VICENZA, Italy -- Gen. Mark A. Milley, the 39th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, visited leaders and Soldiers assigned to the various tenant units located in the Vicenza area here Oct. 27.
Milley's visit included discussions on professional development opportunities for Soldiers and overall unit readiness.
"American Soldiers join the Army for many different reasons," said Milley. "Some join for education benefits, others come in because of health care or patriotism. But I would say all of us come in because we have a sense of adventure; we want to travel and do things that make a difference in parts of the world that are bigger than ourselves."
Milley said much of what Soldiers join for can be done in Africa.
"There is a great opportunity there for Soldiers to deploy to different African countries, engage with cultures and engage with allied and friendly partner armies," said Milley. "You learn a lot from that and you bring that back to your unit, and the unit is better for it."
Milley's visit also included a tour of the Vicenza Military Community, which is managed by U.S. Army Garrison Italy.
Milley commented on the importance a garrison has to Soldiers and their families during an interview with American Forces Network personnel.
"If you are married, the No. 1 concern that you have is the welfare of your family," he said. "Garrisons provide that welfare. They make sure we have a good house, medical care and education."
Milley said Soldiers worrying about the welfare of their families may not stay focused on their mission, which is why garrison-provided services are fundamentally important to the readiness of the force.
In addition to USAG Italy housing, medical care and educational facilities, Milley said he was pleased to see that importance has also been placed on physical fitness facilities.
"Physical fitness is fundamental to being a Soldier and having high-quality fitness facilities is key to that," he said.
Milley's wife, Hollyanne, accompanied him to Italy and spent the majority of her day visiting the facilities commonly sought out by family members such as the Vicenza Health Clinic, Army Community Service and the Vicenza Middle School.
"It is obvious that the Soldiers and families here are being taken care of," she said. "You can see the passion of the staff-- they care deeply."
Milley concluded his visit with a luncheon with battalion-level command teams at the Caserma Ederle dining facility.
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