The Chief of SME visits the “Aosta” Brigade: innovation, training, and territory

On July 8, 2025, the “Aosta” Brigade was the focus of a significant institutional visit by the Chief of Staff of the Army, General of the Army Corps Carmine Masiello. The meeting, held in Messina, highlighted the central role the Brigade plays in Sicily, not only as an operational garrison but also as a model of military innovation and professionalism.

Accompanied by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Pasquale Spanò, the Chief of SME visited the Brigade Command and the main operational infrastructures of the city: the “Crisafulli Zuccarello” barracks and the “Ainis” barracks. Here he was able to directly observe the activity of three fundamental units: the 5th Infantry Regiment “Aosta”, the 24th Artillery Regiment “Peloritani”, and the 6th Command and Tactical Support Unit “Aosta”.

The focus of the visit was twofold: on one hand, to verify the progress of the ongoing modernization process; on the other, to value the military personnel for their high level of preparation and dedication. Central to the visit was the integration of new technologies in command and control (C2) systems, essential for ensuring rapid decision-making and operational effectiveness in complex contexts.

Professionalism and innovation: the strength of the “Aosta” units

The briefings with the Regiment Commanders provided a detailed overview of the Brigade's growth path. General Masiello was able to directly verify the training capabilities of the units and the use of new digital platforms introduced as part of the digitalization of military processes. The Virtual Training and Development Center (CASV), included in the visit program, was one of the highlights, demonstrating how the use of advanced simulation now allows training of military personnel in complex scenarios without the direct use of resources on the ground.

During his address to the personnel, the General emphasized: “The ‘Aosta’ Brigade is a flagship of the Army. The sense of identity that derives from the history and traditions of its units, together with its operational vocation projected towards innovation, make it a model of adherence to the main development axes of the Armed Force”. Words that testify to the trust in a historic unit, always at the service of the Country and today more than ever ready to face technological, organizational, and cultural challenges.

A particularly appreciated moment was the informal meeting with the younger soldiers as part of the “A coffee with the Chief” initiative. Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Graduates, and Volunteers had the opportunity to engage directly with the top of the Armed Force, expressing their experiences, ideas, and suggestions. This listening space helped to strengthen the sense of belonging and to value human capital, the true engine of the ongoing transformation.

An army at the service of the Country and close to the territory

The commitment of the Italian Army is not limited to the operational sphere. This is demonstrated by the attention dedicated to the well-being of personnel and families. The visit of the Chief of SME also included the nursery of the military complex in Messina, a concrete symbol of an organization that puts people and their needs at the center, even outside the strictly professional context.

To complete the institutional day, the meeting with local authorities, including the Prefect of Messina, Dr. Cosima Di Stani, and the Mayor, Dr. Federico Basile. This step reaffirmed the will to consolidate the synergy between the Army and the local Institutions, essential to build a cohesive and effective network in support of national security and the social fabric.

In an increasingly uncertain global context, General Masiello's visit offered a clear message: “I know I can count on all of you. I am sure that ‘la Veia’, as always in the past, will be ready if the Country calls, in any eventuality”. A reference to the historic motto “Under the impetus of Aosta the enemy vanished”, taken from the poem Piemonte by Giosuè Carducci, which continues to inspire the identity and pride of the Brigade.

The “Aosta” Brigade thus emerges as a concrete example of a modern and cohesive Armed Force, capable of combining historical values with advanced skills, in the service of national security and the community.