Substantial increase in energy prices of 12.6% compared with a year earlier
The prices of goods (total) increased by 5.6% between August 2020 and August 2021, which was above average. Especially the increase in Energy product prices (+12.6%) was markedly higher than overall inflation. The price increase for such products accelerated again (July 2021: +11.6%). In this context, especially the low price level of a year ago (base effects) and the CO2 charge introduced at the beginning of the year had an upward effect on the inflation rate. Marked price increases were recorded for heating oil (+57.3%) and motor fuels (+26.7%). The prices of natural gas (+4.9%) and electricity (+1.7%) rose, too.
Food prices rose by 4.6% in August 2021 compared with the same month of the previous year. Compared with August 2020, higher prices were observed especially for vegetables (+9.0%) and dairy products and eggs (+5.0%). In addition to non-durable consumer goods, consumer durables such as transport equipment (+5.5%) and furniture and lighting equipment (+4.0%) saw significant price increases. Declining prices were only recorded for few goods, such as television sets and the like (-0.7%).
Source: Statistisches Bundesamt
2022
The cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable compared to other European countries. On average, to cover your living expenses in Germany you will need around 934 euros per month (around $906 US dollars) or 11,208 euros per year (around $10,876 US dollars).
According to the press release by Germany's Federal Statistical Office, Destatis, consumer prices rose by 5.3% in February by 1.9% on August 2022. The inflation rate rose by 0.9% compared to January 2022 by +10.0% in September 2022, officials said in a press release.
https://home.army.mil/wiesbaden/about/Garrison/DES/IACS
Installation Access Control System system, is a central network database linked to all Installation Access Control offices, selected Central Processing Facilities, MP stations, and access control points in U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Air Forces Europe (Germany only), and will produce installation passes for those authorized access.
IACS Requirements
ARMY IN EUROPE REGULATION 190-16, SECTION III
DOD ID cardholders stationed in Europe (on orders) must be registered in the IACS.
DOD ID cardholders who are on TDY (on orders) in Europe. These individuals may be registered in the IACS for the duration of their TDY.
Active duty military personnel and retirees who are visiting Europe. These individuals may be registered in the IACS for the duration of their visit, up to 90 days, or the date specified by the host nation visa.
Retired military members living the host country. These individuals may be registered in the IACS if they have an Aufenthaltstitel from the host country. Retirees visiting the host country may also register in IACS for the duration of their visit.
DOD ID cardholders (including minors) who are EU citizens but are not command-sponsored (no SOFA status). These individuals may be registered in the IACS for the duration of their stay or the expiration date of their ID card, whichever is earlier. NOTE: Individuals who have multiple DOD ID cards (for example, a military retiree who is now a DA civilian employee or a technical expert status accreditation (TESA) contractor) must choose which DOD ID card they want to use for IACS registration and use that card to gain access to installations.
Sign-In Privileges
DOD ID cardholders who are 18 years old or older and military spouses under the age of 18 have sign-in privileges. If this privilege has been suspended, it is documented in the IACS and will be checked by a guard in the IACS when the DOD ID cardholder tries to use his or her sign-in privileges.
Except for individuals in the NATO Member and Department of State and American Embassy Personnel categories, installation-pass holders are not granted sign-in privileges unless authorized by the sponsoring organization. Sign-in privileges are documented on the front of all installation passes with any qualifications (for example, contractors and vendors only) listed in the remarks block on the back. The installation-pass holder must be at least 18 years old.
Restrictions
Temporary installation-pass holders are not authorized sign-in privileges.
DOD ID cardholders not registered in the IACS are not authorized sign-in privileges. Exceptions are for active duty DOD ID cardholders who are either on TDY or leave. (For example, a DOD ID cardholder who is on leave from a deployment and visiting USAG Garmisch may sign in Family members and guests with an approved leave form.)
Sign-in privileges are limited to signing in four individuals and their vehicles at any one time.
Individuals who require recurring access will not use sign-in procedures to avoid the installation-pass application process or access-roster requirements.
Sponsor Responsibilities
The sponsor will monitor the activity of individual they sign-in and be responsible for their conduct. Failure to follow sign-in policy and procedures may result in the withdrawal of sign-in privileges.
IACS Locations:
Clay Kaserne Bldg. 1062
Clay Kaserne Bldg. 1023 East
WHAT TO DO IN A CASE OF A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INJURIES
Assess your injuries and those of the passengers in your vehicle. If you or your passengers require medical assistance, contact the German Police (110) if off post, or the Military Police if on post at DSN 114, Civ (0611) 705-114.
Report the accident within 72 hours. Failure to report the accident within the prescribed time may result in punitive action. Use AE190-1 ACCIDENT REPORT form to document important information about the accident.
On behalf of USAG Wiesbaden, Welcome to our home in Germany.
Relocating can be a stressful time. especially when moving to a new country.
Below is a collection of important topics to consider as you prepare to move.
The installation's main web page is www.wiesbaden.army.mil and is a wealth of information on all available resources.
Newcomers can directly go to the following link:
https://home.army.mil/wiesbaden/index.php/my-fort/newcomers
What to pack:When you think about what to pack, what to mail and what to bring along, keep in mind that Army Community Service has a Lending Closet for relocating Service Members, Civilians, and their Families.
The following items are available: dishes, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, and mugs. Specialty items (limited quantity) include: irons with ironing boards, coffee pots, toasters, high chairs, pack n' plays, and GPS/navigation systems. Please note that navigation systems are available within the first 15 days of arrival. ** Please note linens are NOT available through the lending closet and the selection is limited to the PX (German linens may not fit your American bed size). Consider packing these items in your unaccompanied baggage or mailing essential linens in advance. The community Thrift Shop often carries these items for sale as well.
The Housing Office has both a furniture and appliance branch from which furniture can be borrowed until your household goods arrive and appliances for the duration of your assignment. Your washing machine, dryer, deep freezer, etc. will not work here.
Electrical voltage:An essential point to remember in bringing electrical items is that the German electrical standard is 220 volts and 50 hertz while the U.S. uses 110 volts and 60 hertz. Although many government quarters have been renovated with both 110v and 220v outlets, electrical appliances made for use in the U.S. must be used here with a transformer if 110v outlets are not available. Some appliances, such as clocks, do not work properly when plugged into a transformer. Others, such as microwaves, stand mixers, vacuums, etc. may deteriorate when returned to 110 voltage use. Many appliances are now available in dual voltage; they simply require an adapter which can be purchased locally. Don't discard your lamps. If your quarters are wired for 220v, all you need is an adapter, which can be purchased locally for a nominal cost and a 220v light bulb to use the lamps here.
Important documents you should hand carryYour orders- have multiple copies
Medical Records- Immunization records and medical/dental history for yourself and each family member
Legal Documents:
Privately-owned vehiclesU.S. Customs requires personnel to have a copy of the title to their vehicle when shipping it overseas. The title must include the vehicle identification number (VIN) or, if the vehicle does not have a VIN, the product identification number. If there's a lien on the vehicle, there must be written approval from the lien holder. Contact your lender as soon as you get orders to prevent last minute problems.
Vehicles are shipped to the Mainz-Kastel Vehicle Processing Center, a ten minute drive from Wiesbaden Army Airfield. It's important that personnel notify the transportation office upon arrival. Additional information about shipping your vehicle can be found at the PCSmyPOV website.
Your car must pass an inspection for safety, condition and reliability. It is recommended that any needed repairs be completed prior to shipping your car to Germany. Labor and parts are very expensive and parts may take extended time to arrive in Germany. Check vehicles for rust, chips, cracks in the windshield and oil leaks. Inoperative lights, horn, speedometer, window tinting and other items can prevent your car from passing inspection. You are required to have an authorized first aid kit in your car at all times. Be sure to purchase this kit prior to your car inspection- your car will pass inspection without it. Kits are sold at the AAFES shopettes and at local auto supply stores. Seek assistance from your unit sponsor or vehicle registration for additional information.
Please click link to contact Vehicle Registration
https://home.army.mil/wiesbaden/index.php/about/Garrison/DES/vehicle-registration
Car InsuranceGermany has a high cost of living. Prices for auto insurance are especially expensive. Variables include your age, the car's age, engine size, make, model and weight. German liability insurance, which is mandatory, ranges from 400 to 1,000 Euros per year. Shop around when purchasing insurance.
Driver's licensesThe minimum age for driving in Germany is 17. Service Members, U.S. Civilian employees, and Family members must have a stateside license or a country license to obtain a USAREUR license. Prior to departing the U.S., ensure your stateside driver's license is current and not near expiration- your USAREUR license is only valid with a valid, non- expired stateside driver's license. Personnel must hold a USAREUR POV Certificate of License in order to operate a private automobile. Individuals are no longer permitted to use a military license in lieu of a valid state or country license to obtain a U.S. Forces POV Certificate of License for any class. Prior to arriving, it is recommended that you study for the driver's license exam. Download the Drivers Handbook and Examination Manual for Germany or USAREUR Practice Test and Study Guide. The laws and street signs are different than in the U.S. and can be confusing. Personnel requiring child care during the driver's orientation and test may utilize hourly slots at the Child Development Center on a space available basis; however, children must be registered through Central Enrollment in order to use hourly care. If you do not have a valid license you will be considered a "novice" and must go through German licensing procedures to obtain a license. The process is very lengthy and expensive. A German driver's license costs approximately 2,000 Euros.
Child safety seatsCar seat requirements are different in Germany than in the U.S. All children under 12 years of age who are smaller than 4'11" or weigh less than 50 pounds must use an approved child seat or booster seat. Children up to 36 months or up to 40 pounds must use a car seat. Children ages 3 to 11 or 33 to 80 pounds must use a booster seat. Failure to use these devices may result in a fine and/or loss of your driving privileges. Please bring these items with you as the lending closet by regulation is NOT able to loan these items.
GasGasoline is a rationed item in Germany. Depending on how many drivers and vehicles are registered with your family will determine the amount of gas you can purchase from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. Gas is good quality and purchased in liters instead of gallons. Although there are two AAFES gas stations that service the community, you will be issued an ESSO card to be able to purchase gas at specific gas stations on the economy. The ESSO card allows you to pay the same AAFES contracted rate that you would pay on post. Without, you could pay up to $5 a gallon at a German gas station. Your ESSO card is only valid in the country in which you are stationed. Personal travel outside of Germany will require you to pay local gas prices. ESSO cards are available for rental cars by visiting the MP station for initial approval.
PetsIn Germany, there is an import ban on specific dogs that are considered dangerous or "fighting dogs." Due to dog attacks on humans, the German state and federal governments have banned the following breeds from being brought into Germany: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire-Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier. Dogs of other breeds may also not be imported from another country if they are considered dangerous by the regulations where the dog will primarily live. Although each state in Germany maintains their own regulations on what dogs are banned, the most popular breeds that regularly appear on these lists include the American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Mastiff and Pitbull Bandog.Germany does not quarantine animals but requires a health certificate which cannot be more than 10 days old. Rabies vaccinations must be at least 30 days old and not more than one year old. Your local veterinarian can provide information and the USAG Wiesbaden Veterinary website has essential PCSing with pet information.
Exceptional Family Member ProgramEveryone on orders to Europe must complete an Exceptional Family Member Program screening before dependent travel will be authorized. For information regarding the EFMP screening, contact your local medical facility or EFMP Coordinator at your local ACS. Click USAG Wiesbaden EFMP for local information.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing InstructionsThe 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.
When calling a civilian number from the United States, dial the international code (011), country code and drop the first zero. e.g. 011 49 611 XXX-XXXX
From other countries dial the international code (00), country code (49) drop the zero. e.g. 00 49 611 XXX-XXXX
334-2XXX (06134) 604 + LAST 3334-4XXX (0611) 508 + LAST 3335-5XXX (0611) 4080 + LAST 3336-XXXX (0611) 816-XXXX337-XXXX (0611) 705-XXXX338-7XXX (0611) 380-XXXX347-3XXX (06155) 603-XXX537-XXXX (0611) 143-537-XXXX546-XXXX (0611) 143-546-XXXX548-XXXX (0611) 143-548-XXXX570-XXXX (0611) 9744-XXXX
MISSION
U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden integrates, synchronizes, delivers services, and provides infrastructure to enable Readiness, Theater-wide Mission Command,
and support to Contingency Operations.
VISION
The Army’s premier garrison in Europe committed to excellence in delivering exceptional services and state-of-the-art facilities to enable uninterrupted Theater-wide Mission Command across the spectrum of Operations.
VALUES
HISTORY
The area that is presently Lucius D. Clay Kaserne has a long history dating all the way back to the Roman period, as recent archeological excavations revealed. In 1184, a national festival was held on the grounds and the German emperor Friedrich I knighted his sons there.
In later years a racetrack, which was well known throughout Europe for its excellent horse racing competition, was built on the site. On May 11, 1913 Prince Heinrich of Prussia landed in a field near the racetrack, thus completing the first recorded landing by an aircraft on what is now the airfield at Clay Kaserne. Around 1917, due to a decline in racetrack attendance, sponsors included aerial demonstrations as a regular part of the program. During these flying programs some of the most famous German stunt pilots made their appearance at Wiesbaden. Wiesbaden was not used as a military aerodrome during the First World War.
In 1926 a retired German Flying Corps officer, Joseph Aumann, conceived the idea of turning the racetrack into an airfield. Although Aumann's idea did not win public approval he managed to convince city officials that the airfield would attract more visitors to the Spas of Wiesbaden and stimulate business in Wiesbaden and Mainz.
In the spring of 1929 the Wiesbaden-Mainz airport was opened. Private and sport flying grew in popularity in Wiesbaden through 1933 when the Third Reich came into power. Flight training was organized for future Luftwaffe pilots at Wiesbaden during this time.
In 1936, Luftwaffe Headquarters in Berlin designated Wiesbaden Airfield as a fliegerhorst or air base. Construction of the military kaserne, the runway and hangar complex was completed in 1938 and the first German military unit, the famous "Ace of Spades" fighter wing, occupied Fliegerhorst Wiesbaden. Wiesbaden was used by the Luftwaffe throughout the second World War as a fighter and bomber base. At the peak of its use as many as 40 bombers took off every 3 hours on assigned bombing missions. Naturally, Wiesbaden was the target of numerous allied bombing missions and at one time as many as 76 bomb craters were counted on the runway. To this day unexploded ordnance from those bombing raids is occasionally found during construction projects close to the airfield.
In late March 1945, Fliegerhorst Wiesbaden was abandoned by the Luftwaffe and occupied by advancing American soldiers. U.S. troops remained on Fliegerhorst Wiesbaden after the war, and in September 1947, the U.S. Army Air Corps became a separate service — the U.S. Air Force. At that time in 1948, Fliegerhorst Wiesbaden was designated Wiesbaden Air Base and was the home of Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Europe.
During the Berlin Airlift 1948-1949, airmen from Wiesbaden distinguished themselves in support of "Operation Vittles". C54's and C84 "Flying Boxcars" of the 60th Troop Carrier Group flew missions daily from Wiesbaden to Tempelhof Airport in the beleaguered city of Berlin. During one day's operations more than 80 tons of food and supplies were airlifted from Wiesbaden Air Base. The streets on Wiesbaden Army Airfield are named after servicemen that gave their lives during the Berlin Airlift.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy visited Wiesbaden Air Base.
In 1976, USAFE and all USAF flying units moved to Ramstein and were replaced at Wiesbaden Air Base by a U.S. Army Mechanized Infantry Brigade. During this period flying activities at Wiesbaden were greatly reduced. In 1984 the unit was deactivated and the decision made to use the Air Base for its primary purpose — that of an aviation facility. Although it retained the name Wiesbaden Air Base, at that time Wiesbaden AAF became the primary airfield of the U.S. Army V Corps.
In 1998 the Air Base was officially renamed Wiesbaden Army Airfield. Prior to the Army's global rebasing and restructuring, the airfield served as the home for 3rd Corps Support Command, V Corps Headquarters, First Armored Division Headquarters and related support elements.As the Headquarters of U.S. Army Europe started moving to Wiesbaden from Heidelberg, Wiesbaden Army Airfield was renamed Gen. Lucius D. Clay Kaserne in 2012.
After the occupation of the city in 1945, when the Americans made Wiesbaden the headquarters of the military government of the Hessian state capital, they have now voted for this city a second time. Starting in fall of 2012, the city will be the headquarters and thus the administrative and control center of the U.S. Army in Europe.
Today, USAG Wiesbaden hosts a number of military units and service organizations, including USAREUR Headquarters, 5th Signal Command, the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, American Forces Network-Wiesbaden and several U.S. Air Force units.
U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden was named the 2011 Army Chief of Staff Army Communities of Excellence Gold Winner, followed by recognition with the Sustained Excellence Award for 2012 - a distinction that puts it at the top of a select list of outstanding garrisons across the Army.
As of June 2020, it had 290,955 inhabitants, plus approximately 19,000 United States citizens (mostly associated with the United States Army). U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden is headquartered at Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, and includes the Dagger Complex in Darmstadt, Germany.
U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden is headquartered at Lucius D. Clay Kaserne in the city of Wiesbaden.
It also includeds the Dagger Complex in Darmstadt, Germany.
The McCully Support Center in Wackernheim located in the neighboring federal state of Rheinland Pfalz which hosts several of our logistics units.
It is located 20 minutes away from Frankfurt International Airport.
USAG Wiesbaden hosts a number of military units and service organizations, including USAREUR Headquarters, 5th Signal Command
the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, American Forces Network-Wiesbaden and several U.S. Air Force units.
The European headquarters of the U.S.Army have been relocated from Heidelberg to Wiesbaden since 2012.
The Wiesbaden/Mainz Community is located in the German States of Hessen and Rheinland Pfalz, in the central portion of Germany.
The city of Wiesbaden is about 25 minute car ride from the Frankfurt International Airport and sits right next to the historical city of Mainz.
The region is rich in history and cultural facilities.
Geographic location50.05 North, 8.15 East
Area20.390 hectares of which5.598 hectares are woodland
Circumference78.8 km
North-south-extension17.6 km
East-west-extension19.7 km
Highest pointat Rheinhöhenweg 608 m
Lowest pointEntrance to Schierstein Harbor 83 m
Height above sea level of the city centerSchloßplatz (City Hall) 115 m
Highest buildingMarktkirche 92 m (church at market square)
To get the latest information on USAG Wiesbaden for newcomers, please go our official web page:
Driving Directions to Clay Kaserne from Frankfurt:
Directions to Mc Cully Barracks, Wackernheim from Clay Kaserne:
USAG Wiesbaden Taxi Procedures for Wiesbaden Installations.
There is one authorized taxi company currently servicing U.S. installations in Wiesbaden, which is authorized to go to specific posts/Kaserne.
If you want a taxi TO PICK YOU UP from: Clay Kaserne or Hainerberg Housing, call Taxi Wiesbaden: 0611-444444.
Procedures for Requesting a Taxi:
NOTE: If you are traveling to the airport, report how much luggage you will take, or if you have a child stroller - this will determine size of vehicle sent to you. Taxi Wiesbaden has seats that raise for young age children to meet the standards - smaller children ride in the back with parent. However, if you have infants, you will need to bring your own child’s car “carrier” safety seat.
Administrative notes - All taxis (100%) will be searched upon arrival at the installation Access Control Point, even with US ID cardholders as passengers. - Taxi drivers without installation passes CANNOT be signed in to any USAG Wiesbaden installation.
GPS addresses:
GETTING AROUND
Please click the following link for useful information.
https://home.army.mil/wiesbaden/index.php/my-fort/getting-around
NOTE: As of March 1 2024, USAG Wiesbaden is currently experiencing a temporary telephone dialing service disruption across the community that is impacting the ability to call from commercial to DSN phone lines.
Interim dialing instructions
When calling DSN prefixes 546, 565, 523, 537, and 548,commercial users should dial 0964-170-XXX-XXXX.
For example, to call DSN 565-1234 from a commercial phone,users should dial 0964-170-565-1234.
Shuttle Bus service is available for Service Members, Family members and DOD ID cardholders.
The bus schedule is updated via the Transportation Office. Unless specifically announced, buses operate on all American and German holidaysPOC at TMP under DSN 548-7808/7809/7840/1800 or commercial (0611-143 548-7808/7809/7840/1800
The route plan is established to provide essential service to Soldiers traveling within the community to his/her place of duty.
Shuttle Bus service is available for soldiers, family members and ID cardholders in McCully, Mainz-Kastel, Wiesbaden and points in between.
Please call the Transportation office at: 049-611-143-546-6002 or DSN: 546-2000
Hours of operation:
Please click the following link for transportation options.
For additional information on the City of Wiesbaden and its public transportation, please visit the following websites.
Wiesbaden City Website
German Bundesbahn (Trains)
www.bahn.de (can be converted to English)
AAFES Taxis Stand
Phone: Civ (0611) 444-444
There is one authorized taxi company currently servicing U.S. Army installations in Wiesbaden, which is authorized to go to specific posts/Kaserne.
If you want a taxi TO PICK YOU UP from: Clay Kaserne or Hainerberg Housing, call Taxi Wiesbaden at Civ (0611) 444-444. RATES AND LOCATIONS
Procedures for requesting a taxi
Be prepared to pay all taxi driver's in euros. Some taxis do not accept U.S. dollars or any form of credit.
*RESERVATION NOTE:
The best thing to do is call in advance and coordinate an appointment in order to get the larger vehicles. All taxis will be searched upon arrival at the installation access control point at any installation, even with U.S. ID cardholders as passengers. Taxi drivers without installation passes CAN NOT be signed in to any U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden installation.
Interim dialing instructionsWhen calling DSN prefixes 546, 565, 523, 537, and 548,commercial users should dial 0964-170-XXX-XXXX.
To dial a German commercial telephone number from within the United States: Dial 011 49 and dropthe first 0 of the commercial number.
To dial a German commercial telephone number from within Europe, but outside of Germany: Dial0049 and drop the first 0 of the commercial number.
To dial a Defense Switched Network number from outside of Europe: Dial 314 plus the seven digitDSN.
Release 2024.03.06.1