The 163rd 'Loyalty' Course commemorates 40 years since becoming a second lieutenant

Forty years of history, values and esprit de corps. Today, at the historic headquarters of the Army Officers' School in Turin, the 163rd 'Loyalty' Course dell’Esercito Italiano ha celebrato il quarantesimo anniversario dalla propria appointment as Second Lieutenantin an event filled with emotion, memories and deep meanings.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Army Corps General Carmine Masielloalso belonging to the 163rd Course, welcomed by the Commander for Training, Specialisation and Doctrine of the ArmyGen. C.A. Carlo Lamannaand the Deputy Commandant of the Institute, Gen. Luigi Carpineto. The high officer was honoured by a picket formed by the attending officers, in a symbolic embrace between generations.

Values that cross time

The day opened with the Solemn flag-raising ceremonyfollowed by the laying of a laurel wreath at the War Memorial in the Courtyard of Honour. A moment of recollection, made all the more poignant by the reading of the names of the Fallen of the Course by Gen. C.A. (res.) Antonio BettelliRegimental Chief of the 163rd Course.

In his speech, Gen. Masiello addressed a message to the young officers of the 203rd 'Loyalty' Coursepresent at the ceremony:

"Today is a passing of the baton in the responsibility of taking charge of the country, keeping the fire of loyalty always alive within you. Loyalty is a way of life. The bond of belonging to the same course will cement a solidarity among you that will accompany you throughout your lives, making you stronger and better. Prepare yourselves as best you can to be Commanders, that is, a beacon of inspiration and example for your soldiers. It is a matter of values"

Words that have strengthened the bond between those who have already walked the path and those who are now preparing to take up the baton, in an ideal continuity based on loyalty, military identity and dedication to duty.

Tradition, memory and pride

After the traditional photos of Corsoparticipants visited the historical rooms of the 18th century Arsenal Palacesymbol of the training of Army officers. Particularly heartfelt was the tribute to the Institute flagdecorated with the Silver Medal for Military Valour and the Army Bronze Medal for Valourby the Course Leaders of each Weapon and Corps of the 163rd.

The meeting with the trainee officers of the 203rd Course was a valuable moment of intergenerational exchange, where experience and youth confronted each otherstrengthening the sense of belonging and the transmission of those values that have always been the backbone of the institution.

A meaningful farewell

The event concluded in theAula Magnawith the video-greeting of Commandant of the Officers' SchoolGen. C.A. Antonello Vespazianiand the traditional exchange of gifts between rallyists and institutions.

Among the military authorities present at the rally was also the Commander Land Operations ForcesGen. C.A. Gaetano Zauner, the Commander of the Terrestrial Operational Support ForcesGen. C.A. Massimo Scalaand Gen. C.A. (res.) Massimo Panizziformer Commander of the Military Geographical Institute.

Source: https://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/quarant_163_corso.aspx