Gen. CA Carmine Masiello in hearing at the Chamber: «Invest in the new generations, ideas have no ranks»

The Chief of Staff of the Army, Carmine Masiello, presented the guidelines of his mandate to the Defense Commission of the Chamber, highlighting the need for a cultural revolution in the Army to face 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 an investment in readiness, efficiency, and deterrence.

Modernization and young generations

Masiello emphasized the importance of adapting to modern wars, which combine traditional combat, advanced technology, and information warfare. For this, a cultural transformation and investment in the new generations are needed, capable of leading change and responding to rapid technological evolutions.

Technology and military procurement

The general reiterated that «the Army is either technological or it is not», stressing the need to bridge the technological gap with other countries and speed up procedures for acquiring new armaments. He criticized the bureaucratic slowness in introducing new weapon systems and proposed streamlining military procurement by using exemptions provided by the Procurement Code.

Increase in personnel and NATO requests

Masiello highlighted that, despite the increase of 3,700 units provided by recent regulations, the total number of soldiers (93,100 by 2033) remains insufficient to meet operational needs and NATO requirements. He estimated that to align with the goals of the Atlantic Alliance, between 133,000 and 138,000 soldiers would be needed, and proposed the creation of a reserve pool to increase mobilization capacity.

International commitment and operations on the territory

Currently, the Italian Army employs over 4,200 soldiers abroad in 22 missions and has 12,000 units ready for deployment by 2025. Additionally, about 6,635 soldiers are engaged in the operation Strade Sicure. However, the general emphasized that the high employment of personnel has reduced recovery times, suggesting a review of the Strade Sicure operation and the monetization of unused rest periods.

Conclusion

Masiello reiterated that, in the face of current global challenges, Italy must strengthen its deterrence capability, improving training, increasing resources, and adapting the Army's structure to ensure the country's security.