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 Relocation Assistance Program office as soon as possible for information and assistance.
• Plan My Move is an online tool that helps break the moving process down into clear, manageable steps for all family members. This Department of Defense relocation tool provides details about housing, transportation, finances, family and more.
• Military OneSource offers a variety of moving information and resources. Learn more about PCS basics and download this fact sheet 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.
• Predeparture 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 sign up for the monthly newcomers’ program. If you are in your first term, you will also meet with the personal financial manager. While at the A&FRC, 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, contact the A&FRC Monday-Friday,
8 a.m.-5 p.m. (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 newcomers’ and overseas orientation, welcome packets, Smooth Move, base resources brochures, orientation walking tours and individualized counseling, as well as information and referral.

Commander's Welcome – The Commander’s Welcome is held on select Wednesdays and Thursdays  each month and is held at the A&FRC. 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 how to set up your utilities. The 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 A&FRC 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 families on permanent change of station orders while they await the arrival of their household goods or are waiting to PCS to their next duty station. Such items include pots and pans, dish packs, booster seats, strollers, irons and boards, small kitchen appliances, televisions, fans, alarm clocks, extension cords and transformers. 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 110-volt household appliances since German electrical outlets operate on 220 volts 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 oversized sofas can create problems due to smaller-than-average rooms and/or stairwells. Note: U.S. light fixtures can usually be used here with an adaptor as long as you use a European light bulb.

Centralized Furnishing Management Office -- The Furnishing Management Office used by U.S. military and Department of Defense members assigned to Geilenkirchen is located at U.S. Army Garrison Schinnen, The Netherlands. All personnel who are authorized a housing allowance (basic allowance for housing, overseas housing allowance and living quarters allowance) are entitled to be loaned furniture. Personnel are authorized a refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer, kitchen cabinet and wardrobe (one per family member) for the duration of their tour.

Temporary furniture (dining room table and chairs, couches, easy chairs, table lights, dressers or chest of drawers and coffee tables) may be kept for 90 days or until your 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 their rental agreement for their first visit to the Schinnen Housing Office. Call DSN 314-360-7572/7604/7575 or 011-31-046-443-7572/7602/7575 to set up an appointment.