The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Carmine Masiello, presented to the Defence Commission of the Chamber of Deputies the guidelines of his post, highlighting the need for a cultural revolution in the Army to meet new security challenges. The international context, marked by conflicts such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East and instability in the Balkans and Africa, requires a investment in readiness, efficiency and deterrence.
Modernisation and the younger generation
Masiello emphasised the importance of adapting to modern warfarewhich combine traditional fighting, advanced technology and information warfare. For this, we need a cultural transformation and an investment in the new generationscapable of driving change and responding to rapid technological developments.
Technology and military procurement
The general reiterated that "the Army is either technological or it is not"He emphasised the need to close the technological gap with other countries and speed up the procedures for the acquisition of new armaments. He criticised the bureaucratic slowness in the introduction of new weapon systems and proposed to streamline the military procurementusing derogations provided for in the Procurement Code.
Staff increases and NATO requests
Masiello pointed out that despite the increase of 3,700 in recent regulations, the total number of soldiers (93,100 by 2033) remains insufficient to meet NATO's operational needs and requirements. He estimated that aligning with the Atlantic Alliance's objectives would require between 133,000 and 138,000 soldiersand proposed the creation of a reservoir to increase mobilisation capacity.
International Commitment and Field Operations
Currently, the Italian Army employs over 4,200 soldiers abroad in 22 missions and has 12,000 units ready for deployment by 2025. In addition, about 6,635 soldiers are engaged in the operation Strade Sicure. However, the general emphasised that the high personnel deployment had reduced recovery times, suggesting a review of Operation Safe Streets and the monetisation of unused rest periods.
Conclusion
Masiello reiterated that, in the face of today's global challenges, Italy must strengthen its deterrence capacityimproving training, increasing resources and adapting the structure of the Army to guarantee the security of the country.