In 2022, we had hoped for orders to Germany, but instead landed two-year orders to Korea. Despite the initial tears (okay, a lot of tears; I was pregnant with my second child at the time), we made the most of our time in Korea and were lucky enough to receive three-year orders to Stuttgart after our time in Korea ended.
I thought it would be similar, going from one overseas base to another, but I could not have been more wrong. So, here are some things to know before you PCS to Stuttgart, Germany.
1. Stuttgart comprises four small bases spread out around town.
They include Panzer, Patch, Kelley, and Robinson (family housing only). On Panzer, you will find the PX, main lodge, bowling alley, and an elementary and high school. Patch is home to the largest Commissary, the best gym, the best library, a drive-in car wash, and both an elementary and middle school.
Kelley, the smallest of the bases, is home to AFRICOM and has a small lodge and stalls where you can hand-wash your car. You will find family housing and a CDC center on all three main bases. Robinson Barracks is all family housing and has an elementary school on base. Download the USAG Stuttgart app to navigate the bus schedule and other base information.
2. There is no hospital on any of the bases.
Just the family clinic on Patch; you must go off-post for emergencies. If you have a child, you can only go to certain hospitals, as only a few specific hospitals treat pediatric patients, and you will be turned away if you go to one not designated to treat children.
Locally, those hospitals are (within the Tricare network) Boeblingen Hospital, Olga Hospital, and Universitaetsklinkum Tuebingen. You will be provided a list of all Tricare network hospitals when you arrive and have your first appointment at the clinic.
3. Winters are long and dark.
In the summertime, it can stay light out until 2200. To combat the winter blues, consider stocking up on Vitamin D and using a UV light if you find yourself struggling. Some thermal spas have UV lamps you can sit under as part of your spa admission.
4. Train travel is a great way to get around.
Especially taking the bullet trains to other countries. A three-hour train ride to Paris? Yes, please! However, long-haul domestic train travel within Germany is notoriously unreliable, and punctuality has declined since 2021. According to the Deutsche Bahn Interim Report, the on-time rate in 2024 plummeted to 66.8%, citing construction, personnel issues, aging infrastructure, and higher demand as contributing factors.
Sometimes, simply hopping in the car and taking the road trip is the best and most reliable choice when traveling in Germany.
5. No right turns on red!
Train your brain now.
6. Speed cameras are everywhere.
And even if you are only going 1 km over, they will snap the most unflattering photo of you and happily mail you a fine to pay.
7. Tipping is not part of the European culture.
But if you have a great meal or exceptional service, it’s common to round up the bill from 47 euros to 50 or leave just a few Euros on the table.
8. Daycare, or “Kita” as it is called here, is hard to come by.
Especially on-post. As mentioned above, three CDCs for full-time care are located on Patch, Panzer, and Kelley. Some local German towns will accept SOFA-status children, while others will not. If you live off-post and want daycare for a younger child, work with a realtor who knows the towns that will accept SOFA-status kids. Sometimes, you can get a spot on Panzer or Kelley quicker, as Patch is the most sought-after of the CDCs.
9. Housing.
You typically will not know where you will be living until you arrive and check in. The active-duty sponsor must attend a housing brief before they will let you start the housing process.
10. Amazon.de will deliver on base.
Though it can be fickle. If DHL delivers (which you won’t know until you purchase a product), it will be delivered to the base. If it ends up with another local carrier, it’s in God’s hands now. If you are living off-post, you shouldn’t have as many issues. Amazon.com still delivers to APO, though it typically takes about two weeks to arrive.
11. Know your SOFA status.
If you are in Germany on SOFA status and have not yet received your stamp in your no-fee passport, you must do so within 90 days of arrival. You must bring your no-fee passport, an original AE Form 600-77A, an ID card, and a copy of the orders to Panzer Kaserne, Building 2915, Room 314.
Please note that whenever you leave the country (even if you drive a few hours over the border), you must have your passport with your SOFA card/stamp inside. If you are flying for leisure travel, you will need to have both your tourist passport (to present at the destination for entry) and a no-fee passport to show when leaving and returning to Germany (or wherever you go through immigration when re-entering the Schengen region).
If you are unfamiliar with the Schengen region, it comprises 25 European Union member states and four non-EU countries that allow for free travel between them. So, if you are returning from the States and have a layover in Amsterdam, you will clear immigration there, where you will show your no-fee with the SOFA stamp before flying into Stuttgart.
12. Here’s where to send your car.
If you are shipping a car, you can have it sent directly to the vehicle processing center on Panzer Kaserne. You can find more information about shipping your vehicle here: https://pcsmypov.com/turnin
13. Commissary requirements are different.
You must provide your own bags when grocery shopping at the Commissary or off-post. Off-post, you also have to bag your groceries, and do not be surprised if the German behind you creeps into your space. Bagging is considered an Olympic sport; they will stare you down until you are out of the way. Some local grocery store favorites are Aldi, Edeke, Kauflands, Lidl, and Rewe.
14. Speaking of speed: the Autobahn.
Germans love to drive fast, and it’s not uncommon for a car to appear out of nowhere behind you on the Autobahn going 150 kph or faster. They will flash their lights, indicating they want to go around you; move into the right-hand lane or nearest lane if it is safe.
Driving in the far-left lane is only for passing.
15. If you run a business from home…
If you plan to run a home-based business while on SOFA status in Stuttgart, you must go through a lengthy process, including applying for two German ID numbers and getting approval from the garrison commander. Visit the Stuttgart MWR website for more information.
16. Public restrooms are pay-to-play.
They’re all pay-for-use (typically .50 to 1 euro), so it’s best to keep several Euros in change on hand. Some of the toilets at the rest areas along the highways accept card payment, but change is the most widely accepted form of payment.
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