a dependent have ongoing medical needs, start gathering records and documentation early. It can make or break an overseas assignment.
How the OCONUS Medical Screening Process Works
Kim’s experience reflects a process that every military family faces during an overseas PCS. Here’s what you need to know about EFMP screening and overseas medical clearance.
Every OCONUS move requires a Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS). All dependents traveling overseas at government expense must complete a medical review — even if nobody in the family currently has a medical condition. The military uses this process to confirm that the gaining installation can support your family’s healthcare needs.
The process starts with a questionnaire. For Air Force families, MyVector generates a screening questionnaire after the Assignment Creation Date. If the service member answers “no” to all medical questions and no family members participate in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), the process moves quickly. If anyone answers “yes” — or if any dependent sees a specialist — additional screening kicks in.
All family members need a current comprehensive exam. A physical within the past 24 months (or 12 months for children under six) must appear in each dependent’s medical chart. If your exams have lapsed, schedule them immediately — expired physicals rank among the most common causes of screening delays.
The gaining base makes the final call. Your current medical team compiles records and sends them to the receiving installation’s medical treatment facility (MTF). The overseas base reviews everything and determines whether it can accommodate each family member’s care needs. For Kim, Germany confirmed they could support her neurological care — but the waiting period stretched for months.
EFMP enrollment doesn’t disqualify you from overseas assignments. Many families worry that EFMP enrollment means they’ll never leave the States. That’s not the case. EFMP ensures the military matches your family with a location that can meet documented medical and educational needs. Some overseas bases have robust specialty care; others don’t. The screening exists to protect families from arriving somewhere without access to critical services. For more details, visit MilitaryOneSource’s OCONUS checklist.
Start early and don’t wait for orders. Gather civilian medical records from the past five years for every family member. Keep physicals current. Contact your local EFMP coordinator before delays snowball — many bases only have one EFMP medical representative processing all screenings. And keep everything organized — your PCS binder will become your best friend during this process.
Command Sponsorship: The Step You Can’t Skip
If you’re bringing family members on your OCONUS assignment, they must be command sponsored. This designation appears on your orders and ensures your dependents receive travel compensation, housing support, Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA), and legal protection in the host country. Without command sponsorship, the military won’t move your family, and they won’t be eligible for on-base services, schools, or healthcare.
Getting command sponsorship requires completed EFMP screening, enrollment in DEERS, and approved no-fee passports. Your service member’s admin office initiates this process — don’t wait for them to bring it up.
Passports: You Need Two
This trips up more families than you’d expect. For an OCONUS PCS, every family member needs:
- A no-fee (official) passport — issued through the military, this allows you to reside in the host country for your entire assignment. Apply through your service member’s chain of command with a copy of orders, marriage license, and military IDs.
- A tourist passport — issued through the U.S. Department of State, this is required for personal travel within Europe. Many countries won’t accept the no-fee passport for leisure travel, and in Germany, you’ll need your tourist passport to obtain your SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) stamp.
Apply for both as early as possible. Tourist passports take 6–10 weeks to process, and expedited processing adds cost.
Start your free International PCS Plan and get help navigating the EFMP and medical clearance process before your OCONUS move.
Starting Over with Military Medicine
One of the hardest parts of Kim’s move wasn’t the flight or the housing search — it was the healthcare. When you arrive at a new overseas duty station, you can’t pre-schedule appointments. You have to physically show up, receive your primary care provider assignment, and then work through the referral process from scratch.
For someone in the middle of a complex medical situation, this was agonizing. Kim arrived in Germany with a binder full of medical records from the Mayo Clinic and multiple specialists. Her assigned primary care provider was dismissive, telling her she was simply stressed. Getting a referral to the neurology department took persistence, patience, and a willingness to push back.
Her advice to military families in similar situations is straightforward: bring your records — physical copies, not just digital. Know your body and your needs. If a provider isn’t taking you seriously, use the ICE complaint system and request a different provider. Don’t be passive.
Eventually, Kim’s neurologist on base advocated for her to join the Traumatic Brain Injury clinic at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center — a program that typically only accepts active duty service members who’ve experienced blast injuries. It became a turning point in her care. But it wouldn’t have happened if she hadn’t kept pushing.
How TRICARE Works Overseas: What to Expect
Kim’s experience — starting from scratch, fighting for referrals, and dealing with a dismissive provider — reflects the reality many military families face when navigating healthcare at an overseas duty station. Understanding how TRICARE operates outside the U.S. can help you prepare before you arrive.
TRICARE Prime overseas works differently than stateside. When you PCS to an overseas location, you’re automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime Overseas (or TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas for those stationed far from a military treatment facility). Your primary care comes through the on-base MTF, and the military assigns your primary care manager (PCM) — you don’t get to choose.
You cannot pre-schedule appointments before arriving. As Kim discovered, you have to physically arrive at your duty station, complete enrollment, and then request appointments. For families managing ongoing conditions, this creates an unavoidable gap in care. Plan accordingly by bringing enough medication to cover at least 90 days and carrying a complete set of printed medical records.
Specialist referrals require PCM approval. To see any specialist — whether on-base or off — your primary care manager must submit a referral. If you need to see a neurologist, cardiologist, or any other specialist, the process starts with your PCM. This can feel frustrating, especially when you already have an established diagnosis. Be direct, bring documentation, and don’t accept a brushoff.
Off-base care through host nation providers is common. Many overseas bases don’t have every specialty available on the installation. When that happens, TRICARE coordinates care with local (host nation) providers — meaning you may see a German, Japanese, or Korean doctor off-base. These providers operate through the TRICARE Overseas Program managed by International SOS. Language barriers can add complexity, so ask your MTF about translation support or English-speaking providers in the network.
Pharmacy works differently overseas. On-base pharmacies carry a more limited formulary than stateside facilities. Some medications available at your home station may not stock at your overseas MTF. If you take specialty medications, work with your current provider before your PCS to secure a 90-day supply and discuss alternatives that might be available overseas.
Use the ICE system and patient advocate if care falls short. The Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) system allows you to submit feedback — both positive and negative — about military healthcare experiences. If a provider dismisses your concerns (as happened to Kim), you can also request a different PCM through your MTF’s patient advocate. You have the right to competent, thorough care, and the system provides mechanisms to escalate when that standard isn’t met.
The Logistics That No One Talks About
Kim’s stories about the practical side of her overseas PCS could fill their own episode.
There were the pets. The military rotator only offers a handful of pet spots per flight, and securing one takes persistence and luck. Kim had resigned herself to booking a separate commercial flight when, at the literal check-in counter, the agent told them two spots had just opened. The dogs were back at the hotel. The bags weren’t packed. Kim paid a cab driver extra to wait outside while she sprinted through packing, wrestled the dogs into crates, and raced back to the airport. They made it — barely.
Then there was the car. The military ships one vehicle for overseas PCS moves, but Kim’s experience turned into a cautionary tale. The government had recently switched shipping contractors, and her car simply vanished. Weeks passed with no tracking updates and no arrival. Kim eventually filed a stolen vehicle claim with her insurance. When the car finally showed up, someone had left the windows down during transit — water had soaked the interior, drenched the seats, and mold had started growing. While waiting, the family bought a 1997 Volkswagen Golf off another American family on the Lemon Lot. Their German mechanic loved them — he joked the car kept him in business.
If you’re interested in managing your own move instead, check out our complete guide to DITY/PPM moves for tips on maximizing your reimbursement.
Shipping Your Vehicle Overseas: How POV Shipping Works
Kim’s car nightmare is extreme — but delays, damage, and confusion during overseas vehicle shipping happen more often than families expect. Here’s what the process actually looks like and how to protect yourself.
The military covers shipping for one privately owned vehicle (POV) per OCONUS PCS. Your orders must explicitly authorize vehicle shipment. If it’s not listed, work with your detailer to get an amendment before you start the process. Only personal-use vehicles qualify — no commercial vehicles, and typically only cars, trucks, and station wagons under 20 metric tons.
The process runs through Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs). Once you have orders, contact your local Transportation Office (TO) or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) for counseling. They’ll walk you through documentation requirements: PCS orders, proof of vehicle ownership, current registration, and insurance. You’ll then schedule a drop-off appointment at your nearest VPC. The current DoD contractor for POV shipping is International Auto Logistics (IAL), and you’ll manage your shipment through PCSmyPOV.com. During peak PCS season (May through August), VPC appointments book up fast — schedule early.
Expect your vehicle to take 4–8 weeks for European destinations. Transit to Germany typically runs 14–30 days, but port processing, customs, and contractor schedules can push the timeline further. Kim’s car took far longer due to a contractor transition. The takeaway: never assume your car will arrive on time.
Your vehicle must arrive empty and clean. VPC inspections are strict. You can only leave operational items inside — spare tire, jack, tire iron, jumper cables, child car seats, and strollers. No personal belongings, no household goods, no loose items. The vehicle must also pass a cleanliness inspection to prevent transporting foreign soil or contaminants.
Have a backup transportation plan. Kim’s family bought a cheap car off the Lemon Lot — the informal on-base marketplace where departing service members sell vehicles to incoming families. This is extremely common at overseas bases and often the smartest short-term move. Other options include borrowing a car from your sponsor, using base shuttle services, or renting from the on-base car rental office.
Document everything and file claims promptly. Take photos of your vehicle from every angle — including the odometer and interior — before drop-off. If your car arrives damaged (as Kim’s did), file a claim through the Defense Personal Property System. Claims must go to the Transportation Service Provider (TSP) first within nine months of delivery to maintain full replacement value eligibility. Keep every piece of paperwork from the shipping process.
Flying the Rotator and PCSing with Pets Overseas
Kim’s mad dash to the airport — paying a cab driver to wait, sprinting through a hotel to grab unpacked bags and uncrated dogs — captures the chaos of pet travel on an overseas PCS. Here’s what families need to know about the Patriot Express and moving pets OCONUS.
The Patriot Express (rotator) is the primary way military families fly overseas. These DoD-chartered flights depart from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Airport, and Naval Station Norfolk, connecting to major overseas installations. Your local Transportation Office books passenger reservations, which you can request 90–120 days before departure — orders aren’t required at the time of booking. For current flight schedules, check the AMC Travel Site.
Pet spots on the Patriot Express are extremely limited. Each flight typically offers around 10 total pet spaces (the exact number varies by aircraft configuration). Reservations fill on a first-come, first-served basis, so request pet space the moment you request passenger reservations. The military allows a maximum of two pets (dogs or cats only) per family. Each pet plus kennel cannot exceed 150 pounds combined.
Patriot Express pet fees are based on weight tiers:
| Combined Weight (Pet + Kennel) | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 70 lbs | $125 |
| 71–140 lbs | $250 |
| 141–150 lbs | $375 |
Pet travel reimbursement has improved significantly. Starting January 1, 2024, the DoD reimburses pet transportation expenses for one cat or dog per service member on PCS orders. For CONUS moves, the maximum is $550. For OCONUS moves, it’s up to $2,000. And as of late 2025, service members PCSing to high-risk rabies countries may be eligible for up to $4,000 in reimbursement when Patriot Express and commercial airline service aren’t available for pets. Dual-military couples can each claim one pet. All costs must be documented with itemized receipts. For full details, see JTR Section 050107.
Always have a backup plan for pet travel. If you can’t secure a rotator spot — and many families can’t — your alternatives include commercial airline cargo (check breed restrictions and summer heat embargoes, which ban pet cargo travel when temperatures exceed 84°F), professional pet transport companies, or organized private flights. Some families spend $5,000–$10,000 on pet relocation, especially for Pacific destinations with quarantine requirements.
Prepare your pet’s paperwork early. Germany requires an ISO-compliant microchip, at least two rabies vaccinations (the first administered after microchip implantation), and a 21-day waiting period before entry. Requirements vary by country — Japan, for example, mandates a 180-day quarantine process. Your base veterinary clinic can guide you through country-specific requirements, and most extend hours during peak PCS season to help families prepare. Visit the AMC Pet Travel Page for the latest requirements.
Crate train your pet well before travel day. Start weeks in advance. Feed your pet in the crate and let them sleep in it so it feels safe, not stressful. On travel day, arrive early for pet check-in, bring all documentation in a folder you can access quickly, and don’t feed your pet for several hours before the flight to prevent motion sickness.
Don’t forget — some of your PCS expenses, including certain pet-related costs, may be tax deductible. Check our guide on PCS tax write-offs to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
Finding a Home in a German Village
Kim and Bryce chose to live off-base in a small village called Schwedelbach, and Kim says she’s glad they did — even though it added layers of complexity. She found their rental through a military spouse Facebook group, which is the primary way off-base housing circulates in overseas military communities.
The process was nothing like renting in the States. The outgoing American tenant acted as a screener for the German landlord, evaluating potential renters on fit and likelihood of staying. Kim and Bryce sold themselves hard — emphasizing they were a couple with small dogs and a fenced yard, and that they could see themselves staying for years.
They toured properties for about a week and saw some genuinely bizarre setups — homes where the landlord’s adult child lived in a locked basement, properties with surprise pit bulls, and listings that looked nothing like their photos. Kim’s biggest piece of advice: always see a place in person. Having boots on the ground matters more overseas than almost anywhere else.
Housing at Ramstein: What Military Families Should Know
Kim’s story takes place in the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) — the largest American military community outside the continental United States. The KMC supports around 54,000 American service members, civilian employees, and their families across multiple installations, with Ramstein Air Base at the center.
If you’re PCSing to Ramstein, housing will likely top your list of concerns. Here’s a quick overview of your options:
On-Base Housing: Ramstein offers on-base family housing, but waitlists can stretch for months depending on rank and family size. The KMC Housing Management Office assigns homes and requires all incoming personnel to attend a mandatory housing briefing upon arrival. On-base living keeps you close to the commissary, exchange, DoDEA schools, and the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center (KMCC) — but availability drives most families to look off-base.
Off-Base Housing: Most military families in the KMC live off-base in surrounding German towns and villages. Popular areas include Landstuhl (just minutes from the base’s west gate and home to the regional medical center), Mackenbach, Weilerbach, Kindsbach, and Ramstein-Miesenbach itself. Kaiserslautern — known as “K-Town” — sits about 10 miles east of the base and offers a more urban feel with restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. Smaller villages like Kim’s Schwedelbach offer a quieter, more immersive German experience.
OHA Instead of BAH: Overseas, you’ll receive Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) instead of BAH. OHA is calculated differently — it covers actual rent up to a cap based on rank and location, plus a utility/recurring maintenance allowance. Use the DoD OHA Calculator to estimate your allowance before house hunting. You’ll also receive COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) to help offset the higher costs of living in Germany.
How Families Find Off-Base Rentals: As Kim shared, Facebook groups remain the primary way military families find off-base housing in the KMC. Outgoing families post their rentals, connect incoming families with landlords, and share honest reviews of neighborhoods, commute times, and landlord experiences. The housing office can also connect you with approved off-base listings and help you navigate German lease agreements.
Temporary Lodging: When you first arrive, you’ll likely need temporary lodging while you search for permanent housing. On-base TLF (Temporary Lodging Facilities) fill up fast, especially for families with pets. If you can’t get a spot, request a Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA) and look into off-base TLA options — fully furnished apartments run by providers who cater specifically to military families in the KMC. You’re authorized up to 60 days of TLA upon arrival at an OCONUS duty station.
What to Expect Off-Base: Living in a German village means adapting to local customs — quiet hours (especially Sundays), complex recycling and composting systems, and a different pace of daily life. Grocery shopping may require multiple stops at smaller village stores. Internet setup can take weeks. But many families, Kim included, say living off-base gave them a richer, more rewarding experience than staying on the installation.
Thinking about buying a home at your next stateside assignment? Many families start researching VA loans while still overseas. Check out our VA Home Loan guide to understand your options before you PCS back.
Planning a PCS to Ramstein or anywhere in the KMC? Start your free International PCS Plan with PCS Pay It Forward to get personalized housing guidance, local insight, and community connections before you arrive.
Cultural Adjustment Is a Full-Time Job
Living in a German village meant learning an entirely new set of daily norms. Germans treat Sundays as strict quiet days — no mowing, no taking glass to the recycling bins (that counts as a noise violation), and generally very little outdoor activity. The trash and recycling system requires separate bins for composting, recyclables, and a very small container for actual trash. Grocery shopping might mean visiting three small village stores unless you want to drive to the base commissary.
Kim and Bryce went without internet for nearly two months. It took her a year and a half to get her German neighbor to return a wave. And on their second day in country, Bryce — who had studied German in school — tried to ask for the restroom at a gas station and walked away with car wash packages instead.
The little things add up. As Kim put it, settling into an overseas assignment is a full-time job, and she doesn’t know how single service members manage it without a partner handling the home front.
The USAREUR Driving Test and Getting on the Road
One detail Kim didn’t mention but every family needs to know: before you can legally drive off-base in Germany, you must pass the USAREUR (U.S. Army Europe) driving test. This applies to everyone — service members, spouses, and any dependent of driving age.
The test covers German traffic laws, road signs, and driving customs that differ significantly from the U.S. (the Autobahn alone has its own set of rules). You’ll watch a mandatory video and complete a written exam, typically at an in-processing briefing during your first week. Study materials are available online before you arrive — your sponsor should be able to point you to the right resources. Until you pass, you cannot legally operate a vehicle off the installation.
The Spouse Community Changed Everything
Through all of it — the health crisis, the car disaster, the cultural learning curve — Kim says the squadron spouse community was her lifeline.
A weekly coffee gathering at the squadron became the most important event on her calendar. Book club nights and evening socials followed. And when Kim couldn’t drive herself to vestibular therapy appointments at Landstuhl (an hour’s drive on winding mountain roads), her squadron commander’s wife and a neighbor stepped up and drove her — sitting in waiting rooms for an hour each time so she could get the care she needed.
A friend from their previous assignment at Little Rock ended up in the same German neighborhood, giving Kim a built-in support system just two blocks away. These weren’t just nice-to-haves — they were essential to her survival during one of the hardest chapters of her military life.
When the family eventually PCSed back to the States, Kim immediately raised her hand to become a Key Spouse, wanting to give back the same support she’d received.
Advocate for Yourself — You Won’t Be Punished for It
One of the most important moments in the episode comes when Lauren asks Kim directly: in 14 years of military life, did she ever face retribution from her husband’s command for being an advocate — for pushing back on housing issues, filing claims on damaged property, or demanding better medical care?
The answer was immediate: never.
Lauren drives the point home for newer military families who might hesitate to speak up. Housing complaints, shipping claims, and medical grievances all run through systems completely separate from the command structure. And the reality is, leadership at every level has dealt with the same frustrations. Filing a claim doesn’t make you a problem — it makes you someone who understands how the system should work.
Your First 30 Days: What to Expect When You Arrive at an Overseas Duty Station
Kim’s story touches on dozens of “nobody told me” moments — the kind that pile up in those first few weeks overseas and can leave even experienced military families feeling overwhelmed. Here’s a realistic look at what your first month at an overseas duty station typically involves.
Week 1: Survival mode. You’ll arrive jet-lagged and disoriented. If you secured on-base TLF or off-base TLA, you’ll check into temporary lodging and start getting your bearings. Your sponsor (assigned by the gaining unit to help you transition) should meet you, lend a hand with basics, and point you toward essential services. If you don’t have a sponsor or yours is unresponsive, contact your First Sergeant or unit leadership immediately — a good sponsor can make or break your first weeks.
Mandatory in-processing briefings fill your first days. Every overseas base requires a series of briefings covering housing, driving regulations, local laws, customs and courtesies, and force protection. The housing briefing is mandatory before you can sign an off-base lease. Driving briefings cover host nation traffic laws, and many countries (including Germany) require you to pass the USAREUR driving test before you can legally drive off-base.
You won’t have most of your stuff — and that’s normal. Household goods shipments to Europe typically take 6–12 weeks. Your unaccompanied baggage (a smaller express shipment) may arrive in 2–4 weeks. Until then, you’ll live out of suitcases and whatever your TLF or TLA provides. Pack a “first 30 days” kit in your checked luggage: essential medications, important documents, phone chargers, a few changes of clothes for each family member, and comfort items for kids. For packing strategies, check out our military moving tips.
Setting up utilities and internet takes longer than you expect. Kim and Bryce waited almost two months for internet. German utility providers, phone companies, and internet services don’t move at American speed. Some require in-person appointments, German-language paperwork, or installation windows that stretch weeks out. Your sponsor or housing office can guide you toward providers familiar with serving American families.
Medical enrollment happens on your timeline — not before. As Kim experienced, you cannot schedule medical appointments until you’ve physically arrived and enrolled at the base MTF. Budget for a gap in care. Bring printed medical records, a 90-day medication supply, and a list of every provider and specialist you’ve seen in the past five years. Walk into enrollment prepared to advocate for yourself from day one.
Banking, phones, and daily logistics require patience. Opening a local bank account (many landlords require German bank transfers for rent), getting a local phone plan, registering your vehicle, and navigating base services all take time. Each task feels small on its own, but collectively they consume entire days. Give yourself grace — settling into an overseas assignment is genuinely a full-time job for the first month.
Lean on your community early. Kim’s best advice: don’t wait until you’re settled to start building connections. Attend spouse coffees, join your base’s PCS Pay It Forward Facebook group, introduce yourself to neighbors, and accept every invitation that comes your way. The families who thrive overseas are the ones who lean in early — even when everything else feels chaotic.
Start your free PCS Plan to get connected with community support, local insight, and personalized guidance before you arrive at your next duty station.
Key Take Aways
Kim’s story shows what military families navigate every day — often without recognition. An overseas PCS thrills and challenges in equal measure, and stateside moves simply don’t prepare you for what’s ahead.
Her advice to any military spouse preparing for an OCONUS move:
Get your medical records in order early. Print them. Carry them. Don’t rely on the system to transfer them seamlessly.
Be aggressive with your healthcare. You are your own best advocate, and the military medical system rewards persistence.
Have a backup plan for everything — especially transportation and temporary housing.
Lean into the military spouse community. Go to the coffees, join the Facebook groups, accept help when it’s offered. These connections will carry you through the hard days.
Don’t be afraid to speak up. File the claim. Request a different provider. Report the problem. You won’t face retribution — and staying silent only ensures nothing gets fixed.
And above all — try to enjoy the ride. It won’t be perfect. It will be chaotic and frustrating and sometimes absurd. But as Kim’s story proves, the people you meet and the resilience you build along the way are what make military life extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions About OCONUS PCS Moves
How long does the EFMP overseas screening take? The timeline varies, but most families should plan for 30 to 90 days from start to finish. The screening involves gathering medical records, completing physicals, and waiting for the gaining base to review and approve each dependent. Start the process immediately after receiving orders — delays in scheduling appointments are the most common holdup.
Can I PCS overseas if my family member is enrolled in EFMP? Yes. EFMP enrollment does not automatically disqualify your family from overseas assignments. The screening process ensures the gaining installation can support your family member’s documented medical or educational needs. Some overseas bases have robust specialty services, and families with EFMP enrollment successfully PCS overseas every year.
How does TRICARE work at an overseas duty station? You’ll be enrolled in TRICARE Prime Overseas, with your primary care coming through the on-base military treatment facility. A primary care manager is assigned to you — you don’t choose your own. Specialist referrals require PCM approval. Off-base care through host nation providers is common for specialties not available on the installation, coordinated through the TRICARE Overseas Program managed by International SOS.
How much does it cost to ship a pet on the Patriot Express? Patriot Express pet fees are based on the combined weight of your pet and kennel: $125 for up to 70 lbs, $250 for 71–140 lbs, and $375 for 141–150 lbs. As of 2024, the DoD also reimburses up to $2,000 for OCONUS pet transportation costs for one cat or dog per service member, which can significantly offset these expenses.
What if I can’t get a pet spot on the Patriot Express? You’ll need to arrange commercial airline cargo, hire a professional pet transport company, or explore organized private flights. Commercial airlines impose breed restrictions, weight limits, and seasonal heat embargoes (no cargo travel above 84°F). Costs for commercial OCONUS pet transport can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more depending on destination and animal size.
How long does it take to ship a car to Germany? Expect 4 to 8 weeks from VPC drop-off to pickup at your overseas destination. Transit time to Germany typically runs 14–30 days, but port processing, customs clearance, and contractor schedules can extend the timeline. During peak PCS season, delays are more common. Always have backup transportation arranged.
Do I need a tourist passport and a no-fee passport? Yes, most families need both. The no-fee (official) passport is issued through the military and allows you to reside in the host country under SOFA status. The tourist passport, issued through the State Department, is needed for personal travel within Europe and is often required to obtain your SOFA stamp in Germany.
What is OHA and how does it differ from BAH? Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) replaces BAH for service members stationed outside the U.S. Unlike BAH, which is a flat monthly rate, OHA reimburses your actual rent up to a cap based on rank and location, plus a utility and recurring maintenance allowance. Check the DoD OHA Calculator for current rates at your gaining installation.
Can I live off-base in Germany? Yes, and most military families in communities like the KMC do. Off-base housing in surrounding German towns and villages is the norm. You’ll attend a mandatory housing briefing, use OHA to cover rent, and sign a German lease (often with help from the base housing office). Facebook groups for your installation are the best way to find available rentals.
What should I pack for the first 30 days overseas? Pack essential medications (at least a 90-day supply), printed medical records, important documents (passports, orders, power of attorney), phone chargers, a few changes of clothes per family member, basic toiletries, comfort items for children, and a small supply of non-perishable snacks. Your household goods will take 6–12 weeks to arrive, so plan to live out of suitcases and whatever your temporary lodging provides.
PCS Pay It Forward is here to help military families navigate every move — overseas or stateside. If you’re headed to or from Offutt AFB, connect with Kim Johnson through the Offutt PCS Pay It Forward group. For any duty station, start your free, personalized PCS Plan at pcspayitforward.com.
Looking for more help with your move? Explore our PCS Toolkit, browse base guides for your next duty station, or check the 2026 military pay charts to plan your budget.
