You cannot homeschool in Germany. 2 years minimum. Transferring back is dependent on bid timing. As I recently heard a military spouse say, "Of the 17 moves I've done in the last 20 years, the one with FedEx was the worst."

How long would it take to hold this base If someone we’re hired in the next 6 months?

It would take another system bid. We don’t yet know when that will be, but I’d guess somewhere around next spring. People moving to CGN seems to happen in waves. We are at the end of one of those waves so positions available could be minimal there for a bit. One thing to consider is that over the last year, turnover in CGN has been huge as people hit their 5 year max or the end of their two year commitment. Seniority progression will likely be at a standstill for at least a couple years for a new hire. Of course all of this is just observations and guesses on my part though. It’s a great opportunity, and my family had a great time while we were there.

I don’t have a horse in this game but just out of curiosity- what’s up with the 5 year max stay? Does that also apply to EU passport holders? Thanks for any insights.

I loved my time in Germany. But energy costs over there right now are over five times what they were when I lived there - even adjusted for inflation - and it’s going to be a damn cold winter.

It doesn’t matter if you are also an EU citizen. It is so that the company doesn’t have to pay into the German retirement system. Staying over 5 years (in a row) would obligate the company to pay.

That makes sense. Thanks for explaining.