Change of Command at Northern Operational Forces: General of the Army Corps Maurizio Riccò hands over to Major General Ugo Cillo

On September 26, 2025, in the solemn setting of the Representation Hall of the Unified Army Club in Padua, the change of command ceremony at the top of the Northern Operational Forces took place. General of the Army Corps Maurizio Riccò handed over command to Major General Ugo Cillo, in the presence of the Commander of the Land Operational Forces, General of the Army Corps Massimo Scala, and the main civil, military, and religious authorities of the area.

In his speech, General of the Army Corps Massimo Scala wanted to emphasize the valuable contribution of General of the Army Corps Maurizio Riccò, who has led the Northern Operational Forces with professionalism and dedication since May 2023. “Under his command, the men and women of the Command have been able to respond to every need with readiness and professionalism, proving to be a precious and indispensable resource for the Army and the Country”.

Words of encouragement and trust were also addressed to Major General Ugo Cillo, called to lead the Command in a delicate phase of restructuring and change: “The command entrusted to you will be reconfigured, in a few days, into the Northern Territorial Command. It represents the result of a profound transformation that the Army is undergoing to adequately respond to current scenarios”.

In his farewell, General of the Army Corps Maurizio Riccò expressed gratitude to the military and civilian personnel, as well as to the city of Padua, with which he has established a special bond. “In these years, I have been honored to meet esteemed people, to engage with them, and to be enriched by the experiences lived. This is perhaps the greatest gift of the military profession: the opportunity to know places, people, and situations that broaden one's horizons”.

The transformation: from Northern Operational Forces Command to Northern Territorial Command

The change at the top is part of a reorganization process involving the entire Army structure. From September 30, 2025, the Northern Operational Forces Command (COMFOP NORD) will officially be reconfigured into the Northern Territorial Command (COMTER NORD), under the National Territorial Command based in Rome.

This transition is not just nominal, but reflects a substantial change in operational and management methods. The new Command will be designed to be more effective in directing, coordinating, and controlling the assigned forces, thanks to a simpler, leaner, and unified structure. The goal is to optimize resource use, ensuring a more efficient distribution among the different regions of Northern Italy.

The Northern Territorial Command is also born with a more territorial and proximity vocation. It will be a reference point not only for operational activities, as already demonstrated by the Army's commitment in the operation “Strade Sicure”, but also for cooperation with civil institutions and local communities. The Army thus intends to strengthen the bond with the Regions and administrations, making its presence on the territory more direct and immediate.

This reform is part of the broader process of modernizing the Army: more functional structures, faster processes, and constant adaptability to today's operational scenarios, characterized by complexity and unpredictability.

The Army and the territory: a presence increasingly close to citizens

The creation of the Northern Territorial Command marks an evolution in the relationship between the Army and civil society. It is not just about ensuring security through territorial control, but also about promoting a true culture of Defense. In this perspective, the new Command will aim to develop cooperation initiatives between civilians and military, fostering collaborations with local entities, schools, universities, associations, and social realities.

The goal is twofold: on one hand, to strengthen the sense of security and legality; on the other, to contribute to the well-being of the territory. This means creating opportunities for meeting, valuing the history and traditions of the Army, but also investing in youth, transmitting values such as active citizenship, respect for institutions, and sense of belonging to the Country.

The Northern Territorial Command thus aims to become a key player in the social and institutional fabric, capable of combining operational efficiency and openness to the community. The presence of local authorities at the change of command ceremony – from Padua's Councillor Diego Bonavina to Prefect Giuseppe Forlenza – is a tangible sign of how the relationship between military and civil institutions is already solid and destined to grow.

The handover between General of the Army Corps Maurizio Riccò and Major General Ugo Cillo was not just a formal rite, but a moment of continuity and renewal. An opportunity to recognize the achievements and to look confidently at the future challenges, where the Army will be called to be increasingly close to citizens, ready to ensure security, support, and collaboration.