Military: Just found out what a PCS move is....but to Germany? Please read and help?

Question

I just asked a question about my friend's fiance telling her that he will be going to Germany for 2 years, and it was brought to may attention that this is called a PCS move (permanent change of station.) Now the fact that I've just found this out for her, I was wondering, the fact that they are engaged to be married, how in the heezy can they get married if he's going to be in Germany and she is still in the US? How is it done? Is it the same as if u r in the US and go on leave to get married? I'm trying to ease her mind, because how it all went down was just flat out ridiculous. They had just got done setting their date to get married recently. They've been with each other a very long time just to let u know. The last I witnessed both of them were really excited :) But my fiance is in the army also, so this information can be of some use to me as well, although I'm not in this particular situation. Also, when do u actually find out about this PCS move? I will ask my fiance tonight. I know he said u move around a lot but I didn't know they would send u to Germany, especially if they know u have plans to get married. My friend is so upset and I totally understand why. Both of our fiances are being deployed next year so I know this is the last thing she wanted to hear about him living in Germany. I told her maybe when they get married she can go and live with him. That is if he comes back for the date he's supposed to so they can get married. If it's just another "base" the plans shouldn't be changed to much...shouldn't it? I appreciate it for the help.

Answer 1

the Army doesn't  make it a habit of asking finance's their preferences.   if he is needed in Germany,then he goes to Germany.   they either find a way to make it work, or they postpone the wedding./  MINE was postponed THREE times.. and he was stateside..but the Navy had other plans for him.  

she cannot move to Germany until they are married and he gets permission to add her to his orders.   this process involves an overseas screening and can take six months.  Or longer.  

she needs to be grateful it isn't KOREA.  she stands a far better chance of getting sponsored to Germany.  

Answer 2

They send you where they need you regardless if your engaged to get married. Mission comes first. She should of known that before he left. He can take leave time if he has any, and come back to get married. He may even be able to take some leave before he goes.  

Answer 3

You go where you are assigned, it doesn't matter what your marital status is.  

If they get married, she can move to Germany as a command sponsored dependant.  This will extend his tour in Germany to 3 years also.  Lots of families go to Germany.

I really enjoyed my time overseas and look forward to my family going to Japan next year myself.  

The thing that has to happen is once they get married, she has to be added to his orders.  She will have to get medical checks and a government no-cost passport.  

Most families in Germany live on the US bases so there are lots of other Americans around.  Each base is set at a town in Germany, so you get lots of exposure to the German people as well.  Its a great opportunity.

Answer 4

No, the plans shouldn't change much, but he might not get approved for leave when he wants.  So any plans they have for a wedding shouldn't be made until it is approved. And when they are married she will be able to live over there with him.  

Answer 5

Tell her to forget the big wedding and get married now. If they do that he may have a chance to get his assignment changed to accompanied 3 year tour from unaccompanied 2 year tour. If it's changed to accompanied the government will pay to move household goods and pay her way over. In Germany they have all kind of support for married. I presume he just finished training and this is his first assignment. You usually find out about an assignment when it drops on your head from out of the blue. Especially if you're not an overseas volunteer. If he was in AIT they give assignments out a couple of weeks before graduation. Assignments are based on manning levels. Each unit has so many x MOS and so many Y MOS authorized in different ranks and if there is an open position the computer assigns someone to fill it. It has nothing to do with the local people knowing he had plans to get married. Basically it's just another base, but based on what training they'll be doing and when will determine when he'll be able to get leave. He may not be able to get leave for when the date is. The same thing can apply to your fiance. Good luck.