Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base  Military and Family Support Center

If you are approaching a permanent change of station, or PCS, you may have questions about your upcoming move. As part of the Military and Family Support Center, the relocation assistance program provides services and resources to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Below is a list of resources.

• PCS planning – Most relocation assistance programs offer counseling/consultations to assist in the moving process. Those making their first military move, those making their first overseas move or those with challenging or complex situations should contact their installation Military and Family Support Center relocation assistance office as soon as possible for information and assistance.
• MilitaryINSTALLATIONS and Military OneSource – For managing and planning your move, you may want to take advantage of these Department of Defense-sponsored online resources and tools, including the 7 Steps to Make Your Household Goods Move a Smart Move.
• Loan Closet – Loan Closet offers basic household goods while your personal property is in transit. Typical items include pots and pans, dishes, silverware, irons, ironing boards and infant or toddler car seats. Generally, towels and bed linens are not available, so these should be packed in your express shipment. This service varies by service and installation.
• Workshops and briefings – Workshops vary from installation to installation, but you may find classes on housing options, moving with children, moving with pets or general moving preparation and resources.
• Pre-departure briefings – Briefings may be called Smooth Move or PCS Briefing and provide essential information about your next duty station. Briefings can be critical in setting you up for success during the transition to your next duty station.
• Settling-in services – Welcome Wagon services or local area tours may be a part of your installation’s settling-in services. Overseas arrival services may include introductory language classes and cultural awareness training.
• Foreign-born spouse support – Whether you have questions or concerns about immigration and naturalization, learning the English language or how to use local transportation, the relocation program provides assistance, classes and referrals. Services may vary by service and installation.
• Emergency assistance – From time to time, emergencies occur while moving. The Military and Family Support Center has the resources to provide emergency financial assistance and referrals.
• Authorized housing flexibility options – The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act authorized housing flexibility options for eligible service members in receipt of PCS orders within the United States. This includes possible extended stays in government housing and early moving opportunities. For additional information and eligibility considerations, contact your military personnel office. Please note that application of these policies may vary across services.
• Spouse Reimbursement – The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act allows each service branch to reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for relicensure and certification costs resulting from relocations or PCS moves. This includes moves that cross U.S. state lines, as well as OCONUS to stateside moves. See this Military OneSource article on Transferring Your Professional License for more information and specific service branch policies.

Once you have in-processed at the Orderly Room you will come to the Airman and Family Readiness Center to pick up your Newcomer's Map package and sign up for the monthly newcomer's program. If you are in your first term, you will also meet with the Personal Financial Manager. While at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, you will be given a tour of the facility including the Loan Locker and the Family and Computer Resource rooms that are available to make your transition easier. If you have any questions about our programs or facilities, please contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Central European Time from the U.S. at 011-49-2451-63-7291; via DSN from the U.S. at 314-458-6015; from Europe at 0049-2451-63-7291; or via DSN from Europe at 314-458-6015.

Installation Specific Information

The Geilenkirchen A&FRC provides up to date information and services concerning relocating. This program provides a newcomer's and overseas orientation, Welcome Packets, Smooth Move, base brochures resources, orientation walking tour, and individualized counseling as well as information and referral.

Commander's Welcome -- is held on selected Wednesdays and Thursdays of each month. It is held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The program's focus is on practical information for moving into the Geilenkirchen Tri-Border community, German customs and courtesies, how to sort your trash, and set up your utilities. The morning program will introduce you to many American unit commanders and representatives of offices that provide services to Americans stationed at Geilenkirchen. The Medical Group provides a mandatory Medical Right Start in the afternoon of the Commander's Welcome day.

Beyond the Gate -- The Airman & Family Readiness Center offers walking tours as well as periodic trips to nearby events, cities, and markets to help you orient yourself in the Tri-Border area.

The Loan Locker -- Items are provided for the PCSing family while they await the arrival of their household goods or waiting to PCS to their next duty station. Such items include pots and pans, dish packs, booster seats, strollers, iron and board, small kitchen appliances, television, fan, alarm clock, extension cord and transformer. No linens or pillows are available.

Items Not to Ship -- Electrical current differences in Germany are likely to cause stateside electrical appliances to work improperly. Members are discouraged from bringing 110v household appliances since German electrical outlets operate on a 220v and 50 cycle. Most 110v household appliances are likely to require a transformer to operate and will increase your overall utility usage and cost. In addition, large household furniture such as waterbeds and over-sized sofas can create problems due to smaller than average rooms and/or stairwells. NOTE: US light fixtures can usually be used here with an adaptor as long as you use a European bulb

Centralized Furnishing Management Office -- The Furnishing Management Office used by US military and DoD members assigned to Geilenkirchen is located at USAG Schinnen, The Netherlands. All personnel who are authorized a housing allowance (BAH, QHA, LQA) are entitled to loan furniture issue. Personnel are authorized a refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer, kitchen cabinet, wardrobe (one per family member) for the duration of their tour.

Temporary furniture: dining room table and chairs, couch, easy chairs, table lights, dresser or chest of drawers, and a coffee table, may be retained for 90 days or until household goods arrive (whichever comes first). Extensions may be requested but must be approved by the Furnishings Manager at USAG Schinnen.

Newcomers need to bring a copy of their orders and rental agreement for their first visit to the Schinnen Housing Office. Please call DSN: 314-360-7572/7604/7575 or 011-31-046-443-7572/7602/7575 to set up an appointment.