Employment

Like many overseas installations, Kaiserslautern is a challenging environment for spouses seeking employment. At times, job openings are limited with many applicants. It is common for some applicants to wait six months or longer to gain a job commensurate with their education and experience. The length of time spent unemployed varies with the applicant's preparation, skills, determination and timing. The federal government is the largest employer, but there are usually more applicants than positions. Appropriated-fund positions are limited and may be available for those with career status or hiring preferences. Non-appropriated positions are more plentiful. Home-based business opportunities are limited. There are several insurance companies, concessionaires and other small businesses on post that hire American family members. These companies deal primarily with Americans so language is not a problem. Many of these positions are clerical in nature, some are retail sales.

Private employment in the German economy is not impossible, however, it is difficult for most Americans. There are many American companies with franchises in this area. Some of them do hire Americans, but for the most part, they are a German branch of the corporation and employ and work under the German work/tax system. Unless a person has a good command of the German language, it is difficult to gain employment in the economy.

Those willing to seek employment opportunities outside the Kaiserslautern community but within the US Army Garrison Rheinland-Pflaz commuting distance will find some opportunities in the Landstuhl, Ramstein and Baumholder Military locations. Please note that the job market continually changes as people relocate into and out of the area.

Visit your current installation Army Community Service Employment Readiness program to prepare your civilian and federal resumes in advance of arrival. For more information about job availability, contact our ERP staff.

Good Prospects

Positions in retail, banking, fast food, administrative, customer service and technology are available through Army and Air Force Exchange Service.  MWR provides many NAF positions to include Child, Youth, and School Age Service Centers (CYSS), Outdoor Recreation, etc., Department of Education (DODEA), and local area contractors.

Fair Prospects

Contract positions; Appropriated Fund (AF) positions with the federal government.

Poor Prospects

Medical positions and persons that do not have SOFA status

Military Spouse Preference for Overseas Assignments

You may be eligible for military spouse preference if you are the spouse of an active-duty military member who makes a permanent change of station overseas to same area and you are command-sponsored. This is a one-time only preference per PCS to new duty station.  To apply for MSP, you must follow the procedures as outlined by the servicing Department of Defense Human Resources Office, have been married prior to the move and be listed on the orders as a dependent. You must also be among the most qualified for the position. MSP positions apply to AF vacancies filled competitively for U.S. citizen occupancy. Preference also applies to some NAF positions. You will be referred for positions using your MSP until such time as you accept or decline a position. In addition, you may accept or decline an unlimited number of non-continuing (temporary) positions without loss of your military spouse preference. For more information on MSP, contact the Family Employment Readiness Program at the top of this page, the nearest DOD human resources office or NAF human resources office at your overseas installation.

Your installation spouse employment counselor can help you with:

• Career counseling and job coaching
• Career assessments
• Employment prospects in the new location
• Preparing a new resume
• Self-improvement workshops and classes
• Job search techniques
• Information on training and education
• Information on current job openings

Contact ACS @:COMM 0611-143-541-9000 or DSN:314-541-9000

For job-hunting, it is highly suggested to hand carry the following documents: 

• Updated Civilian and/or Federal resume
• Permanent change of station orders
• Your marriage license (for Military of DOD Spouses)
• Original and copies of License/Certifications
• Social security card
• College transcripts
• List of references
• Letters of recommendation 
• If applicable, DOD Form 214 (Prior Military) and/or SF 50 (Personnel Actions).

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT ACS: 0611-143-541-9000 or 314-541-9000.

The Army Transition Program is a mandatory program available to assist Soldiers and their Family Members when they transition from their Military career to a Civilian career. It assists them with preparations for retirement or separation from the Military. For more information and assistance call TAP at 011-49-611-143-541-1400 or DSN 314-541-1400.  (Bldg. 3213 - Kleber Kaserne).

Tuition assistance is available from a variety of sources for spouses who want to attend post-secondary institutions.

The Overseas Spouse Education Assistance Program is available through Army Emergency Relief. You can contact AER at 011-49-611-143-9000 or DSN 314-541-9000 for more information.

In addition, a number of federal grants and scholarships are available through the federal government. Applications for such assistance can be obtained through the Education Center. Information regarding this topic is accessible on the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities website.

My Career Advancement Account

For information on My Career Advancement Account and SECO, visit Military OneSource.

To receive unemployment benefits, applicants must apply prior to leaving the United States. It is recommended to contact a Financial Readiness Program Specialist at your departing location to understand the possible benefits and restrictions.  For more info contact us at: 011-49-0611-143-541-9000 or DSN: 314-541-9000.

Kaiserslautern is a challenging environment for spouses seeking employment. At times, job openings are limited and receive many applicants. It is common for some applicants to wait six months or longer to gain a job commensurate with their education and experience. Federal job opportunities are available through the Civilian Personnel Office located at Kleber Kaserne and Ramstein Air Base. Nonappropriated funds positions are more plentiful. For information about home-based business opportunities, or employment in the Kaiserslautern area, call the Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program at 011-49-0611-143-541-9000 or DSN 314-541-9000. We are located at Kleber Kaserne, Building 3210, on the second floor.