Army in Europe Pamphlet 600-8-8-1

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BYRON S. BAGBY Major General, US Army Chief of Staff Official: DWAYNE J. VIERGUTZ Chief, Army in Europe Document Management Summary. This pamphlet provides information to help Soldiers and their Families prepare for an assignment in Europe. Summary of Change. This revision 4 Ï Includes a change of the name of the 64th Replacement Company to USAREUR Soldier and Family Reception Center at the Frankfurt International Airport, and deletes the Brussels, Belgium, reception center. This pamphlet is available at https://aepubs.army.mil/library/. 2 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Ï Updates all known fees for services in Europe. Ï Adds the new requirement in Germany for environmental zone decals. Ï Adds new fuel-ration card procedures for Germany. Ï Updates tax-relief information. Ï Explains the importance of arriving overseas with a valid, current stateside drivers license. Applicability. This pamphlet applies to personnel who will be assigned to or supported by USAREUR or IMCOM-Europe. Forms. AE and higher level forms are available through the Army in Europe Publishing System (AEPUBS) at https://aepubs.army.mil . Records Management. Records created as a result of processes prescribed by this pamphlet must be identified, maintained, and disposed of according to AR 25-400-2. Record titles and descriptions are available on the Army Records Information Management System website at https://www.arims.army.mil . Suggested Improvements. The proponent of this pamphlet is the USAREUR G1 (AEAGA-M, DSN 370-6816). Users may suggest improvements to this pamphlet by sending DA Form 2028 to the USAREUR G1 (AEAGA-M), Unit 29351, APO AE 09014-9351. Distribution. B (AEPUBS). CONTENTS Page Arrival Information...................................................................................3 Informational Classes and Spouse Inprocessing Program........................4 Relocation Entitlements............................................................................4 Documents to Carry With You.................................................................5 Passports...................................................................................................6 3 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Pets............................................................................................................7 Driving in Europe.....................................................................................9 Childcare.................................................................................................16 Exceptional Family Member Program....................................................16 Status of Forces Agreement....................................................................16 Family Member Employment in Europe................................................17 Family Housing in Europe......................................................................18 Electricity and Appliances......................................................................18 Radio and Television..............................................................................19 Banking...................................................................................................19 Tax Relief................................................................................................21 Post Office Boxes and European Post.....................................................23 Restaurants..............................................................................................24 Shopping.................................................................................................27 Euro Currency Information.....................................................................35 Temperature Conversion.........................................................................35 Telephones..............................................................................................36 Privately Owned Firearms......................................................................41 Time of the Day, Days of the Week, and Seasons..................................42 Morale, Welfare, and Recreation............................................................42 Department of Defense Dependents Schools..........................................43 Religious Support....................................................................................44 Country Information...............................................................................46 United States Army Garrisons................................................................46 Internet Resources...................................................................................47 Glossary..................................................................................................48 Helpful Translations................................................................................49 ARRIVAL INFORMATION Germany. After you have claimed your luggage and cleared customs at Frankfurt International Airport, a representative from the USAREUR Soldier and Family Reception Center will meet you. If a representative is not on duty when you arrive, go to the airport United Service Organizations (USO) counter in terminal 1 for assistance. After a short inprocessing session at the USAREUR Soldier and Family Reception Center, you and your Family 4 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 members will be transported by bus to your gaining installation. When you arrive at your community, a greeter will help you get settled and give you information on your inprocessing and training schedule. Italy. If you are arriving in Italy, your sponser will meet you at the Marco Polo Airport (Venice) or Aviano Air Base. Sponsors will ensure Soldiers inprocess through the Vicenza Community Processing Facility (Davis Hall, Caserma Ederle). Belgium. Soldiers and their Families who will be assigned to Brussels or Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) will arrive at the Brussels International Airport. There is no reception center at the Brussels International Airport, so you must make arrangements with your sponsor to be met at the airport. If your sponsor is not there when you arrive, contact your sponsor or your unit immediately. INFORMATIONAL CLASSES AND SPOUSE INPROCESSING PROGRAM You will be given several briefings as part of inprocessing. Family members are encouraged to attend these briefings. In addition, the Army Community Service (ACS) provides classes for newly arrived Family members. These include the Benvenuti (Welcome) Program in Italy, Learning About Belgium, and the Families Learning About Germany (FLAG). These classes provide information about the Army and local community. Contact the ACS at your new duty station for more information about these classes. RELOCATION ENTITLEMENTS Army personnel are entitled to reimbursement for permanent change of station (PCS) relocation costs. There are many factors to 5 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 consider when determining PCS entitlements and allowances. Contact your military finance office for more information. Relocation Entitlements and Benefits Explanation dislocation allowance (DLA) Allowance to help defray the cost of meals and temporary housing expenses incurred during PCS moves. advance pay NOTE: Advance pay must be repaid. This benefit is designated for Soldiers who anticipate extraordinary relocation expenses. Soldiers may request up to 3 months of advance pay up to 60 days before moving. cost of living allowance (COLA) Compensation provided to adjust for PCS in high-cost areas over- seas. overseas housing allowance (OHA) This benefit is for Soldiers who live in private housing. OHA may not cover all housing-related costs if expenses exceed the maximum rate allowable for that area. Soldiers must apply for OHA. temporary lodging allowance (TLA) Compensation to offset the cost of temporary lodging and meals while occupying temporary lodging overseas. DOCUMENTS TO CARRY WITH YOU You should hand-carry the following important documents: Ï Education records. Ï Employment records and references. 6 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Ï Household goods and shipping inventory. Ï Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and birth certificates. Ï Medical, dental, and immunization records. Ï Passports. Ï PCS orders. Ï Pet records. Ï Social security cards. Ï Vehicle titles, shipping papers, registrations, insurance policies, and drivers license. Ï Wills and powers of attorney. PASSPORTS Soldiers assigned to Europe are not required to have a passport; however, they must have their orders, ID card, and leave form (if in a cleave status d) to clear customs. Family members traveling overseas are required to have passports. Official or cno-fee passports d can be obtained at Government expense. The application process may take 6 to 8 weeks, so you should begin the passport-application process as soon as you receive your travel orders. You will need to provide a birth certificate with a raised seal when you apply for a passport. If your Family members are U.S. residents, you can request a birth certificate from the bureau of vital statistics in the State where you or your Family member were born. 7 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Foreign-born Family members must have a current passport from their country of residence in order to travel overseas with their sponsor. If you have a foreign-born spouse or child, be sure to check with your passport office for any further required documents. Passports for Minors All children (including newborns) must have a passport. To apply for a passport for a child under age 16, the United States Department of State requires both parents to appear together to sign the minor 9s passport application. If a parent is unable to appear, the other parent must submit a notarized statement of consent from the absent parent authorizing a passport to be issued for the child. Tourist Passports Tourist passports are required for personal travel in Europe. You may apply for tourist passports on arrival, but it is recommended that you apply for a tourist passport while you are still residing in the United States. You can get more information on tourist passports from the passport office near you, from the United States State Department website at http://travel.state.gov/ , or from our local personnel services detachment. PETS Your decision whether or not to bring pets overseas is an important one. Consider the following before making your decision: Ï The type of pet (for example, Germany has restrictive laws on cfighting dogs d). Ask your sponsor to give you the pet restrictions for the housing and community where you will be stationed. 8 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Ï The animal 9s age and health. Ï Climate conditions at the new duty station. Ï Quarantine regulations. Ï Installation and housing requirements. Pet Transportation There are several things to consider before transporting a pet: Ï Airlines reserve the right to refuse travel to transport any animal for any reason. Contact the airline for additional information. Ï Federal Aviation Administration-approved kennels are usually required for pet travel. Ï Most civilian airlines do not transport pets during the summer months when the heat index is high. Ï The Air Mobility Command will transport only dogs and cats; you will have to pay the cost of transport. After considering the factors above, if you decide to bring your pet overseas, be sure to 4 Ï Have your pet checked by a veterinarian and bring all health records, shot records, and certificates. (A veterinary health certificate must be issued at least 10 days before your pet 9s departure from the United States.) Ï Have enough medication for the pet (60 days minimum) if applicable. Ï Obtain and attach pet identification tags that include the pet 9s name, stateside address, destination address, and a contact telephone number. 9 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 DRIVING IN EUROPE Driving in Europe is different from driving in the United States. Members of the U.S. Forces and Family members must apply for a U.S. Forces certificate of license (in Germany), Allied Forces Italy (AFI) license (Italy), or SHAPE drivers license (Belgium). You and your eligible Family members must have a valid country or U.S. State or territory drivers license in order to obtain the U.S. Forces drivers licenses overseas. You can obtain this license from the local drivers testing facility. Your sponsor can provide you a copy of the drivers handbook and examination manual, or you may access drivers testing information on the following websites: Belgium: http://www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil/sites/directorates/dol_new/ dol_drivers_testing_station.asp Germany: https://aepubs.army.mil/library/pam/pdf/aep190-34.pdf Italy: http://www.usag.vicenza.army.mil/sites/directorates/dol/drivers_ guide.pdf Excellent tips for driving in Europe can be found on the USAREUR Registry of Motor Vehicles website at http://www. hqusareur.army.mil/rmv/driving_in_europe.htm. Soldiers, civilian employees, and Family members assigned to Germany are not authorized to rent or drive automobiles or motorcycles until they obtain a U.S. Forces certificate of license. Personnel assigned to Italy and Belgium have approximately 30 days to obtain an AFI or SHAPE drivers license and may rent or drive a motorized vehicle using a valid stateside license during the interim. 10 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 When driving in a foreign country other than the one you are assigned to, you should carry your stateside drivers license; the U.S. Forces, AFI, or SHAPE license; and an international drivers license. The international drivers license indicates that a person has a valid drivers license in his or her home country and is allowed to drive in the United States and overseas. It is printed in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Portuguese, and Arabic. The international drivers license is easy to apply for and does not require a driving test. For more information on obtaining an international license, contact your local provost marshal or vehicle registration office. Automobile and motorcycle insurance is mandatory when driving in Europe. Several American companies provide insurance in Europe at competitive prices. Ask your sponsor about the insurance companies in your area. Privately Owned Vehicle Registration You must have a valid U.S. Forces certificate of license (Germany) or AFI drivers license (Italy) to pick up and register your privately owned vehicle (POV) when it arrives from the United States. If you are assigned to Belgium, you have 30 days to register your POV. When you are ready to pick up your POV, go to the vehicle registration office with the following: Ï DD Form 788 (Vehicle Shipping Document for Automobile, Private). Ï Insurance confirmation card (provided by your insurance company). Ï Military ID card. Ï Proof of ownership or a power of attorney. 11 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Ï Completed AE Form 190-1AA (Application for Motor Vehicle Registration or Renewal and Allied Transactions) (two copies). Ï U.S. Forces or AFI drivers license. Ï A warning triangle and first-aid kit (to be presented during vehicle inspection). Ï Vehicle registration fee. Fees range from $10 in Italy to $30 in Germany for a 1-year registration. Checks, money orders, credit cards, and debit cards are acceptable forms of payment. Contact the vehicle-registration office or ask your sponsor in advance for expected fees and payment options. The vehicle registration office will issue you a temporary registration and temporary set of license plates so you may pick up your POV. Once you have picked up your vehicle, it must be inspected at a POV inspection station. After your vehicle passes inspection, return to the vehicle registration office to receive your permanent registration and license plates. German Environmental Zone Decals German authorities have established environmental ( Umwelt ) zones that prohibit motor vehicles not displaying the appropriate environmental decal from being driven in these zones. The decals certify that the vehicles were manufactured to the standard that makes their emissions acceptable. The environmental decal must be placed on the lower right side of the windshield. Additional information on environmental zone laws is available at http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/rmv/ . 12 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Car Seats and Safety Belts In Germany 4 Ï Car seats are mandatory and the laws are very strict. German law requires children 12 years old or younger, or shorter than 150 centimeters (4 feet, 9 inches) to use suitable child-restraint devices that have been approved by either the ECE-R 44/03 (or the United States Department of Transportation when these children are transported in a POV). Children must be seated in a rear seat if the vehicle has one. Ï Children under 13 years old who weigh more than 22 kilograms (48 pounds) must use booster seats or other approved devices designed for use with a vehicle 9s three-point (lap and shoulder) seatbelts. Booster seats will not be used with two-point seatbelts (lap belts). More information on vehicle safety in Germany is available in AE Regulation 190-1, Driver and Vehicle Requirements and the Installation Traffic Code for the U.S. Forces in Germany. In Italy and Belgium, the law is less restrictive; however, children under 3 years old must use an appropriate child restraint (an adult seatbelt is not sufficient), and may not travel in the front of the vehicle unless they are sitting in a child restraint. If an appropriate restraint is fitted in the front of the car (but not in the rear), children under 3 years old must sit in the front seat and use that restraint. Rear-facing seats are designed to be used in the front or rear of the vehicle. NOTE: If the front passenger seat is fitted with an airbag, a rear- facing baby seat must be placed only in the back seat of the vehicle. Contact your vehicle registration or safety office for more information on child restraints for your duty area. 13 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Fuel Rations Gasoline is expensive in Europe. The NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) allows the sale of fuel coupons to authorized members of the NATO forces free of local country taxes on a controlled basis. Gas coupons or gas cards are used primarily to buy gas off post to help defray some of the cost. In Germany, the fuel-ration card is used to purchase tax-free fuel. Drivers load a cash balance onto their fuel-ration card at any Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) shoppette, gas station, or post exchange or by bank allotment, by telephone transfer, or online. After money is loaded onto the card, the card can be used to pay for fuel on post and at Esso stations . More information on fuel-ration cards is available at AAFES stores and at http://www.imcom-europe.army.mil/sites / news/fuelcard.asp. In Italy gas coupons can be purchased at military installations and these coupons can be used at Agip and some Esso stations. The rations for gasoline are about 300 liters per month for most vehicles for employees stationed in Italy. In Belgium gas cards can be purchased on military installations and used at Fina and Total Fina stations. Gas cards and gas coupons are not interchangeable between countries, so always be prepared when crossing borders to ensure you do not get stuck with a hefty bill at the gas station 14 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Parking Most parking in Europe is restricted to residents or fee parking. Many towns have eliminated coin meters and now require a prepaid ticket for the time your vehicle is parked. These tickets can be purchased from machines near the parking area. A sign on the machine shows the coins the machine will accept and the price for each unit of time, usually 30-minute increments. Insert your money, press the button for the ticket, and place the ticket face up on the driver 9s side of the dashboard in your car. Parking Garages Most large cities have signs showing where parking garages are located. Some garages have signs showing the number of available spaces. In Germany, besetzt means the garage is full; frei means that spaces are available. In Italy, pieno or completo means the garage is full, disponibile or libero means the garage has spaces available. In Belgium, plein or occupé means the garage is full, disponible (or libre ) means the garage has spaces available. To enter parking garages, drive through the entrance marked Einfahrt in Germany, entrata in Italy, or entrée in Belgium. As you approach the entrance, stop at the ticket dispenser, push the button marked drücken in Germany, premi in Italy, and pousser in Belgium. Keep the ticket ( Parkschein , biglietto , ticket ) with you because you must use it to pay for parking before you return to your car. When you are ready to leave the parking garage, you will need to pay the parking fee at the Kassenautomat in Germany, pagamento automatico in Italy, or caisse automatique in Belgium, or at the window ( Kasse, cassa, caisse ). Your ticket will be returned to you. You have approximately 15 minutes to leave the garage or parking lot. Drive to the exit, 15 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 marked Ausfahrt in Germany, uscita in Italy, or sortie in Belgium. Slide your ticket into the machine, the barrier will open, and off you go. Distance Conversions Miles to Kilometers Mile Km Mile Km 1 1.6 50 80 5 8 55 88 10 16 65 104 15 24 75 120 20 32 85 136 25 40 90 145 30 48 100 160 40 64 120 193 Gallon-to-Liter Conversions Gallon to Liter 1 Gallon = 3.785 Liters Liters per 100 kilometers to miles per gallon 5 liters/100 km = 47.3 mpg 10 liters/100 km = 23.6 mpg 12 liters/100 km = 19.7 mpg 15 liters/100 km = 15.8 mpg 20 liters/100 km = 11.83 mpg 25 liters/100 km = 9.61 mpg 16 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 CHILDCARE Many communities have waiting lists for childcare services, so it is important that you register your child or children in the child, youth, and school (CYS) services central registration system soon after your arrival. Your place on the waiting list will be determined by the date of your registration. Ask your community greeter about free hourly childcare during inprocessing. Your sponsor can send you contact information for the CYS registration office on your installation. EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM An exceptional Family member is a child or adult with a physical, developmental, intellectual, or emotional condition that requires care beyond that of a general practitioner (for example, special medical treatment, therapy, education, training, counseling). The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical, and personnel services to Families with special needs. Soldiers are required to enroll a Family member in the program as soon as the need is identified or at least 9 months before the projected rotation date. All Family members must be screened for the EFMP before the overseas command may authorize the Family to relocate. Contact your local EFMP coordinator or ACS for more information about the EFMP. STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT You will hear the term cstatus of forces agreement d (SOFA) during your assignment overseas. SOFAs play a vital role in guaranteeing 17 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 fair treatment of Soldiers and their Family members. They define the legal status of U.S. (Sending State) personnel and property in the territory of the host nation. The purpose of the SOFAs is to establish rights and responsibilities between the U.S and host- nation Governments on matters such as the wearing of uniforms, carrying arms, customs exemption, tax relief, entry and exit of personnel and property (for example, automobiles, personal weapons), resolving damage claims, and other activities such as postal, recreation, and banking. More importantly, SOFAs deal with civil and criminal jurisdiction. They are a vital means by which DOD carries out its policy cto protect, to the maximum extent possible, the rights of United States personnel who may be subject to criminal trial by foreign courts and imprisonment in foreign prisons. d Family members going overseas will be provided a SOFA certificate for their passport. Contact your local military passport section for more information on the SOFA certificate. FAMILY MEMBER EMPLOYMENT IN EUROPE There are many civilian-employment options for Family members within your community. These may include appropriated fund, nonappropriated fund, and contractor positions, as well as employment with private businesses and industries. Contact the Family Member Employment Assistance Program representative in your community or visit the United States Army Civilian Human Resources Agency, Europe Region (CHRA-E), website at http://cpolrhp . belvoir.army.mil/eur/index.htm for more information. Another way for Family members to gain work experience is by volunteering. Contact the installation volunteer coordinator for more information on volunteering opportunities in your community. 18 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 FAMILY HOUSING IN EUROPE An assignment to the Army in Europe is a unique opportunity to experience the European culture and lifestyle that is rarely possible as a tourist. Most Families live on post in cstairwell housing. d These buildings have between 12 and 24 2-, 3-, or 4-bedroom housing units. Housing on post or in private rentals off post is usually available with waiting periods of less than 30 days. On-post housing offers the advantage of being close to work and facilities such as the post exchange (PX), commissary, chapel, theater, schools, and other recreational and support facilities. Off-post residents have the opportunity to experience European culture more fully, but there may be a longer commute. The Army Housing OneStop website at https://onestop.army.mil has information on the availability of housing at any location worldwide. It also provides details on what to expect at the new location and procedures specific to the new duty station as well as a current waiting list, photographs of houses, floor plans, maps, and more. ELECTRICITY AND APPLIANCES The electrical current in Europe is 220 volts (110 volts is the standard in the United States). Therefore, transformers, which ctransform d the 220-volt current to 110 volts, are often used for appliances such as coffeepots. The electrical current in Europe is 50 cycles per second (60 cycles per second is the standard in the United States), so electrical appliances with a timer (for example, clocks, microwave ovens) may not operate properly, even with a transformer. Additionally, European electrical sockets are not shaped to accommodate American-style plugs. That does not mean all American electrical appliances should be left in storage. 19 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Lamps should be brought to Europe because they are easy to convert, requiring only a 220-volt lightbulb and a plug adapter to adapt the American plug to the European socket. Both are readily available in the PX. Electric clocks and small appliances are available in the PX or in European shops. Used clocks, appliances, and transformers are available in second-hand stores and thrift shops. Transformers are also available in the PX. Many electronics (for example, televisions, digital video disks, stereo equipment, computers) are now cdual voltage d and can be operated safely on any electrical current without a transformer. Be sure to follow the instruction booklet for proper conversion before plugging in an appliance. RADIO AND TELEVISION The American Forces Network (AFN) has a variety of American television channels and radio stations available in Europe. If you live in Government housing in Germany or Italy, you will receive all AFN TV channels at no cost to you. If you live off post, AFN cable is available with an AFN decoder (available for purchase or rent). Personnel in Germany who want additional English-language channels can establish an account with the Telepost Kabel-Service (TKS). Personnel in Italy and Belgium should contact the local cable provider for service. BANKING American credit cards are usually accepted by the larger European stores and companies. Most American automated teller machine (ATM) cards can be used in European ATMs to withdraw European currency, although there is a processing fee. 20 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Most military personnel find banking in Europe is easy when they have an account at an overseas bank (for example, DOD community bank) or at a credit union. These establishments are available on post and offer the same services as banks in the United States (for example, ATM cards, savings and checking accounts, loans, automatic bill paying for rent and utilities). German, Italian, and Belgian bank accounts are also available for your banking convenience. Automatic bill paying is possible by signing a Dauerauftrag (in Germany) or deduzione regolare (in Italy). In Belgium, there are two basic types of bill-paying services. The standing order ordre permanent/doorlopende opdracht is used to make payments where the amount and regularity do not vary, such as rent or mortgage. Domiciliation de paiement/domiciliering van betalingen is an automatic payment that allows telephone, utilities, credit card, and cable TV companies, among others, to debit your account for the amount you owe. Many European businesses accept payments by European ATM card, but more often a EuroCard, which operates like a debit card, is preferred. Exchanging Money The community bank and credit union ATMs on post dispense both U.S. and European currencies. Most European banks, airports, and railway stations will exchange European currencies for dollars. Some European post offices will also exchange European curren- cies for U.S. dollars. 21 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 TAX RELIEF Tax Relief in Germany In Germany, the listed price includes tax unless otherwise stated. Most items sold in German stores include a value-added tax (VAT) (currently 19 percent). These items include clothing, appliances, furniture, and house and car repairs. U.S. military members and DOD civilian employees can avoid paying VAT through the tax- relief program. VAT-relief forms are normally accepted by established businesses in military communities although German merchants are not obligated to honor this program. It is best to verify that the merchant accepts VAT-relief forms before taking your place in the checkout line. Tax forms are available for a small processing fee at the tax-relief office on post. It is possible to purchase up to 10 tax forms at a time. For purchases under ¬2,500 4 Ï Select the merchandise and present the cunpriced purchase order d VAT-relief form to the merchant. Ï Pay the marked price minus the 19-percent VAT. Ï Sign the form and keep the copies designated for you. The merchant will keep the remaining copies. Ï Return the original white copy to the tax-relief office in person or by mail. For purchases of ¬2,500 or more 4 Ï Select the merchandise or services. Ask the merchant for a written offer or cost estimate that shows the amount without tax and request that it be addressed to the community morale, welfare, and recreation (CMWR) fund or USAFE Services Fund for that particular service or item. 22 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Ï Without paying for the merchandise or service, take the merchant 9s offer (or cost estimate) and funds for the purchase to the tax-relief office, where it will be processed as a cpriced purchase order. d The tax-relief office will take your payment for the merchandise or service and give you a check and a priced purchase order that you will take to the merchant. Ï Return to the merchant with the priced purchase order and the check to complete the transaction. Tax Relief in Italy Tax relief is also available in Italy for up to 20 percent of the cost of your purchase. As in Germany, merchants are not obligated to participate in this program. The tax-relief office cannot accept requests from businesses in the Venezia Friuli (Aviano, Pordenone, Udine) regions. Items that may be purchased include appliances, bicycles, clothing, electronics, furniture, outdoor items, and tools. Tax relief may not be used to pay for 4 Ï Animals. Ï Apartments, houses, or land. Ï Medical expenses. Ï Personal services such as airline tickets, car rentals, hotels, and lawyer fees. Ï Weapons. You will need a preventivo (bill) to participate in this program. It must show the amount of the purchase with and without the tax relief. Take the preventivo to an Italian bank and get an assegno circolare (bank draft). Take the bank draft and a $10 service fee to the tax-relief office. 23 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 The tax-relief office will give you the application, preventivo and assegno circolare in a sealed envelope, which you must return to the merchant. You will receive your goods or you may have them delivered to your residence. For more information, contact the tax- relief office. Tax Relief in Belgium Tax relief is also available in Belgium to offset the 21 percent value-added tax (VAT). Unlike Germany and Italy where the VAT offices are run by the U.S. Forces, the VAT office in Belgium is run by the Belgian Ministry of Finance. In Belgium tax-relief is available for furniture (indoor and outdoor), durable household appliances, bicycles, computers, curtains, and rugs. However, it is not available for services, food, lodging, cars, clothing, decorative objects or personal items, such as jewelry. The charge for this service? Free! However, to receive this benefit you must be stationed at SHAPE, and purchases must be made at least 6 months before the date that you will conduct a PCS from your duty station. In addition, the buyer must purchase the item and pay the VAT before receiving the tax-free benefit. After the purchase, simply take the receipt to the VAT office to get the VAT form, then go back to vendor to get the refund. POST OFFICE BOXES AND EUROPEAN POST Your sponsor can establish a post office box for you with a copy of your PCS orders. This will allow you to ship items and arrange to have your mail forwarded to your new duty station before you arrive. The Army post office (APO) system provides mail service to other intratheater military addresses at no cost to customers. 24 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Occasionally you may need to use a European post office. Mail deliveries in Europe usually take 1 or 2 days, and express service is also available. Mailing a letter to an address in Europe costs about 70 cents; mailing a postcard costs about 65 cents. When using the German or Italian post to send mail to an American facility, you must use the facility 9s German or Italian address; an APO address is not sufficient. RESTAURANTS Most establishments post a menu and price list near the entrance so you can check the menu and prices before entering. In most European countries, taxes are included in the posted price of each dish. Typically, you will choose your own table unless there is a host to seat you. Tables marked Stammtisch in Germany and riservato or prenotato in Italy are reserved for regular customers. Patrons often share tables at restaurants. If there are empty seats at an occupied table, someone else may sit down in an empty chair and order a meal. Do not hesitate to take a seat at the end of a half-occupied table. Dining in Germany: Ask for a Karte if you would like a menu in Germany. Some restaurants have several Karten : a Speisekarte for meals, a Weinkarte for the wine, a Dessertkarte for desserts. You may request the Tagesmenü (the meal of the day), an all-inclusive set-price meal. The Speisekarte is generally divided into appetizers ( Vorspeise ), main dishes ( Hauptgericht or Hauptgang ), and desserts ( Nachtisch ). 25 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 In Germany, the first person at the table to be served may start eating without waiting for others to be served. It is not considered to be rude; it is practical. It is customary to eat as soon as the dish is placed on the table. Dining in Italy: It is customary to say c Buongiorno d or cBuonasera d when entering a restaurant in Italy. After you are seated, do not expect the cameriere or cameriera (waiter or waitress) to come immediately. When they do, they will bring a menu and ask Cosa vi porto da bere? (What would you like to drink?) Expect everything to feel a bit slower, as the pace of the average Italian meal is slower than the pace in America. Your server may take the first and second course order together. Look for a menu fisso or menu turistico to learn the specials. In Italy, it is preferable to start eating after everyone is served, but in the friendly and less formal atmosphere of a pizzeria, most people will insist that you eat your pizza while it is hot, and not wait for others to be served. Dining in Belgium: In Belgium you will find a variety of customs, from French to German. It is hard to portray the dining customs in this unique country of many customs. Belgian food is famous for its French-influenced cuisine; however, there are some very unique specialties. Belgian waffles are always a delight and Belgian chocolate will drive your taste buds wild. But do not be surprised by Belgians putting mayonnaise on their fries, or fritas , another national specialty. Fries are often served as a side to another Belgian speciality, mussels cooked in white wine. It is commonplace to see Belgians eating a plate full of mussels and fries ( moules frites) , much like the famous fish and chips in London. In Europe, restaurants do not offer free drink refills; however, they may be available at some American-type fast-food restaurants, such as McDonalds. Be aware that in Europe soft drinks are very expensive. 26 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 cDoggy bags d are not common in most European restaurants. Restaurants near military communities may offer doggy bags, but Europeans do not normally request them. When you are ready to pay In Germany, you may signal your waiter or waitress by saying, c Zahlen, bitte . d In Italy you would say, c Il conto, per favore . d Europeans consider meals a social experience and commonly take much longer to eat than Americans. The table is yours for as long as you want it, even after the dishes have been cleared. In Europe, the bill is normally paid at the table. In Germany and Italy, most of the tip is included in the bill. Never leave the tip ( Trinkgeld in Germany or mancia in Italy) on the table 4give it directly to the server. The unwritten rule is to round up a bit. This will save a lot of time in counting out exact change and it gives the servers a bit of Trinkgeld or mancia . Words to Know in Germany In Germany, a Restaurant is the same as in the States. A Gasthaus is a smaller restaurant with a smaller selection. Weinstube or Weinkeller is a wine bar. Biergarten , Bierhalle , Bierstube, and Bierkeller are pubs that may serve a limited selection of food, but not always full meals. They feature beer and may offer several different brands on tap. Words to Know in Italy Italians enjoy the dining experience. A good meal in the company of Family and friends is considered one of the pleasures of life. Typical Italian meals consist of three courses: il primo piatto (first course) is mostly pasta served in hundreds of different shapes and sauces, il secondo piatto (second course) consists of fish or meat and is always accompanied by a side dish ( contorno ) of vegetables, followed by la frutta or il dolce (fruit or dessert). 27 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Words to Know in Belgium Belgium is very unique because it has three official languages: French, Flemish (Dutch), and German. Belgium is not a homogeneous country with one national identity. As such, it is therefore difficult to give a general overview that applies to all Belgians. Each area will have its own particularities. The three predominant cultures are Flanders (north area) where Dutch is primarily used; Wallonia (south area) where French is primarily used; and the northeast area which is primarily German influenced. Each area has its own customs and traditions. English is also spoken in most areas, especially the big tourist areas and city centers. SHOPPING AAFES provides merchandise and services similar to those available in the United States. Of course, there are many shops in the host-nation community. There are excellent values on specialty products, especially in stores that offer tax-free programs for Americans. It pays to comparison shop in Europe, just like in the United States. In Germany, store hours can vary. Some stores stay open until 2000, Monday through Saturday; however, many stores close at 1800 or 1900 during the week and at 1400 on Saturday. Small businesses often close for a 1- or 2-hour lunchbreak. Most shops are closed on Sundays, but the local bakery may be open in the morning. In resort areas, souvenir shops may be open, as well as shops in gas stations, airports, and railway stations. In Italy, stores are open until 1930, Monday through Saturday, and are closed for a few hours during lunch. Generally, stores are not open on Sundays in Italy, but that trend is changing. 28 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 In Belgium, stores open at 0900 and close at 1800, Monday through Saturday, and are closed on Sundays. Return policies on items purchased in Europe vary from store to store, but most return policies are not as flexible as stores in America. In Europe, it is preferred that you exchange a returned item for another item. Returning an item without a receipt is usually not possible. At small shops such as bakeries, butchers, and vegetable stands, people may not form a line or take a number, so you should stand close to the store counter. Clerks are good at serving customers in the order they arrive at the counter. Do not be shy about speaking up when it is your turn. Clothing-Size Conversions Men 9s Clothing Sizes Suits/Coats Slacks Shirts Shoes U.S. European U.S. European U.S. European U.S. European 32 42 30 75 14 36 6½ 39 34 44 32 80 14½ 37 7 40 36 46 34 85 15 38 7½ 40½ 38 48 36 90 15½ 39/40 8 41 40 50 38 95 16 41 8½ 41½ 42 52 40 100 16½ 42 9 42 44 54 42 105 17 43 9½ 42½ 46 56 44 110 10 43 48 58 46 115 10½ 43½ 50 60 11 44 Women 9s Clothing Sizes Blouses Bras Underwear U.S. European U.S. European U.S. European 28/6 34 30 65 XS 60 30/8 36 32 70 S 65 29 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Women 9s Clothing Sizes - continued Blouses Bras Underwear 32/10 38 34 75 M 70 34/12 40 36 80 L 75 36/14 42 38 85 XL 80 38/16 44 40 90 40/18 46 42 92 42/20 48 Women 9s Clothing Sizes Stocking Shoes U.S. European U.S. European 8 0 4 35 8½ 1 4½ 35½ 9 2 5 36 9½ 3 5½ 36½ 10 4 6 37 10½ 5 6½ 37½ 7 38 7½ 38½ 8 39 Children 9s Clothing Sizes Clothing Shoes U.S. European U.S. European 2 92 2 20 3 98 3 21 4 104 4 22 5 110 5 23 6 116 6 24 7 122 7 25 8 128 8 26 9 134 9 27 10 140 10 28 11 146 11 29 12 152 12 30 Infant 9s Clothing Sizes U.S. Newborn 3 months 6 months 9 months 12 months 18 months European 56 62 68 74 80 86 30 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Commissary Shopping Military commissaries are managed by the Defense Commissary Agency (DECA). They provide products and services similar to supermarkets in the United States. In fact, they can special order items from the United States that are not available in military communities overseas. Most American military Families living in Europe are stationed in Germany, so most of the commissaries are there as well. Europe 9s largest commissary, at Ramstein Air Base, is a 7-day operation featuring 18 checkouts (4 are self-serve) and more than 31,000 square feet of retail space. Commissary hours vary according to commissary size, sales, and community needs. No commissary is open 24 hours and there is no midnight shopping. There are commissaries in some locations that are open 7 days a week. Most European countries do not provide the endless shopping hours found in the United States, either in commissaries or in the host-nation community. That may be one of your biggest adjustments if you are used to shopping at all hours in the United States. Smaller commissaries are administratively annexed to larger parent stores nearby and receive lots of support from them. If you want something from the big store delivered to the small store, just ask a manager to make a special order. You can expect surprisingly short delays between product introduction in the United States and addition of the item in Europe. A team of professional merchandisers works hard to make your shopping pleasurable, but do not expect to see an abundance The protectors and the protected in line for lunch; a scene not normall y found in grocery stores. 31 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 of U.S. regional specialties such as your favorite hometown barbecue sauce. Commissaries in Europe do not have the shelf space, and most small companies do not have the ability to ship overseas. While most commissary products sold in Europe are American- made, shopping the aisles can be an international experience. Several hundred European products are found on European commissary shelves, such as 4 Ï Butter from the United States and Denmark. Ï Cheeses from the United States, France, Denmark, Germany, and Italy. Ï Chicken from France and Italy. Ï Eggs from Denmark. Ï Gummi bears from Germany. Ï Milk from the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. Ï Mineral water from Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Ï Pork from Germany. Ï Produce from many European countries. Ï Seasonal specialties such as Lebkuchen from Germany and shortbread cookies from Scotland. Ï Yogurt from Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. 32 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 In all European commissaries, you will find vacuum-packed, United States Department of Agriculture choice American beef and Bavarian pork. High-quality natural angus beef was recently added to the meat selection. The vacuum package is unique to Europe in the commissary world. You might think it strange, but its advantages include greater freshness and tenderness, longer shelf life, great freezing properties and greater selection. The meat in these packages is cut and wrapped in Ramstein, Germany, at the DECA-Eur central meat-processing plant, and shipped to 47 commissaries in 10 countries through the Kaiserslautern Cold Storage Facility. The chicken sold in European commissaries is a high-quality French or Italian product. You will find frozen seafood and fresh fish in selected larger commissaries. You will find a beautiful, modern, new store in Grafenwöhr. New and renovated stores are under construction in Livorno, Italy, and Chièvres, Belgium. Expect to see very few American pennies because commissaries do not accept or give out those little copper coins. They round to the nearest larger coin. So, if the cash register says $3.99 and the cashier says $4, do not get upset. The next time you visit the commissary, the register might say $4.02, but you will pay $4. The cost of handling many thousands of pennies led to their demise in the European theater. Smaller commissaries mean fewer line items. Even in the biggest stores, they carry about 12,000 line items, far less than that carried by the supersized commissaries in the United States. Three European companies supply fruits and vegetables to DECA- Eur and are inspected by the United States Army Veterinary Command. DECA-Eur must abide by European Union restrictions on importing, and that means your favorite American potatoes may be a thing of the past while you are in Europe. 33 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 DECA-Eur commissaries feature delicatessens and bakeries. The self-serve concept is expanding throughout Europe, enabling customers with only a few items to check out more quickly. Gourmet Italia Pasta Cafés, unique to Europe, feature made-to- order Mediterranean-style dishes, soups, salads, and pizzas. Located in selected commissaries, they are very popular and a great place to meet with your friends and neighbors. Friends and neighbors can find a stronger sense of community overseas where the common bond and the transient nature of the military encourages people to depend on one another. The commissary often becomes one of the central points for activities and special events. You will hear many languages spoken in European commissaries because they employ many local national employees, many American customers are married to local nationals, and NATO military members are authorized shoppers. It is possible to speak English to your children while you are shopping and, at the same time, listen to Spanish, French, or Dutch. Ration cards are required to purchase coffee and cigarettes in many European commissaries. That does not mean those products are in short supply, it is just something we have to live with as a result of the SOFAs between United States and host-nation Governments. Manufacturers 9 product coupons are accepted in European commissaries for 6 months after they expire. The DECA website ( http://www.commissaries.com/ ) features a page for every commissary in the world. Individual commissary listings include consumer information, case-lot sales, and infor- mation specific to the region. 34 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 No matter where you are stationed in Europe, you will find commissaries staffed with friendly people going the extra mile to fill your needs, lots of high-quality American products at reasonable prices to help you feel at home, and a free flow of information to help you become an educated shopper. Supermarkets in the Host-Nation Community Most Europeans take a basket or bag with them when they shop for groceries. Most European supermarkets require customers to bag their own grocery purchases. A ¬1 coin deposit is usually required before you may use a shopping cart. Slip the coin into the coin slot on the right side of the shopping cart handle. You can retrieve your coin when you return the cart. Grocery Equivalents If you want 4 Ask for 4 1 ounce 25 grams ¼ pound 125 grams S pound 175 grams ½ pound 250 grams ¾ pound 375 grams 1 pound 480 grams 35 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 EURO CURRENCY INFORMATION The U.S. dollar is used for purchasing goods and services at American military facilities. The currency used for purchasing goods and services in most European countries is the euro (¬). The euro is not accepted in Denmark, Sweden, or the United Kingdom. The euro is divided into 100 cents. Euro currency consists of eight coins and seven banknotes. Examples of euro currency: TEMPERATURE CONVERSION Examples of temperature conversion from celsius to fahrenheit: Temperature °C to °F °C to °F °C to °F -15 5 15 59 120 248 -10 14 20 68 130 266 -5 23 25 77 140 284 0 32 30 86 150 366 5 41 40 104 200 392 10 50 110 230 150 302 36 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 TELEPHONES Each German community has a local prefix called a Vorwahl that starts with 80 9 and may vary in length. People may assume you know their telephone prefix and give you only their telephone number. Ask for the Vorwahl if you are unsure. In Italy, telephones numbers will be divided into area code and number. The area code is always used. In Belgium a préfix is also used. The préfix applies to the town and the area around it (for example, the préfix for Mons is 065; the préfix for Chièvres is 068). Pay Telephones Many public telephones have instructions in English. Simply press the button under or next to the British flag to set the display to English. Pay telephones may be credit card- or coin-operated. The minimum cost for a local call is about 20 cents. Coin-operated pay telephones do not return change for unused time. The cost for calls is based on the distance and duration of the call. You will usually hear a beep when the call is about to exceed your deposit. Telephone cards may be purchased at post offices, train stations, gas stations, and some stores. They can be used only in the country where they are purchased. When you slide the card into the slot the display will indicate the amount of money remaining on the card. Very few restaurants and bars have customer pay telephones. Sometimes you will find meters attached to the telephones that show the length (or number of units) of the call in progress. This information is used to determine the cost of the call. 37 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Cell Phones Cell phones are extremely popular in Europe. (Germans refer to them as a Handy; in Belgium, portables, in Italy, cellulare .) Several cellular networks are available in Germany, including D1, D2, and E-Plus. Each service offers competitive prices that often include the cell phone itself. In Italy, you may find service from Italian Telecom, Omnitel, Wind, and Infostrada among others. In Belgium, you may find service from Telestial, Proximus, and Mobistar NV. When selecting a service provider, you should study all the offers carefully and pay special attention to the costs for time on your service contract. Calling the United States Long-distance service company rates differ, so check which service is best for you. There are several ways to make long- distance calls: calling cards, direct dial, and direct dial call-by-call. A calling card is an easy solution for calling home from Europe and almost anywhere the military takes you. It gives you access to a company network through a toll-free access number. You can dial direct from European telephones. Charges are made per unit and may vary according to the time, day, or special offers. Telephone rates in many European countries may be competitive with those in the United States. Ï To call the United States from Europe: 001 + area code + number. 38 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Ï To call Europe from the United States: 011 + country code + city code (without the initial 0) + the number (see country codes below). You can also use direct dial ccall-by-call d in Germany. The rates of the different providers vary widely. Call-by-call can be used from any residential or business telephone but not from public telephones or cell phones. Charges are made per unit and may vary according to the time, day, or special offers available. Registration is not required and you do not have to change your current carrier. Just dial the special prefix (010xx) of the provider. The charges incurred will appear on your regular telephone bill. Calling Other European Countries To call another European country: Dial 00 and the country code before you dial the area code and local number. For example, to call Heidelberg, Germany, from Italy, you would dial 00-49-6221- XXXX. Country Codes Number Belgium 32 Italy 39 Germany 49 United Kingdom 44 Calling a Military Installation Each military installation has a Defense Switched Network (DSN) and civilian landline prefix. Here are some of the most frequently used numbers: 39 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Community/ Installation DSN Prefix Civilian Prefix Last Digits of DSN Number Ansbach, Germany 468 0981-183 -XXX Aviano, Italy 632 0434-30 -XXXX Bamberg, Germany 469 0951-300 -XXXX Baumholder, Germany 485 06783-6 -XXXX Baumholder Dental Clinic, Germany 485-22 06783-99- 22 -XX Brussels, Belgium 368 02-707 -XXXX Camp Darby, Italy 633 050-54 -XXXX Chièvres, Belgium 361 068-27 -XXXX Garmisch, Germany 440 08821-750 -XXX Grafenwöhr, Germany 475 09641-83 -XXXX Heidelberg, Germany 370 06221-57 -XXXX Heidelberg Hospital, Germany 371 06221-17 -XXXX Hohenfels, Germany 466 09472-83 -XXXX Kaiserslautern, Germany 483 0631-411 -XXXX Landstuhl, Germany 486 06371-86 -XXXX Mannheim, Germany 380 0621-730 -XXXX Ramstein, Germany 480 06371-47 -XXXX Schinnen, Netherlands 360 046-443 -XXX SHAPE, Belgium 423 065-44 -XXXX Schweinfurt, Germany 354 09721-96 -XXXX Stuttgart (Patch Barracks), Germany 430 0711-680 -XXXX Vicenza, Italy 634 0444-71 -XXXX Vilseck, Germany 476 09662-83 -XXXX Wiesbaden, Germany 337 0611-705 -XXXX Würzburg, Germany 350 0931-889 -XXXX 40 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 Emergency Telephone Numbers Dial the local-area prefix before dialing the three- or four-digit code to reach the military police or other emergency service from a civilian telephone. Dial only the three- or four-digit code if you are using a DSN telephone. Example: The Heidelberg local area prefix is 06221 and the DSN access code for Patrick Henry Village is 57. When dialing the military police from an off-post Heidelberg location, dial 06221- 57-114. Contact the local area military operator in Germany and Belgium (113) and Italy (1110) or your sponsor for more information on how to contact the military emergency services in your area. One emergency number for Europe 112 is the single emergency telephone number for the European Union. In June 2008 the European Commission developed a single European emergency number and a new website promoting the new emergency number. Visit http://ec.europa.eu/information_ society/activities/112/index_en.htm for more information. NOTE: When calling from a DSN telephone, be sure to dial 99 to access an outside line, and then dial 112. 41 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 PRIVATELY OWNED FIREARMS Soldiers are not allowed to ship, transport, or hand-carry privately owned firearms into Germany unless 4 Ï The Soldier has a Waffenbesitzkarte, a German weapons-possession card. Ï The weapons are registered in the German system before they enter the country. Personnel assigned to Belgium must apply through their chain of command and the SHAPE Vehicle Registration Office. Obtaining authority to bring personal weapons to Belgium and the Netherlands is difficult and is discouraged. If you desire to bring personal weapons, it is a long, involved process. All firearms must be inprocessed and outprocessed with the Belgian Federal Police in the Vehicle Registration Office. Visit the Vehicle Registration Office at SHAPE in building 210 for more information. Additionally, national firearm registration requirements may apply. See your national support element for further details. NOTE: Your personal weapon must be on your orders or it will be not authorized. Personnel assigned to Italy are not allowed to ship, transport, or handcarry firearms into Italy. Compliance with these laws is necessary to avoid the possibility of criminal prosecution for unauthorized possession of weapons or punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. 42 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 TIME OF THE DAY, DAYS OF THE WEEK, AND SEASONS Times of the Day English German Italian French Morning Morgen Mattina Le Matin Noon Mittag Mezzogiorno Le Midi Evening Abend Sera Le Soir Night Nacht Notte La Nuit Days of the Week English German Italian French Sunday Sonntag Domenica Dimanche Monday Montag Lunedì Lundi Tuesday Dienstag Martedì Mardi Wednesday Mittwoch Mercoledì Mercredi Thursday DonnerstagGiovedì Jeudi Friday Freitag Venerdì Vendredi Saturday Samstag Sabato Samedi Seasons English German Italian French Spring Frühjahr/Frühling Primavera Le primtemps Summer Sommer Estate L 9été Autumn Herbst Autunno L 9automme Winter Winter Inverno L 9hiver MORALE, WELFARE, AND RECREATION Army communities in Europe have sport and fitness activities such as beaches, marinas, child and youth facilities, libraries, fast food and casual dining restaurants, golf courses, bowling alleys, theaters, and Family-support service centers to give you a sense of belonging and community. Visit your local morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) office to learn more. 43 AE Pam 600-8-8-1 Ï 8 May 09 IMCOM-Europe MWR website https://public.euromwr.army.mil/default.htm U.S. Army MWR website http://www.armymwr.com DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENTS SCHOOLS The Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DODDS) operates 81 schools in 5 districts and in 9 foreign countries. DODDS schools are fully accredited by U.S. accreditation agencies. The DODDS-Europe headquarters is in Wiesbaden, Germany. Approximately 6,000 educators and support staff serve DODDS-Europe 9s 35,000 students. DODDS-Europe serves the children of military personnel and DOD civilian employees throughout the United States European Command. DODDS strives for an excellent pupil-to-teacher staffing ratio. The staffing ratios are approximately 23:1 with a target ratio of 18:1 in grades 1, 2, and 3. Per pupil expenditures are between $19,000 and $22,000 per year depending on grade level. Registration and Transcripts Registration information can be found at http://www.eu.dodea.edu . Families moving to Europe are

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