Parachute Lieutenant General Giovanni Iannucci is the new Commander of the COVI (Inter-Forces Summit Operations Command)

The former Commander of Folgore Parachute Brigade, the Army Parachutist General Giovanni IannucciIannucci, has been appointed as the new Commander of the COVI (Inter-Forces Summit Operations Command), succeeding Lieutenant General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo. Iannucci therefore leaves his position as Head of Cabinet of the Defence Ministry to assume the position of Commander of one of the most important Defence summits.

The Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto himself, in a press release, wanted to remember the period spent "at his side", underlining his competence and professionalism:

"This is an important milestone, both from a personal and professional point of view, which comes at a particularly delicate historical moment. In my role as Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Defense, I had the opportunity to appreciate his extremely high level of professionalism, his effective and far-sighted management of the complex institutional and strategic challenges that the Ministry has faced. I am certain that thanks to his undoubted competence, experience and strategic vision, he will carry out his new role with the same determination, sparing no energy, making the contribution of Defense and Italy to international stability and security even more significant. Congratulations and good work! “- Hon. Guido Crosetto

Who is Giovanni Maria Iannucci, an excellent career at the service of Italy

Giovanni Maria Iannucci’s military training began at the prestigious Military Academy of Modena where he completed the 166th “Dignity” Course. His operational career began in 1988 when he was assigned to the 185th Paratrooper Artillery Group, which later became a Regiment, marking his first contact with the world of paratroopers.

His experience was further enriched when he participated in Operation IBIS in Somalia, a commitment that saw him confront extremely complex operational scenarios. Upon his return, he assumed command of the Officer Cadet Company of the 176th Course at the Military Academy of Modena, contributing to the training of future generations of Officers.

General Iannucci's career continued with roles of increasing responsibility: after attending the General Staff Course at the War School of Civitavecchia and the Superior General Staff Course of the Argentine Army, he held key roles within the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" and in various strategic offices of the Army General Staff.

Group Acquisition Objectives of the 185TH RRAO 'FOLGORE' and leads Task Force “Victor” in Iraq, demonstrating notable leadership skills in operational contexts.

Between 2004 and 2008, he served as Chief of Staff Section at the General Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army. Subsequently, promoted to the rank of Colonel, he served in Germany in the Army Rapid Reaction Corps of the United Kingdom (ARRC-UK) from 2008 to 2010, before returning to Italy and assuming command of the 185th RRAO Regiment. In 2012, he was designated Chief of Division J3 (Operations) at the Joint Operations Headquarters (COVI).

In the following years, General Iannucci continued to distinguish himself in various national and international roles, including the role of Deputy DCOS Operations at the ISAF Command in Afghanistan and the position, in 2015, of Commander of the Paratroopers Brigade “Folgore”. His career reached a further peak when he took over the leadership of the NATO Mission IRAQ and subsequently became Commander of the Operational Forces South.

In 2023, he was appointed Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Defence, a role that testifies to the trust and recognition of his skills.

In addition to his military capabilities, General Iannucci boasts a solid academic background, with degrees in Economics and Business and Strategic Sciences, enhanced by a Master's in International Strategic-Military Studies. His linguistic competence in English and Spanish and the numerous decorations he has received confirm his stature as one of the most respected and capable Officers of the Italian Army.

He is the second Amaranth Basque in history to hold the role of Commander of the highest joint forces summit, after the C.A. Gen. Marco Bertolini (2012 – 2016).

Best wishes for the prestigious assignment Mr. General! Thunderbolt!

Source: https://www.difesa.it/primopiano/il-generale-di-corpo-d-armata-giovanni-maria-iannucci-nuovo-comandante-del-comando-operativo-di-vertice-interforze/62316.html