VITERBO – In a solemn joint ceremony at the Army Non-Commissioned Officers School, 423 cadet marshals swore allegiance to the Republic. The Chief of Defense Staff issues a warning about new hybrid challenges: "Cohesion is our center of gravity".
The solemn sound of the band, eyes turned to the sky, and a single, powerful cry: "I swear". In a setting of deep emotion and military rigor, the city of Viterbo hosted the joint oath of 423 cadet marshals of the Army and the Air Force. A historic moment featuring the young members of the 28th course "Laran II" and "Impeto", ready to serve the country in an increasingly complex international landscape.
Portolano's Warning: "Hybrid and Invisible Conflicts"
The top authority present, General Luciano Portolano, Chief of Defense Staff, addressed the young military personnel with a speech of profound geopolitical analysis. According to Portolano, the current world is traversed by threats that are no longer confined to the traditional battlefield.
"Today's threats infiltrate financial systems, digital infrastructures, and the fabric of our economy, blurring the line between peace and war, making it uncertain and often invisible," declared the General.
Portolano then emphasized how the adversaries' goal is the disintegration of national and international cohesion:
- Hybrid Warfare: Silent conflicts aimed at eroding institutions from within.
- The Center of Gravity: Social and military cohesion is the main target of external attacks.
- Training as Respect: Preparing the military for current threats is the first duty towards those who risk their lives for the Homeland.
Values and Training: the Backbone of Defense
During the ceremony, it was reiterated how the oath represents the most significant commitment of professional life: a conscious choice to put the collective good before oneself. For the cadets, this solemn act crowns a journey that began with the delivery of the sword and will continue with an intense two-year study aimed at obtaining a degree in Political Science and International Relations.
The emphasis was placed on the centrality of human capital over technological means. The new non-commissioned officers were defined as the "backbone" of the Armed Forces, called to operate in contested environments with loyalty, pride, and esprit de corps. A message of gratitude was also extended to the families, whose support is considered fundamental for the growth of future platoon commanders.
Values and Future
The ceremony concluded amidst the embraces of family members and citizens, witnesses to a commitment that goes beyond a career. For the 423 cadets, the oath is not just a formal act, but the beginning of a command responsibility that will soon see them leading platoons and units, in an era where — as reminded by General Portolano — the defense of the Homeland involves both physical borders and digital servers and the economic resilience of the country.
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