Category Archives: Things You Didn’t Know
How to get your vehicle inspected for registration at USAG Bavaria
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Before you can register your vehicle at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, it has to pass a safety inspection. But while you have to use the Vehicle Registration office on post, for the inspection you have the option of using on-post or off-post service providers. You can…
How to get AFN television at home off-post
How can I get AFN television at my home? We asked the professionals, and here’s what they said. If base cable is not available to you the viewer, then you can receive AFN via satellite if you have the required equipment. AFN does not charge for programming, and…
The commissary surcharge explained
Defense Commissary Agency news release FORT LEE, Va. – The commissary surcharge – the 5 percent added to every customer’s bill – is not a tax. That’s just one of several facts about the surcharge that even some of the savviest commissary customers are sometimes surprised to learn. …
Things you didn’t know: Maypoles in Germany
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Flowers have started to bloom, the sun has finally (yes, finally) peeked out from behind the winter clouds and the sound of chirping birds fills the air. Yes, spring is in the air, summer is following closely behind, and in Germany, the first of May is a…
Things you didn’t know: April Fools’ Day in Bavaria
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — If stereotypes were true, Germans wouldn’t have a sense of humor. Fortunately, those of us living in Bavaria know that’s false. Case in point: April Fools’ Day, or Aprilscherz in German. The Germans have a long tradition of joking on a personal and even national…
Things you didn’t know: Sundays in Germany
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — The term “lazy Sunday” originated well before Andy Samberg decided to rap about it on Saturday Night Live, but living abroad will bring a heightened awareness to the fitting phrase. Here in Germany, Sundays are sacred. Shops are closed and the hustle and bustle of town…
Things you didn’t know: German Bockbier…for monks, it’s what’s for dinner
MUNICH — While I can’t pinpoint the origin of this story, it’s not going to stop me from telling it. And, according to numerous tourism sites and “legend,” it’s true. Promise. The story goes something like this: In the early 16th century, Paulaner monks of the Neudeck ob…
Understanding IMCOM’s Voluntary Placement Program
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — The Army agency that handles the day-to-day operations of all of the Army’s installations is giving its current employees an opportunity to volunteer for career-broadening assignments within the command before considering outside applicants. Installation Management Command’s Voluntary Placement Program, or IVPP, gives first consideration to…
Things you didn’t know: Carrying pepper spray in Germany
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — German laws allow you to carry certain forms of pepper spray, but Army regulations prohibit you from bringing it on-post. Recent reports of an increase in crime and terrorism across Europe, such as those in Cologne and Paris, have raised concerns regarding personal safety. …
College students eligible for gov’t-funded travel to visit active duty parents overseas
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — College students with parents stationed overseas may qualify for a government-funded round trip visit plus the shipment of unaccompanied baggage, according to Army and federal regulations. The Army regulation on overseas travel, chapter 5, and the Joint Federal Travel Regulation, paragraph 7155, grant military students…