EJSU Arrival Booklet

EUROPEAN JOINT SUPPORT UNIT
JFC HQ BRUNSSUM
Arrival Booklet
A Newcomers’ Guide
June 2014 Edition
Providing support to British personnel and their families
serving with NATO at JFC HQ Brunssum, NPC Glons and
in the Netherlands
Foreword
WELCOME TO THE NETHERLANDS
The aim of this booklet is provide an overview of information required to ease transition from your
current assignment to arrival in the Netherlands. The contents herein have been compiled by the
European Joint Support Unit (EJSU) and Joint Force Command Headquarters Brunssum (JFC
HQ Brunssum).
JFC HQ Brunssum is located in the province of South Limburg, Netherlands and administers
largely to personnel serving at Brunssum and Glons, Belgium. We also provide care to exchange
officers in various posts throughout the Netherlands.
The booklet is neither exhaustive nor all-inclusive, but is seeks to provide a starting point and
answer basic questions: of course my staff and I would be delighted to assist or signpost further
as required.
I would ask that, once you have settled in post, to take time to review the booklet and make
suggestions for any improvement or inclusion you feel would benefit others.
I look forward to meeting you.
C R Ferguson
WO
Head of EJSU Brunssum
CONTENTS
Contents
Welcome Note from Head of Location
General
Contact Information
Aim
Role of EJSU
EJSU History
JFC HQ Brunssum
Your Sponsor
Accommodation in the Netherlands
Procedure
Married Accompanied Personnel
Single & Married Unaccompanied Officers
Single & Married Unaccompanied WOs
Single & Married Unaccompanied SNCOs & ORs
Moving Household Effects/GFA
Moving Pets
Recycling
Discipline
Travel Arrangements
Arranging Your Journey By Air
Arranging Your Journey By Private Car
Personal Documentation
NATO Travel Order & Passports
EHIC
UK Driving Licence
Sat Nav
Vehicles
Vehicle Registration
Schooling
Primary School Education
Secondary School Education
Transfer of Children’s School Records
Arrival Procedures
In-Processing Paperwork
Relocation Leave
Passes & Permits
Page Number
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EJSU Coffee Shop and Snack Bar
Banking Facilities
Medical Facilities
Medical Insurance
Dental Facilities
HR Administration – JPA
Allowances & Charges
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Annexes
Contact Details
A-1
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GENERAL
Contact Information
Contact details and telephone numbers for sections/organisations mentioned in this booklet are
listed at Annex A.
Aim
The aim of this booklet is to provide information to assist in your pre-arrival preparation. Its
contents do not make it an authoritative document and the information contained herein is
subject to amendment.
Role of EJSU
The EJSU provides administrative, logistic and welfare support to British Service personnel and
their families at JFC HQ Brunssum and NPC Glons.
JOINT FORCE COMMAND HEADQUARTERS BRUNSSUM
Since 3 March 2000 JFC HQ Brunssum has assumed command and control of a vast
geographical area including: the land areas of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany,
Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the UK and the sea areas of the Irish Sea, the
English Channel, the North Sea, the Norwegian maritime flank and the Baltic Sea and
Approaches, less national waters.
The JFC HQ Brunssum structure reflects a balanced service mix thus ensuring a joint capability.
The Peacetime Establishment (PE) reflects: Royal Navy/Royal Marines 21%, British Army 36%
and the Royal Air Force 30%; the remaining 13% may be filled by any Service. The overall
Headquarters manning, including logistic and communications support elements, totals more
than 2400 personnel to which 19 Nations contribute.
SPONSORSHIP.
EJSU in consultation with your Line Manager will provide details of your allocated sponsor.
Invariably this will either be your predecessor in post or a work colleague whom will be briefed by
EJSU staff in regard to their responsibilities. Sponsors will be able to address any pre-arrival
concerns and assist with your in-processing upon arrival.
ACCOMMODATION IN THE NETHERLANDS
Procedure
Personnel administered by the EJSU are housed by the Defence Infrastructure Organization
(DIO). Applications for Service Families Accommodation should be submitted to the DIO, EJSU,
on MOD Form 1132, which is available from your Unit Administrative Office or from Defence
Estates (UK). If you have access to a Military network, you can access the e-1132 at the
following address:
http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/Tools/Admin/ServiceFamilyAccomodation/Pages/ApplyforServi
ceFamilyAccomodation.aspx
EJSU have experienced some difficulty with those applications submitted using the on-line
system. Ideally completed paper application forms should be sent as a scanned copy to: [email protected] or by fax to civ 0032 6544 4745 or mil 9205 423 4745.
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DIO have 15 working days to allocate your accommodation. If you are already in SFA and, in the
unlikely event overseas accommodation is unavailable, you must seek permission from your
local DIO to retain accommodation pending allocation overseas. Brunssum boasts transit
accommodation and, subject to availability, may be booked via DIO Brunssum for 1 night prior to
move in – Netherlands hotel accommodation is not to be booked without written permission of
Brunssum DIO or Head of Location UK EJSU.
Married Accompanied Personnel
All SFA are Dutch hirings. Accordingly you should be aware that most are open-plan and, due to
steep staircases, may restrict access to the 1st floor and/or attic areas. Accordingly, please
ensure you make allowance for this whilst planning removals and advise your removal company
to bring a hoist.
Single & Married Unaccompanied (MU)Officers
Single & MU officers are accommodated approximately 2 miles from base in 2 or 3 bedroom fully
furnished flats. Charges are dependent on marital category. Given there are no messing facilities
on camp personnel will receive a Living Out Supplement to Local Overseas Allowance
(LOSLOA) payment to assist with food purchase. LOA is in addition and rates for both are at
Annex B. Application is via DIO EJSU.
Single & Married unaccompanied WOs
Single & MU WOs are accommodated in flats in Brunssum. Application is via DIO EJSU.
Single & MU SNCOs & Other Ranks (OR)
Single and MU SNCOs and OR are accommodated on base and are required to pay
Accommodation Charges. However, a lack of messing facilities attracts Special Messing
Allowance (SMA) – rates available on request – in addition to Netherlands LOA. You are to
inform DIO of your arrival date and accommodation requirements.
In exceptional circumstances, SNCOs and Other Ranks may request to be accommodated in the
flats. Applications to do so are to be forwarded to the Head of EJSU on [email protected]
Married Unaccompanied Accommodation Charges
RN and RAF married unaccompanied personnel will not be charged for single living
accommodation. Different rules apply to Army personnel and guidance should be sought from
the EJSU J1 regarding accommodation charges.
Moving Your Household Effects
Agility Logistics If you have an entitlement to move your household effects under the Furniture
Movement Service (FMS) or the Unaccompanied Baggage Scheme, you should logon to:
https://grms.agilitylogistics.com and follow the on screen instructions. It is imperative that you
complete the necessary documentation on receipt of an assignment order: this allows Agility
Logistics a reasonable period of notice to facilitate your intended move.
Unaccompanied Baggage Scheme(UBS). If you chose not to use the FMS you can the UBS (a
smaller, limited, entitlement) and store the bulk of your effects at public expense. Again, your
Admin Office will advise, but be aware that single/married unaccompanied, regardless of rank,
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who are accommodated in flats, are NOT entitled to FMS, as the accommodation will be
furnished and is classed as a Mess Annexe.
Moving Pets
Whilst The Netherlands has no quarantine regulations for pets being imported, any person
wishing to do so must contact The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
(DEFRA) for full guidance. Personnel should also contact DIO given that not all Dutch Landlords
allow pets in hirings.
Recycling
The Netherlands has strict guidelines concerning refuse and its collection. A refuse collection
timetable for each postcode is available from the Hive. For the recycling of larger items you must
have a Rd4 pass. If the Rd4 pass has not been left by the previous occupant then the DIO will
obtain one on your behalf.
Discipline
Under the AFA 2006, families of Service personnel living with them abroad are subject to Service
discipline.
Additionally, any civilian visitors staying in Service Accommodation, be it SLA or SFA (or their
substitute equivalent) are also subject to Service discipline.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Arranging Your Journey By Air
The air trooping route is currently Birmingham to Hannover and Paderborn flying Saturday,
Sunday and Wednesday.
Individuals intending to utilise this method are strongly advised to contact EJSU MT on 0031 45
526 2561 to confirm transport arrangements from the airhead to their accommodation.
Arranging Your Journey by Private Car
The regulations for duty travel to and from the Netherlands are contained in JSP 752, Chapter 4,
Paragraph 04.0112. This states that personnel are entitled to travel with their family by Private
Motor Vehicle and claim full MMA at the Converted Leave Rate. Furthermore, personnel are
entitled to claim additional travel costs should they bring a second vehicle. A PAP is no longer
required. If in doubt about the entitlement personnel are advised to contact their Unit HR.
PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION
NATO Travel Order & Passports
You are to be in possession of a valid passport and a NATO Travel Order when travelling to
Brunssum. All family members and civilian personnel should possess a valid passport.
Passports should be current for at least 6 months after date of arrival. Your Unit HR can advise
of the renewal process if your passport is due to expire.
Whilst in the Netherlands service personnel must carry a NATO travel order and a passport
whilst crossing borders and travelling in surrounding countries, spouses need to carry their
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passport. Please note: your JFC HQ Brunssum ID card is insufficient and you could face a fine of
up to €2000 if stopped by the local authorities.
EHIC
It is essential that you are in possession of an EHIC card (Medical Passport for the EU). Your
spouse will require a separate EHIC card and any children should be included on both forms. If
you have children at boarding school you are advised to complete a separate EHIC per child.
Contact your local Post Office for more information or go on-line to dh.gov.uk and click on the
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) application form.
Please note that the EHIC card is only valid whilst travelling in other countries around Europe
and not while actually resident in the Netherlands.
UK Driving Licences
Although you will be issued with an JFC HQ Brunssum Driving Licence, you should advise the
DVLA of your new BFPO address.
Satellite Navigation
It is highly recommended that you purchase a Satellite Navigation system with European maps
prior to your arrival in The Netherlands. Upon arrival, the HIVE can provide local maps and
postcodes to many local businesses and facilities.
VEHICLES
Vehicle Registration
Personnel are to note Dutch regulations regarding tax free vehicles differ markedly to those for
Germany and other countries. Guidance is available at www.jfcbs.nato.int or the Vehicle
Registration Department at Brunssum on 003145 526 2580 Personnel posted to NPC Glons will
be required to register their vehicles through the Vehicle Registration Department at NPC Glons
(which come under different guidelines) and those posted to Germany come under BFG rules.
NOTE VEHICLES MUST BE REGISTERED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF ARRIVAL
SCHOOLING
Childcare
There is currently a lack of childcare facilities for children under the Foundation stage 1.
Personnel falling into this category are advised to contact their sponsor as early as possible to
ascertain whether their needs can be met.
Foundation Stage 1 Provision (FS1)
FS1 education for children aged 3-4 years old is conducted within the Brunssum International
School. Note it is a parental responsibility to transport FS1 children to and from school.
Primary School Age Children
Children entitled to Primary school education are catered for in AFNORTH International School in
Brunssum. Transport is available for children in the outlying towns and can be booked on
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registration at the school. Prior to your arrival you must make an appointment with the British
Section of the school to arrange a suitable time for an interview with the Head Teacher.
Secondary Age Children
Children from the age of 11 can remain at AFNORTH International School in Brunssum until they
are 14. For further information on education options from the age of 11 individuals should
contact the HIVE. In all cases parents must contact Service Children’s Education (SCE)
(http://www.sce-web.com).
Transfer Of Children’s School Records
It is the responsibility of parents to arrange a suitable time to collect these records from the
children’s current school and transport port that information to the new school.
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ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
In-Processing Paperwork
On arrival, you are to report to the Admin Office in Building 603, where you should arrange to
meet your sponsor. Your sponsor will then assist you to in-process.
Relocation Leave
You will be entitled to 10 working days Relocation Leave if posted in from the UK or theatre other
than NW Europe; this leave may be taken either in the UK or at your new overseas location
depending on accommodation arrangements. Note LOA will only commence from the official
posting date and will not be paid if that leave is taken abroad.
Passes and Permits
Immediately as practicable following arrival at the EJSU, Service personnel, civilian personnel
and their dependants are required to report to the Passes and Permits Office, in Building 102 to
complete registration. Please note that until you have a JFC HQ Brunssum entry pass you will
be unable to open a Dutch Bank Account. Further details about Registration can be found on
www.jfcbs.nato.int.
EJSU COFFEE SHOP AND SNACK BAR
The EJSU coffee shop is situated on the ground floor of Building 603, adjacent to the Registry.
In addition to serving a wide selection of coffees and tea, there are a variety of freshly made
sandwiches, baguettes and salads prepared on the premises on a daily basis.
Opening Hours:
Monday - Thus
Fri
0930 – 1330 hrs
0830 – 1330 hrs
BANKING FACILITIES
Whilst you are free to chose any bank, the most frequently selected is ABN AMRO Brunssum,
this being the only bank JFC HQ Brunssum can pay claims into. Whilst waiting for your bank
account to be activated you can obtain Euros from your UK Bank and thereafter claim currency
exchange costs on JPA (this entitlement ceases once your pay is credited to your Dutch bank
account). Please note that you cannot reclaim any bank charges related to withdrawing
Euros from local banks on your UK bank ATM card. You may only reclaim any loss in
currency exchange ie where the exchange rate applied by your UK bank is less than the
official Fixed Forces Rate (FFR) applicable at the time of any cash withdrawal. There is no
longer a cheque encashment facility at JFC Brunssum.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
The British Medical Centre, (BMC), is located in building 501; access is via JFC Main Gates It is
a small single doctor practice, which offers normal Primary Health Care Services similar to a
military UK Medical Centre. In addition to the doctor, a A SSAFA Midwife and Health Visitor visit
the BMC weekly and offer UK equivalent care.
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All Service personnel, their dependants, schoolteachers and United Kingdom Based Civilians
working at JFC HQ BRUNSSUM are entitled to free treatment at the BMC. Please register
immediately at the BMC to ensure that your medical documents are requested from your
previous medical practice. During arrival will be issued with a Practice Leaflet listing available
medical services. If you or your family have special medical needs, you are advised to contact
the BMC before your arrival.
Hospital and specialist care is normally provided via local Dutch Civilian Services or through
British Forces Germany Health Services (BFGHS).
Outwith normal working hours and at weekends emergency cover is provided by Dutch Out of
Hours (OOH) service providers. The service works on par with the OOH service provided by the
Primary Care Trust (PCT) in the UK. The Dutch hospitals have excellent facilities and the Dutch
doctors speak reasonable English.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
You are aware of the earlier stated requirement to be in possession of an EHIC.
Throughout your assignment it is invariable you will travel outwith the Netherlands. If you require
medical attention on such travel any bills you incur will not be paid for by the BMC. Accordingly
you are advised to take out travel insurance for you (and your family).
Some ISODETs require registration with Dutch General Practitioner (GP); this requires specific
health insurance available only via Dutch insurance companies. Desk Officers/Career Managers
should provide a E106 application to be completed and forwarded to the address on that form.
Completed E106 are then presented to the appropriate Dutch Insurer. Your sponsor should be
able to advise which are appropriate. You will be provided with a basic medical insurance
package (at no cost to you). Any charges that you incur which are not covered by your insurance
will be paid by British Forces Germany Health Services (BFGHS).
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
If your spouse/partner undertakes employment within the Dutch system they will be required to
take out employment insurance; note that EHIC, any additional travel insurance and your E106
insurance is insufficient. Please note average cost of employment insurance is in the regoion of
115 Euros per month. Employers should be contacted regarding payment of this prior to
commencing employment. Any such insurance cannot be claimed back.
DENTAL FACILITIES
The British Dental Centre (BDC) is located on the top floor of the BMC. The BDC has a Dentist,
a Practice Manager, a Hygienist and a Dental Surgery Assistant.
All Service personnel and their dependants, schoolteachers and United Kingdom Based Civilians
working at JFC HQ BRUNSSUM are entitled to treatment at the BDC. A comprehensive range of
treatment is available with the emphasis on prevention.
Treatment is free to all Service personnel and those exempt NHS charges. Others will be
charged for treatment provided at current NHS rates.
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HR ADMINISTRATION – JOINT PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION
There are 4 DII terminals for use within the UK EJSU Admin Office.
PAY, ALLOWANCES AND CHARGES
Advance of Pay on Posting
In addition to any allowances, you may wish to consider taking an advance of pay on posting
overseas; applications to your current HR Admin.
Annexes:
A.
Contact Details.
10
ANNEX A TO
ARRIVAL
BOOKLET
APRIL 2014
CONTACT DETAILS
When dialling from the UK, a 4 digit extension number should be prefixed with 0031 45
526 ****
Contact
Tel No
EJSU-BRUNSSUM
Head of Location
Chf Clk
British Medical Centre
British Dental Centre
HIVE*
DIO
J1 Clk
Community Support
Worker
Contact
Tel No
Subordinate Units
2506
2485
2497
2293
2891
3011
3780
NPC Glons
0032 4289 9326
Miscellaneous
Vehicle Registration
2580
Passes & Permits
International School
Windsor School
(Rheindahlen)
Sunbeams Pre School
Meeus Insurance
ABN AMRO
2580
0031 45 527 8240
0049 2161 4722412
2615
DEFRA (Pets)
*website – www.hive-europe.co.uk
e-mail: - [email protected]
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0031 45 568 0748
0031 45 526 2492
0031 45 564 4224
abnamro.nl
UK – 0845 9335577
defra.gov.uk

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