The Vision of the Chief of Army Staff
In recent years, the international landscape has changed profoundly. The rules of peaceful coexistence now seem to be a distant memory and Italy, like the rest of the world, is facing war scenarios that until recently seemed confined to remote realities. It is no longer the time to take peace for granted: 'Nothing is taken for granted and nothing is forever', warns Gen. Masiello in the document "Vision of the Chief of Army Staff".
The Italian Army into the Future - The New Security Context.
The analysis starts with a realisation: we are immersed in a 'hybrid confrontation', where the battlefield is not only physical, but extends to the informational, cyber and economic domains. The global crises, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, show us a return to positional warfare, with trenches, minefields and artillery, but also an unprecedented combination of drones, hypersonic missiles, cyber attacks and operations in space.
In this highly competitive and dangerous scenario, the document emphasises the need for a different strategic approach. The Army is in the midst of a military revolution based on technology and digitisation, which are key factors in facing today's challenges. Artificial intelligence, space, cyber domain and information management are now central elements in the new employment doctrines.
The transformation taking place is not only technological. It is a change of mentality, requiring courageous and strategic choices to maintain the ability to react promptly to threats. It is not easy, admits Gen. Masiello, but it is indispensable. An Army prepared for war is an Army capable of adapting quickly also to peace and any other scenario.
The Three Backbones of the Italian Army: Technology, Training and Values
In the strategic development plan outlined by the Chief of Staff of the Italian Army for the coming years, the three main axes on which to build the Armed Force of the future clearly emerge: technology, training e values. These are complementary and inseparable pillars, capable of making the Army equal to the new global challenges in an increasingly complex and multidimensional operational environment.
Technology: the Glue of Operational Modernity
Today, more than ever, technology means looking to the future. The Italian Army is being called upon to abandon its traditional image as an armed force 'of boots and rucksacks' and embrace a highly technological vision. The massive use of drones, cyber capabilities, satellite surveillance systems and electronic warfare is no longer an option, but an operational necessity.
As pointed out in the document, "today, all other factors being equal, whoever has technological superiority wins".. This requires a full integration of activities in the cyber domain and the electromagnetic spectrum, in order to protect units in the field and develop the 'tactical bubble' capable of guaranteeing superiority and security in high-intensity operations.
Training: Preparation is the First Defence
Alongside technology, training remains the beating heart of operational efficiency. The Army was not created for bureaucracy, but to be ready to defend the homelandin the name of the values of peace, justice and freedom. Training is the guarantee that the soldier knows how to do his duty, under all conditions and in all contexts.
As well expressed in the document, 'training is security, it is a guarantee to respond when the nation calls'. Physical preparation, discipline and the ability to handle extreme situations are the true insurance policy that every soldier carries. Training means being ready to face fatigue, scarcity of resources and the most difficult environmental conditions, without ever losing sight of the goal.
Values: The Deep Root of the Military Institution
War changes, weapons change, but values do not change that drive the women and men of the Army. They are the values that represent the glue of the institution, the ethical engine that supports every action and every choice in the field. The Homeland, the discipline, l'honour, I spirit of sacrifice, l'obedience, the courage, the loyalty and the sense of duty and belonging are the pillars on which military life is built.
These principles do not depend on the changing seasons of history, but constitute the vestiges of the Army's great past and the solid foundation on which to build the future. Wearing the uniform means lending oath of allegiance to the Tricoloura commitment that is honoured to the ultimate sacrificeif necessary. It is values that make the difference between an organisation and an institution.
As recalled in the words of the document, "if you want something, you have to fight: there are no shortcuts in life, but commitment and work count".
We need a Transforming Army: Young, Unbureaucratised and Open to Change
The Army of the future must be an Army of allin which everyone feels an active part of the change. It is necessary that each and every soldier, at every level, can and must suggest alternative solutions and proposals, without fearing the risk of making mistakes. Mistakes, if made in good faith and with a spirit of initiative, are considered an integral part of the growth process, while any form of inertia or immobility must be opposed.
Fundamental is focusing on young peoplethose who bring new ideas, fresh visions and a natural flair for using the latest technologies. From them is expected the ability to innovate and to be the interpreter of the necessary knowledge transfer between the military and civil society. At the same time, it is necessary unbureaucratise processes: bureaucracy is perceived as an obstacle to dynamism and adaptability. Commanders themselves, especially at lower levels, need to be freed from the constraints of complex procedures to focus on operational effectiveness.
Training: Heart of Innovation and Continuity
In a historical moment marked by crisis and uncertainty, the training becomes the central instrument to ensure the continuity and growth of the Army. Investing in minds means overcoming difficulties by having a clear and far-sighted vision. Training is the sap that feeds innovation and keeps the cultural and professional level of the Armed Force high.
Training is needed continuous and never staticcapable of moulding soldiers and commanders ready to face contemporary challenges. Soldiers who are motivated, proactive, pragmatic, capable of facing hardships and sacrifices with a sense of belonging and loyalty to the Institution. Commanders who know how to set high standards and dare, without fearing change.
Le challenges are won through continuous evolutionand training must be adapted to the changing times. We need an Army in which no one looks for shortcuts, but always puts himself on the line, with courage and determination.
Staff and Command: Service and Vision at the Centre
The staff are no longer mere support organs, but must place themselves serving the institutionfacilitating the work of commanders. We need an approach proactive and creativecapable of finding solutions to problems and offering clear and effective operational options. The higher the staff level, the greater the responsibility towards the subordinate levels: there is no room for mediocrity, but for concrete and measurable results.
The command, at each level, is defined as a duty of service. A commander is not such if he has not first known how to be a soldier. He must be able to set an example, share goals and passions, and create cohesion and consensus around the institution. Example is the highest form of teaching, because action is stronger than stated principles and values.
The Army needs courageous Commanders, capable of making decisions and taking responsibility for their choices. La meritocracy is the cardinal principle: not everyone can become a Commander, but everyone must be able to aspire to be one through the concrete demonstration of their abilities. The institution needs leaders and staff with vision, capable of leading the Army into the future.
Conclusion
The Vision of the Chief of Army Staff for the next three years defines a profound and necessary transformationbased on unshakeable values, continuous training, technological innovation, responsible leadership e bureaucratisation of processes.
Such a structured Army is ready to face the challenges of modernity, defending the Republic and its citizens, and keeping alive the memory of those who gave everything for the Fatherland.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
