In an era marked by ongoing emergencies and an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape, Italy once again finds itself grappling with its own resilience.This is demonstrated by the daily commitment on the ground: Milan is a clear example, following yet another emergency overcome precisely thanks to the prompt and reassuring presence of our units in the field.
In this context, the proposal put forward by the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto takes on particular significance, aimed at the establishment of a voluntary operational reserve ready to support the country during times of difficulty and crisis, both domestic and external.
A crucial bill before the Committee
The initiative has reached a key parliamentary stage: the motion submitted by Senator Cinzia Pellegrino to the defense bill, currently under review by the Senate Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, formally commits the Government to defining recruitment criteria, legal status, and periodic training.
The aim is to create an auxiliary operational reserve that can be rapidly deployed and could eventually reach 40,000 men and women at full strength.This measure – designed to draw on both retired military personnel and civilians with strategic expertise – represents a concrete, forward-looking response to the requests of senior military leadership, ensuring that Defense has a flexible, well-prepared force for situations involving systemic crises or emergencies.
A history of dedication: from Vespri Siciliani to international theaters
The Esercito Italiano has demonstrated in the field, on more than one occasion, the extraordinary ability to do what others cannot or will not do.From the historic and complex operation "Vespri Siciliani" to extremely high-risk international theaters such as Somalia, Lebanon, and Afghanistan, our Armed Forces have consistently acted guided by a core value: the spirit of service to the Nation, something unfortunately unfamiliar and unknown to many.
Today the Italian Army is the very essence of this value: wherever and for whatever reason, it represents the last resource to which the Nation can entrust its survival and resilience.For this reason, it is entirely right and proper that the Army be able to rely on a willing segment of its people, ready to stand alongside it in times of greatest need.
Beyond personnel: technology, infrastructure, and twenty years of sacrifice
It is essential to understand that modern defense is not made up solely of personnel and willpower, but requires above all, advanced technology, modern infrastructure, and continuous training, elements that are now more indispensable than ever compared with all other branches of the state.
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The gap with other branches: Many other sectors and institutions, thanks to favorable internal and external factors and specific historical circumstances, have over time managed to keep pace with modernization.
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Twenty years of sacrifices and cuts: By contrast, the Army has made sacrifices in silence for more than 20 years, enduring deep direct budget cuts and drawing down its limited available resources in order to guarantee public safety.
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The value of the reform: Minister Crosetto's vision and the bill under review by the Commission are aimed precisely at reversing this course, complementing permanent-service personnel with human resources that are educated, trained, and equipped with cutting-edge technology.
Conclusion
Recognizing the Army's value means equipping the state with adequate structural, technological, and personnel resources.The creation of a prepared, trained volunteer reserve integrated into civil society represents the finest tribute to those who, in every moment of difficulty, ensure the continuity of the Nation and the protection of its citizens.
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