Pledge of Allegiance: 428 New Marshals Choose to Serve Italy

In the heart of Italy, 428 young people swore allegiance to the Republic, embracing the values of the Armed Forces and taking on the solemn commitment to serve the country with honor and dedication. In the evocative setting of Viterbo, the Army Non-Commissioned Officers School hosted the joint swearing-in ceremony of the Army and Air Force Marshal Cadets. A day full of emotion, symbols and words destined to leave a mark on the human and professional journey of the protagonists. The highest institutional and military authorities were present, including the Minister of Defense, Hon. Guido Crosetto.

A single “I swear” for two Armed Forces

The joint swearing-in ceremony of the Marshal Students of the 27th “Volontà” Course of the Italian Army and the “Izar II” Course of the Italian Air Force took place in the historic Army Non-Commissioned Officers School in Viterbo. A solemn and significant setting welcomed 132 Army and 296 Air Force students, ready to publicly confirm their commitment to the Italian Republic and its Institutions.

The ceremony, presided over by the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto, saw the participation of the Chief of Staff of the Army, General of the Army Corps Carmine Masiello, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General of the Air Force Luca Goretti, and the leaders of the formation of the two Armed Forces: General of the Army Corps Carlo Lamanna and General of the Air Force Silvano Frigerio. Also present were civil and religious authorities and association representatives, including the Prefect of Viterbo Gennaro Capo and the President of the Province Alessandro Romoli.

The event began with the entrance of the Gonfalone of the city and the Province of Viterbo, followed by the Banners of the Combatant and Army Associations and the War Flags of the Schools. After the performance of musical honors by an inter-force band, Division General Maurizio Taffuri, Commander of the Army Non-Commissioned Officers School, and Colonel Gianluca Spina, Commander of the Air Force Marshals School, pronounced the oath formula. The “I swear” shouted in unison resounded forcefully, sealing the moral commitment of those present. To crown the moment, the flyover of a mixed formation of TH-500 and HH-139 helicopters and a choreographic salvo of tricolor artillery.

The words of the authorities: "We entrust the future of Italy to you"

The Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto spoke directly to the young students, with words that touched the hearts of the families and of the jurors themselves:

“Sono qui per voi, per onorare la vostra scelta. Davanti ai vostri genitori, che oggi provano un orgoglio immenso, ma anche una punta di malinconia. È naturale, quando si vede un figlio diventare grande. Ma oggi hanno un motivo in più per essere fieri: i vostri figli e figlie hanno giurato di proteggere tutti noi.”

In a particularly significant passage, Crosetto added:

“In un tempo in cui tutto sembra incerto, voi avete scelto di essere un punto fermo, fedeli a valori che non cambiano col tempo.”

His speech concluded with a heartfelt thank you:

“Non sono qui solo per passarvi in rassegna, ma per ringraziarvi a nome delle Istituzioni e per darvi il benvenuto nella grande famiglia della Difesa. A voi affidiamo il futuro del Paese.”

General Taffuri also addressed an incisive message to the young future Army marshals:

“Diventerete comandanti di plotone. Abbiate sempre il coraggio di assumere decisioni, siate proattivi, siate esempio per i vostri uomini. L’addestramento, la disciplina, l’umanità: tutto questo fa di un militare un vero leader.”

“Sono certo che saprete essere all’altezza, anche a costo della vita.”

Colonel Gianluca Spina instead urged the Air Force students to believe in their choice:

“Questo è solo l’inizio. Amate e rispettate le istituzioni, siate pronti a difenderle con onore.”

“Gridate con intima convinzione l’orgoglio per la vita che avete scelto. Affrontate le sfide con determinazione, perché indossare questa uniforme è un privilegio, ma anche una responsabilità.”

Symbols, Tradition and Passing of the Baton

The ceremony also celebrated the Baptism of the “Izar II” Course of the Italian Air Force, which officially took on its distinctive name. A moment full of meaning was represented by the blessing of the Course Pennant, passed from the hands of the Chief President of the Non-Commissioned Officers, Graduates and Military of the Air Force, 1st Lieutenant Mario Bonaventura, to the Godfather of the “Izar I” Course and finally to the Course Leader “Izar II”. A symbolic passage that represents the continuity of values, the sense of belonging and the transmission of the esprit de corps from one generation to the next.

The solemn oath represents the first real milestone in a military career, a moment that remains engraved in the memory of every non-commissioned officer. In Viterbo, in an institutional setting full of national pride, the cry of the 428 students reminded everyone that commitment to the homeland is an act of will, courage and love. A commitment that continues, every day, in training, service and in the defense of what makes Italy a free and safe nation.

Source: https://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/giuramento_allievi_scuola_sottufficiali_250410.aspx