Change at the Non-Commissioned Officers School: Taffuri takes over from Di Stasio

VITERBO, March 19, 2025 – This morning, at the "Soccorso Saloni" barracks in Viterbo, the handover ceremony took place at the helm of the Non-Commissioned Officers School of the Army. Major General Andrea Di Stasio handed over the position to his peer Maurizio Taffuri, thus marking a new chapter in the history of the Institute, which for over half a century has been the cornerstone of training for the Non-Commissioned Officers of the Italian Army.

From Viterbo to Naples, Di Stasio's new assignment

General Di Stasio, in command of the School since April 2024, leaves Viterbo to take on the prestigious role of commander of the Southern Operational Forces Command in Naples. During his time leading the Institute, he continued the School's training mission with determination, consolidating the role of the Entity as a center of excellence in preparing future Marshals and Sergeants of the Italian Army. Before this assignment, Di Stasio led the Army Aviation (AVES), distinguishing himself for organizational skills and strategic vision.

Maurizio Taffuri, an experienced commander

The new commander, Major General Maurizio Taffuri, 53 years old, boasts a long and prestigious career. He commanded the "Batterie a Cavallo" Regiment in Vercelli and subsequently the "Aosta" Mechanized Brigade, gaining significant operational experience in the heavy component of the Armed Forces. He is now called to continue the training of Non-Commissioned Officers who will assume the delicate role of Platoon Commanders in the Army's operational units.

Non-Commissioned Officers School of the Army: a training tradition over 150 years long

Officially founded in Viterbo in 1965, the Non-Commissioned Officers School of the Army represents the unique educational hub for the training of Marshals and, since 2023, also of Sergeants. The institute inherits a path started in 1871, when the Royal Army understood the need to train a class of professional soldiers, with intermediate skills between officers and troops. The Viterbo School is today considered a true "Academy for Non-Commissioned Officers", capable of combining military training with academic preparation: the cadet marshals indeed obtain a three-year degree in Political Science and International Relations, with a focus on "Organizational and Management Sciences".

The importance of the Non-Commissioned Officer's role

In the modern Italian Army, the Marshal represents the link between command and troops, a point of reference on the ground: leaders capable of guiding operational units in complex contexts, thanks to a high-level physical, moral, and technical preparation. The School is also responsible for the training of Specialized Health Marshals, Musicians, and Corps Non-Commissioned Officers.

The authorities present at the ceremony

Numerous civil, military, and religious authorities attended the handover ceremony. Among those present: Army Corps General Carlo Lamanna, the prefect of Viterbo Gennaro Capo, Bishop Orazio Francesco Piazza, the president of the Province Alessandro Romoli, municipal councilor Giancarlo Martinengo, deputy prosecutor Massimiliano Siddi, and the president of the Sodalizio dei Facchini di Santa Rosa, Massimo Mecarini.

A future marked by excellence

With the arrival of General Taffuri, the Non-Commissioned Officers School of the Army is set to continue its educational and training mission, in line with the needs of an increasingly modern and professional Army. The Institute remains the reference point in preparing key figures for operational leadership, continuing a tradition rooted in over 150 years of Italian military history.