Options for saving money while living in Germany for retired/reserve/guard military members; Kaiserslautern is within the 100 mile radius of CGN. There are numerous military bases (Army and AF) in the K-town area which you would be able to use (with restrictions). The commissary and BX would probably be off limits, but all the other base facilities would be available (MWR facilities like the gym, O’Club, etc). There’s also some excellent social clubs you would be able to join (example, 2 ski clubs). Plus, with the huge American population in the area, it should be easier to get around dealing with the locals since they’re use to speaking English.
As far as commuting from K-town, the train would be your best option to travel to CDG, FRA and/or CGN (FRA for a commercial flight).
If your spouse wanted to work, the DoDDS (military) schools need substitute teachers . There may be some restrictions on FedEx family members being able to work in Germany.
One of the biggest expenses over in Europe will be gas….it can be 2-3 times more expensive than here in the US. And we’re pushing $4/gal right now, not good!! Plus, buying at car will not be cheap, but again, there’s a huge re-sell lot on the military bases…may be the best deal for us. We will be required to pay some type of tax on the purchase of a car. And, getting a German driving license will be not be easy. A French license cost about $1500 so Germany may be in the same ballpark.