Germany has the second highest presence of American service members abroad, according to Department of Defense data, and one content creator is working to make the transition to Deutschland as smooth as possible.
Growing up in Sacramento, California, Daniel Taylor said he didn’t foresee a future steeped in military life, let alone a career as a leading authority on PCS prep for Germany. With a library of more than 500 videos, both short- and long-form, across various social media channels and blogs, Taylor’s enterprise, DTV (Daniel Television), is gaining prominence with military relocations.
DTV currently has a following of more than 42,000 across multiple platforms.
Taylor has lived in Grafenwoehr, Germany, with his wife and puppy since 2014. Before moving overseas, though, he received an opportunity to play basketball at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, when he was 18 years old.
Graduating in 2007 with a business degree and an AFSC in IT/cyber warfare, Taylor joined the Air Force and was stationed in Japan. Even as a young, single service member, he said there were challenges with an OCONUS PCS, an experience that stayed with him.
During his time abroad, Taylor befriended many educators from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), the school system for today’s military kids. He says the benefits of employment stayed with him.
“If I ever become a teacher, or marry one, that is what we’re gonna do,” he said.
Fast forward to 2012, Taylor transitioned out of the military, returning to California from Japan, where he met his future wife, who was already a teacher.
After a couple of years, and a thorough explanation of the “DODEA teaching gig,” the Taylors embarked on their own overseas adventure. The plan was to explore Europe during a two-year contract period, but after visiting 20 countries in that span, they extended their stay by two more years.
Forty countries later, Taylor, documenting his experiences through videos, felt the need to find purpose if they were to stay longer. In 2018, DTV was launched. The initial focus was on travel content before he made a necessary pivot due to market saturation.
Taylor, who is now a DODEA teacher’s spouse, said he discovered a passion for assisting military-connected individuals facing unique challenges living in or moving to Germany.
“I help U.S. military families live their best lives overseas,” he said of DTV’s mission.
He encourages military families to set realistic expectations for OCONUS PCSes, so they are well-prepared for the inevitable challenges they’ll encounter.
“And then, once you’re here, I’m going to help you with local resources and with travel, opportunities that are gonna last a lifetime, with regards to memories and regards to just, you know, living your best life,” he said.
Taylor’s resources, available on his website and social media, include a free “PCS to Germany Checklist,” “30 Things You Must Know BEFORE PCSing to Germany,” and YouTube videos, such as a guide to German grocery shopping. Beyond these, he offers “virtual sponsorship,” tailored to each family’s needs, providing guidance through the entire PCS process, including temporary lodging options.
This article was written by Manda Lynn Mcvey.
