86th AW commander reviews new Ramstein app

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas
  • 86th Airlift Wing commander
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  In this new age, almost everyone has a smart object of some kind, holding tons of apps - finally Ramstein Air Base has its app.

I recently took it for a test drive.

This new tool from the 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office is an easy to learn, intuitive workhorse that provides the information you need for life in the Kaiserslautern Military Community right in the palm of your hand.

Ramstein App Highlights

· It's free!
· Everything you need is right in one place
· Works with iPhones, Android phones and tablets
· Phone directory for Ramstein, Vogelweh and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
· Push notifications provide updates about weather, construction and emergencies directly to your phone
· "PCSing?" feature that's a vital tool for those who will be moving to or from Ramstein soon
· Easy-to-use layout that makes finding what you're looking for a snap

Bottom Line

This app will make receiving information faster and easier. It features a phone directory that works offline, force support squadron events, emergency numbers and much more. This information is separated between 12 beautifully designed icons so there is no fumbling to find what you need. These features could prove to be extremely useful for newcomers; I wish I had this information in my pocket when I first arrived to Ramstein.

Top Useful Features

The app is brand new, but a few features jump out to me right away.

The directory in the app has important numbers for Ramstein, Vogelweh and LRMC conveniently located in an alphabetized list. You just click the name of where you want to call, and it automatically sets up your phone so all you need to do is push the "call" button. Plus, this feature doesn't require internet access to work, so it's available to you anytime, anywhere. While you travel around and enjoy the wonderful opportunities that Germany and all of Europe have to offer, you will have easy access to make medical appointments, contact travel agencies and so much more.

Another feature is push notifications, labeled only as notifications in the app. This will be particularly useful with the winter season fast approaching because it sends updates directly to your phone. Delayed reporting, school cancellations, safety information and more can be spread en masse almost immediately. It's the only function on this app that will tell you when there is new information, so your phone won't constantly be required to download updates.

The Ramstein app isn't just for those who are already stationed in Germany. With the "PCSing?" feature, it can be a vital tool for those who will be arriving or leaving soon. Someone who is about to come to Germany will find information about lodging, privately owned vehicle and household goods shipping, travel documents, finance, housing, pets, in-processing, employment opportunities and more. Leaving Ramstein and think this app no longer applies to you? It also offers information for outprocessing, such as a PCS timeline, out-processing phases and an orders checklist, to name a few.

Conclusion

The Ramstein app has multiple features that can prove to be indispensable to the user. The directory, notifications and links to dynamic information make this app a must have for anyone coming, currently staying in or leaving Ramstein. With its easy-to-use layout, the app makes navigating through life overseas that much simpler. It's easy to find too - just search "Ramstein" in the Google or Apple app stores! Download it soon and connect with Ramstein Air Base on social media, so you can ensure you don't miss a beat!