Stuttgart

If you wind up at CJTF-HOA and you're on the J-staff somewhere, it is likely that you will end up going to AFRICOM HQ for one reason or another.  Here are some observations.  First, you will definitely have to fly overnight and end up in Germany the next morning so remember to figure that into your scheduling.  Second, you should have no problem reserving a rental car in Stuttgart.  I chose Hertz; Avis is right next to it.  Driving in Germany is not really difficult and if you're here for just a short period you don't have to worry about anything other than having a valid U.S. license.  Do what you can to study up on how the right-of-way is handled because that's the only thing I had trouble with.  Third, you may be tempted to stay at the Kelley Hotel because it is a couple hundred yards from the AFRICOM buildings.  Don't.  I'm sure the hotel is great but the Panzer Hotel is aboard Panzer Kaserne and the base facilities here are so much better than Kelley Barracks.  Both are part of the Army Lodging system and are the first places you're required to stay when on orders.  Panzer is about a fifteen minute drive to Kelley and is worth the effort.  Fourth, make sure you plan enough time to get an access badge, which means making sure that your clearance info has been sent before you leave HOA.