Check-in Procedures

Documents to Hand Carry:

• "No fee" passport with VISA stamp for Department of Defense civilians, all spouses and family members
• Medical/dental/shot records for self and family members
• Copies of PCS orders and amendments
• Finance folder (if issued) and copies of all receipts
• Copy of travel advances from last duty station
• Valid state drivers license for self and spouse
• Household goods/hold baggage shipping documents

Travel Planning

Temporary lodging

Make temporary lodging reservations early to ensure accommodations when you arrive.  Call Casa Toscana at 011-39-050-965-8950 or DSN 314-645-8950.

Command Sponsorship

In order for your family members to be allowed concurrent travel (concurrent travel means that family members are able to travel with you to Italy), they must be granted command sponsorship before you move. Obtaining command sponsorship for family members is of the utmost importance. A request for command sponsorship includes having your dependents screened for the Exceptional Family Member Program through your current installation's hospital or medical clinic and completion of DA Form 5888. Your current installation's EFMP manager is the point of contact for assistance with DA Form 5888. EFMP screenings are mandatory for all military dependents before a PCS move.

With command sponsorship, spouse/family members are authorized an official passport, Italian Visa and Permesso di Soggiorno, which are required in order to live in Italy. Spouse/family member Visas must be obtained from an Italian Embassy prior to traveling to Italy or the sponsor will be responsible for paying all costs associated with obtaining the visa after arrival (which may include the cost of sending the spouse/family members back to the United States to complete the process).

Without command sponsorship, spouse/family members are not issued the necessary visa affixed to their official passport(s) prior to moving, which allows them to remain in Italy for more than 90 days. Among other ramifications, your weight allowances will be less and spouse/family member travel costs will be at their own expense. Requesting command sponsorship after arrival is extremely difficult and can cause frustration for both you and your family. The point of contact for command sponsorship is the service member's unit or (S-1) and for passports and visas is your current installation's transportation or passport office.

Darby Military Community Personnel

Upon arrival at Camp Darby, all military and civilian personnel will proceed to Headquarters in building 113 and contact the DEERS Support Specialist via VOIP: 645-8269 for the in-processing checklist. A phone and directory is located on the back wall of the lobby.

If arrival is after duty hours, your sponsor should have arranged for your arrival. However, if an emergency arises, contact your respective chain of command or the Military Police Station at DSN: 314-645-8296/COMM:050-965-8296.

After You Arrive:

• Contacting the sponsor - If your sponsor is not waiting for you upon arrival, please contact them to let them know you have arrived. Your sponsor will assist you with your in-processing by giving you a tour of the installation and pointing out the places that must be visited for in-processing.
• Inform the household goods section of your arrival so they can begin a trace immediately for your household goods.
• Filing claims - The newcomer's orientation will provide full instructions for filing claims, if necessary, for household goods.
• Contact the Housing Office for information on temporary and permanent housing. Your sponsor should have informed housing of your arrival.
• Contact the Finance Office for submission of vouchers.

If you get married before you PCS, you must inform your commander and follow the procedures exactly as you are given them. The military will not pay for travel and housing for your spouse if you do not follow proper procedures!

In order for your spouse to be allowed travel, they must be granted command sponsorship before traveling to Italy. Obtaining command sponsorship for family members is of the utmost importance! A request for command sponsorship includes having your dependents screened for the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) through your current installation's hospital or medical clinic and completion of DA FORM 5888 with EFMP review stamp. Processing of the completed 5888 is required before command sponsorship will be authorized. The nearest military installation's EFMP manager is the point of contact for assistance with DA FORM 5888. EFMP screenings are mandatory for all military dependents before a PCS move! The intent of the EFMP screening is to identify any specialized care. This includes special education services and ensures that care will be available at the overseas assignment. Once your spouse receives command sponsorship, orders have to be amended through your unit.

It is essential that you obtain an official passport AND a visa for each of your family members prior to leaving your current assignment. It is a mandatory requirement and failure to complete this action will subject your family to risk of deportation.