Luciana Littizzetto and the false myth of Italian military inefficiency - brigatafolgore.net
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.
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 l’onore delle armi da parte del nemico, the contemporary history è altrettanto ricca di eventi che attestano l’high professionalism, capacity e courage of Italian military.
Italian soldiers in the service of otherscommitted to protecting and supporting the most unfortunate, spesso vittime di conflitti e crisi umanitarie, la cui unica “colpa” è essere nate nel posto sbagliato.
La prima missione italiana in un’operazione internazionale di peacekeeping fu in Lebanon, in 1982, con l’Operation 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 Risoluzione 521 del Consiglio di Sicurezza dell’ONU, che portò il Libano a richiedere l’intervento di una Multinational Force, coinvolgendo anche l’Italia. L’obiettivo era ristabilire la sovranità e l’autorità del governo libanese 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.
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 in ritirata verso Nord sotto la pressione degli alleati, contribuendo in modo decisivo alla stabilizzazione dell’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.
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 rappresentò uno dei più importanti impieghi delle Forze Armate sul territorio nazionale, segnando un’azione senza precedenti nel contrasto alla mafia.
From 1992 to 1994Italy participated in the IBIS mission at Somaliadeploying the second largest contingent after the US. L’operazione rientrava in un intervento internazionale volto a 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 autorizzò un’azione militare su tutto il territorio somalo, affidandone la conduzione a un gruppo di Stati membri.
L’Italia, con la 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 affrontarono un’intensa battaglia contro le Somali militias in Mogadishu. In that episode Parachutist Pasquale Baccaro, Staff Sergeant Stefano Paolicchi and Second Lieutenant Andrea Millevoi lost their lives, mentre l’allora Lieutenant Gianfranco Paglia was seriously injured.
Nel corso dell’intera missione, l’Italia subì the loss of 14 compatriots, including 11 military personnel, a volunteer nurse and two civilians.
Parallelamente all’impegno 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 autorizzò l’Operation ONUMOZ (United Nations Operations in Mozambique), con l’obiettivo di garantire la pacification of Mozambiqueand in detail:
L’Italia partecipò alla missione con il ITALFOR contingentsent in the March 1993 for theOperation Albatross. L’unità, di livello regimentalincluded:
The Italian contingent had the task of controllare il Corridoio Machipanda – Beira, un’arteria strategica che collegava lo Zimbabwe at Port of Beiraproviding security and logistical support in the region.
L’Italia mantenne il contingente fino all’April 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 “Albatros 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.
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.
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.
Le missioni nell’Balkan 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.
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.
Situata nell’extreme south-east Asia, Timor Est fu teatro di gravi violenze da parte di gruppi contrari alla sua indipendenza dall’Indonesia. In response, the UN, with the Resolution 1264 of 15 September 1999authorised the sending of a multinational force sotto il comando dell’Australia.
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.
In thesummer 2001, l’Italia ospitò il 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:
The 20 Julyparatroopers were assigned a major task: sorvegliare il perimetro dell’Air Force Onethe US presidential plane, ensuring the safety of the President George W. Bush.
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 thesummer 2005, the 183rd Parachute Regiment Nembo will be deployed in Sudan nell’operazione 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.
L’operazione si svolge sotto il comando dell’UNwith 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.
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 Lebanon, un’area già nota ai paracadutisti di 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 dei militari italiani era garantire che l’Lebanese 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.
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 year, l’unità entrò in azione nelle Afghan mountainsparticipating in the Operation Jellyfishone of the most important operations conducted by the international coalition in Afghanistan.
Operational Tasks of Task Force 45:
L'Task Force 45 commitment proved decisive in countering the most extreme Taliban forces and stabilising areas under insurgent threat.
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.
A testimoniare l’importanza dell’Italia 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).
The General Marco Bertolini will also be the first Italian, in 2009to hold the prestigious post of Chief of Staff of ISAF mission, posizionandosi ai vertici dell’intera operazione, composta da 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 operation, condotta dall’allora 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.
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:
The operation, active in numerous Italian cities, rappresenta un’eccellente modello di cooperation between armed forces and law enforcement agenciesunique in Europe, contributing significantly to the security of the territory.
In January 2010, the European Council approva l’invio di una military mission per contribuire all’training 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 Mogadishu, presso l’Mogadishu International Airport (MIA).
The Italian national contributiondefined by the Law 131/2016authorised for the entire 2017 l’impiego di un massimo di 423 soldiers e 18 land vehicles, con incarichi che spaziavano dall’training 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 iniziative dell’Unione Europea for stabilising Somaliastill the scene of conflict, where the government of Mogadishusupported by the African Union troopsopposed to the Qaedist Al-Shabaab militias.
Un’ulteriore conferma del costante impegno dell’Italia at international operations for the security and stability of countries in difficulty.
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.
From 2014, l’Italia partecipa alla 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.
These are only some examples, which should invite Ms Littizzetto and those who share her thinking to reflect more deeply.
Attualmente, l’Italy 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.
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.
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Comica de che? Solo volgare,prevenuta, ignorante e obnubilata dall'ideologia che obnubila la gran parte degli addetti del mondo della TV,cinema e stampa. Fa chic essere radical-chic ed essere politicamente corretti solo sulle cose che convengono. Poi,si può essere scorretti quando si parla a vanvera di Militari senza avere la più pallida idea di cosa significhi esserlo e blaterare su presunti quanto inesistenti comportamenti scorretti di CC e PS, stando sempre in panciolle e senza avere mai rischiato niente nella vita od al massimo aver rischiato di perdere un aereo.Ma è storia vecchia e tragica,centinaia di manigoldi adesso riciclati nelle varie redazioni od in cda di imprese e banche, firmarono un vergognoso appello contro il Commissario Calabresi e sappiamo tutti come andò a finire! Ad uno di questi beltomi, conferirono pure un Nobel, quindi di cosa parliamo? Viviamo in un Paese ed in un mondo capovolti, dove chi delinque quasi sempre la fa franca e chi cerca di impedire che si delinqua,viceversa, viene perseguito, dileggiato,denigrato e guadagna pure quattro soldi. A tutti gli altri, senza meriti, senza rischi,senza arte nè parte, cachet sostanziosi, applausi e notorietà. Ma chi è fesso, Carnevale o chi lo festeggia? Fosse per me, la tizia in argomento, potrebbe andare a lavare stoviglie in una bettola di quart'ordine,senza offesa alcuna per chi rigoverna onestamente le stoviglie, ovviamente!
You are right!
It is not worth considering.
Littizzetto you read????
Complimenti a chi ha scritto l'articolo, non fa una piega. Espone con chiarezza e senza esaltazioni e/o esagerazioni l'efficienza dell'esercito italiano, spesso e purtroppo mal considerato da una certa parte dell'italia. Fatelo arrivare alla lettizzetto.
You are right Loris!
You were too kind to Littizzetto!
Littizzetto must be thrown out of the RAI programmes!
La tizia nemmeno ci dovrebbe stare in Rai, fermo restando che non ho mai seguito un programma suo e del suo compagno di merende. Per fortuna hanno inventato i telecomandi.Poi, qui, più o meno, nell' esercito ci siamo stati tutti o quasi. Ma il problema non è lo spirito di corpo che pure è importante ma non per difendere gli addetti dalle boiate di una sopravvalutata, comunque degna della TV spazzatura che impera oggi. Il problema è che si mandano messaggi negativi a minori e ad adulti che magari non possiedono i fondamentali per un giudizio obiettivo ed informato. "L'han detto in TV" quindi è vangelo!D'altra parte ci ritroviamo in un Paese dove solo il 14% degli intervistati sarebbe pronto a combattere in caso di necessità. Contro un 73% dei Finlandesi, per citare un solo Paese interessato alla domanda. Si dovrebbe riflettere su cause, responsabiltà ed anche colpe dolose che sicuramente ci sono. È una triste e scomoda verità ma è la fotografia dell'attuale stato dell' arte!
A lawyer filed a complaint with the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office for alleged contempt of the Italian Armed Forces. Art. 290 c.p. . The Milan Public Prosecutor's Office does not reassure me greatly, however we shall see. I would uncork a bottle if it would lead to a sentence of a significant pecuniary nature, I would exclude jail even if 90 days in the cage, to the alleged comedian would not hurt at all, maybe he would learn to live! Among the arguments put forward by the lawyer, all of which are pertinent, one I had also hypothesised in a previous comment. That is, in addition to offending all military personnel, it also undermines public confidence in them. Not everyone is equipped to discern and evaluate with completeness. I had written that the classic vulgate is: 'it's true because I heard it on TV'.
As if truth were a prerogative of any media. Let's not talk about the web, we would have to stay until tomorrow morning and that would not even be enough.