Latest update on passports indicates it could take up to 6 months to obtain. I applied for mine back in April and haven't heard anything yet. It is advised to start the process in the unfortunate case of your loved one being wounded and sent to Germany. The last thing we would need in a case like that would be to not have a passport. It's not something we want to think about but it is necessary to be prepared.
1. Soldiers and Family Members are advised to immediately apply for passports upon notification of OCONUS (Overseas) assignment to avoid extended delays in travel for Family Members.
2. Due to requirements of the Global War on Terrorism, the State Dept and Foreign Country Consulates are required to perform more extensive background checks, including Military and Military Family Members. The background checks are causing significant backlogs in the State Dept and Foreign Country Consulates to process Passport and Visa applications. Due to the new requirements, passports with Visas can take as much as 5 to 6 months to obtain.
3. This situation is adversely impacting soldiers and Family Members. Soldiers can enter most countries using his/her Military ID Card and Orders. However, Family Members cannot enter the country without Passport and Visa/Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) stamp. As a result, Family Members are having to stay behind and retain quarters, incur unscheduled/rescheduled HHG/POV moves and travel until their Passports and Visas arrive.
4. In order to make the best of the situation, Soldiers and Family Members are advised to apply for a passport immediately upon notification of OCNUS (Overseas) assignment. Any delay in submitting for a passport/Visa will only serve to worsen the impact of delays on Family Members. Unfortunately, there is nothing local installation Travel Offices can do to influence the situation. Control of the situation resides solely with the State Department. DOD is aware of the problem and is working the issue with the State Department, however, it appears these timeframes will remain in place for the near term
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