Employment

Currently, dependent family members of United States military service members may only legally be employed in Italy if hired only for a position on base such as an appropriated fund, non-appropriated fund or contractor position. These restrictions are due to the Status of Forces Agreement between the U.S. and Italy.

Dependents in Italy are on a "mission visa" NOT a “work visa.”  The “mission visa” has all of the protections granted under the SOFA, to include use of the United States Post Office on base, Armed Forces in Italy driving privileges and tax-free shopping privileges (i.e., use of the base exchange and commissary).

Those in Italy on an "employment visa" (i.e., a visa that allows employment on the Italian economy) do not enjoy SOFA-protected status or protections. Without an employment visa, one cannot legally work on the Italian economy or be self-employed. Should a family member decide to obtain a work visa, they will not be issued a mission visa and, once in Italy, they will be subject to the normal taxes and responsibilities under Italian labor laws.

Further, use of the United States Post Office for self-employment purposes (e.g., Mary Kay Cosmetics, Pampered Chef, etc.) is illegal, has a high potential for negative Italian intervention if discovered and could endanger mission visa status.

Military Personnel Flights will only process mission visas and do not facilitate in obtaining work visas.

If you are separating or retiring from the military while stationed in Italy, contact Aviano's Military & Family Readiness Center's Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to register for Initial & Pre-Separation Counseling. Members are mandated to begin the TAP process NLT 12 months prior to DOS. 

Please email the TAP Org Box at 31FSS.FSH.UTAP@US.AF.MIL or Call +39-0434-30-5407 (off base), 632-5407 (DSN on base) for more information.

My Career Advancement Account

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

The Military and Family Readiness Center regularly conducts employment workshops for those seeking positions at Aviano Air Base. They also publicize information about job opportunities and provide a binder of open contractor positions. For more information or to register for a class, call DSN 314-632-5407 or commercial 011-39-0434-30-5407 .

Major Employers

• Army and Air Force Exchange System -- DSN 314-632-2076 or commercial 011-39-0434-30-2076/25-3087
• Defense Commissary Agency -- DSN 314-632-7647 or commercial 011-39-0434-30-7647
• Department of Defense Schools -- DSN 314-632-5877 or commercial 011-39-0434-30-5877 (Aviano Middle-High School)                                                                                                                                                   DSN 314-632-5677 or commercial 011-39-0434-5677(Aviano Elementary School)
• Non-Appropriated Funds -- DSN 314-632-5747 or commercial 011-39-0434-30-5747
• Civilian Personnel Office -- DSN 314-632-8315 or commercial 011-39-0434-30-8315

Volunteerism

The Volunteer Resource Program assists in recruitment, training and recognition of installation volunteers. Aviano promotes a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for both active-duty military and family members throughout the installation. Volunteering is not only an opportunity to share your talents with the community, but it can also be a great step toward obtaining permanent employment while keeping your skills sharp. To view volunteer opportunities on base, visit the Aviano Air Base website and search for “volunteering.” For any questions or concerns regarding volunteering, call DSN 314-632-5407 or commercial 011-39-0434-30-5407.

In addition to opportunities through the Volunteer Resource Program, the American Red Cross provides training and volunteer opportunities. Red Cross volunteers assist in the Medical Clinic, provide help during family emergencies, teach and learn lifesaving skills, work on special projects, assist in office operations and serve as volunteer leadership.