It is little surprise – six years on from the large-scale drawdown of British troops from Germany – that service life in Sennelager is generally more of a ‘scaled back’ affair.
Fewer ‘resident’ personnel and families does not, however, mean there has been a complete withdrawal of welfare support from the military hub now known as the NATO Support and Training Centre (Germany).
Indeed, as demonstrated during Sennelager’s recent community health and wellbeing event, good things do come in small packages. While pared back from the past, support services remain present and accessible. Brydon House is the beating heart of the provision and where families can find the unit welfare officer and their assistant, Army Welfare Service and youth staff, the padre and HIVE all under one roof.
The centre also boasts a multiactivity room, meeting facilities, internet access, a garden and play area, and affordable, fully furnished ensuite contact accommodation for single soldiers and families.
In addition, the WRVS Services Welfare provides a space to relax, complete with BFBS’ Cinelink, pool tables and a chillout area. This great facility is near a small NAAFI shop and the newly refurbished Senne Arms.
Strengthening the sense of community further, Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is located close to the barracks, meaning families enjoy short journeys to Attenborough Primary School and work.
Opportunities and highlights
Many families reported that they were loving their time in Sennelager. Lisa, who has been there for many years, said: “Germany is such a lovely country with so much to offer. I think there is a festival for every month of the year, allowing you to experience their food, drink, crafts and traditions.
“Sennelager and the surrounding areas are so beautiful and really do offer something for everyone. There are lakes for swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking, and cities and towns to explore with cathedrals, churches and museums. You can also go skiing, sledging and hiking in Willengen, where there is a skywalk for the brave!”
Children at the youth club were equally enthusiastic. Matilda, 10, told Army&You: “I have lived in England, Kenya and now Germany. I think Germany is one of the best places I’ve been because of the friendliness here and the school is wonderful, and you meet so many new people.” Mairi, nine, added: “I get to learn to speak German with my school friends and have fun at my German football club.”
Everyday challenges
Despite the glowing reports, some stationed in Sennelager said there were inevitable drawbacks to the drawdown.
With no secondary school provision locally, more families are having to consider UK boarding options and, in respect of childcare, many are reliant on using the German Kita system to support extended working hours. Furthermore, under current rules, if you have adult children over 18, they cannot remain living with you if they’re not in full-time education or training.
Partners find there are limited job opportunities, with some restrictions linked to the NATO Status of Forces Agreement and supplementary agreement for Germany, and single serving personnel expressed frustration that those in long-term relationships are not entitled to SFA. Even with the introduction of the new European Commuting Allowance for single personnel, travel time back to the UK can be challenging for maintaining relationships.
Some families reported that due to operational reasons, their serving person has spent a disproportionate amount of time in the UK training in the last year.
Final thoughts
“While recent years have seen a shift in community dynamics and new challenges following the UK’s exit from the European Union, it remains a wonderful posting opportunity, especially for young families,” said AFF Overseas Manager Esther Thomas. “It offers a slower pace of life and the warmth of the local community. A posting to Sennelager is a chance to experience life in a culturally rich part of Europe.” To learn more, contact overseassupport@aff.org.uk