Paratrooper General Stefano Messina assumes command of the Military Academy of Modena: “Base your profession on knowledge”

With a solemn ceremony held in the honor courtyard of the Military Academy of Modena, Major General Stefano Messina officially assumed command of the institute, becoming the 70th Commander of the prestigious training school for Army and Carabinieri officers. A return that carries the flavor of memory and responsibility: the same courtyard where, over thirty years ago, he stood as a cadet officer.

The return as commander where it all began

“I remember when I was in your place in this square, in 1993. I was also lined up in the honor courtyard, just like you. Assuming command is a great emotion,” declared a visibly moved General Messina addressing the cadet officers during the ceremony. A speech full of meaning, culminating with words that sound like a moral testament for the new generations: “Be determined and aware, base your profession on knowledge”.

The handover with General Davide Scalabrin – who led the Academy for almost four years – was marked by the traditional and symbolic handover of the institute's flag, in the presence of the highest civil and military authorities.

A career built in the field

The profile of General Stefano Messina is that of an officer forged both in operational units and in international theaters. After attending the Academy from 1991 to 1993 as a cadet of the 173rd course, he embarked on a career in the Engineer Corps of the Paratrooper Brigade “Folgore”. From there, a professional trajectory marked by prominent assignments, including the command of the “Sassari” Brigade in Lebanon, during one of the most delicate moments of the clash between the Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah. He also served as Military Attaché at the Italian Embassy in Washington, strengthening strategic relations between Rome and the United States.

Acknowledgments and tributes

During the ceremony, the title of cadet ad honorem was also conferred on the Magnificent Rector of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Professor Carlo Adolfo Porro, who was symbolically presented with the small sword. A gesture that strengthens the bond between military training and university academia.

Reactions from institutions

Institutional greetings and best wishes for the new commander were not lacking. Among them, Senator Michele Barcaiuolo (FdI), leader in the Defense Commission, emphasized: “The appointment of General Messina is a moment of great importance for our city and for the entire country. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a successful tenure.”

Corps General Carlo Lamanna, commander for Training, Specialization, and Doctrine of the Army, highlighted the achievements under General Scalabrin's leadership, including the transfer of the third year of training to the Academy and the launch of a new university curriculum for academic courses.

The arrival of General Messina marks a new phase for the Military Academy of Modena, in the spirit of continuity but also of innovation, entrusted to an officer who deeply knows the institute and embodies its most authentic values: esprit de corps, intellectual preparation, and absolute dedication to duty.