The changing wind, Paratroopers at the top

When I joined the Folgore in 1999, a saying circulated in the corridors of the cold dormitories of the Bandini barracks in Siena: 'A paratrooper officer will never make a career. It is impossible to see an amaranth beret at the top of the armed forces'.

There was talk of General Franco Angioni, who became National Armaments Director in the mid-1990s and came close to being appointed Chief of the EMS, or of his colleague Franco Monticone, who had been launched to the top ranks of the armed forces before the Lady Golpe affair swept away an extraordinary career (the judicial outcome was clear and saw the General's accusers convicted of slander).

In the current context, however, the Italian Army  is facing a historic milestone with the appointment of the Army Parachutist General Carmine Masiello, a Chief of Army Staff.

Masiello's appointment marks a turning point in the approach and strategic vision of the Italian Armed Forces, highlighting the increasing importance attached to the experience and expertise gained within paratroop units.

The Commander with a capital 'C' and the courage of the Hon. Guido Crosetto

General Masiello embodies the virtues and experience gained during a career that to call prestigious may even seem 'reductive'.

Dean, today, of the Parachutists, 163° Course at the Modena Military Academy, we have spoken about him at length (and will not tire of doing so). His ascent began in the ranks of the 185th Parachute Artillery Regiment Folgore which later became RRAO 'Thunderbolt' where he was one of the main architects of its transformation at the turn of the century. It continues, of course, with the leadership of the same Parachute Brigade 'Folgore.

These key roles, combined with his experience as Deputy Director General of the Department of Information for Security and Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, delineate a professional profile of exceptional value, in which decision-making skills and strategic vision combine with first-rate operational experience.

It was by no means taken for granted that he would be chosen as Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, in a context, the political one, that often tends to favour less operational figures. The case of the failure to appoint General Bertolini in the past is an emblematic example.

However, the Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto has shown remarkable determination, clearly distinguishing himself from his predecessors.

We could call it a rare and significant act of audacity that marked a deviation from an established trend, demonstrating a willingness to enhance skills and operability even in roles of high, indeed, very high responsibility.

His decision stands as a break from what has traditionally been done, revealing a vision more attentive to professional qualities and experience in the field, which have often been undervalued in the past.

Super Generals

Not only Commander Masiello.

Today, numerous Parachute Officers hold important roles both within the Italian Army and NATO, highlighting the recognition of their skills and value in national and international contexts.

A trend that underlines not only the excellence of their training and experience but also the strategic importance of these commanders in critical operational and decision-making areas.

Their impact in key positions reflects confidence in their dynamic approach, determination and ability to tackle complex challenges, contributing significantly to the leadership and effectiveness of military operations and international missions.

A 'heavy' name wearing the amaranth beret is undoubtedly that of the Army Parachutist General Giovanni Maria Iannucci, current Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Defence.

Iannucci brings with him a wealth of experience.

His training began at the prestigious Military Academy in Modena where he completed the 166° Dignity' course. His operational career began in 1988 when he was assigned to the 185th Parachute Artillery Group, which later became the Regiment, marking his first contact with the world of paratroopers.

His experience was further enriched when he participated in the Operation IBIS in Somalia a commitment that saw him confronted with extremely complex operational scenarios. Upon his return, he assumed command of the Officer Trainee Company of the 176th Course at the Modena Military Academy contributing to the training of future generations of officers.

General Iannucci's career continued with assignments of increasing responsibility: after attending the Staff Course at the Civitavecchia War School and the Argentine Army Staff Course, he held key positions within the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade and in various strategic offices of the Army Staff.

He commands the Target Acquisition Group of the 185th RRAO and leads Task Force 'Victor' in Iraq, demonstrating remarkable leadership skills in operational contexts.

Between 2004 and 2008, he served as Chief of Staff Section at the General Office of the Army Chief of Staff. Subsequently, promoted to the rank of Colonel, he served in Germany in the UK Army Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC-UK) from 2008 to 2010, before returning to Italy and assuming command of the 185th RRAO Regiment. In 2012, he was appointed Head of the J3 Division (Operations) at the Comando Operativo di Vertice Interforze (COVI).

In subsequent years, General Iannucci continued to distinguish himself in various national and international assignments, including the role of Deputy DCOS Operations at ISAF Command in Afghanistan and the position, in 2015, of Commander of the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade. His career reached a further high point when he took over the NATO Mission IRAQ and later became Commander of Operations Forces South.

Finally, in 2023, he was appointed Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Defence, a role that testifies to the trust and recognition of his skills.

In addition to his military capabilities, General Iannucci boasts a solid academic background, with degrees in Economics and Business and Strategic Sciences, enriched by a Master's degree in International Strategic-Military Studies. His proficiency in English and Spanish and the numerous decorations he has received confirm his stature as one of the most respected and capable Officers in the Italian Army.

Also within the Armed Force, we have another prominent figure from the air force: the Army Parachutist General Stefano Mannino.

He began his career at the Military Academy in Modena with the 167° Fermezza' course in 1985 to specialise in Artillery in Turin. In 1990, with the rank of Lieutenant, he was assigned to the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade, where he served continuously for almost 20 years, carrying out the required command and staff duties.

Initially in the 185th Parachute Field Artillery Group, later in the 185th Parachute Artillery Regiment, then in the 185th Parachute Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition Regiment and finally in the Brigade Command Staff.

His operational experiences abroad, including assignments in Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, reflect his commitment to international operations and military cooperation, consolidating his profile as a leader.

Mannino furthered his education at prestigious institutions, such as the NATO Defence College, and held high-level positions in the General Staff, managing training, operations and transformation plans.

His role as Military Attaché in the UK, Commander of the Army Special Forces (COMFOSE), of the Military Academy of Modena, and above all as Head of the Information and Security Department of the Defence General Staff, the apex body of this department, they demonstrate a varied career full of responsibilities, as well as an uncommon ability to adapt and versatility.

His degrees in Strategic Sciences and Political Science and his fluency in English and Portuguese are indicative of his dedication to continuous learning and excellence, which, combined with the numerous decorations and honours he has received, including the Bronze Cross of Merit of the Army and the Commendation of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, celebrate his professional integrity in the service of his country.

His recent appointment as Commander of the Training and Turin Army Application School and promotion to army general in July 2023 represent the culmination of an extraordinary career.

Super even in NATO

We cannot fail to mention NATO's number 1 in Italy: the Parachute Lieutenant General Lorenzo D'Addario.

Current Commander of the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Italy (NRDC-ITA), D'Addario embarked on his military career by joining the Nunziatella Military School in 1980 and subsequently entering the 165° Course of the Modena Military Academy. After completing his training, he joined the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade in 1988, where he took on crucial roles as Platoon and Parachute Company Commander, participating in major international missions such as Provide Comfort in Iraq and the United Nations Operation in Somalia II.

During his career, he has gained extensive experience in both operational and staff assignments, serving in various capacities with the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Italy and other NATO structures in the UK and US. He has also held important positions with the Defence Staff, the Inter-Forces Summit Operations Command and the Army General Staff.

His command of the 5th Parachute Battalion 'El Alamein' and the 186th Parachute Regiment 'Folgore particularly distinguished himself during the deployment in Afghanistan as part of the ISAF mission testifying to his leadership skills and commitment in critical operational contexts.

He culminated his Folgore career with the command of the Brigade between 2013 and 2015.

Subsequently, with the role of 23rd Commander of KFOR, he further consolidated his international experience. As of 18 May 2022, General D'Addario assumed command of NRDC-ITA, the massive NATO multinational structure based in Solbiate Olona, Varese, which integrates personnel from 19 allied countries.

His role at the helm of the NRDC-ITA not only testifies to the trust and recognition of his capabilities by the alliance but also strengthens Italy's role in the context of European and transatlantic collective defence.

Also in the NATO sphere is the Army Parachute Ranger General Nicola Zanellian extraordinary career first in the air force, then in the special forces, distinguishing himself in the most demanding and strategic national and international contexts.

After graduating from 164° Military Academy course, entered, in 1987, the 187th Parachute Regiment 'Folgore' where he commanded the historic 5th Company during the IBIS operation in Somalia. He then quickly moved on, as a raider, to the 9th Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin' he began his career in the special forces, gaining significant experience in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

As a Major, he served as an exchange officer in the British Army's 3rd Division, taking part in the 'Telic 1' mission in Iraq in 2003. Back in Italy, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Operations of the Inter-Agency Command for Special Forces Operations (COFS). Between 2006 and 2008, he commanded the 9th Parachute Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin', before serving as Italian military attaché in London in 2009.

Promoted to Brigadier General, he was, in 2013, the first Commander of the Army's Special Forces Command (COMFOSE), and then continued his extraordinary career as General of Division in 2016, as Commander of the COFS (Inter-Forces Command for Special Forces Operations). As an Army General, he was appointed Deputy Commander of NATO's Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan in December 2020, a post that ended in July 2021. He is currently the NATO Deputy Commander at Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) in Izmir, Turkey.

General Parachutist in the Service of the Guardia di Finanza

Curious, but extremely prestigious is the role of the Parachutist General Massimo Mingiarditoday military advisor to the Commanding General of the Guardia di Finanza.

Coming from 164° course at the Modena Military Academy, known for his exceptional skills as both a military and civilian parachutist, having accumulated over 500 high-altitude jumps, his military career was characterised by numerous command positions.

Mingiardi has held all operational assignments in the air force: Commander in 1993 of XIII Cp. Paratroopers in Somalia during Operation IBIS, he subsequently led the 5th Parachute Battalion 'El Alamein' and the 183rd Parachute Regiment 'Nembo.

His career path led him to the position of "Aquila 1", Commander of the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore", between 2010 and 2012 and Commander, between 2016 and 2019, of the historic Infantry School in Cesano. He also holds numerous prestigious Command and Staff roles within the Army General Staff.

In his current capacity as military advisor at the General Command of the Guardia di Finanza, he provides his military expertise to facilitate synergy and coordination between the Guardia di Finanza and the Italian Army, ensuring that the military aspects of the corps are handled with the utmost professionalism and competence. He represents a crucial bridge between the two institutions.

The predestined

Who we will hear about in the future is undoubtedly the Parachutist General Rodolfo Sganga.

Originally from Varese, Sganga has had a meteoric career marked by remarkable achievements. An officer from the 169° Course at the Modena Military Academy, was initially assigned to the Serenissima' Lagoon Regiment in which he served as Scout Platoon Commander.

He was later Company Commander at the Military Academy and Fusilier Company Commander at the 183rd Parachute Regiment 'Nembo'. As Lieutenant Colonel, he took command of the 2nd Parachute Battalion 'Tarquinia', for which he was decorated with the Silver Medal for Valour of the Army in Afghanistan, for the splendours of 25 July 2009 in Bala Baluk.

Between 2012 and 2014, the took command of the 187th Parachute Regiment 'Folgore', bringing his experience and strategic vision to one of the Italian Army's most prestigious regiments.

His expertise was not limited to operational roles: as a staff officer, he held the position of operations chief at the Land Operations Forces Command (Comfoter) and the Army General Staff (EMS).

His international commitment is evidenced by his participation in no less than five (!) tours of duty in Afghanistan, which further strengthened his experience in complex operational contexts. His academic education is equally impressive, with degrees in Strategic Sciences and Political Science, as well as the attainment of no less than four master's degrees.

From 2014 to 2017, General Sganga represented Italy as Military Attaché at the Embassy in Washington D.C., strengthening bilateral relations in a crucial international context. From 2017 to 2019, he commanded the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade, confirming his leadership skills in one of the most significant and challenging roles, that of Aquila 1.

Today, as Director of the 3rd Department of the Secretariat General of Defence / D.N.A.. dedicated to Industrial Policy and International Relations, General Sganga applies his vast experience and strategic vision to development and cooperation in the defence sector, confirming his commitment to serving the country.

Between past and present

The 171st and 172nd Course of the Modena Military Academy have been the bridge between the past and the present 'churning out' first-class Parachute Officers.

Absolutely prestigious position held by the Parachutist General Giuseppe Bertoncello of the 171st course. His most important command positions include leading the 187th Parachute Regiment 'Folgore' as Colonel and the Brigade 'Aosta' as Brigadier General.

Bertoncello recently assumed the position of Chief of Defence Innovation Office, reporting directly to the Chief of Defence Staff. A crucial role in a department that aims at the innovation and strategic development of the Armed Forces, through an approach to military operations that goes beyond the traditional domains - land, sea, sky - by integrating the new Cyber and Space domains with the consequent extension of the battlefield (Multi-domain approach).

From the same course, 171st, the Parachutist Brigadier General Mariano Bianchi. An officer with important experience in the air force, having commanded, in the mid-1990s, the Airborne Company at the Military School of Parachuting (SMIPAR), then the 2nd Parachute Battalion 'Tarquinia', then the 183rd Parachute Regiment 'Nembo'.

Since 2020, General Bianchi has held the prestigious position of Joint Chief of Staff for Force Preparation of the Land Operations Forces Command (COMFOTER), in charge of planning and implementing the preparation and training activities of Italian Army units.

Moving on to the 172nd Course, we have a name that is already making noise in the rooms of the General Staff, a kind of other predestined: The Parachutist Brigadier General Roberto Vergori.

Like General Sganga, we are talking about one of the men destined to do a lot of talking in the future of the armed forces.

Born in Lecce on 28 September 1971, he began his career at the Modena Military Academy in 1990, attending the 172nd course, completing his training at the Turin School of Application. Since then, he has served in various command positions within the Italian Army, demonstrating exceptional leadership and unparalleled dedication.

Among his previous assignments, he commanded the 2nd Parachute Battalion 'Tarquinia' of the 187th Parachute Regiment 'Folgore', leading the readiness phase as a manoeuvre unit of the Joint Rapid Reaction Force (JRRF).

He was also Commander of the Joint Task Force 'Taormina 1' during the 'G7', held in TAORMINA, and Head of Division J3 (Operations) of the COVI (Interforce Summit Operations Command).

As a colonel, he served as Commander of the 5th Infantry Regiment 'Aosta' and, promoted to Brigadier General, he was, from 2021 to 2023, Commander of the Folgore Parachute Brigade.

During his career, General Vergori has actively participated in out-of-area operations in places like Kosovo, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Libya, acquiring a wide range of air force skills.

Today it is Head of General Office of the new Army Commander practically 'shadow man' of Commander Carmine Masiello.

Also from the 172nd, we cannot fail to mention another peer of General Vergori: the Parachutist Brigadier General Giuseppe Scuderi.

Born in Ischia on 29 March 1971, Scuderi began his military career in the 200th course at the Scuola Militare Nunziatella, before graduating as an officer at the Military Academy of Modena (among the very first in the course) and continuing his studies at the Scuola d'Applicazione in Turin.

He joined the Parachute Brigade as Platoon Commander in 1994 at the 186th Parachute Regiment 'Folgore', where he was to command between the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s, first the Cp. Mortai Pesante "Vampiri", then the glorious XV Cp. "Diavoli Neri'.

In 2012 he took command, again in Siena, of the 5th 'El Alamein' Battalion and in 2017, as Colonel, he will be Commander of the 187th Par. Rgt. 'Folgore' in Livorno.

In 2022, Scuderi was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and currently serves as Commander of the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Command Support Brigade in Solbiate Olona.

Looking to the future, the young Parachute Generals

The 174th Course of the Modena Military Academy boasts no less than four (!) Parachute Officers promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

This is an exceptional and rare event, especially in light of Law 244/2012 (the so-called Di Paola law), which imposed a more selective criterion for promotions, numerically limiting, up to halving, access to the rank of Brigadier General for candidate colonels.

Consequently, the simultaneous ascent of these four Parachute Officers underlines their exceptional capabilities.

Four 'young' Brigadier Generals representing the present and ready, indeed, very ready for the future of the armed force: the current 'Aquila 1', The Parachutist Brigadier General Massimiliano Mongillo and his course peers, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army Special Operations Forces Command (COMFOSE) Parachutist Brigadier General Andrea Vicarithe current Deputy Commander of the NATO mission KFOR  Parachutist Brigadier General Federico Bernacca and the Parachutist Brigadier General Nicola Mandolesifrom July 2023 Commander of the Pozzuolo del Friuli Brigade.

Mongillo's leadership was particularly highlighted during his commands of the 5th Battalion 'El Alamein' between 2017 and 2017 and of the 183rd Parachute Regiment 'Nembo' in 2018, culminating with his appointment as General in 2023 and subsequent assumption of the role of Commander of the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade.

Parachutist Brigadier General Federico Bernacca, another "hotshot" of the new generation of Parachute Officers, assumed command of the 5th Battalion "El Alamein" in July 2014, holding it until the same month in 2015. Subsequently, from 2019 to 2021, with the rank of Colonel, he held the position of Commander of the 186th Parachute Regiment Folgore.

The role of Deputy Commander NATO Mission KFORsucceeding Hungarian General Jozsef Szpisják, emphasises the importance of his experience and leadership in international contexts.

Parachutist Brigadier General Andrea Vicari boasts, despite his young age, a remarkable experience in the air force and special forces: Parachutist Artilleryman at the 185th Regiment, he lived through the whole transformation of the unit until it became RAO Regiment. He will be its Commander in 2018 and will then be appointed, in September 2023, the 5th Commander of COMFOSE.

On the other hand, Lieutenant-Colonel of the 3rd Grizzano Battalion (framed in the 183rd Parachute Rgt. Nembo), then, as Colonel, of the historic 187th Parachute Regiment 'Folgore', was Brigadier General Nicola Mandolesi.

The recent appointment of General Mandolesi as Commander of the Pozzuolo del Friuli Brigade, a unit that includes highly prestigious units, including the Lagunari of the 'Serenissima' Regiment, reflects the desire to disseminate the experience and skills acquired in the air force, promoting a holistic approach within the armed force.

Conclusions

The current panorama sees numerous Parachute Officers in top and highly prestigious positions, underlining the value attributed to their experiences both nationally and internationally.

General C.A. Masiello, together with other distinguished officers such as Generals C.A. Iannucci, Mannino, D'Addario, Zanelli, and all the others mentioned in the article, demonstrates that the dynamic approach and determination typical of paratroop units are, today, qualities that are appreciated and sought after for roles of high responsibility.

It is not clear whether this evolution is the result of the changed dynamics on the international scene; what is certain, however, is that the armed force is currently led by officers of extraordinary capability and competence.

The leadership of these Commanders, with their deep understanding of operational and strategic dynamics, will be crucial in effectively steering the future and the challenges that the Army and NATO will face in the near future.

14.03.2024 - Update by Webmaster and Author of the article:

First of all, we would like to express our gratitude to those who took the time to read our article, which highlights the increasingly influential role of Parachutists in the top positions of the Armed Force and Defence.
The article attracted thousands of hits in 24 hours, setting a record for our very young platform. We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary interest.
The feedback received is of paramount importance to us, so we would like to sincerely thank all those who took the initiative to contact us, inviting us to enrich the article with further prominent figures from the air force. However, we would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere regret for the omission of some Parachute Generals, whose importance to the Armed Force is undeniable.
However, it is important to emphasise that our work relied entirely on information in the public domain and that the process of reconstructing the careers and current positions of General Officers proved to be a complex task that required weeks of research on the web, meticulous and precise searches.
Unfortunately, this limitation led to the unintentional omission of some Generals in the article.
We are already working to prepare a second article that will expand on and complete the missing information, ensuring that all the Parachute General Officers not previously mentioned receive the deserved recognition.
Our aim is to provide complete, accurate and respectful information, especially in a field like the military, where the Soldier, whether Officer, NCO or Troop Volunteer, dedicates his life to the ideals and values of our beloved homeland.
The article, however, aims to highlight the theme indicated in the title: 'Paratroopers at the top', which reflects a clear change within the armed force.

We would therefore like to take this opportunity to once again thank all those who interacted with us, enriching our work with their valuable contributions.

C.le Magg. Par. in congedo Alessandro Generotti - Webmaster BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET