Here is a quick introduction to the NSE Valencia area. (Arcady (Adobe Stock))
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The U.S. National Support Element (NSE) is located on a Spanish Army base in Betera, just 20 km northwest of Valencia, Spain. It provides support to U.S. personnel serving in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Rapid Deployable Corps Headquarters (NRDC-SP) and limited military retiree services to U.S. veterans living in the local area.
The NRDC-SP mission is to deploy as a crisis response unit or provide collective defense. It is comprised primarily of members of the Spanish Army and nine NATO countries. The U.S. contingent is 16 U.S. Army officers, one U.S. Air Force officer and four U.S. Army NCOs.
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, with a population of roughly 841,000 in the city limits, and 1.6 million in the entire metropolitan area. The port of Valencia is the fifth busiest container port in Europe, and the busiest on the Mediterranean Sea.
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, with a population of roughly 841,000 in the city limits, and 1.6 million in the entire metropolitan area. (ttinu (Adobe Stock))
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The city is a tourist destination due to its mild climate, beaches, nightlife, attractions like museums, zoo and the largest aquarium in Europe. It is also famous for the Fallas (Fireworks/Burning of Statues) festival in March. The city has excellent public transportation, including an extensive metro system that extends into the suburbs with a station in Bétera. We are confident that you will have a memorable and rewarding experience working and living in Valencia, Spain.
As access to this Army/NATO base is restricted, early communication with the NSE Valencia leadership team is critical. You must coordinate with the NSE prior to arriving in Valencia to process essential documents and gain approval for base access.
During in-processing, your unit-assigned sponsor will be critical to facilitating your integration into your assigned unit and accessing services from the NSE and base agencies. The NSE will expedite your settling into the community and will schedule you to attend a Welcome to Valencia brief to help you integrate into the local community. All active duty service members and spouses are encouraged to attend this invaluable briefing.
Housing
All housing is procured from the local economy. Housing office staff, working with your sponsor, will make recommendations for you to book your Temporary Lodging based on the facilities you require (pets, size of family, etc.) so that you can remain within your Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) limit. To facilitate your housing hunt, the staff will link you with local realtors who serve as military personnel advocates with local landlords. All inbound personnel are advise of the need to have funds on hand for up-front temporary lodging payments and rental housing deposits associated with this assignment.
Transportation Liaison
The Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) at Rota Naval Station processes all Unaccompanied Baggage, Household Goods and Personally Owned Vehicle shipments into and out of Spain.
Health Benefits
The Health Benefit Advisor provides key information to secure medical and dental support on the economy and helps resolve any challenges in navigating the TRICARE Overseas Prime Remote and United Concordia systems overseas for authorizations and reimbursements.
The Health Benefit Advisor provides key information to secure medical and dental support on the economy. (nenetus (Adobe Stock))
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Morale, Welfare and Recreation
MWR provides numerous community recreation, fitness and entertainment opportunities. MWR also maintains a library and offers free check-out gear.
Travel & Finances
Processes TDY vouchers and authorizations for NATO funded travel for Army personnel.
Non-DOW Schools Program Liaison (LNO)
There are no DoWEA schools in Valencia, so students must attend an international school, private school, Spanish school, boarding school or be homeschooled. The Non-DOW Schools Program (NDSP) will defray costs. Find more details at www.dodea.edu/non-dow-schools.
Post Office
Provides mailroom services for the U.S. military community and retirees.
Although there are excellent hospitals nearby, certain medical examinations and testing must be made via appointment at the Naval Hospital in Rota, Spain which is a seven-hour drive away by car.
