The recent suspension, for 11 months with immediate effect, of Major General Roberto Vannacci from his role as Chief of Staff of COMFOTER has triggered a series of reflections and immediate operational needs. The decision, taken by Defence Minister Crosetto and linked to the publication of the book 'Il mondo al contrario', means that the new appointment must be made, given the importance of COMFOTER within the armed force, with wisdom and urgency.
The context of this transition is delicate, the suspension of Vannacci, resulting from circumstances that have raised concerns and debates, poses the General Carmine Masiello, newly elected Chief of Army Staff, facing one of his first and most significant decisions. In a role where determination and effectiveness are assessed through timely and thoughtful actions, the choice of Vannacci's successor is more than just an appointment: it is a sign of the intentions and future direction that General Masiello intends to impart.
In this framework, the selection of the new COMFOTER Chief of Staff is not just a matter of replacement, but an opportunity to affirm and define objectives and priorities that take into account the upcoming challenges.
The selection of General Vannacci's successor is a carefully scrutinised process, with Division General Andrea Di Stasio, the current commander of the Army Aviation, among the favourites. Alongside him, two other generals emerge as qualified candidates: General of Division Francesco Bruno, Commander of the Acqui Division, and his peer Rodolfo Sganga, current Head of Department III, Industrial Policy and International Relations. Sganga's past collaboration with General Masiello in Afghanistan in 2011, together with his experience as Commander of Parachute Brigade Folgorecould decisively influence the decision-making process.
The evaluation for the choice will take into consideration a broad spectrum of qualities, from technical expertise to leadership, aiming at a candidate who can guarantee both the continuity and innovation needed to maintain COMFOTER as the fulcrum of operational planning and readiness of Italian land forces. In this context, the final decision will have to take into account the important commitments that the country has undertaken in NATO with the implementation of the NFM (New Force Model).
General Masiello's decision, therefore, will be a strong, first indication of his vision for theArmy. At a time when the armed force is facing complex changes and challenges, the figure of COMFOTER's Chief of Staff will be crucial in determining how these will be handled, ensuring that the strength and effectiveness of the Italian Army remains steadfast and projected into the future.
What is the COMFOTER
The Comando delle Forze Terrestri (COMFOTER) is one of the top areas of the Italian Army, responsible for various functions with a wide range of responsibilities.
Role of the COMFOTER
The COMFOTER is in charge of the operational planning of the land component as part of the organisational process for the preparation of international missions, of the conduct of missions in the national area under delegation from the Chief of Defence Staff and of the readiness of all the components of the Armed Force.
The COMFOTER exercises command and control functions over special branches of the armed forces such as the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE) and the Army Aviation Command (COMAVES).
COMFOTER-dependent forces
They depend on the COMFOTER:
- Army Aviation Command (COMAVES)
- Friuli' Airborne Brigade (Bologna)
- Army Aviation Support Brigade
- Army Aviation Training Centre (Viterbo)
- Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE)
- 9th Parachute Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin'
- 185th Parachute Reconnaissance Target Acquisition Regiment 'Folgore
- 4th Alpine Parachute Regiment
- Special Operations Training Centre
- Special Operations Support Department
- Acqui' Division
- Division Headquarters - San Giorgio a Cremano
- 57th Command and Tactical Support Unit 'Abruzzi' - Capua
- Vittorio Veneto' Division
- Division Headquarters - Florence
- 78th Command and Tactical Support Unit 'Lupi di Toscana' - Florence
- Capital Military Command
- Military Geographical Institute
- Military prison organisation
- Italian Army Band
- Bersaglieri Historical Museum
- Autonomous Military Command Sardinia
- Army Simulation and Validation Centre
The current Commander of COMFOTER is Army General Salvatore Camporeale.
