Military question. (army)

[Epic1]

Hey im sure there is a few people that might give some insight. But i got orders for vicenza, italy. I head there in sept. Looking to get some info about the place other then google. Maybe from people there. or know the area.
Also if someone wants to pm me . I have questions concerning COLA and pay charts etc. Trying to figure out what to expect as far as pay and allowance.

Anyways if not ill say to hi to all the guys from that area

[LatissimusaurousRex]

The only increased pay will be your COLA which isn't that much. I can't access my LES or anything as I've ETS-ed since, but I was in Germany and they all use the Euro over there. As an E-5 I don't think I was getting more than 150-200 extra bucks a month which is crap if you actually try to live off the economy at all; the Euro will rape you son! It used to be more, but they had lowered it recently. It's been like 6 months since I left and don't know if anything has changed though. When I went to WLC I met some guys that were stationed where you're going and they all said it was beautiful and have a great time going out there, I'm sure you're in for a good time. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but I think that's a relatively small post and I don't know how many replies you'd get so I thought I'd toss in my 2 cents.

The Army SHOULD hook you up with a sponsor from the unit that is receiving you. I'd ask your chain of command as to make sure you do and find out his contact info and ask him, he should be able to answer any questions.

[DSM4Life]

The only increased pay will be your COLA which isn't that much. I can't access my LES or anything as I've ETS-ed since, but I was in Germany and they all use the Euro over there. As an E-5 I don't think I was getting more than 150-200 extra bucks a month which is crap if you actually try to live off the economy at all; the Euro will rape you son! It used to be more, but they had lowered it recently. It's been like 6 months since I left and don't know if anything has changed though. When I went to WLC I met some guys that were stationed where you're going and they all said it was beautiful and have a great time going out there, I'm sure you're in for a good time. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but I think that's a relatively small post and I don't know how many replies you'd get so I thought I'd toss in my 2 cents.

The Army SHOULD hook you up with a sponsor from the unit that is receiving you. I'd ask your chain of command as to make sure you do and find out his contact info and ask him, he should be able to answer any questions.

[Epic1]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah the euro and US dollar are not too far off anymore so thats good. its like 80cents to 1.00. But here in the US. you get BAH. which im sure you know. Then BAS. Then jump pay etc. But BAH is usually around 1000 and bas is like 380. So we made extra money off that on top of base pay. OVer there ...from what i gather. You get base pay, housing is paid for but you dont keep the extra. And then you get Per diem. But not always. which may be 150 dollars.

So over there it seems ill be making quit a bit LESS. so im frustrated if that is true. But i didnt know if there was any other allowances. so i thought id check.

btw im only an e3. so makin less then the sgt

[Epic1]

i guess my situation may be different. I have dependents so im not sure if the cola is different if you have dependents vs without.

I cant get a straight answer haha

[LatissimusaurousRex]

Yeah it's def different if you're married and w/ kids. I was single so I can't help you sorry.

[Epic1]

its alright. Any feedback is great. Thanks for taking the time.

[quarry206]

I loved being in Germany. but know nothing about Italy really.

alot of what you will get and be allowed will be only given to you once you get there. because so many factors, especially without you giving us too much detail on this forum. .

[Animal Cracker]

Pm me.