CA Gen. Carmine Masiello in House hearing: 'Invest in the new generations, ideas have no degrees'

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», sottolineando la necessità di colmare il divario tecnologico con altri paesi e velocizzare le procedure per l’acquisizione di nuovi armamenti. Ha criticato la lentezza burocratica nell’introduzione di nuovi sistemi d’arma e ha proposto di snellire il 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.

Source: https://webtv.camera.it/evento/27168