Higher than the U.S. average. You will receive a cost-of-living-allowance. To view your COLA rate visit www.defensetravel.dod.mil, under the Allowances tab.
The official currency in Germany is the Euro. It is suggested you have Euros or a credit card on hand when you PCS. The most frequent issues can be solved if the following items are hand carried.
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial 719-567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
A tour in Germany, especially in the Kaiserslautern area, is a truly wonderful experience any way you look at it. Getting a good start depends on the preparation you do before you depart your old base and on how much you take advantage of the settling-in services provided one you arrive in Germany.
Save money at the Commissary by using the Discount Coupon Center (coupons are valid at the Commissary up to 6 months PAST the expiration date).
The Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) has information regarding resources available in the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC). Activities and class information are advertised through flyers, the Kaiserslautern American Newspaper, AFN radio and TV, along with the Ramstein Community Calendar. You can also visit the Ramstein homepage for information.
The 86th Airlift Wing is the host wing at Ramstein. There are four wings at Ramstein AW; 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, 521st Air Mobility Wing, 406th Air Expeditionary Wing, as well as the 86 Airlift Wing.
The 86th Airlift Wing is trained, ready, and postured to respond with "world-class" airlift and expeditionary combat support, while providing full spectrum airfield operations, superior base services, and exceptional quality of life for the entire Kaiserslautern Military Community and our assigned GSUs -- anytime, anywhere!
86 AW Mission - Defend U.S. Interests, Project Power...Enable the Global Gateway
86 AW Vision - Adaptive Airmen, Agile Team...Ready to Execute
86 AW Priorities - Mission. People. Partners. Culture
On January 15, 2004, the redesignated 435th Air Base Wing activated as Ramstein's new host wing. And the wing's commander also assumed Kaiserslautern Military Community Commander responsibilities, however, subsequent organizational changes, in 2005, resulted in the 86th Airlift Wing becoming the host wing again and its commander reassuming the KMC Commander position. He subsequently appointed the 435th Air Base Wing Commander as the acting Installation Commander and as the Deputy Community Commander for the Kaiserslautern Military Community.
"K-Town", as some call it, Kaiserslautern is known for being the largest American community in Europe. Over 56,000 Americans share this community with inhabitants from over 70 nations. Ramstein, Kapaun, Sembach, and Vogelweh are predominately Air Force communities, which share their services with the other military members of the KMC. Pulaski Barracks, Kleber, Panzer, Daenner, Miesau, Pirmasens, Rhein Ordnance Barracks and Landstuhl, and the Army's Landstuhl Regional Medical Community (LRMC), all make up this great community.
Welcome to Ramstein AB and the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC). Ramstein AB is located in Germany, in the Rheinland Pfalz region near the city of Kaiserslautern. Germany is a member of the European Union, situated right in the heart of Europe. Germany has nine neighboring countries that are all within driving distance: Denmark to the north, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg and France to the west, Switzerland and Austria to the south, and the Czech Republic and Poland to the east. Germany boasts a variety of landscapes. The Alps lie in the south and dry sandy lowlands in the north. Rivers and lakes are scattered throughout the entire country.
Getting to and from the Airport
Whether you fly to Germany on an AMC flight or commercial airline determines your arrival terminal at Frankfurt. Military-chartered or AMC flights arrive at Ramstein AB or Spangdahlem AB, while commercial flights arrive at Frankfurt International Airport.
It is important for you to keep the telephone numbers of your sponsor and unit with you when you travel. Make arrival arrangements with your sponsor before leaving your previous base.
Arriving at Frankfurt International Airport
At Frankfurt International Airport, there are U.S. Army information booths in Terminal 2 and on the second floor of Terminal 1. If you come into the new terminal, Terminal 2, you must take the "Sky Line" tram over to Terminal 1. You will probably exit the customs area into Hall "B" or "C" of the arrival deck. There is a staffed military information booth in the middle of Hall B.
In Hall "C" there is a United Service Organization lounge. The USO offers free soft drinks, snacks, internet cafe, WiFi, and personnel to assist new arrivals. USO is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Transportation from the airport to Ramstein should be coordinated prior to your arrival. Please ensure that your sponsor and your unit are aware of your travel arrangements. Changes to your travel may have a negative impact on your billeting/hotel reservation.
Commercial Shuttle Bus Service
Commercial shuttle bus service is available. Arrangements need to be made within 48 hours of travel. During peak PCS season arrangements need to be made as soon as possible.
Driving Directions from Frankfort IAP to Ramstein Air Base
(Note: Service members are not authorized to rent and drive vehicles from the airport without a USAREUR driver's license or a 30 day waiver letter. However, for future reference, here are directions from the airport:)
1. When departing Frankfurt IAP, follow signs for A5 towards Basel or Darmstadt.
2. After a few minutes (perhaps 15 or so), you will see signs for A67 -- get in the center/left lane, and follow A67 (Left Split).
3. When you pass the town of Lorsch, you will see an exit on the far right for A6 Mannheim, Kaiserslautern, and Saarbruecken - Take this exit.4. Once on A6, Kaiserslautern is only about 45 minutes away. You'll cross the Rhein River, and pass Autobahnkreuz Frankenthal. Continue on A6; you'll pass an exit for Bad Durkheim, Leiningen, Hochspeyer, and will enter the city of Kaiserslautern.
5. Go past the KL-Ost and KL-West exits to the KL-Einsiedlerhof exit. Follow the road through the circle and to the base.
Limited military base shuttle transportation is available on Ramstein. Contact 86 VRS/LGRVO at DSN: 314-480-5961 or Commercial: 011-49-6371-47-5961 for more information
Contact the base operator by dialing 011-49-671-47-113 or DSN 314-480-1110
Release 2023.08.17.1