The

Tschüß! Book

Courtesy of USAG BaumholderArmy Community Service

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Departing Soldiers, Civilians and Families,

Moving can be a very traumatic experience at worse and extremely challenging at best. The information provided in this booklet is designed to supplement your knowledge AFTER attending the PCS Workshop: Smooth Moves or OPERATION: PCS, both provided by ACS. This booklet is NOT a replacement for attendance to these workshops. The workshops and this booklet will help minimize your level of stress and greatly enhance your ability to adequately plan and execute your upcoming relocation from USAG Baumholder.

I also encourage you to utilize the sponsorship program to the fullest extent possible by making sure that you request a sponsor upon receiving your orders utilizing the DA Form 5434. Ask your sponsor questions and let them work for you to ensure a smooth transition. Sponsors can gather information about your new duty station, reserve lodging and depending on the installation may be able to get your name on the Housing Wait List.

If you encounter difficulties or have an emergency while traveling to your new duty station call this number for 24 hours a day; 365 days a year assistance: 1-800-342-9647. This is the Military One Source (MOS) hotline. MOS can assist you with literally, any question you have. From translation services, to counseling services to AER assistance, MOS is the “1-Stop-Shop” for all your needs while in transit.

Finally, Baumholder Army Community Service provides multiple resources to include: Lending Closet support for small appliances and dishes after your household goods have shipped; EFMP support to ensure you know about the resources available at your next duty station; Employment Readiness to start searching for your new job today; Financial Readiness to help budget for loss of COLA, etc and to make a strong plan for your financial needs as you move; and Relocation Readiness support for destination specific information, advocacy and support during your PCS/ETS process. Please use these FREE services to plan your move. The more resources and information you have, the better prepared you will be to make informed choices about your move.

We at ACS hope your move from Baumholder is pleasant and stress free. Please remember that we are here to help you transition from Baumholder in any way possible. There is no wrong door for service at ACS!

Very Respectfully,

William A. Luna, GMSRelocation Readiness Program Manager

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Important Websites

Military Installations: Installation overviews, contact information, mapsapps.mhf.dod.mil/mi

Plan My Move: Moving tools, calendars, to do lists, arrival checklistapps.mhf.dod.mil/pmm

Moving and Relocation Budget Planner: Tips for PCS Budgetingwww.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/tf/movingandrelocation/budgetplanner

Military Youth on the Move: School transition, parent & kids areas

apps.mhf.dod.mil/myom

Army Housing (On Post): Floor plans, photo tours, wait list informationhttps://www.housing.army.mil/ah

Army Housing Referral Network: Rentals near new duty stationwww.ahrn.com

Move.mil: Do it yourself moving and scheduling

*Not recommended for 1st time PCSing*www.move.mil

Military One Source: Ask any question, anytime of day, any day of the year!

www.militaryonesource.mil

Save and Invest: Financial resources and calculators

www.saveandinvest.org

United States Postal Service (USPS): Mailing box before you PCSwww.usps.com

US VISA/Citizenship: Military specific US VISA/Citizenship informationwww.uscis.gov/military

ERMC Pet Shipping Guide: Pet checklist and general requirements http://ervc.amedd.army.mil/AnimalMedicine/PCSing.html

Shipping Alcohol Stateside: Tips and websites for importing liquor http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/opm/state.htm

Shipping Firearms Stateside: Tips and websites for importing firearms http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/opm/guns.htm

Vehicle Transportation: Check where your vehicle is

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www.wheresmypov.com or www.mtmc.army.mil

USE THIS CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR MOVE!

90-60 DAYS TO PCS (Receipt of Orders) Discuss the move with your Family. Include children in all Family plans. Attend PCS Workshops at ACS. Schedule an appointment with the ACS Financial Readiness Manager Make flight arrangements with SATO travel office. Plan for pet travel. Soldier turn in leave request form. Contact Housing, Temporary Lodging Allowance, pre-inspection and final

inspection of quarters & off-post 30-day written termination notice to landlord. Make temporary lodging arrangements at new duty station. Create a household inventory. Contact the Transportation office to set up Household Goods,

Unaccompanied Baggage appointments, etc. Contact the Vehicle Transportation office to schedule your vehicle shipment. Complete passport requirements including birth registration for newborns. Complete VISA requirements for Family Members. Contact the ACS EFMP to gather information & resources at new installation. Request a sponsor (DA Form 5434) Do your research! Gather information about your new duty location. Visit ACS Relocation Readiness to research your destination and move. Check immunizations for each Family member. Copy of cumulative school records (school forwards the original). Contact gaining installation housing office. Research BAH at new installation. Determine requirements regarding: Buying/selling a house. Set up a FAMILY RECORDS file for each Family member.

o Spouse resume & last LESo Birth certificate (original)o Immunization recordo Social Security Numbero Passportso Naturalization papers

o Child ID fileo Adoption paperso School transition fileo Military ID card for

everyone 10 years or oldero Additional records

Set up a PCSing file:

o Marriage certificateo Insurance policies o Last Leave & Earning

Statement (LES)

o Military Orderso Power of Attorney o Original Willo Bank books

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o State & federal tax recordso Car registration & titleo Deeds or mortgageso Professional licenses

o Divorce paperso List of stocks & bondso Financial Recordso Copies of pets’ inoculation

record

Start cleaning out junk drawers and closets. Plan for garage sale. Notify current employer about your move.

50 DAYS TO PCS Dental--Complete final work and exams. Eye Care--Complete final work and exams. Contact the Legal Office to assist with Power of Attorney (POA). Check your home owners insurance to determine scope of transit coverage. Obtain a written appraisal for valuable items such as antiques, jewelry, etc. Begin repairs and cleaning for moving. Begin job search. Research lending closet availability at current and new installation. Contact the school in the new community.

40 DAYS TO PCS Donate old items to local agencies (chapel, German Red Cross, Thrift Shop) Update and renew Driver’s License, Shot Records & ID Cards

Research new driver’s licensing. Arrange for absentee voting ballot. Keep talking about the move with the Family. Honesty is essential. Obtain change of address kit from Post Office. Notify banks, creditors, Family, etc. Of your new address. Cancel subscriptions such as book clubs, magazines, or update address.

30 DAYS TO PCS Review finances Research child care centers and day care options at your next duty station. Schedule doctor appointment to fill any needed prescriptions.

21 DAYS TO PCS Notify utilities and home services of disconnect dates. Check bank procedures for transferring funds/closing German bank accounts. Visit your ACS New Parent Support program for tips on traveling with kids.

14 DAYS TO PCS Verify schedules & services with Transportation Management Office Retrieve items from the cleaners. Return borrowed items and library books. Collect things you have loaned.

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Prepare to get the house cleaned for inspection. Check luggage, locks and make necessary repairs. Have cars serviced/tuned up for the trip or shipment. Obtain a P.O. Box in your new location. Know how to find Emergency Assistance.

7 DAYS TO PCS Settle outstanding bills. Obtain copies of school records. Pick up medical and dental records. Dispose of all flammable items. Remove items from attics, crawl spaces, or similar storage areas. It is your

responsibility to make these items accessible. Arrange child care and pet care for packing and moving day. Research directions to your destination.

3 DAYS TO PACKING DAY Record your items by video or photograph. Dismantle stereo sets, outdoor play equipment, etc. Take down curtains, rods, shelves, TV antennae, etc. Remove pictures and mirrors from walls and group together. Check with Transportation Office regarding Owner-packed cartons. Secure valuables (cash, purses, RECORDS, etc) from packers. Separate items to hand carry, hold baggage & items to mail personally. Provide travel plans with date/route/phone # to sponsor, relatives, etc. Pack a field kit for the car if you are driving to your new location.

PACKING DAY Take children to child care and put pets in a safe place Watch the packers very carefully! Mirrors & other easily damaged items should be packed by moving company. Watch the movers as they are packing the moving van and/or crates. Pack a “moving day needs” box with stuff you will need right way.

MOVING DAY Take children to child care and put pets in a safe place. Read all packing documents prior to signing. Ensure your copy of inventory is legible and matches your pre-inventory list. Before leaving the house, check each room and closet.

Smile....you’ve done a superb job of getting organized!!!!!

ON THE WAY Keep a log of ALL moving expenses incurred. Let each day flow with the daily plan.

AT YOUR NEW HOME Check with the Housing Office before you rent, lease, or buy a home. If you go house hunting, take pictures & pick up maps, etc for later use.

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Commanders may permit up to ten days permissive TDY for house hunting. Visit ACS for lending closet needs and installation & community information. Check that everything on your inventory is accounted for & in good condition. File claim within 70 days of delivery if loss/damage of items occurs. Check in at the Postal Service Center. Encourage all Family members to help with choices about decorating. Get a welcome pack, visit ACS & attend Newcomer’s Briefings (Spouse too). Get acquainted with your new neighbors & community. Tour your new town. Consider volunteering as a good way to meet other people. Set aside Family time to restore Family routines and special activities. Familiarize yourself with the area. (Look through the yellow pages).

The ACS Relocation Readiness Program can assist you in gathering information you may need to make your move as stress free as possible. For any questions or concerns please contact the ACS Relocation Readiness Program at 011-49-06783-6-8188 or DSN 314-485-8188.

PET’S CALENDAR CHECKLIST

5 WEEKS BEFORE: Inquire about health certificates, vaccinations, quarantines, and crates. Plan your trip. Make reservations. Visit your veterinarian for necessary vaccinations, microchip, etc. Get a travel crate and start training your pet.

1-2 WEEKS BEFORE: Attain a pet health certificates. (This is only good for 10days). Confirm your reservations. Prepare crate labels and containers. Get an ID collar for air travel Pack your pet’s food. Clip your pet’s nails.

1 –2 DAYS BEFORE: Label and prepare the crate. Attach food and water dishes to the crate. Feed your pet 6 hours before the flight. Get your documents ready – including the feeding schedule for any airline. Medicate your pet (only if recommended by your veterinarian).

As you can see, there is a lot to do! Stop by ACS to help manage & plan your move.

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We can help reduce the stress & limit common mistakes!

Vehicle Shipping

Only ONE vehicle may be shipped at government expense. Your vehicle will be shipped to the port nearest your new duty station. Transportation can provide you with port contact information, location and maps. Your vehicle has to be spotless clean and have less than ¼ of a tank of gas. You can receive shipping license plates thru vehicle registration which may be used in the states as temporary license plates. Visit the Vehicle Transportation office for more information in bldg 8724 or phone number 06783-6-7445.

You may ship additional vehicles through non government carriers at your own expense. Average shipping costs from Europe to CONUS is $800-$2000 depending on size of vehicle. Also, you must transport the car to the carrier (as close as Frankfurt or as far as Bremerhaven – depending on company). Some car dealers may offer free shipping back to CONUS if you have recently purchased a new car from them. For contact information of local carriers, please contact ACS or the Vehicle Transportation Office.

Army Emergency Relief (AER)

Army Emergency Relief (AER) is here to help relieve Relocation Stress. There are a couple of new categories of assistance that AER might be able to assist with:

Relocation Expenses: Costs acquired during a move, such as hotel expenses and needing assistance with Rent to move into a house, this option is available if you don't have time to go through DFAS for an advance or the advance wasn't enough to cover those expenses.

Furniture: AER assistance up to $4,000 to obtain essential and economical furniture, such as bedding, sofa, kitchen table, and crib. Assistance is for Soldiers establishing an initial household upon PCS or when newly married. All

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assistance from AER is to reduce hardship and stress Soldiers and family's face during PCSing and to avoid financial hardship.

Visit the AER office at the closest installation family center. If you are not close to an installation or for after hour assistance contact American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337.

Value Added Tax (VAT) Office

Utility Out-Processing InformationIf you have had the privilege of being in the utility program, please read carefully before moving or PCSing.

Start out processing by contacting your utility companies no later than four weeks before moving. This will allow sufficient time to receive your final bills. We can provide phone numbers if necessary.

You need to obtain a final meter reading from EACH of your utility companies. Once you have received your final bills, please review your accounts and pay in full if necessary.

Note: You should stop your automatic payment plan to avoid any delay in out processing.

All final bills should be paid at the utility company or at the local banking institution prior to out-processing at the VAT office. Please obtain a receipt.

Have a copy of your final bill(s) and proof of payment if a payment is due. A receipt from your utility company or bank is adequate proof of payment.

Finally, a termination form needs to be completed at our office.

Are you ready to out-process the VAT Office Utility Section?

VAT forms are a controlled item and are entered into their system. Service Member must return all used or unused VAT forms. Must return the white copy for any used VAT forms.

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The Community Information Center (located in the APO, next to the VAT Office) can assist you in locating other agencies

on post, as well as provide a wide range of information and referral assistance!

Tricare/Medical Out-processing Information

Out-processing through Medical/Dental Records & TRICARE Portability

EMPF sign-off: To have your EFMP checklist signed-off you must bring your orders to the TRICARE Service Center in bldg 8741 and complete a TRICARE Portability Form. You must have your "Final Out/Fly Out" scheduled prior to this.

Records:

You MUST pick up your medical/dental records BEFORE YOU TRY TO OUT PROCESS THE MEDICAL CLINIC.

How to get care while PCSing/Retirement or on terminal leave:

Emergency Care does not require a referral or authorization. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. If you are admitted, you must notify International SOS before leaving the facility, or within 24 hours or on the next business day to coordinate authorization, continued care, and payment. Urgent Care (sore throats, sprains, earaches, rising fevers, etc.) that cannot wait must be coordinated through International SOS PRIOR to your visit.Routine Care must be referred from your PCM or International SOS PRIOR to your visit.

Please visit http://www.tricare-overseas.com/Beneficiaries.htm for the complete guide on how to receive care while travelling.

International SOS from Germany: 0800-589-1599International SOS from the United States: 877-451-8659

To avoid losing your TRICARE Prime status, please enroll into your new region within 60 days.

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Finance Out-processing Information

Plan to attend the MANDATORY Finance PCS Out-Processing Brief every day (Monday through Friday) at 1000 at BLDG 8670. You are welcome to attend before you receive orders. However, if you want to apply for advances we must have copies of the following: Orders, Leave Form, and Flight Itinerary. Once you have attended the brief, you can go to Finance directly to have your account scrubbed to ensure that you are currently receiving the correct pays/entitlements.

Military/Travel Pay Entitlements

Military Pay Advance – You can request advance military pay up to 30 days prior to your port call date and 60 days from the date you in process at the new duty station. Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) – OHA will be stopped upon lease termination of economy quarters. Advances for security deposits must be paid back prior to departure from the base. BAH II will start with the effective date of your port call.Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) - Compensation provided to adjust for housing costs in local civilian markets Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) - COLA is stopped the day prior to your port call date. Allotments for Rent –Visit MyPay to start/stop/change an allotment.Dislocation Allowance (DLA ): is intended to help with miscellaneous moving costs. In general, it is paid once per PCS move. DLA is NOT PAID on the last move. DLA is not paid on a local move, unless movement of household goods has been authorized. DLA is not paid if the service member is assigned to government quarters at the new duty station and is not accompanied by Family members Per Diem Allowance : is designed to reimburse you and your Family for the costs associated with meals and lodging when you travel to your new duty station. Per Diem is available for both CONUS and OCONUS moves.  Per diem rates for car travel are based on a flat rate. The military uses 350 miles per day as the standard one-day travel distance to compute per diem rates. To determine the number of days per diem, take the Official Government Mileage between duty stations and divide by 350. An additional day of travel is allowed if the remainder is 51 miles or more.Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA) - MIHA is designed to cover expenses for major appliances, improvements, security, rent-related taxes or fees. Lump-sum supplemental payment for those eligible for Overseas Housing Allowance. PCS Travel Advances: When making a PCS move, Service members can request advance payment of 80% of the DLA, MALT, and per diem amounts. The

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remainder will be paid upon processing of the travel voucher filed after the move is completed.  This money does not have to be repaid, if the proper paperwork is completed.  It can go a long way toward paying the initial cost of setting up household in the new location.Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA): is designed to partly offset the cost of temporary housing and meals incurred while waiting for permanent lodging. TLA is available OCONUS only. TLA is calculated according to a formula that factors in the military member's pay grade, number of Family members, actual quarters cost, the availability of cooking facilities and the local per diem rate.  TLA starts the same date as the member's overseas housing allowance and usually has a 60 day maximum when arriving and a 10 day maximum when departing an installation.

Baumholder Housing Referral OfficeOut-Processing Tips

DSN: 485-6180 COMM: 06783-6-6180FAX: 06783-6-7222

Landlord Notification. Provide landlord 30 day written notice. A sample letter can be picked up at the Housing Office (Building 8876). Notice should be delivered personally if possible, or sent by registered mail. Have landlord sign notice acknowledging receipt and make sure to keep a copy for your records.

Final Inspection. Schedule an appointment with your landlord to walk through the unit the day you plan to return keys. If you anticipate problems during your checkout notify Housing. If necessary, an inspector can be scheduled to be present during your inspection. Appointments should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Any concerns about damages should be discussed and resolved with your landlord prior to final inspection.

Utilities. Contact your utility companies to arrange for a final meter reading, i.e., electric, gas, and water. Also, arrange to have your telephone service disconnected. The addresses and telephone numbers for your utility companies can be found on your most recent bill. If your rental contract requires your oil tank to be full prior to final clearance, arrange to have it filled before your inspection and have the receipt available to show landlord.

Loaner Furnishings. Loaner furnishing must be requested in person at the Housing Office

Cleaning/Inspection Tips. Remove all personal property. Clean all appliances to include clothes washer and dryer and defrost freezer (as required). Wipe down all closets, shelves, cabinets, drawers, and countertops. Remove all shelf/contact paper, stickers, and glue. All visible dirt and debris must be removed from walls and doors but do not paint.

Final Inspection. We recommend that you schedule a final check out inspection with the Housing Division. During that inspection all the meter readings will be taken and any deficiencies and/or required repair work will be discussed with your landlord. After completion of the final inspection your landlord should sign

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your clearance statement verifying that everything is paid. You cannot be cleared from Housing through virtual out-processing until a signed checklist stating there are no debts or claims against you is received. At the final inspection all the keys from the apartment/house must be returned to the landlord.

Security Deposits. Deposits are not automatically returned at your final inspection: The landlord can legally withhold your deposit, (or a portion thereof) until any debts (damages, utility fees, or unpaid rent) are settled. The landlord must return your deposit with interest earned.

Questions. If you have questions contact the Housing Office at 485-7585/6137 or stop by. Customer Service Hours -Monday through Friday 08:00 to 16:30. Closed American and German holidays.

Exceptional Family Member ProgramEFMP is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical, recreational, and personnel services to families with special needs

The Medical EFMP Coordinator provides enrollment, dis-enrollment, updates, command sponsorship screenings and letters regarding compassionate reassignment and other special needs accommodation requests.

To ensure Families are aware of the medical and educational services available at the gaining facility The EFMP office at ACS (EFMP Manager and EFMP Navigator) connect Families with the gaining facility's EFMP Manager. The gaining EFMP Manager will notify the Family of information related to that Families needs and are available to assist as needed. Basically EFMP Managers and Navigators offer transition support from installation to installation.

EFMP Coordinator- Medical EFMP Manager and Navigator- ACS -Bldg 8740, 1st Floor -Bldg 8746, 2nd Floor -DSN 485-8767 -DSN 485-8188 -CIV 067836-8767 -CIV 067836-818 -Mon-Thu 0730-1630, -Mon- Fri 0800-1700 Fri Closed for Administrative work It is important to remember to start the EFMP update process as soon as you receive any indication that the sponsor will be due to PCS. Contact your EFMP Coordinator to schedule your EFMP up-date screening. This process can take some time to complete, there are many variables involved..DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. ORDERS WILL NOT BE ISSUED until the EFMP update is complete.

FORMS REQUIRED FOR UPDATES:

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DD Form 2792, Exceptional Family Member Medical Summary

DD Form 2792-1, Exceptional Family Member Educational Summary

ADDITIONAL FORMS REQUIRED FOR OCONUS PCS:

DA Form 5888, Family Member Deployment Screening Sheet

DA Form 7246, Exceptional Family Member Program Screening Questionnaire

(If PCS is to CONUS---no addition EFMP paperwork is needed if EFMP enrollment is up to date)

Clearing Child, Youth & School Services (CYSS)

Clearing CYSS is easy!

Where to go: Parent Central Services, BLDG 8743. DSN 485-7003

When to go: Monday through Friday 0800-1700. By appointment only on Thursdays from 1400-1700. Closed on all Federal Holidays

What you’ll need: Clearing papers & ID Card

Keep in mind: You can only clear CYSS if you will no longer be using any CYSS services (i.e., hourly/FCC/full-day/part-day care) and your household balance is $0.00. YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO USE CYS SERVICES AFTER YOU’VE CLEARED!

While you’re here:When you come to clear, Parent Central will make a copy of your paper file to bring with you to your next duty station.Parent Central will “export” your digital file under the email address of your choice. Your next duty station will then be able to “import” your file under that same address saving you time!

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Baltimore/Washington International Airport:Flights Once a week on Tuesdays Free Shuttle Bus from Lagerhof. Family members are on a space available status. Pre-register with out-processing 06783-6-6430. Baggage: 2 check baggage's/ passenger, each weighing up to 70 pounds & 1 small carryon (9" x 14" x 22" for a total of 45”). $112 extra/ bag fee. Baggage Note: Many commercial airlines now restrict the weight of each piece of baggage to 50 pounds which subjects the passenger for potential overweight charges. If excess baggage is authorized in your orders, keep your receipts and file for reimbursement to included Patriot Express. Pets: Start at $110 per Pet (Limited to 10 pets per flight)Veterinarian on Duty for Health Certificates (Recommend getting Health Certificate ahead of time, but no more than 10 days prior to flying).

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 Recommended Check-In Time: No Later Than (NLT) 2 hours and 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Passengers arriving after the NLT show time risk forfeiting their reservation. Departure Times: Passengers are advised to contact the departure terminal 24 hours the night prior to departure to confirm flight times.  Uniform Requirements: Must wear the appropriate uniform as prescribed by the Service's uniform regulations and the Foreign Clearance Guide. When allowed to travel in civilian attire, clothing must not be torn, dirty, tattered, no open toe shoes, etc. No Shows:Unable to make your scheduled flight? Contact your installation travel office or the departure passenger terminal. 

Remember, ACS is here to help! Contact us today to schedule an individual Relocation counseling or to RSVP for the next available PCS Workshop:

Smooth Moves!

Army Community ServiceBLDG 8746 (Medical Kaserne)

DSN: 485-8188 or COMM: 067836-8188www.facebook.com/baumholderacs

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