Italy - The Carabinieri

I find myself in Italy - in a flashback, reminiscing . . .

Many years ago, while in the US Army Military Police Corps, in the late 70s, I was transferred to Europe. I arrived on a 747 to Rhein Main-Frankfurt Airport, with many other soldiers. We were bused to the 21st Replacement Company, nearly 400 of us. There were only a few MPs and we were not well-received by other soldiers.

As we waited, many before me were called to board a bus to travel to the new assignment. At around 4 pm, being only 1 of 5 left in this big assembly room, I was told we would be boarding a bus soon. At 5 pm, my name was called, I was told what bus to board a particular numbered bus. As I did, I found a beautiful Mercedes coach bus. I was the only soldier heading to 42nd MP Customs in Heidelberg. On arrival, the duty day had finished. I was given a room and told to report to the Major at 10 am.

As we met, the Major asked if my name was Italian. I said it was. He asked if I could speak Italian. I told him that while I took Latin in high school, I could not. He asked if I knew any Italian swears. I told him only one “Fungool.” He said great, you’re going to Italy!

When I arrived, I learned that my use of the swear word was wrong. It is actually vi un culo, il culo or up your ass! The things you learn in another country!

I was reminded of the two Carabinieri detectives assigned to the 42nd MP Customs Detachment in Campo Darby, Livorno, Italy. I worked with Mauro of the Carabinieri, Laura Scali and SSG Sal Salgado in a two-man detachment. As MP Investigators (MPI) we were charged with investigating customs and drug violations, I lived in an appartemento (on the economy) in Tirrenia, on the Italian Riviera. I drove an unmarked US Army vehicle, wore plainclothes, traveled to distant US Army outposts for inspections, and had a Fiat 500 for a personal vehicle.

Fast forward, in this recent trip to Italy, I saw a motorized Carabinieri patrol and stopped them to talk to the two officers, as we sat for dinner in Cernobbio, Lake Como, Italy, Two were on patrol, the Appunto Scelto (sergeant) driving and a Mareciallo (Inspector rank, equivalent to Lieutenant.) The Mareciallo (Marshal), the younger of the two, told me he was in training. While he outranked the sergeant, he was in training and would return to the academy in Florence in a few months. The Carabinieri is the federal (state), military police in Italy. University-educated candidates can apply to the Carabinieri for the equivalent of Officers Candidate School (OCS) in our U.S. military. He was surprised at my respect and knowledge of the Carabinieri.

I told him of my background with the Army and DEA. He told me he learned of the DEA watching Narcos!

Reflecting on my time in Italy, I realize it was a great posting, a great opportunity and helped become more worldy, to prepare me for my work with DEA.

Oh, looking back . . . Glory Days?

#MilitaryPoliceCorps #Carabinieri #SteveMorreale