European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - May 5, 1986, Darmstadt, Hesse                                By Charlie Bowden staff writer n Italy Carabiniero Means. Law and order. It s a fact recognized by every citizen from peasant to banker Law abiding or Crook. But Lor americans living in Italy the Catamb Inkerl and their role Are often. Unis undo food. When seen guarding the Gates to a us base usually the Lisl Contact an american has with the Carabin Erl they trunk o them As soldiers later when these same Carabiniero Are seen investigating an. Accident or a crime they Homo to think of them As policemen. Which Are i hey the Carabiniero Wear several  explains la. Col. Generoso Ghianda commander of the setae Carabiniero group with Headquarters in Vicenza. The group of about 300 Carabiniero provide Security and other support to the soldiers of the Southern european task Force and 5lh support come. First. They Are soldiers in the italian armed forces. Tattay come directly under the ministry of defense As a Branch of the italian army.". Bui soldiering is not a role Tor which the modern Carabiniero Are most Well known. When peace prevails the Carabiniero Servo As police no military police says Ghianda but As Legerat police Lor the italian state with stations and outposts throughout the country. In mis capacity we Are involved in crime prevention and respond to the ministry of  tha distinction Between the two roles often is hard to grasp Lor americans. Italian army col Francesco Gueli puts i More succinctly. The real difference is thai we Are army and Only army. They Are army but at the same time they Are an official Organ of the stale a judicial police Force. In Titis respect they have More Power than us.". But to Power of Trie 30,000 Carabiniero is relative and possibly questionable when describing the Lorce. According of Ghianda. It s not because the crab Lalere exercises any real Power says Ghianda it s because the Carabi Lere is she person that the people look to or help. The smaller the Community the More the Caram Lere Means for them. He s the Only person in uniform generally he s olten the Only person with some Hind of authority in a Village and tie s the Only person that can get tha help that is  for the common Folk he Carabiniero is More Man just Law and order. He is really the Backbone of the  says Ghianda. He serves especially in Small towns and vitiate As enforcer of the Law. Arbiter of disputes the Righter of wrongs. The More Humble tha More modest the person the More he look to the Cara miniere As the person who can do something to  because of this unusual position in italian society if is nol easy to become a member of the i Arma be emerita. Or Well deserving  As the Carabi Meri Are called there Are Many requests each year but Only a Lew Are accepted says Ghianda. Himself a Carabiniero Lor 33 years. The selection criteria Are rigid and include extensive background  these checks Are not Ortiz of the individual but also of All members of his immediate and extended family. Any Black Marks such As a police record or a history of menial instability Are cause Lor rejection. Because we Are a Small Force and Many apply we can Alford to be very selective Ghianda said. Coro Boreri Bruno pest Ven if and Claudia Baim Neie in full i there Are no civilian workers or women Carabiniero. The Carabiniero take care of everything thai is required from typing to mopping floors to running the canteen and mess Hall. Life is no  according to Walter Lovato a nine year Veteran pro Senuty heading the penal code violations Branch Lor the setae group Carabiniero must understand irom the Start Hal the corps comes first. Once a Carabiniero always a Carabiniero Ghianda said. Thai Altitude begins with candidates who mus a Between f8 and 26, a Anglo and in top physical and menial condition. They must remain single for at East four years or until age Only then can a Carabiniero take a Wie Loval said. Ii is a strict structured Chi since. One that would Maxe modern american. Soldiers cringe. In Hie setae Carabiniero Barracks at Odeile Cavern for example there Are no Rock posters or Wall to Wall stereos. Trie Carabiniero Are bunked four Loa room and the room is Stark. No posters no pin ups no pm cures of Mother or the Girlfriend a. Crucifix and d duty Rosier Are the Only noticeable  to owns must fit into his locker Lovato said this includes Allol his Carabiniero uniforms. This Tough existence in the Early part of n Carabiniero career helps the corps maintain its High standards and its unique position in italian society according to Ghianda. It s a position nol unlike that of the priest one thai draws a combination of respect and admiration irom cili2ens. The Carn Pinieri Are respected and admired by All for their work Ghianda says. Is there nol an element of tear As Well with obvious Pride the colonel said perhaps by the criminal. Bul that is As ii should  Iff Page 14 the stars and stripes monday