By Jeremy Plumley
Army Community Service Coordinator
USAG Stuttgart
Relocating to a new duty location, whether it be stateside or in a foreign country, can seem like a daunting task. Army Community Service is here to assist you and make your transition from one location to the next as simple as possible. Our Relocation Readiness Program (RRP) covers a variety of services to assist you during the relocation process and will continue doing so even after arriving at your new duty location.
Having an assigned sponsor for incoming personnel and their families is crucial for a successful relocation. Sponsors are the hub for important information and being properly trained to sponsor others is an important responsibility. To ensure each assigned sponsor is fully prepared for their role, RRP offers sponsorship training twice each month at a set time and location. Additional trainings are available upon request. Spousal sponsorship is training is also available by request.
Another important service provided by RRP is the Lending Closet, which provides basic household goods for people who have either shipped their household goods to their next PCS location or for those who are waiting to receive their shipment at their new duty location. These goods include basic kitchenware such as plates, glasses, silverware, pots, pans, etc. Appliances such as coffee pots, microwaves, toasters and irons are available as well. For families with young children, there are strollers, highchairs, pack and plays, and other items available to ensure no family member has to do without. The Lending Closet is available to all active duty service members and their families, DOD civilians, and contractors. To access the lending closet, simply check in with the front desk at ACS and provide a copy of PCS orders. Items may be borrowed for up to 60 days.
Sprechen sie Deutsch?
If not, we have you covered! RRP provides German translation services for unofficial translation purposes. Typical issues to be translated are utility bills, phone bills, internet service bills, auto insurance, price quotes, emails and for scheduling appointments on the German economy. In addition to the translation service, there is a Host Nation Orientation, a one-day event that provides an immersion into the German language and culture as well as an afternoon tour of downtown Böblingen and lunch at a local German restaurant.
Want to learn more? RRP offers two German language classes both of which are free and no registration is required. German immersion class provides coaching at various levels. Participants will learn about German culture and language to make their time here more enjoyable and fulfilling.
English as a Second Language is also available for those whose primary language is something other than English. The class offers an immersion into American culture and learning the basics of English language and grammar; no registration is required.
ACS is committed to making the relocation process as smooth as possible for all incoming and outgoing personnel and during your time here in Stuttgart.
Learn more about ACS services and programs
Click here for more information on relocating to Stuttgart and creating a personalized checklist for various tasks associated with moving, visit www.militaryonesource.mil/. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, call 596-3362 or 09641-70-596-3362 or visit ACS weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m, in Bldg. 2915, 2nd floor, on Panzer Kaserne, or visit us online.