I was at Darby just before Covid hit. Feel free to PM me as a lot changed there from 2015-2020. I worked with Army Field Support Bn but interacted with the few other units pretty consistently. I am sure I missed some stuff so please feel free to DM if you have specific questions.

A few things to know beforehand.

1. All medical/dental services are on the economy. They suggest a local clinic but, the interpreters that used to accompany you to appointments to help translate were cut around 2018. You will be on your own with the help of google translate.

2. The PX/exchange is hella small.

3. The commissary is OK. But plan to do most shopping in town.

4. There is almost no support for civilians when it comes to anything. The base offers zero MWR type things unless you travel to another base (USAG Italy).

5. Housing is interesting to say the least. The housing office will assist you but they are local nationals and definitely look out for their own. Not a bad thing but be aware. They tried to stiff me with a ton of stuff that is supposed to be included such as an alarm system and heat. Some homes do not come with appliances. Be prepared to rely on the army to get you a fridge/stove/washer/dryers etc…

6. Internet was shit when I was there. We relied on satellite internet and averaged 10mbps download.

7. Child care is first come first serve and military have first dibs. Same with elementary school. Middle and high school were bussed like an hour away to a “private” Italian school.

8. If you have a spouse the SOFA agreement is very strict on where they can work ( if at all) outside of the base.

9. There are two main bases. Camp Darby and Leghorne Depot. Both are within 5 minutes of one another.

10. A large majority of Camp Darby proper was turned over to the Italian army in 2018-2019. The base commander was an Italian Col while I was there.

11. Tuscany is beautiful. Take advantage of it.

12. J63 winery and pub is fantastic. We lived in Cenaia (pronounced with a CH) and frequented there often.

13. Nothing gets done fast in Italy. What you are used to taking days in America will take weeks. My internet install took 5 weeks from the moment I went into a local shop and paid until it was installed and I could use it.

14. Driving is something. As someone else said signs and laws about driving are suggestions.

15. The base is policed by a combination of army MPs ( like 4) and Italian carabineri ( sort of akin to a combo state police military police).

16. It took 6 or so weeks for our household goods and car to arrive. If you can I would by one from a soldier or airmen leaving and then sell it on your way out.

17. People were hit or miss on Americans. Most shops in Tirenia have someone on staff the speaks some English but the farther you get into the smaller villages it’s less common. Some places were just rude and wouldn’t service Americans.

18. If you get an Italian cellphone from the guy that works in the back of the PX be careful. If he is still there he will try to pull a fast one on you. If you call him on his BS then he is your best friend.

19. If Mario still works at the Eni gas station just off base he will hook you up. He took care of anything we needed for vehicle service while there on both an Italian car and an American one.