Wiesbaden, Germany -- As a U.S. Forces Reservist or National Guard member, you qualify for certain entitlements. While on annual training or attending a monthly battle assembly in Germany, you are authorized to purchase tax-and duty-free motor fuel. This authorization is limited to one motor vehicle. However, your spouse and family members are not authorized to purchase any tax- and duty-free fuel.
As a Reservist living in Germany, you may designate one vehicle for a special long-term fuel ration card. You are eligible for a standard ration of 50 liters per month (25 liters for vehicles with 60HP or less) if the vehicle is listed with the USAREUR-AF Registry of Motor Vehicles. AAFES will issue a long-term fuel ration card valid for three years or until the vehicle's registration expires, whichever comes first. If you are on active status for more than 7 days, you may request a higher fuel ration allowance for that month. Please note that you are not eligible to obtain a short-term fuel ration card (using AEA Form 550-175L) for either your POV or a rental vehicle.
If you are a Reservist living outside of Germany but within Europe, you can apply for a short-term fuel ration card at a U.S. Forces customs field office in Germany (AEA Form 550-175L) while you are on annual training or in monthly battle assembly. This form can be issued for up to 30 days for a POV registered outside of Germany or a rental car. You must present your orders to document your eligibility, as well as your common access card. If you use a rental car, you must also present a rental contract from a licensed rental company.
As a Reservist or National Guard living outside of Europe, you must present your TDY or active-duty orders when applying for a short-term fuel ration card (AEA Form 550-175L) at a U.S. Forces customs field office in Germany.
Acceptable orders include those for annual training, active duty for training, active duty for special work, and temporary tours of active duty. Your orders must be stamped according to AEA Regulation 600-702 and indicate the appropriate prorated motor fuel authorization in accordance with AEA Regulation 600-17, App. C, C-2e(2). Otherwise, the same requirements apply as for reservists living outside of Germany, as described above.
For full details on fuel rations and eligibility, please see AEA Regulation 600-17, Appendix C, C-2e, and AEA Regulation 600-700, Chapter 6-4a.