Ansbach, United States Army Garrison

U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach delivers and integrates base support to enable the readiness of permanent, rotational and expeditionary forces for a Strong Europe.

• All personnel assigned to Germany must have in their possession a valid stateside license to be eligible for USAREUR licensing and must have a USAREUR license to operate vehicles.
• The electrical current in Europe is 220 volts, 50 cycles compared to 110 volts, 60 cycles in the States. A transformer is a device that converts 110v electrical currents into 220v electrical currents. These devices allow one to use American appliances. You must use caution when using 110 volts, 60 cycles appliances here in Germany. For example, clocks operate at 5/6 the normal speed. This means they lose ten minutes every hour, in other words, they don't work. Most appliances with heating elements (toaster and irons) operate satisfactorily with a transformer. U.S. Microwaves, when operated by transformer, will eventually burn out. You may find it easier to use appliances that will not require a large transformer, such as a coffee maker or hair dryer, and purchase 220 volt appliances in Europe. These items may be sold at the military exchange or the thrift shop for a fraction of their original cost.
• The German currency is the Euro. It is recommended that all incoming personnel have some Euros upon arrival for incidental expenses, telephone calls, etc.
• Active Duty do not need a Tourist Passport to travel to Germany, however, you will need a Tourist Passport to travel to other countries (once you are here you may get the opportunity to travel to other countries and will wish you had one). If you are a U.S. citizen you can obtain a passport while here, it is easier to obtain one while you are still in CONUS.
• The following records should be hand-carried: Orders, school records, soldiers with family members on accompanied assignments-DA form 5888 (EFMP Screening), passports, drivers license, bills, addresses, birth certificates, marriage licenses, secondary access to your bank accounts and items needed to file income taxes. Family members seeking a job need to bring educational documentation.
• Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) -- Screening must be completed before you PCS to Germany. 
• If your dependents are not command sponsored, you cannot be assigned quarters until you command sponsored.   
• International dialing from the U.S is 011 followed by the country code 49 and then the area code (minus the first zero). ACS at 09802-83-2883 would be 011-49-9802-83-2883.
• There are several dogs (Bull-Terrier, Stafforsshire-Bullterriers) that come under the “Dangerous Dogs” law and they are not permitted to be brought into country. See “Pets” topic for a detailed discussion of allowable pets.
• As of 8 April 08 all child car seats must meet European standards ECE-44/03 or ECE 44/04.

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 314 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 011-49-9802-83-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.