Newcomers

Welcome to U.S. Army Europe and Africa!

WARNING – Be aware that there are companies preying on incoming and outgoing personnel – offering services that exceed TLA limits (read the small print), violate local policies, and place families at extreme financial and legal risk. These companies use social media sites and are not endorsed by Department of Defense. Pre-arrival sponsorship and community integration support are provided at no cost by USAREUR-AF units. All personnel preparing to PCS are advised to confirm official information regarding Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) and current policies before entering contract with a private company.

Step 1: Request a sponsor

Soldiers use Army Career Tracker to complete DA Form 5434 Sponsor request. NOTE: Tier 3 SM may request a Sponsor through ACT for Sponsorship pre-arrival support.
DA Civilians complete DA Form 5434 and submit to CPAC or hiring official to request a Sponsor
Family members:
- Spouses of both military and DA Civilian personnel may be interested in connecting with a trained Spouse Sponsor to learn about the new community and living overseas. Visit Relocation Readiness Program and Spouse Sponsorship.
- School-aged children (ages 10+) may request a trained Youth Sponsor to ease transition stress and connect with new friends. Visit School Liaison Program page and enter your gaining location to connect with the School Liaison Officer (SLO) for assistance.
Read the Sponsorship and Newcomers FAQs for lots of helpful information on many topics to consider prior to arrival

Need assistance contacting unit or Sponsor? Send us an email

Need to contact HHBN Sponsorship Group? Send an email

Are you an U.S. Army Europe and Africa sponsorship coordinator? Visit the USAREUR-AF Sponsorship channel in MS Teams for resources.

Step 2: Review

Review the Foreign Clearance Guide for requirements entering your country of assignment. DoD Civilians and Eligible Family Members (U.S. Citizens, U.S. greencard holders, and citizens from other nations) on official travel may require a Special Issuance Passport, visa, or other documentation BEFORE starting travel.
All DoD personnel in Europe must register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
Military One Source - General information on PCS moves, entitlements, claims, and more
Questions & Answers from our PCS Virtual Town Hall
Civilian Employee Onboarding Guide
PSC with Family:
- Spouse or family member looking for a job? Check EURCivJobs
- EFMP support, see information on the Community Resource Guides and search services in your gaining installation.
- Sign up for Military Child Care online for your gaining location to be ready to support your childcare needs.
- Enroll your children in DoDEA schools as soon as possible and contact your School Liaison Officer (SLO) for assistance.
Driving in Europe:
- Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg - Drivers testing and vehicle inspections
- Germany - Register your vehicle and drivers testing
- Italy - Register your vehicle and drivers testing
- Poland – Stateside driving license must be valid during entire assignment in Poland. International Driving Permit is required for trips outside Poland borders. (see USAG Poland Newcomers page)
PCS with Pets:
- Watch the PCS Pet Preparedness video
- Contact your local Army Emergency Relief office for information about no-interest loans to help with the increasing costs for pet travel. www.aerhq.org/news/petassistance
- NEW: Starting in Jan 2024, Service members may be reimbursed for travel expenses for one pet (cat or dog) up to $2,000 for overseas PCS.
- In depth pet information is available to travelers on the AMC websie
More good information on our Employee Resources page
Access to SharePoint? Have a CAC but are not stationed in Europe yet, submit a request