Two team members collaborate over a laptop, surrounded by the warm glow of natural light filtering through large windows. (annlisa (123RF))
There is plenty to do during your tour in Germany! From on-installation employment or education to volunteer work and travel, your time in Germany has a lot to offer.
On-Installation Jobs
A majority of spouses who look for employment while being stationed in Germany choose to limit their search to jobs on military installations that do not fall under German taxation laws.
Federal Positions (NAF and GS): Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) positions are offered with MWR and FSS and other on-installation organizations. Hours range from full-time to flexible part-time with varying employment benefits. General Schedule (GS) positions are offered through government organizations on installations and can be part or full-time. Search for NAF and GS positions at usajobs.gov.
DoDEA-Europe: On-installation schools offer full and part-time employment as support staff, substitute teachers and administrative employees Find certified teaching positions at: dodea.edu/offices/HR. Find local support positions at usajobs.gov.
Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES): For positions at AAFES facilities like the Exchange and food courts, visit aafes.com/Applymyexchange.
Defense Commissary Agency (DECA): Jobs at usajobs.gov.
Defense Contractors: Job opportunities in technology, management, accounting and administration are available with contracting firms. Your installation’s contracting office and M&FRC or ACS office may have information about vacancies.
Check websites and offices for new openings frequently—a job can be posted one day and stay posted for as little as three business days.
Home-based Businesses
Operating a business of any kind in Germany requires that you follow German law. This includes private home-based business on or off U.S. military installations even if they only service U.S. citizens and/or DoD ID card holders.
You cannot use military privileges such as APO, BX, Commissary or USAREUR-plated car to support your business.
To operate a business on an installation, you must seek permission from the installation commander and follow regulations regarding advertising and solicitation.
Whether your business is on or off an installation, you are subject to German taxes and regulations. Find a German tax adviser (Steuerberater). Even if you don’t need a German business license you will need a tax number. Check with your local German trade office, “Gewerbeamt,” to see if you need a German business license.
Off-Installation Jobs
The SOFA in Germany permits military spouses to work on the local economy. You will be subject to German laws and taxes.
Thinking about pursuing a college degree? Visit your Education Center to speak with a professional about the college and university options available on your installation.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 800-359-3728 | worldwide.erau.edu/administration/military-veterans/europe | Offers certifications, undergraduate and graduate degrees. Face-to-face, online, blended learning, and unit courses.
University of Maryland Global Campus 0631-56000-90000 | europe.umgc.edu | Undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. Offers face-to-face and online courses.
Other schools with online coursework www.military.com/education or www.militaryonesource.mil
We understand that college can be expensive; so, here are some scholarships available to military families.
The National Military Family Association (NMFA)
www.militaryfamily.org/programs/spouses-scholarships
Applications are open year-round; scholarship covers fees related to degrees from GEDs to Ph.Ds., professional licensing and certification, clinical hours, business expenses and more.
My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)
mycaa.militaryone source.mil/mycaa
Open to spouses of active-duty service members between the ranks of E-1 to E-6, W-1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-3 pursuing or maintaining a license or certification or an associate degree.
Fischer House Scholarships for Service
This search engine sorts scholarship opportunities for military-affiliated students. In addition, Fisher House offers scholarships for military children.
Pat Tillman Foundation
https://pattillmanfoundation.org/apply
Open to service members, veterans and military spouses pursuing a four-year undergraduate or graduate degree, worth around $10,000.
Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved in your community. It is also a great way to keep your resume up-to-date and your skills sharp when you are not working a regular job. Start by making connections.
Visit your installation’s M&FRC/ACS, Post Office, the American Red Cross and the USO.
Search the Volunteer Management Information System on the Army Family Web portal for volunteer positions. armyfamilywebportal.com.
Do you enjoy writing or photography? Submit travel or lifestyle stories and photographs to contentteam@stripes.com for publication on the StripeEurope.com website.
Find local spouses clubs, spouse and family readiness groups (SFRGs), interest groups or sports organizations to volunteer with.
