Luciana Littizzetto and the false myth of Italian military inefficiency

By this article, we mean helping Luciana Littizzetto to better understand reality e dispelling the false myth of Italian military inefficiencyshedding light on a subject that is often treated superficially. We thus continue the discourse started in our previous in-depth study on the General Bertolini and Lieutenant Colonel Paglia's response to the comedian's less than honourable statements.

Italy actively participated in all major international military operationsconducted by the NATO, from theUN and by international coalitions at extremely complex theatres of operation. From Lebanon to theAfghanistan , from Somalia to theIraq, i Italian military have operated with professionalism, dedication e adaptability in contexts with high intensityoften at the risk of their own lives.

Opinions? No, facts

These are not opinions, but facts: a continuous commitment which has guaranteed and continues to guarantee security e stability in numerous crisis areas in the world.

Leaving aside the wartime past, with the victory in the First World Warthe exploits of Alessandro Tandura, history's first military parachutistthe formidable innovations of the Arditi and the MAS flotillas - that laid the foundations for modern military special forces globally - and the heroic behaviour of the Italians at El Alamein e Takrounaas well as the courage shown during the Battle of Culqualberepisodes that earned the Italians the honour of arms from the enemy, the contemporary history is equally rich in events that attest to thehigh professionalism, capacity e courage of Italian military.

Italian soldiers in the service of otherscommitted to protecting and supporting the most unfortunateoften victims of conflicts and humanitarian crises, whose only 'fault' is to have been born in the wrong place.

The 1980s: starting with Lebanon

The first Italian mission in an international peacekeeping operation was in Lebanon, in 1982with theOperation Italconduring which an organic battalion remained deployed for eighteen months. Following the tragic events in the Palestinian camps of Sabra and Chatilalocated on the western outskirts of Beirut, and consultations between the Lebanese Government and the Secretary General of the United Nations, the UN Security Council Resolution 521which led Lebanon to request the intervention of a Multinational Forcealso involving Italy. The objective was re-establish the sovereignty and authority of the Lebanese government on Beirut and ensure the safety of the population. The 15 March 1983, the Marò Filippo Montesi lost his life in an ambush while on patrol in Beirut.

The Mission ITALCON took place from 24 September 1982 to 6 March 1984involving a total of 8,345 Italian military personnel. At the end of the mission, their commitment and outstanding operational capabilities were widely recognised internationally, attesting to their professionalism.

Operation Heron - Iraqi Kurdistan

In 1991during the Gulf WarItaly took part in the Heron missiona humanitarian operation aimed at providing aid to Kurdish refugees. La Folgore Parachute Brigade deployed almost 1,000 men, set up over 600 tents for the reception of refugees and ensured the security in an area of 1,400 kmobtaining official recognitions from the United Nations.

The Italian soldiers operated in environmental conditions extremely difficultthousands of kilometres from the motherland. At first they devoted themselves to the creation of reception camps and the provision of assistance and security to the fleeing populations. Subsequently, they were deployed in front of Iraqi forces retreating northwards under pressure from the Allies, contributing decisively to the stabilisation of the area.

For the valour demonstrated, all Italian military personnel participating in the mission Heron received the Commemorative Cross of Ministry of Defence, l'Certificate of Merit from the Army General Staffsigned by General Goffredo Canino, and the Certificate of Appreciationconferred by the Statutory General John Shalikashvili and from the General Mario Buscemi. Italian intervention ensured a seat beltdecisive for the refugee return in their lands.

Sicilian Vespers, in the service of Italy

The 25 July 1992following the mafia attacks who killed the magistrates Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellinothe Italian government dispatched the Italian Army in Sicily to support law enforcement in the fight against organised crime. The operation began with the arrival in Palermo of over 1,000 parachutists from Folgore on 26 July, transported by the 46th Airborne Brigade with C-130 and G-222. The contingent was deployed to guard sensitive targets, reinforce controls and ensure public safety.

L'Operation Sicilian Vespers represented one of the most important deployments of the Armed Forces in the country, marking an unprecedented action in the fight against the Mafia.

Operation IBIS - Somalia

From 1992 to 1994Italy participated in the IBIS mission at Somaliadeploying the second largest contingent after the US. The operation was part of an international intervention aimed at stabilising the country e ensuring the security of humanitarian aid.

The situation in Somalia was dramatic: civil war, an unprecedented humanitarian emergency and the presence of armed groups made any international intervention difficult.

The 3 December 1992with the Resolution 794, the UN Security Council authorised military action throughout Somali territory, entrusting a group of member states to conduct it.

Italy, with the IBIS mission, provided military support e logistics for the stabilisation of the country and the protection of humanitarian operationsas well as promoting a series of emblematic initiatives for the reconstruction of the social fabric of a nation battered by war yearssuch as the reopening of schools, hospitals and factories.

The 2 July 1993during one of the most violent clashes of the mission, the Italian soldiers faced an intense battle against the Somali militias in Mogadishu. In that episode Parachutist Pasquale Baccaro, Staff Sergeant Stefano Paolicchi and Second Lieutenant Andrea Millevoi lost their liveswhile the then Lieutenant Gianfranco Paglia was seriously injured.

Throughout the mission, Italy suffered the loss of 14 compatriots, including 11 military personnel, a volunteer nurse and two civilians.

Operation Albatros: Italy on the front line for Peace in Mozambique

Parallel to the commitment in Somalia, a equally crucial operational scenario in Mozambique.

The Rome Peace Accordssigned on 4 October 1992 between the Government of Mozambique and the RENAMO (Mozambican National Resistance), entrusted the United Nations the supervision and control of their implementation. The 16 December 1992, the UN Security Council authorised theOperation ONUMOZ (United Nations Operations in Mozambique), with the aim of ensuring the pacification of Mozambiqueand in detail:

• Ceasefire monitoring between the local government and the guerrillas of the RENAMOwith the demobilisation of 67,042 government troops e 24,648 RENAMO fighters.
• Weapons collection and destruction of all parties involved.
• Security for humanitarian workers and UN personnel.
• Support for the 1994 electionsproviding technical assistance and monitoring the process to prevent fraud.

Italy participated in the mission with the ITALFOR contingentsent in the March 1993 for theOperation Albatross. The unit, of level regimentalincluded:

• 1,030 Italian military personnelinitially from the Taurinense' Alpine Brigadethen by the Julia' Alpine Brigadewith the Alpini Parachutist Company 'Monte Cervino' always present in both contingents.
• Logistics Battalionin charge of logistical support.
• Army Aviation Squadron Groupfor transport and air patrols.
• Health Departmentresponsible for medical care for UN personnel and the local population.
• Nucleus of 5 Carabinieriemployed in the functions of military police.

The Italian contingent had the task of check the Machipanda - Beira Corridora strategic artery connecting the Zimbabwe at Port of Beiraproviding security and logistical support in the region.

Italy maintained the quota until theApril 1994. After the withdrawal of most of the forces, 230 Italian soldiers of Health Department and a support unit remained in Beira under the name 'Albatross 2'to continue to ensure the medical support to UN personnel and the local population until December 1994.

Thanks to thelogistical and operational efficiency, the Italian Contingent was considered a reference force, providing medical and logistical support to all forces UN present in the region.

Operation Hippocampus - Rwanda

In theOperation Hippocampus, in Rwanda, the 9th Regiment Col Moschin Incursors were engaged in one of the most risky and complex missions in their history.

The 10 Mayafter an initial landing at NairobiItalian forces arrived at the airport of Kigaliwhere they were immediately targeted by mortar fire. The C-130 who had transported them was forced to leave quickly, leaving the detachment on Rwandan territory without available military transport.

Finding themselves isolated, the raiders commandeered civilian vehicles, modifying them to suit their operational needs. They moved between shootings and bombingsreaching the Italian civilians still in the capital. Within a weekthey completed thecomplete evacuationoperating in an extremely unstable and dangerous environment.

During the take-off of the last C-130overloaded with evacuated people, the aircraft was targeted by ZU-23 Soviet anti-aircraft machine gunsbut managed to leave the country. According to the Gen. Roberto Vannaccithen commander on the ground of the operation, it was one of the most difficult missions ever faced by the 9th Regiment Col Moschin.

The operation came at a high cost: the Staff Sergeant Marco Di Sarraill with malariahe lost his life shortly after returning to Italy.

Missions in the Balkans

The crisis in the Balkans saw the involvement of the Italian military in various international operations.

From 1995Italian soldiers were deployed in Bosnia as part of theoperation SFOR. In March 1997participated in the Mission Alba, multinational operation led by Italy. Although officially aimed at the distribution of humanitarian aidmission was aimed at stabilising the political crisis in Albania and preventing the outbreak of civil war.

From April to October 1999, the General Pierluigi Torelli commanded the Multinational Brigade North in Bosnia.

Missions in theBalkan area continued throughout the next decadeuntil the end of 2004. From December 2004management of stabilisation passed to theEuropean Unionwhich took over with a new mission with a military component.

On the other side of the world - East Timor

From September 1999 to January 2000, i Parachutists of the 187th Regimenttogether with the Carabinieri Parachutists Tuscania and the Col Moschin raiderswere deployed at East Timor as part of theOperation Interfet.

Located in theextreme south-east Asia, East Timor was the scene of serious violence by groups opposed to its independence from theIndonesia. In response, the UN, with the Resolution 1264 of 15 September 1999authorised the sending of a multinational force under the command of theAustralia.

At Folgore battle group was assigned the task of patrolling and ensuring the safety of the population in areas that are more difficult to reach due to dense vegetation.

L'Operation Interfet is remembered as the farthest mission ever undertaken by an Italian department.

Genoa G8: security at the highest level, without compromise

In thesummer 2001Italy hosted the G8 in Genoathe international meeting that brought together the leading World Heads of State. In support of security measures, the Folgore Parachute Brigade was deployed in the Genoa airport red zone.

For the days of the meeting, the Italian parachutists operated as Public Safety Officerswith the task of:

• Check, stop and search anyone entering or moving around the airport.
• Guarding hangars and sensitive points, applying rigid rules of engagement for the protection of the area.
• Monitoring the perimeter area with special forces operators armed with rifles and night vision.

The 20 Julyparatroopers were assigned a major task: guarding the perimeter of Air Force Onethe US presidential plane, ensuring the safety of the President George W. Bush.

Operation Ancient Babylon - Iraq

During the mission Ancient Babylon (2003-2006) in Iraq, the Italian contingent operated in a sensitive area, with Nassiriya as the nerve centre.

L'attack on 12 November 2003 against the base Mistral of Nassiriya marked a turning point. The 6 April 2004Italian units - including the11th Regiment Bersaglieri and the Savoy Cavalry - were involved in a clash of 18 hoursthe longest fight for the Italian Army from World War II.

The action earned the11th Regiment the Military Cross for Valour. Despite the relative stability of the Shia sector, Italy suffered heavy losses, including the 19 fallen in thebombing of Nassiriyathe bloodiest suffered by the Italian Armed Forces in missions abroad.

In the difficult Sudan

In thesummer 2005, the 183rd Parachute Regiment Nembo will be deployed in Sudan in the operation Nile.

The task of the Pistoia Parachutists, framed in the Task Force Leoneis to enforce the peace treaty signed on 9 January between the Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir e John Garang, leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA)the main independence movement. This agreement has put an end to 20 years of war for the control of southern regions of Sudan.

The operation takes place under the command of theUNwith precise rules of engagement, but in a delicate and unstable operating environment. The tense atmosphere and difficulties in the field make the mission particularly demanding, but these very challenges enhance the determination and professionalism of the Italian military.

Thanks to theoutstanding work of the Leone Task Force, l'Italy distinguishes itself in peacekeeping in Sudanobtaining a extraordinary success. L'Italian work is recognised and applauded by the UN itselfconsolidating the prestige of the Italian Armed Forces in International Missions.

Back to Lebanon

The 28 August 2006an Italian naval contingent sailed to the Lebanon as part of theOperation Leontes. The fleet consisted of the aircraft carrier Garibaldiby landing ships St Mark's e San Giusto, from frigate Espero and the corvette Phoenix. From the port of Marghera (Venice) also departed a merchant ship with the vehicles of the Italian Army Corps of Engineers.

At the beginning of the 2007, the 186th Parachute Regiment was again deployed in Lebanonan area already known to the paratroopers of Sienaas Lebanon was the first foreign theatre of operations of the Italian Army. The regiment had already participated in the Italcon mission in the 1980s.

Despite the passage of time, the situation appeared unchangedwith a context of instability and devastation similar to that of 25 years earlier.

The task of the Italian military was to ensure that theLebanese operational areaintended for the disarming Hezbollahnot to be used for offensive activities. The Italians were engaged in patrols, escorts and protection of sensitive sitesplaying a crucial role in the stabilisation and security mission of the region.

June 2006, Task Force 45 is born

In June 2006, the Task Force 45, the largest deployment of Italian special forces never deployed since the post-war period.

Already at July of the same yearthe unit went into action in the Afghan mountainsparticipating in the Operation Jellyfishone of the most important operations conducted by the international coalition in Afghanistan.

Operational Tasks of Task Force 45:

• Disarticulation of Taliban formationswith particular attention to the neutralisation of group leadership.
• Prevention of attacks directed against Italian and coalition soldiers.
• Hostage releaseboth civil and military.
• Support for the Afghan police force in the execution of arrest warrants against subjects considered dangerous.
• Combating illicit arms trafficking destined for insurgent groups.
• Security for political, civilian and military personalitiesboth local and international.
• Creation of safe zones awaiting the arrival of conventional forces.

L'Task Force 45 commitment proved decisive in countering the most extreme Taliban forces and stabilising areas under insurgent threat.

Missions in Afghanistan

L'Italy and the Italians played a central role in the missions ISAF e Resolute Support at Afghanistan assuming as early as 2006 the command of the Regional Command West (RC-West)an impressive area of approximately 162,000 km².

Testifying to theimportance of Italy and its soldiers during the NATO-led ISAF mission, only four countries - subsequently reduced to three - had the command of the five regional areas (Regional Commands - RC).

• RC-West (RC-W) - (under Italian command, comprised the provinces of Herat, Badghis, Farah and Ghor)
• RC-East (RC-E) - (under US command, included provinces such as Kunar, Nangarhar and Paktika)
• RC-South (RC-S) - (under British and later US command, included provinces such as Kandahar, Helmand, Zabul and Uruzgan)
• RC-Southwest (RC-SW) - (under US command, covered Helmand and Nimroz)
• RC-North (RC-N) - (under German command, included northern provinces such as Balkh, Kunduz, Baghlan and Faryab)

The General Marco Bertolini will also be the first Italian, in 2009to hold the prestigious post of Chief of Staff of ISAF missionpositioning itself at the top of the whole operation, consisting of tens of thousands of soldiers from over 40 countries.

Italian commitment, the largest since World War II, lasted until 2021with the definitive withdrawal of the quotaconducted by 186th Parachute Regiment Folgorein a context of high hazard and strong instability. L'return operationconducted by the then Colonel Federico Bernacca (current Commander of the Parachute Brigade Folgore), was performed with almost non-existent noticebecause of the sudden change in the international geopolitical scenario.

During the long deploymentwhich lasted over 15 years, the Italian Armed Forces were involved in numerous armed clashessuffering the loss of 53 military personnel and reporting 723 injured.

Operation Safe Streets: the military protecting national security

L'Operation Safe Streetslaunched in July 2008provided for the use of the Italian Armed Forces at fighting crime and in the protection of public orderin support of the police force.

Extended several times over the years and still in place, the mission assigns the Italian military the qualification of Public Security Officerswith tasks that include:

• Patrolling and patrolling in risk areas, in cooperation with the police.
• Fighting petty crime and prevention of illegal activities.
• Surveillance of sensitive sites and targetssuch as embassies, places of worship, stations and critical infrastructure.
• Increased deterrence against possible threats to public safety.

The operation, active in numerous Italian citiesrepresents an excellent model of cooperation between armed forces and law enforcement agenciesunique in Europe, contributing significantly to the security of the territory.

Back to Somalia

In January 2010, the European Council approve the sending of a military mission to contribute to thetraining of Somali security forces, named European Union Training Mission Somalia (EUTM or EUTM-S). The headquarters of the mission was initially established at Kampala, Ugandaup to March 2013subsequently, by April 2013he was transferred to Mogadishuat theMogadishu International Airport (MIA).

The Italian national contributiondefined by the Law 131/2016authorised for the entire 2017 the use of a maximum of 423 soldiers e 18 land vehicleswith assignments ranging fromtraining of the Somali Armed Forces at contingent security, from logistical and administrative support to the role of Commander's staff.

From 2014, l'Italy assumes the position of Mission Commanderwith the General Massimo Mingiardi as the first Italian commander of the mission. Currentlymission is still ongoing and is under the leadership of the General Giuseppe Zizzari.

La EUTM mission Somalia contributes to the training of Somali soldiersfocusing in particular on the preparation of officers, specialists and instructors. This operation is part of the European Union initiatives for stabilising Somaliastill the scene of conflict, where the government of Mogadishusupported by the African Union troopsopposed to the Qaedist Al-Shabaab militias.

A further confirmation of the Italy's constant commitment at international operations for the security and stability of countries in difficulty.

Libya, in defence of the medical mission

With a a few weeks' noticein the September 2016Italian soldiers were sent to Libya as part of theOperation Hippocrates.

Their main task was to ensure the security of the Italian contingent engaged in the medical mission in Misurata. The device included 65 doctors and paramedics, 135 logistics personnel, one organic parachute company of 186th Parachute Regiment Folgore allocated to the 'defence force' and a specialist set-up of the 8th Parachute Guerrilla Regiment Folgore.

The base of the operation was located at theformer Libyan Air Force Academywhere a 9th Regiment Col Moschin Advanced Incursor Core Teamin charge of preparing the ground for Italian intervention.

Operation Prima Parthica - Fight against ISIS

From 2014Italy participates in the Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR)a multinational coalition of 84 nations and 5 international organisations engaged in the fight against Daesh at Iraq and Syria. The operation took place within the framework of theArticle 51 of the UN Charter and the Resolutions 2170 and 2178 of 2014in response to the Iraqi government's request for help.

A key role was played by the General Roberto Vannacciwhich between September 2017 and August 2018 assumed command of the national land contingent in theOperation Prima Parthicaalso serving as Deputy Commanding General for Training of the anti-ISIS coalition.

Constant commitment in crisis theatres

These are only some examples, which should invite Ms Littizzetto and those who share her thinking to reflect more deeply.

Currently, theItaly is engaged in 40 international missionsincluding theOperation Leontes at Lebanon as part of UNIFIL, the MISIN mission in Niger for thetraining of local forces, the Praesidium Task Force at Iraq for the protection of the Mosul Dam and the EUTM-Mali mission for the support for the reorganisation and training of the Malian armed forces.

Le Italian Armed Forces continue to operate with professionalism and dedicationconfirming itself as a international benchmark.

The role of the Italian Army national territory: in addition to the operational uses already mentioned, such as operations Sicilian Vespers, the G8 of Genoa and Strade Sicure, is always in front line in emergenciesintervening in the event of floods, natural disasters and health crisessuch as the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring support and assistance to the population.

Conclusion

Le Italian Armed Forces are an essential component of the security and defence policy of the countrywith a level of preparation in line with the best NATO standard. Their commitment resulted in the sacrifice of numerous soldiers, fallen in the line of duty.

Le sterile and denigrating criticism do not undermine the value of men and women who, with dedication and spirit of service, work daily for the national and international securityoften in high-risk contexts.

Rather than mocking those who serve with sacrifice, it would be appropriate to inform and recognise their contribution to the peace and global stabilitya commitment carried out with professionalism and a sense of duty.