What is Camp Ederle like in Italy?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 16:13:55 -0400

Has anyone ever served at Camp Ederle before?  I am about to come off the trail and my Branch Manager said that Camp Ederle and Fort Richardson is all he has open for 12B Airborne SSG types.  I was just curious if anyone has ever served there and there thoughts on the post, and assignment. Thanks  V/R SSG Morgan  AATW

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 5:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 17:05:16 -0400

I'm in Ederle now. I'm not a airborne guy, just the ncoic at the dental clinic but I've been here a year and my assessment is if you have the chance to, take it. They drive kinda crazy but if you've ever been to Korea it won't be nothin new. As far as esprit d corps I get mixed messages from the joes, but joes are joes. Be prepared for long training missions. Other than that, things work kinda slow here.  Not too many places open after 8 unless it's a restaurant. Great location though...,I hope this helps and if you have any questions let me know

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 5:21 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 17:21:26 -0400

I'm right there with you Battle!! I'll be headed that way at the end of the year. Let me know if you take it, my sponsor has already emailed me the 173rd Brigade standard handbook. I can surely pass it to you

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 5:21 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 17:21:16 -0400

SSG Morgan-

I'm coming off the trail and headed (back) to Italy at the end of this year. I spent 6 years there, and wouldve chewed my own arm off to go back. The location is great, if you're willing to immerse in and learn about the culture, not stick with the "ignorant american" mindset.

As far as the organization is concerned, be ready for slightly unsteady ground. The STB and BSB have only been in Italy for a year now, and from what I understand are still working to establish roots. On top of that, the caserma that everyone (minus 1/503), Caserma Del Din, is on is still new. And its on an airfield, so linear and awkward placement.

Basically, don't expect 24 hour shopping like walmart, enji y the culture, and enjoy the organization! Maybe I'll see you there!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2014 1:04 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 13:04:38 -0400

I spent 5 years in the 173D as a 12B. From PV2 through SSG. I first went to Italy before they changed the CSC to the STB and moved them to Bamberg Germany. You are a lucky guy to get that place. The 173D is one of the most professional units I have ever been a part of. Enjoy every second of it, I have never trained as much as I did when I was in that unit. Schools were offered often so take advantage of that as well. Good luck over there and most of all, have fun and travel.

Response by SSG Lisa Rendina made Nov 22 at 2014 12:02 PM

SSG Lisa Rendina — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 12:02:06 -0500

I was there 2009-2012. If you still have any questions, let me know.

Response by SSG Willis Baker made Mar 28 at 2015 2:46 AM

SSG Willis Baker — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 02:46:14 -0400

I was in Italy from Jan '77- Aug '83 in four different units and I had a great time there. You are not in the U.S. anymore so get in the mindset that you are in a foreign country and get out and learn the culture. From '77-'79 we had two baseball teams that would travel to cities north and south of Vicenza and play Italian teams. We also had two 11-man Football teams (SETAF and 509th ABN) that we played Italian teams along with Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Base. Softball (Fast Pitch & Slow Pitch) occupied our time from May to Sept. Back then all you needed was a border pass and you ID and you could drive to any country. Europe is just a great place to be stationed.

Response by SFC Mcglen Odom made Feb 14 at 2016 9:38 PM

SFC Mcglen Odom — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 21:38:40 -0500

One of the best assignments in Army.

Response by SGT(P) Eric L. made Feb 14 at 2016 10:31 PM

SGT(P) Eric L. — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 22:31:30 -0500

I served there with 173rd ABN BDE, it is awesome! Don't go to Alaska!! Definitely go to Italy, the unit deploys a lot but I was 11B2P so I loved that part too. The unit is high speed and the place is fun....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 2:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 02:21:09 -0500

I have been here a little over two years. 173rd is currently involved in two rotational missions in eastern Europe. Also there are at least three multinational events every year in Germany. The BEB( former BSTB) and BSB are like wheels on a sports car. You can enjoy Europe on your off times. Lots of places to see.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 19 at 2016 3:17 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:17:23 -0500

I've never been there, but here's a photo with a caption from an old Army buddy who did serve there. "The monument to Saint Michael, Patron Saint of the Airborne. It was on main post before you got to the PX at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy."

Response by SGT Derrick Johnson made Feb 26 at 2016 11:55 PM

SGT Derrick Johnson — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 23:55:15 -0500

Best duty station in the Army brother!!!!

Response by MAJ Tex Hall made May 19 at 2016 5:47 PM

MAJ Tex Hall — Thu, 19 May 2016 17:47:24 -0400

I loved Italy! Live on the economy if you can instead of in "Little America" housing. I spent 15 months stationed in Vicenza and almost two years down south when I was floating on a Navy ship. Go for it! Fairbanks, Alaska was pretty awesome too. But you can't beat those Italian beaches! Rome and Venice are close enough for weekend trips, too.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2019 12:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 12:20:14 -0500

I dealt with 1/503rd when I was a oct augmentee for sabre junction 2019. Good guys and women. Just be prepared to go the field a lot. They currently are not and have not been doing combat deployments since 2013

Response by MSG George Riep made Dec 26 at 2019 1:47 PM

MSG George Riep — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:47:54 -0500

I spent 3 years in Verona/Vicenza in 1965-1968. Got married to Army Dependent there and it was the best assignment I had until going to DA HQ with Army Postal Directorate in Wash, DC. Enjoyed Northern Italy food compared to Southern Italy. Visit Venice & Trieste they are beautiful. Lake Garda close to Verona May still have an enlisted hotel (not sure). Enjoy!