General Masiello: "Prepare for war to ensure peace. The Army is either technological or it is not. Training and values are our strengths"

During the inauguration of the Academic and School Year 2024-2025 of the Army's training institutes, the Chief of Staff of the Army, General of the Army Corps Paratrooper Carmine Masiello, outlined the strategic directions that will guide the training and preparation of the Italian Army. With a powerful speech, Masiello highlighted the importance of adapting to new geopolitical and technological challenges, promoting a pragmatic and aware vision of the current reality.

The Chief of Staff firmly emphasized that the Army's mission is not to be trapped in bureaucracy, but to prepare for war. He explained that, although in the past the term 'war' was avoided, the current reality requires the Army to confront this concept without ambiguity. Preparing for war, he stated, does not mean wanting it, but rather increasing the chances of maintaining peace. In line with this vision, he proposed restoring the historical name 'War School' to the Staff Course, to reflect the fundamental mission for which the Army is trained.

Masiello also stated decisively "whoever is more technological wins, everything else is just talk." He reiterated that without technological superiority, one cannot win, and that the Army is either technological, or it simply is not. This technological renewal is essential, but it must be accompanied by training, which remains the heart of the Army's mission. "Those who choose to wear the stars choose to train," he explained, defining training as a true "insurance policy for the country and for the military."

The General then emphasized the importance of training oriented not only towards reactivity but also proactivity, inviting the military to develop analytical skills and personal initiative. In this perspective, it is crucial to promote an environment that values individual skills without making the success of the individual a priority over that of the organization.

There was also a reference to the cultural change that the Army must adopt, but always with a deep sense of values, responsibility, and respect for the role. These values represent a collective commitment that strengthens the cohesion and effectiveness of the armed force. The military culture must also recognize the importance of the right to make mistakes: an open mindset to learning and continuous improvement becomes fundamental in an era characterized by rapid changes.

General Masiello's speech, therefore, represented a call for modernization and awareness, inviting the entire organization to a cultural leap essential to face new scenarios with responsibility and competence. With these words, the Chief of Staff sent a clear message: the Army must be ready to adapt, innovate, and support the commitment towards an increasingly sophisticated and multidimensional defense.

Watch on our YouTube channel the 10 main points addressed by the Chief of Staff