TLA Office · KMC Handbook
Your KMC handbook, from PCS orders to daily life.
A growing, plain-English guide to moving to and living in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, organized by where you are in the journey.
Everything here is written for U.S. military members and families heading to Ramstein and the wider KMC. Pick the stage you are at. We add new chapters regularly.
Before You PCS
PCS to RamsteinThe move, step by step, from orders to arrival →PCS With a FamilyCommand sponsorship, EFMP screening, passports, the Patriot Express, and getting kids into school and childcare.Bringing Your Pet to GermanyMicrochip, rabies timing, and the EU health certificate →
Arriving in the KMC
Your First Week at RamsteinIn-processing, housing, license, and settling in →Housing Office (HRO)What the Housing Office does, the referral step before any off-base lease, OHA, and where a TLA stay fits in.
Getting Set Up
Driving & the USAREUR LicenseWho needs a USAREUR license near Ramstein, the JKO test, what to bring, and the KMC office.VAT Relief & Tax-Free ShoppingShop VAT-free in Germany: who qualifies, the NF-1 and NF-2 forms, and where to get a form in the KMC.Utilities & InternetElectricity, water, internet and the German TV fee when you set up your permanent KMC home.Banking & MobileBanking near Ramstein, when you need a German account, and how to get a phone number in Germany.
Daily Life
CommissaryGroceries on base, and how to shop them →Exchange / BXThe BX at the KMCC, and what it carries →KMCCThe Kaiserslautern Military Community Center →German Etiquette & Quiet HoursQuiet hours, Sundays, lawn-mowing rules, greetings, Pfand and recycling etiquette for newcomers.Trash & RecyclingWhich bin is which in Kaiserslautern →Heating & VentilationHeat and air out a German home to avoid mold →
Health, School & Family
Landstuhl (LRMC)The hospital and staying nearby →TRICARE & ClinicsEnrolling in TRICARE Overseas, the base clinic, Landstuhl hospital, German providers and emergencies.DODEA SchoolsWhich DODEA schools serve the KMC, who is eligible, and how to register, with the documents you need.ChildcareCDCs, Family Child Care and CYS near Ramstein, how to register on MilitaryChildCare.com, and why to sign up early.
Money & Allowances
OCONUS COLAWhat COLA is, and how it differs from OHA →TLA & TQSA CalculatorEstimate your daily allowance from the current per diem.PCS Allowances ExplainedTLA, TLE, TQSA, DLA, OHA, COLA in plain English →
Official Resources
Need a place while you settle in?
Our furnished, move-in ready homes take one big task off your plate. Tell us your dates and we will help.