Change at the Non-Commissioned Officers' School: Taffuri takes over from Di Stasio
VITERBO, 19 March 2025 - This morning, at the 'Soccorso Saloni' barracks in Viterbo, the handover ceremony for the leadership of the Army Non-Commissioned Officers School. The Lieutenant General Andrea Di Stasio left his post to his colleague Maurizio TaffuriThis marked a new chapter in the history of the Institute, which for over half a century has been at the heart of Italian Army NCO training.
From Viterbo to Naples, Di Stasio's new job
General Di Stasio, in command of the School since April 2024, leaves Viterbo to take up the prestigious post of commander of the Operational Forces Command South in Naples. During his time at the helm of the Institute, he continued the School's training mission with determination, consolidating the institution's role as a centre of excellence in the preparation of the Italian Army's future marshals and sergeants. Prior to this appointment, Di Stasio led theArmy Aviation (AVES)distinguished by organisational skills and strategic vision.
Maurizio Taffuri, an experienced commander
The new commander, Lieutenant General Maurizio Taffuri, 53, has a long and prestigious career. He has commanded the Mounted Batteries Regiment of Vercelli and subsequently the Brigata Meccanizzata 'Aosta'He gained significant operational experience in the heavy component of the Armed Force. He is now called upon to continue training NCOs who will take on the delicate role of Platoon Commanders in the Army's operational units.
Army Non-Commissioned Officers' School: a training tradition spanning more than 150 years
Officially founded in Viterbo in 1965, the Army Non-Commissioned Officers School represents the single educational hub for the training of marshals and, from 2023, also sergeants. The institute inherits a path that began in 1871, when the Royal Army understood the need to train a class of professional military personnel, with intermediate skills between officers and troops. Today, the Viterbo School is considered an authentic 'Academy for Non-Commissioned Officers', capable of combining military training with academic preparation: in fact, marshal trainees obtain a three-year degree in Political Science and International Relations, address 'Organisational and Management Sciences'.
The importance of the NCO role
In the modern Italian Army, the Marshal represents the hinge between command and troop, a reference point in the field: leaders capable of guiding operational units in complex contexts, thanks to a physical, moral and technical preparation of the highest level. The School is also responsible for the training of Corps Specialised Marshals, Orchestral Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers.
The authorities present at the ceremony
The handover ceremony was attended by numerous civil, military and religious authorities. Among those present were Lieutenant General Carlo Lamanna, Viterbo Prefect Gennaro Capo, Bishop Orazio Francesco Piazza, Province President Alessandro Romoli, City Councillor Giancarlo Martinengo, Deputy Prosecutor Massimiliano Siddi and the President of the Sodality of the Facchini di Santa Rosa, Massimo Mecarini.
A future of excellence
With the arrival of General Taffuri, the Army Non-Commissioned Officers School is preparing to continue its educational and training mission, in line with the needs of an increasingly modern and professional Army. The Institute remains the benchmark in the preparation of key figures for operational leadership, continuing a tradition rooted in over 150 years of Italian military history.
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
