During the inauguration of the Academic and School Year 2024-2025 of the Army's training institutes, the Chief of Staff of the Army, Army Parachute General Carmine Masiello, outlined the strategic guidelines that will guide the Italian Army's training and readiness. In a powerful speech, Masiello emphasised the importance of adapting to new geopolitical and technological challenges, promoting a pragmatic and conscious vision of the current reality.
The Chief of the EMS firmly emphasised 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 deal with this concept unambiguously. Preparing for war, he said, does not mean wanting it, but rather increasing the likelihood of keeping the peace. In line with this vision, he proposed to return the Staff Course to its historical name of 'War School', to reflect the fundamental mission for which the Army trains.
Masiello also firmly stated "The one who is most technological wins, everything else is talk." He reiterated that without technological superiority you cannot win, and that the Army is either technological or it simply is not. This technological renewal is indispensable, but it must go hand in hand with training, which remains the heart of the Army's mission. 'He who chooses to wear stars chooses to train'"he explained, describing the training as a real 'insurance policy for the country and the military'.
The General then emphasised the importance of training geared not only towards reactivity, but also towards proactivityinviting military personnel to develop analytical skills and personal initiative. With this in mind, it is crucial to foster an environment that values individual skills without making the success of the individual a priority over that of the organisation.
There was no lack of reference on the cultural change that the Army must adoptbut 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. Military culture must also recognise the importance of the right to make mistakesA mindset that is open to learning and continuous improvement becomes essential in an era of rapid change.
General Masiello's speech, therefore, was a call for modernisation and awareness, inviting the entire organisation to a cultural leap that is essential to face the 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 sustain its commitment to an increasingly sophisticated and multidimensional defence.
Watch on our YouTube channel the 10 main points addressed by the Chief of EMS
