Watch out for those two! Gen. C.A. Ristuccia is the new Commander of COMFOP SUD, Gen. Div. Belladonna new Chief of Staff

The transformation in the Italian Army continues at a brisk pace. In an atmosphere of concrete actions and few words, with a significant departure from his predecessors (no offense intended, but on this platform, for the good of the country and its defense system, we give credit where credit is due), the Commander Gen. C.A. Paratrooper Carmine Masiello is shaping the Armed Force by relying EXCLUSIVELY on the best talents.

The Southern Operational Forces Command with its subordinate Brigata Granatieri di Sardegna, Brigata Aosta, Brigata Pinerolo, Brigata Sassari and the Brigata Bersaglieri Garibaldi represents the most significant operational component in the Italian Army with about 20,000 men. A complex group to manage, considering the variety of heavy, medium, and light assets under its command and the number of men and women involved.

The Chief of Staff, once again, has sent a clear signal of renewal to the entire Armed Force. The appointment of General C.A. Angelo Michele Ristuccia as Commander of COMFOP SUD indeed identifies a specific profile of a General Officer, determined to achieve the efficiency and capability goals of the Units under his command, thanks to his vast professional and experiential background.

In the last five years, he has been, as Commander of the Brigata Ariete, responsible for the VJTF, the high-readiness force available to NATO, subsequently Commander of the Italian contingent in Iraq and finally the 13th Italian Commander of KFOR, the NATO Mission in Kosovo. An internationally recognized Commander, on whom General Masiello can fully rely to ensure that COMFOP SUD meets the quality standards necessary to face the nation's demanding commitments.

Appointed instead as Chief of Staff of COMFOP SUD is Major General Massimiliano Belladonna.

Coming from the Brigata Friuli, where he served as Commander, he has already worked under General Ristuccia when he held the position of Commander of the Division Vittorio Veneto. Attack helicopter pilot A-129 Mangusta, he is an Officer with a brilliant career, awarded several honors and decorations, both national and international, including the Gold Medal for Army Valor, Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, United States Air Medal with “Valor”, United States Meritorious Service Medal, along with numerous Solemn Commendations.

Surely COMFOP SUD has acquired a Command line of absolute level, worthy of its history and ready to face future challenges.