Support to Veterans living in Germany

We can now use the NAAFI but need to pay the tax will it be worth it?
http://www.bfgnet.de/BFGVets_Naafi.html
Going to apply anyway for the access pass in case there is anything we need
Cheers
Steve

Seems a lot of messing about and red tape Steve?

Have to agree. They haven't made it easy have they? It's as if they want to dissuade you from partaking, not that NAAFI stocks much in the way of stuff that you can't get in the locals shops. How many Brits really yearn for Daddies Brown Sauce? For what it's worth you may as well buy in bulk when you're next in the UK and take it back with you. The Tesco's stuff that the NAAFI stocks is criticised by the Toms as it's nearly always on or close to (within a day) of its sel buy date. Can you see many (beyond popping in for a cup of tea, a sarnie and a paper) taking up the offer?

NAAFI prices were always higher than the local shops, and I do not think there is much you would buy anyway, other than an English paper.

Funny thing is! How many ex BAOR bods yearn for Curry Ketchup or Snell Imbasses? More I would think LoL

steve wrote:

We can now use the NAAFI but need to pay the tax will it be worth it?
http://www.bfgnet.de/BFGVets_Naafi.html
Going to apply anyway for the access pass in case there is anything we need
Cheers
Steve

As (Lt Col) Teabag says it seems to be a lot of red tape for what is really not much of a privilege. As has also been mentioned most of the stuff stocked by NAAFI was cheaper in the local shops where MWS had already been applied.

I am assuming that all this messing about doesn't apply if you are classed as a UK Based Civilian and that UKBCs still get all the concessions that Squaddies get?

Mike

YES! It is going to be a challenge BUT despite being able to get most British things over in Germany...they are now producing a half decent cider…still cannot get decent bacon and tea and our supplies are getting low so needs must…Karin does enjoy her mug of English tea in the morning!
Cheers
Steve
PS: Mike UKBCs get the same concessions as squaddies

It has been far too long in the making - going to the YMCA on camp used to be a nightmare and other things like that were equally strenuos.

It is a step in the right direction however - how is it the US forces are capable of maintaining their tax free bens when they leave and stay in Germany or the UK - how do their agreements differ - why is our government unable to duplicate these differences in nato agreements or is it a EEU tax thing?

My UK (Northern England) next door neighbour is ex US Based Civilian, not even US Forces, and gets almost every privilege going at US bases other than tax free petrol, which he gets by the jerrycan anyway!

(Petrol is $2.79 per US Gallon on the base gas station - Thats 74 cents or 48 Pence per Litre!)

US ex-forces in Europe (inc UK, Belgium & Germany) have had this concession since forever, so why not UK ex-forces?

Most Garrison towns in BFG have a British shop, I know Paderborn had one and they have one here in Fally, don't people use these? I know you can get most stuff and they'll order in products if you want them. Never used them myself as I'm still serving so just use the NAAFI for ease.

just as a matter of interest when did fally become a spa town, as in bad fallingbostel.

If such concessions were available to British Veterans then the UK or German taxpayers would have to fund the subsidies to cover the differences between the real prices and the reduced ones.

I don`t think taxpayers should have to fork out.

dandc wrote:

just as a matter of interest when did fally become a spa town, as in bad fallingbostel.

Bad Fallingbostel is the district town (Kreisstadt) of Soltau-Fallingbostel in the German state of Lower Saxony. Since 1976 the town has had a state-recognised Kneipp spa and has held the title of Bad since 5 August 2002. It has close ties to Walsrode, a few miles to the west.



Sourse: Wikipedia.

so now i know thankyou.

Update on access pass...1st paperwork done and now need to wait circa 10 weeks for the pass then 2nd paperwork to do!

Recymech know about and have used the British Shop in Paderborn...we had one here at the side of the former Hemer NAAFI but no longing trading...just looking for a bit more choice and prepared to pay the MwSt

Goldmohur agree with you tax free discounted goods is not the way forward and for me the pass is to go to the NAAFI for the extras that cannot be found on the German net as not in the UK that often these days...also a UK paper (cost euro 2.50 at airports and railway stations) or a book and perhaps to go to the SKC Cinema when a decent film is on

Cheers
Steve

My brother, who never served, lives in Germany. Our Dad obviously did and I was wondering if my brother would be entitled?

The cinemas in Germany have been vastly reduced due to Video/DVD and Sky being, not so legally, available to troops over there - sadly.

After speaking to my brother, there is/was a small shop in Bielefeld but looks like it has ceased trading and the one in Guetersloh is really quite dear - he thinks that being able to buy the odd thing e.g. spices, sauces and especially bacon and suasages would improve his lifestyle no end....

Martin
This pass is only available for Veterans and you have to produce your 'Red Book' as proof BUT the holder of the pass can take folks with them (think it is is four) and of course need pay the tax for whatever they want to buy...hope this helps

There are a number of web sites that will supply british food by post.

Here are just a few of them:

http://www.britsuperstore.com/

http://www.uk-groceries.com/

http://www.britstore.co.uk/

http://www.britishcornershop.co.uk/

Thanks Mike - I've sent him the links which he is scouring through as we speak.

A link to a catalogue of welfare /support orgs that British Veterans still in Germany (or even back on the island) may like to have - should eventualities arise:

http://artyclerkassn.org/webpages/welfare.htm

nice to re-discover those funds I paid in to (or raised money for) as serving member (Single Soldiers'Dependants Fund, Soldiers' Widows Fund, SSAFA, Army Benevolent Fund) are still there
- and now can pass the links to my nearest and dearest should gthe need arise!

News for those leaving the service effective 19 Feb 19

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defence-secretary-extends-housing-offer-to-veterans?

Reckon they mean UK only

Update (via RBL Sennelager):  Dec 2022!

Please see the extract from the BAG (British Army Germany) Website below:

The rules have Always been there. The Customs and Zollamt are clamping down. (on Shoppers in the NAAFI Sennelager? - which is not on Camp.?)
However, there is a solution.
Apply for a Veteran's Shopping Permit, get a Pink Card from the Zollamt (the one nearest your residence) and take it with you to the NAAFI you will then be able to purchase anything you want except for rationed items.
(You remember them bottle of Gin,  Bottle of Whisky/Whiskey, 200 cigarettes, Coffee ground or instant)
The NAAFI are obliged to complete the form when the amount (purchase) is above 250 Euro €. Please note that the NAAFI Shopping Permit is not transferable. The holder of the permit must be present you can’t simply pass it on to your spouse or partner.
In short, Pink Card, Veteran's Shopping Permit, no problem otherwise you will only be able to purchase Food for immediate consumption.


SHOPPING IN THE NAAFI
WHAT AM I ALLOWED TO PURCHASE IN THE NAAFI?
Any Veteran that holds either a Veteran's Installation Access Pass (VIAP) or the new Veteran's NAAFI Shopping Permit and Pink Card (from Zollamt) can purchase any non-rationed item for sale in NAAFI retail outlets. Veterans are not allowed to purchase rationed items. Veterans with or without the Pink Card, who are in possession of a NAAFI Shopping Permit ( or VIAP), are still able to purchase goods for immediate consumption.
WHAT GOODS ARE CLASSED AS “IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION”?
On production of their Veterans NAAFI Shopping Permit (or VIAP) Veterans are able to purchase goods for immediate consumption. Goods for immediate consumption are any product that NAAFI offer for sale with the exception of:
Alcoholic drinks
Rationed Goods
Bulk purchases
Bulk purchases are large quantities of any item (such as a case or outer). Retail Packs, however, may be purchased. A Retail Pack is any pack of goods that will scan at the till as a single item (e.g. four pack of coke, double pack of paper towels etc).
WILL I NEED TO PRODUCE MY PINK CARD WHEN BUYING GOODS FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION ON THE PREMISES?
Providing you have a Veteran's NAAFI Shopping Permit (or VIAP), you can still purchase goods for immediate consumption without using your Pink Card and therefore you do not need to keep your receipt for immediate consumption items. Please note that these items MUST be purchased separately if you are also intending to shop in the NAAFI for non-rationed items on the same visit.
Goods for immediate consumption are any product that NAAFI offer for sale with the exception of:
Alcoholic drinks
Rationed Goods
Bulk purchases
Bulk purchases are large quantities of any item (such as a case or outer). Retail Packs, however, may be purchased. A Retail Pack is any pack of goods that will scan at the till as a single item (e.g. four pack of coke, double pack of paper towels etc).
I DO NOT HAVE A PINK CARD; CAN I STILL SHOP IN THE NAAFI?
Providing you are in possession of a Veteran's NAAFI Shopping Permit (or VIAP), you can shop in the NAAFI for goods for immediate consumption only.
WILL I NEED TO PRODUCE MY PINK CARD EVERY TIME I PURCHASE SOMETHING FROM THE NAAFI?
Providing you have a Veteran's NAAFI Shopping Permit (or VIAP), you can still purchase goods for immediate consumption without a Pink Card. You do not have to keep your receipts for goods for immediate consumption.
For goods that are not for immediate consumption, you will need to show your Pink Card at the till to show that you are entitled to purchase the goods. The NAAFI will only record purchases of over €250 or more on your Pink Card. You must keep all your receipts, regardless of how much you spend, (less goods for immediate consumption) to take to the Zollamt.

Applying for:
https://bfgnet.de/veterans/installation-access-pass.html
Application forms are attached for shopping permit.

Certified copies of any supporting documentation must be authenticated by a Public Servant ie. Policeman, Army Officer, Civil Servant, Solicitor this includes Host Nation. If this is not done the application will be rejected.

Update (via RBL Sennelager):  Dec 2022!

Please see the extract from the BAG (British Army Germany) Website below:

The rules have Always been there. The Customs and Zollamt are clamping down. (on Shoppers in the NAAFI Sennelager? - which is not on Camp.?)
However, there is a solution.
Apply for a Veteran's Shopping Permit, get a Pink Card from the Zollamt (the one nearest your residence) and take it with you to the NAAFI you will then be able to purchase anything you want except for rationed items.
(You remember them bottle of Gin,  Bottle of Whisky/Whiskey, 200 cigarettes, Coffee ground or instant)
The NAAFI are obliged to complete the form when the amount (purchase) is above 250 Euro €. Please note that the NAAFI Shopping Permit is not transferable. The holder of the permit must be present you can’t simply pass it on to your spouse or partner.
In short, Pink Card, Veteran's Shopping Permit, no problem otherwise you will only be able to purchase Food for immediate consumption.


SHOPPING IN THE NAAFI
WHAT AM I ALLOWED TO PURCHASE IN THE NAAFI?
Any Veteran that holds either a Veteran's Installation Access Pass (VIAP) or the new Veteran's NAAFI Shopping Permit and Pink Card (from Zollamt) can purchase any non-rationed item for sale in NAAFI retail outlets. Veterans are not allowed to purchase rationed items. Veterans with or without the Pink Card, who are in possession of a NAAFI Shopping Permit ( or VIAP), are still able to purchase goods for immediate consumption.
WHAT GOODS ARE CLASSED AS “IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION”?
On production of their Veterans NAAFI Shopping Permit (or VIAP) Veterans are able to purchase goods for immediate consumption. Goods for immediate consumption are any product that NAAFI offer for sale with the exception of:
Alcoholic drinks
Rationed Goods
Bulk purchases
Bulk purchases are large quantities of any item (such as a case or outer). Retail Packs, however, may be purchased. A Retail Pack is any pack of goods that will scan at the till as a single item (e.g. four pack of coke, double pack of paper towels etc).
WILL I NEED TO PRODUCE MY PINK CARD WHEN BUYING GOODS FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION ON THE PREMISES?
Providing you have a Veteran's NAAFI Shopping Permit (or VIAP), you can still purchase goods for immediate consumption without using your Pink Card and therefore you do not need to keep your receipt for immediate consumption items. Please note that these items MUST be purchased separately if you are also intending to shop in the NAAFI for non-rationed items on the same visit.
Goods for immediate consumption are any product that NAAFI offer for sale with the exception of:
Alcoholic drinks
Rationed Goods
Bulk purchases
Bulk purchases are large quantities of any item (such as a case or outer). Retail Packs, however, may be purchased. A Retail Pack is any pack of goods that will scan at the till as a single item (e.g. four pack of coke, double pack of paper towels etc).
I DO NOT HAVE A PINK CARD; CAN I STILL SHOP IN THE NAAFI?
Providing you are in possession of a Veteran's NAAFI Shopping Permit (or VIAP), you can shop in the NAAFI for goods for immediate consumption only.
WILL I NEED TO PRODUCE MY PINK CARD EVERY TIME I PURCHASE SOMETHING FROM THE NAAFI?
Providing you have a Veteran's NAAFI Shopping Permit (or VIAP), you can still purchase goods for immediate consumption without a Pink Card. You do not have to keep your receipts for goods for immediate consumption.
For goods that are not for immediate consumption, you will need to show your Pink Card at the till to show that you are entitled to purchase the goods. The NAAFI will only record purchases of over €250 or more on your Pink Card. You must keep all your receipts, regardless of how much you spend, (less goods for immediate consumption) to take to the Zollamt.

Applying for:
https://bfgnet.de/veterans/installation-access-pass.html
Application forms are attached for shopping permit.

Certified copies of any supporting documentation must be authenticated by a Public Servant ie. Policeman, Army Officer, Civil Servant, Solicitor this includes Host Nation. If this is not done the application will be rejected.

Welfare of British Veterans in Germany (British Army Germany former BAOR)

I live in Germany.  A recent enquiry from an old soldier in UK regarding an older soldier in Germany,
really needed the support / intervention / assistance of
the Royal British Legion (RBL).  
The RBL is alive and well in the former British Zone and Berlin.

The contacts list below has been compiled following a trawl on the Internet, but will serve to jump start anyone needing welfare advice from a reputable source.
(I haven't been paid by the RBL to say this!).  

They do need members/fresh blood and anyone interested should contact the membership secretary
(Robert Millar - ex 12 Regt RA  he is in  Paderborn-Sennelager  
Paderborn.memsecretary@rbl.community)

All quotes from various RBL Sites;

>>The Royal British Legion is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army,
Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.
And we’re not going anywhere.  
We support serving and ex-serving personnel all year round, every day of the week.

Our support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over.

Germany Branches are at:

Bergen-Hohne  https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/bergen-hohne

Berlin https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/berlin


Bielefeld  1) http://www.rblbielefeld.com      

              2) The German version: http://www.rblbielefeld.com/wer-wir-sind.html

Dortmund https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/dortmund

Fallingbostel-Heide https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/fallingbostel-heide

Gütersloh https://www.facebook.com/events/1465139980627189/

Hannover https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/hannover

Herford https://rblherford.de/

Lippe   https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/lippe

Minden https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/minden

Münster https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/munster

Osnabrück https://www.rblosna.com   0541 683874  Tom Harrison

Paderborn https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/paderborn/branch-information/

Rheindahlen https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/rheindahlen

Sauerland  https://www.facebook.com/groups/142143739880167/

District contact: Germany.Secretary@rbl.community

https://counties.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/germany/contact-us/

We administer and support the delivery of welfare services and the membership and fundraising
activities of the Legion's branches throughout Germany.

If you require welfare assistance please contact
the District Welfare co-ordinator Mary Jansen via e-mail: germany.welfare@rbl.communty

or call Mary on 05162 979 1197. <<

https://bfgnet.de/veterans
https://bfgnet.de/veterans/shopping-in-the-naafi
https://bfgnet.de/veterans/veterans-naafi-shopping-permit
https://bfgnet.de/veterans/veterans-faqs
The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) has now merged with Defence Business Services although there is no change to the service provided. can be contacted in respect of a number of issues affecting Veterans. They can be contacted on 0044 808 1914 218 or you can visit the Veterans-UK website.