KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — For many military and DoD civilian families, May – August can be a taxing time due to a permanent change of station (PCS) move. During this transition period, Soldiers and families can ease the burden of their inbound PCS journey with programs and services available through the U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Army Community Service.
“ACS is an important resource year-round, but it is especially useful for those PCSing in and out of the garrison,” said Monica Teel, ACS supervisor. “We provide timely and up-to-date information at our mandatory in-processing trainings (ITC) to meet regulatory requirements and more importantly, to set people up for success upon arriving.”
Located in several locations throughout the garrison, including Smith Barracks, Kleber Kaserne and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, ACS is a one-stop shop to get newcomers settled at their new Army post.
ACS provides several useful services for those arriving to Germany, such as the lending closet, where Soldiers or families can borrow items while awaiting on household goods. Some of those loaner products include kitchen and dining items, as well as children’s essentials such as strollers, high chairs, car seats or booster seats.
ACS also offers classes, such as employment readiness, which trains participants in job skill development and assessment; Host Nation Orientation, which helps newcomers with the nuances that come with living life in Germany; and financial readiness, where newcomers are educated on several financial topics.
Many of these classes are taught in a hybrid format in order to reduce impact on the mission. However, participants can also attend in person.
“We like to meet newcomers and feel training is more impactful in person, so we hope more people will choose to attend in person,” added Teel.
Though Soldiers must attend the Host Nation Orientation as part of their in-processing, family members can also attend. This class takes place once a month in Kaiserslautern and Baumholder.
“Moving to a foreign country such as Germany can be fun and exciting, but also very overwhelming,” said Marie Deschuytter, ACS relocation readiness program manager. “There are customs and behaviors that differ from those common to you at home, including the language. This is why we offer a Host Nation Orientation specifically geared towards newcomers. It really helps those new to the area to gain a better understanding of their new host country.”
German Language Class One and Two is also taught by ACS once a week for eight weeks.
For a list of full services and a schedule of classes, check out their welcome packet at:
or call the ACS community lines (0)611-143-541-9000; +49 (0)611-143-531-2850 or DSN (314) 541-9000; (314) 531-2850.
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