Welcome to Ramstein Air Base
Congratulations on your assignment to Ramstein Air Base — the largest US Air Force base outside the United States and the headquarters of US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE). Located in the heart of the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, Ramstein is home to approximately 56,000 American military members, civilians, and family members.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of your PCS move, from the moment you receive orders to your first months settling into life in the KMC.
Phase 1: Before You Leave (8-12 Weeks Out)
Orders and Documentation
Once you receive your assignment notification, your first stop is the Military Personnel Flight (MPF) to obtain official orders. You will need certified copies of the following documents:
- Passports — Tourist (blue) passports for all family members. While you will travel on official (brown/maroon) passports or orders, tourist passports are essential for personal travel in Europe. Apply at least 10 weeks early.
- No-Fee Passports — Your MPF will help process official no-fee passports for command-sponsored dependents.
- Marriage Certificate — Certified copy for command sponsorship.
- Birth Certificates — For all children, needed for DODEA school enrollment and DEERS updates.
- Power of Attorney — General and special POAs through your base legal office. Essential if one spouse arrives before the other.
- Medical and Dental Records — Complete medical clearance screenings (EFMP screening is mandatory for OCONUS moves).
- Pet Records — Microchip, rabies titer test (must be done at least 30 days after microchip and 3 months before travel for EU compliance).
- Vehicle Registration — Decide whether to ship a vehicle. You are authorized to ship one POV at government expense.
EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program)
If any family member requires special medical or educational services, EFMP screening is mandatory for OCONUS assignments. Start this process immediately — it can take 4-6 weeks. Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) provides excellent specialty care, but certain niche specialties may require referrals to German providers.
Household Goods Shipment
For an OCONUS PCS to Germany, you are authorized:
- HHG (Household Goods) — Full weight allowance based on rank, shipped via surface (6-10 weeks transit time).
- Unaccompanied Baggage (UB) — Up to 600 lbs shipped by air (2-4 weeks). Pack essentials here: seasonal clothing, kitchen basics, bed linens, medications, important documents.
- Non-Temporary Storage (NTS) — Items you do not want to ship overseas (patio furniture, items incompatible with 220V power).
Pro Tip: German homes typically do not include overhead lighting fixtures, kitchen cabinets, or sometimes even countertops if you rent off-base. Your UAB should include basic lamps and kitchen essentials to get through the first weeks.
Vehicle Considerations
You may ship one POV at government expense. Consider the following before shipping:
- German fuel is expensive (approximately $7-8 per gallon). Smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles save money.
- Your vehicle must pass German TUV-equivalent inspection (USAREUR inspection). Heavily modified or very large trucks may not pass.
- Parking spaces in German towns are narrow. Full-size trucks and SUVs can be difficult to maneuver.
- You can also buy a used car locally — check the KMC Facebook groups and the Ramstein Lemon Lot.
Phase 2: The Journey
Flights and Travel
Most service members fly into Frankfurt Airport (FRA), which is approximately 80 km (50 miles) from Ramstein. The Ramstein Passenger Terminal also handles AMC (Air Mobility Command) flights via the Patriot Express from Baltimore-Washington (BWI).
From Frankfurt Airport:
- USO — Located in Terminal 2. They can help arrange shuttle service to Ramstein.
- Rental Car — Available at the airport. Drive time is approximately 1 hour on the Autobahn (A6).
- Airport Shuttle Services — Several services cater specifically to military families (typically 80-120 EUR per trip).
- Train — Deutsche Bahn from Frankfurt Flughafen to Kaiserslautern Hauptbahnhof (about 1.5 hours, approximately 25-40 EUR per person).
Arriving at Ramstein
Report to the Ramstein Inprocessing Office located in Building 2120 on Ramstein Air Base. Your sponsor should meet you and help with initial check-in. If arriving after hours, check into temporary lodging first.
Phase 3: Temporary Lodging
You will likely need temporary lodging for 10-60 days while you search for permanent housing.
- Ramstein Inn (on-base) — Government TLA rates. Book as early as possible as rooms fill quickly, especially during summer PCS season (May-August). Phone: DSN 480-7829, Commercial: +49 6371-47-7829.
- TLA-Approved Off-Base Apartments — Furnished apartments in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Landstuhl, and surrounding towns. Rates reimbursable up to your TLA allowance.
- Hotels — Local hotels in Ramstein-Miesenbach and Kaiserslautern are options, though often more expensive than TLA apartments.
Pro Tip: TLA is authorized for up to 60 days (10 days initially, extendable). Keep all receipts and submit claims through your Finance office. The current TLA rate for the KMC area covers most furnished apartment options.
Phase 4: In-Processing Checklist
Ramstein has consolidated most in-processing into a streamlined flow. Key stops include:
- MPF In-Processing — Building 2120. Bring all orders and documents.
- Finance Office — Set up OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance), COLA (Cost of Living Allowance), and TLA claims.
- TRICARE — Enroll at the TRICARE Service Center. Your primary care will be at the Ramstein Clinic or Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
- ID Cards / DEERS — Update DEERS records and get new CAC if needed. Located in the MPF building.
- Housing Office — Building 1001. Register whether you plan to live on-base or off-base. Get OHA briefing.
- Vehicle Registration — Building 2135. Required before you can drive with USAREUR plates.
- Driver's License — USAREUR driver's license testing at the Vehicle Registration office. Study the USAREUR Driver's Handbook.
- School Registration — DODEA schools: Ramstein Elementary, Ramstein Middle, Ramstein High, and others. Bring birth certificates, immunization records, and previous school records.
- Ration Card — Apply at the Ration Card Office for shopping privileges at the Commissary, BX, and local German stores (VAT-free purchases).
Phase 5: Settling In
Key Facilities on Ramstein
- Commissary (DECA) — Full American grocery store. Hours: Mon-Sat 0900-2000, Sun 0900-1800.
- BX/PX (AAFES) — Located on Ramstein. Also a large BX at Vogelweh.
- Kaiserslautern Military Community Center (KMCC) — Massive complex with food court, shops, USO, and more.
- Ramstein Fitness Center — Free for all ID card holders.
- Outdoor Recreation — Organizes trips, rentals (camping, skiing), and activities.
- Ramstein Community Center — Classes, events, and family programs.
- Vogelweh Bowling Center — Bowling, snack bar, and family fun.
Connecting with the Community
The KMC is a tight-knit community. Here are the best ways to connect:
- Key Spouse Program — Your unit's Key Spouse is an invaluable resource.
- Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) — Classes, counseling, employment help. Building 2120.
- USO Kaiserslautern — Located in the KMCC. Events, tours, and a welcoming lounge.
- Facebook Groups — "KMC Community" and "Ramstein Spouses" are the most active.
- Chapel Programs — Multiple denominations on Ramstein, Vogelweh, and Landstuhl.
Important Phone Numbers
- Ramstein Operator: DSN 480-1110 / Commercial +49 6371-47-1110
- Ramstein Command Post: DSN 480-2121
- LRMC (Landstuhl Hospital): DSN 590-5762 / Commercial +49 6371-9464-5762
- Military Police (Ramstein): DSN 489-7070
- German Emergency: 112 (Fire/Ambulance) / 110 (Police)
Your PCS to Ramstein is the beginning of an incredible European adventure. The KMC community is welcoming and supportive — lean on your sponsor, attend orientation events, and give yourself grace during the transition. Welcome to Germany!