Ramstein In-Processing Checklist: Every Step for New Military Arrivals

Before You Arrive: Documents to Pack in Your Carry-On

Do NOT pack these in your checked luggage or household goods shipment:

• PCS orders (multiple copies — at least 10 printed copies)
• Passports — both tourist (blue) and official/no-fee (maroon) for all family members
• Birth certificates for all dependents
• Marriage certificate
• Power of Attorney (general and special — get these before leaving CONUS)
• Vehicle title and registration if shipping a POV
• Medical and dental records (if hand-carrying)
• School records for children (transcripts, IEP/504 plans, immunization records)
• Pet paperwork — EU pet passport, rabies titer test, health certificate
• Driver’s license — valid US state license
• DD Form 1172-2 (DEERS enrollment)

Day 1-2: Arrival and Initial Check-In

Ramstein Newcomers Center (RIP — Ramstein In-Processing)

Your first stop is the Ramstein In-Processing (RIP) line in Building 2402:

• Location: Bldg 2402, Ramstein Air Base
• Hours: Monday–Friday, typically 0730–1600
• You’ll receive a Newcomers Orientation briefing covering base rules, local laws, and important contacts
• You’ll get your in-processing checklist with all required stops
• Register in the VIPER (Virtual In/Out-Processing) system — this tracks your progress digitally

VIPER Virtual In-Processing

Ramstein uses the VIPER system for tracking in-processing completion:

• Access VIPER online to see all required appointments and briefings
• Some items can be completed virtually before arrival
• Your unit CSS/orderly room will verify VIPER completion
• Complete all items within 30 days of arrival (some units require faster)

Key In-Processing Stops (In Order)

1. Housing Office

• Location: Bldg 2108, Ramstein AB
• Purpose: TLA authorization, housing assignment, OHA paperwork
• Bring: PCS orders, marriage certificate, birth certificates for dependents
• They’ll authorize your TLA (up to 60 days) and help you start the housing search
• If living off-base, they approve your lease and start OHA payments
• If you need to extend TLA beyond initial authorization, come back with justification

2. Finance Office

• Location: Bldg 2106
• Purpose: Start COLA, OHA, TLA, and other overseas allowances
• Bring: PCS orders, LES (Leave and Earnings Statement), bank info
• File your travel voucher from your PCS travel
• Set up allotments for Euro currency if needed
• Expect first overseas allowance payments within 1-2 pay periods

3. MPF / Personnel (Military Personnel Flight)

• Location: Bldg 2120
• Purpose: Update records, DEROS, gain to new unit
• Bring: PCS orders, all personnel records
• Confirm your DEROS (Date Eligible for Return from Overseas)
• Update DEERS for all family members
• Get CAC reader if yours doesn’t work (European systems sometimes differ)

4. Vehicle Registration Office

• Location: Bldg 2113 (Pulaski Barracks, Kaiserslautern)
• Purpose: Register your vehicle, get USAREUR plates, fuel ration card
• Bring: Vehicle title, insurance proof, valid USAREUR license, PCS orders
• You need a USAREUR driver’s license FIRST (see our separate guide)
• Get your fuel ration card (ESSO card) for discounted on-base gas
• POV inspection required within 30 days

5. Medical & Dental In-Processing

• Medical: Ramstein Clinic or LRMC (Landstuhl Regional Medical Center)
• Dental: Ramstein Dental Clinic, Bldg 301
• Enroll all family members in TRICARE Overseas
• Select a PCM (Primary Care Manager)
• Transfer medical/dental records
• Schedule any overdue appointments (dental, PHA, immunizations)

6. School Registration (If You Have Children)

• DoDEA Schools: Register at the school based on your feeder zone (determined by residential address)
• School Liaison Office (SLO): DSN 480-9374, helps with enrollment and special needs
• Bring: Birth certificates, immunization records, previous school transcripts, IEP/504 plans
• See our DoDEA Schools KMC Guide for detailed feeder zone information

7. Unit Check-In

• Report to your gaining unit’s CSS/orderly room
• Meet your supervisor and commander
• Complete unit-specific in-processing requirements
• Get your duty phone and building access
• Join the unit’s newcomer sponsor program if you weren’t already assigned a sponsor

Additional In-Processing Tasks (Week 1-4)

• Ration card (AAFES): Get your ration card for tax-free shopping at the BX/PX and commissary
• Cell phone: Get a German SIM card or contract (TKD, Vodafone, O2, Telekom)
• Bank account: Consider opening a German bank account (Service Credit Union on base, or Deutsche Bank/Sparkasse off base)
• ACS (Army Community Service) / A&FRC (Airman & Family Readiness Center): Resources for spouse employment, relocation assistance, financial counseling
• Legal Office: Update wills, powers of attorney, review SOFA status
• Chaplain: Chapel programs, counseling, community events

Pro Tips for Smooth In-Processing

• Start VIPER before arrival — complete whatever you can online
• Bring a folder system — organize documents by category (housing, finance, medical, vehicle)
• Make 10+ copies of your orders — every office wants a copy
• Get a rental car early — you’ll need transportation for all these appointments
• Ask your sponsor for a ride to initial appointments if possible
• Don’t wait — some offices have long wait times. Start early in the morning
• Download the Ramstein App — base maps, phone numbers, and office hours