The Chief of Staff of the Army, General of the Army Corps Carmine Masiello, firmly rejected any attempt to associate the Paratroopers Brigade “Folgore”, or any other Army unit, with a specific political area.
The intervention took place at the “Emidio Clementi” barracks in Ascoli Piceno, during the swearing-in ceremony of the Initial Term Volunteers of the first block 2026.
Without naming him directly, Masiello responded to the statements of the former mayor of Rome Gianni Alemanno, who during a television broadcast had defined the Folgore as the «quintessence of the Italian right».
«We are the quintessence of the Nation»
Referring to the term used by Alemanno, the Chief of Staff of the Army clarified that no military unit can be considered an expression of a political faction.
We are the quintessence of the Nation, we are the quintessence of the values of the Constitution
The reference, although not explicitly mentioning the Folgore, appeared unequivocal. The general reiterated that the Army belongs to the entire national community and serves the Republic in respect of the Constitution, above partisan and ideological divisions.
The history, traditions, and symbols of the units, according to the general's message, cannot therefore be used as tools of belonging or political propaganda.
The Nation is not a partisan concept
During his speech, Masiello emphasized that the concept of Nation should not be confused with an ideology or a specific political position.
Serving the Nation means defending a community, its institutions, and a way of life built through the sacrifice of previous generations.
A belonging that cannot be based on divisions, personal conveniences, or controversies, but on the awareness of being part of a national community.
The oath as a life choice
Addressing directly the Initial Term Volunteers, the Chief of Staff reminded them of the significance of the commitment made with the oath.
The military choice indeed involves the willingness to put the good of the community before personal interest, regardless of the rank held.
Masiello defined this principle as the «seal of us over the I»: generals, officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers are united by the same values represented by the uniform and the stars.
«We do not serve Italy part-time»
The general then reminded the young soldiers of the reality and responsibilities of the chosen profession.
Life in the Army, he explained, does not coincide with a normal working schedule and does not offer shortcuts or easy comforts. The soldier must be available and prepared at all times, because the Army is called to serve the Country twenty-four hours a day.
Those who wear the uniform must therefore be aware of the personal sacrifices required and the need to prepare for the most difficult scenarios.
The message to the volunteers was clear: those who do not fully recognize themselves in these values still have time to choose a different path. Those who instead fully accept the meaning of the oath will enter a community in which they will never be left alone.
«Peace is no longer taken for granted»
The intervention concluded with a reference to the international situation and the progressive deterioration of the security framework.
According to Masiello, peace can no longer be considered an automatic and permanent condition. To preserve it, credible, trained, and ready Armed Forces are necessary, but they must be part of a broader national security culture.
A responsibility that does not concern only the military, but the entire Country system: institutions, citizens, industry, and civil society.
The speech delivered in Ascoli Piceno thus assumes a dual meaning. On one hand, the defense of the impartiality and unity of the Army; on the other, the call for military preparedness in a historical phase in which conflicts, international crises, and hybrid threats make national security increasingly complex.
The Folgore, like every unit of the Armed Forces, preserves a history, traditions, and a military identity.
But it does not belong to a political faction: it belongs to Italy.
Sources
La7 – Vannacci, Alemanno: “The Folgore quintessence of the right”, July 10, 2026.
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