Defence Veteran and Veteran of International Missions, decree signed
With the signing of the Decree by the Minister of DefenceGuido Crosetto, a significant step is taken in recognising the value and commitment of those who have served Italy in the armed forces. The institution of the qualifications of "Defence veteran e "Veteran of International Missionstogether with the official celebration of 11 November as Veteran's Dayrepresents a historic turning point for the Italian military.
A recognition extended to each veteran
One of the most significant novelties of the Decree is the extension of veteran status to those who, despite not having suffered disabling physical or psychological trauma, have served their country honourably. This alignment with international regulations makes it possible to value the contribution of those who have dedicated their lives to the defence of the Nation, both at home and abroad.
In this regard, Minister Crosetto stated:
"The revision of the figure of the Veteran, the institution of the Official Day and the merit medals represent an important step to ensure the proper recognition of all those who have served our country with dedication and honour. It is our duty to give due value to this figure who represents a fundamental resource for our Nation".
Requirements to become a Veteran
The Decree precisely defines the criteria necessary to obtain recognition as Defence veteran e Veteran of International Missionsestablishing a clear path for the recognition of those who have served with dedication in the Armed Forces.
Defence veteran
To obtain the status of "Defence veterana soldier must meet the following requirements:
- Length of ServiceHave served in the Armed Forces for a minimum period of 25 years.
- Service Evaluation: Have achieved a mark of no less than "excellent" in the five years preceding the assessment of the award.
- Disciplinary Conduct: Not having reported state disciplinary sanctions nor convictions for non-culpable offences, subject to possible disciplinary scrutiny.
- Exemption for Decorated: The staff awarded decorations for military valour (such as the Military Order of Italy or the Medal for Valour or Armed Force Merit) is exempt from the 25-year service requirement.
Veteran of International Missions
The qualification of "Veteran of International Missions is reserved exclusively for those who have already obtained the status of "Defence veteran. In addition to the above-mentioned requirements, it is necessary to obtain this additional recognition:
- Having participated in at least one international mission officially recognised by the Ministry of Defence.
- Having been deployed in operations outside national bordersaccording to the specifications laid down by the Chief of Defence Staff.
Only those who meet the criteria for the Defence veteran are eligible for the higher qualification of Veteran of International Missionsthus ensuring that the award is given to those who have gained concrete operational experience.
11 November: a symbolic date to honour Veterans
The establishment of the11 November as Official Veteran's Day is part of a tradition already established in many other countries, where the Veterans Day represents a moment of reflection and gratitude towards those who have served in the military. Also in Italy, this day will become an occasion to celebrate the valour, courage and dedication of the armed forces.
The Undersecretary of State for Defence, Hon. Matteo Perego of Cremnagostressed the importance of this recognition, highlighting the contribution of veterans to Italy's security and international prestige.
Medals of Merit and the Involvement of New Generations
Another innovative element introduced by the Decree concerns theEstablishment of the 'Defence Veteran' and 'Veteran of International Missions' Medals of Merita symbol of appreciation that will be awarded to those who have served their country with honour. The design of these medals will take place through a ideas competition aimed at school studentsan initiative that aims to involve new generations in the appreciation of the memory and values of Defence.
In this sense, Minister Crosetto reiterated:
"The example set by the Veterans, the willingness to face every challenge and to start again, must be cause for the utmost gratitude from everyone.
A concrete commitment to the future
The measure is the result of intense work by the dedicated technical panel, led by Undersecretary Perego di Cremnago, with the contribution of Lt. Col. Gianfranco Paglia, Gold Medal for Military Valour, and Hero of the Battle of the Pasta Factory in Somalia. This recognition is not only an act of justice towards those who have served the country, but also a way to strengthen the sense of belonging to the military community and its values.
With this initiative, the Government confirms its attention to the world of Defence and its protagonists, ensuring that the sacrifice and dedication of veterans is never forgotten.
Published by Condoralex
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.
Good morning, unfortunately No. In addition to this requirement, it is necessary to have 25 years of service as per Ministerial Decree
Are the 5 years of 'excellent' ratings prior to 25 years of service? So someone who, for example, has 35 years of actual service today will be taken into account if they have 20 to 25 years?
It is not clear to me which years will be considered for the excellent evaluation. Will those who now have, for example, 29 actual years be counted from 20 to 25? Would this result in equal treatment for everyone regardless of their seniority at the time of the evaluation?
Who is retired?
By what criterion was it assessed for flight crews that one aircraft mission is worth two helicopter missions, or by what mathematical formula was it assumed that one helicopter mission is worth half an aircraft mission. If the criterion was based on the onerousness tables, we are not there because one hour of C 130, at the time, cost less than one hour flying the A 129 Mangusta helicopter (of which I was also an operational pilot) and CH 47 helicopter. If the criterion was based on flight hours, this is also not the case here, because in operational theatres (I flew all of them from Somalia to Afghanistan several times, collecting more than 400 flight missions in operational theatres) a helicopter mission lasted hours in operational theatres, while, for example, the C130 flew liaison missions at stratospheric altitudes, remaining in operational theatres for a short time, while we flew helicopters among the Taliban, protecting the various contingents and receiving and returning various types of bullets. If the minister's prompter wanted, even in this case, to position us helicopter pilots as second-class pilots, someone should explain to him what it means to fly at night with helicopters in NVG (Night Vision Goggles) trim, perhaps with zero lighting (zero visibility) in areas of operations to go and help or protect the various contingents in TIC (Troops In Contact) against the Taliban, while the AMX flew almost always during the day and only for photographic shots at very high altitudes. By what criterion is a mission by plane worth twice as much as one by helicopter? In the same article, it is deduced that 15 continuous days in theatre are worth more than nine missions by helicopter or four by aeroplane, perhaps carried out over several continuous months in theatre. As far as I am concerned, if Article 3 does not change, that is, if the differences between helicopter and aircraft are not eliminated, I will not apply to receive the 'Veteran of International Missions' medal, just as I think many other helicopter pilots will not, because they will be unpleasantly surprised by this umpteenth declassification of our work compared to that carried out by the Air Force, for which I maintain my highest esteem and admiration.
if I am an enlisted paratrooper who served in Somalia for 6 months, am I not a veteran?