Employment

As with many other overseas locations, Geilenkirchen is a challenging environment for spouses who are seeking employment. The language barrier is a factor to overcome in obtaining employment in the local economy. It is not uncommon for spouses to wait at least six months to gain a job commensurate with their education and or experience. If you are currently employed with a company that does business in Europe, try to transfer to their overseas location before leaving the United States.

Three military installations provide employment opportunities: Geilenkirchen NATO Base, Joint Forces Command and U.S. Army Garrison Benelux-Brunssum (USAG Benelux-Brunssum). The length of unemployment varies with the applicant's qualification credentials, timing and diligence/perseverance. Civil service positions are the most sought after and the hardest to obtain. There are fewer than 30 positions at Geilenkirchen and at USAG Benelux-Brunssum.

Good Prospects

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Commissary at USAG Benelux-Brunssum have Non-appropriated Fund positions at all tri-border bases; and NATO Exchange at Geilenkirchen. Additionally, both Child & Youth Services at both JFC Brunssum and NATO AB Geilenkirchen frequently have openings available for locally assigned spouses.  Often, the local on-base banks (Andrews Federal Credit Union and Community Bank) will post openings. 

Fair Prospects

There are occasional GS positions offered on JFC Brunssum and NATO AB GK.

Poor Prospects

Nursing, medical occupations and other professional positions can be challenging to find. There may also be a licensing issue between host nation and home station.  Because employment opportunities are limited, many spouses choose to volunteer in their career field. Please check with the Military and Family Readiness Center for volunteer opportunities.

Consultations

Individual consultations that include: Resume reviews, job interview preparation, local job searches, help with Linked In account, and federal employment assistance are available by appointment at the M&FRC at Geilenkirchen.

Job Announcement Board

The M&FRC keeps a current listing of employment opportunities for job seekers. Postings include vacancy announcements from USA Jobs, AAFES, NATO the Commissary and Exchange (BX/PX), and other misc. contractor positions.

Resource Room

The M&FRC’s computer resource room offers computer access and text reference materials. Prior to arriving, you can use the internet to search for job openings. You can contact the center for additional assistance.

Spouses seeking employment should have access to their important and required documents such as: Orders, marriage certificate, SF-50, current resumes, federal applications, copies of licenses and transcripts, letters of recommendations, past performance evaluations and updates to all contact information (as applicable)  

If you are separating or retiring in three years or less, call the Military and Family Readiness Center to enroll in the Transition Assistance Program. There are 4 mandatory components which must be completed: Individual Initial Counseling,  Pre-Separation, Transition Assistance Program Workshop and a Capstone appointment.

MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account)

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit the MyCAA page at https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa.

You may also want to check into the MySECO website at https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/ for help researching scholarships and choosing schools.

Three military installations provide limited shopping experiences:

Base Services 

Services support squadron activities are shared between the three neighboring bases.

Groceries: On NATO AB GK, we have a grocery store run by the NATO Exchange system, which contains liquor, smoking items (cigarettes, cigars, tobacco products), Starbucks, and other normal grocery items (fresh fruit and  vegetable dept. fresh meat dept., dairy, frozen section, and other perishables. On USAG Benelux-Brunssum, we have a U.S. commissary.

Exchange System: On Geilenkirchen, we offer a small shoppette, where you can find several important items (snack foods, gift cards, and also the Military Clothing Sales for uniform items. On USAG Benelux- Brunssum, you will find an exchange troop store, complete with snack foods, utility (athletic) wear, electronics, automobile, and limited toy and gaming sections.