We respond to those who do not want the Army in schools: why it is important for young people to learn about the instruments of national defence

Ci ha destato molta curiosità l’articolo pubblicato su “Il Fatto Quotidiano” il 19 settembre intitolato “Piemonte, ‘no all’esercito nelle scuole’: la lettera contro le conferenze di orientamento organizzate dai militari“. L’articolo esprime una posizione estremamente critica nei confronti della presenza delle Forze Armate nelle scuole, descrivendola come una minaccia ai valori di pace e democrazia. Questa visione, seppur rispettabile, ignora quanto profondamente l’Esercito Italiano sia cambiato negli ultimi decenni.

The writer served as a troop volunteer in the Folgore Parachute Brigade from 1999 to 2002, un periodo in cui l’Esercito Italiano stava già attraversando un processo di rinnovamento. Questo cambiamento ha portato le Forze Armate, con l’introduzione dei militari professionisti e l’intensificarsi delle missioni internazionali di peacekeeping, dove era necessario confrontarsi anche con eserciti stranieri, ad adottare misure sempre più rigorose per garantire una cultura di rispetto, disciplina e trasparenza, prendendo le distanze da pratiche ormai superate.

Our commanders, back in 1999, firmly conveyed to us that any form of discrimination - political, sexual or racial - was absolutely unacceptable. I served my country, Italy, in an environment geared towards formal education, respect and the defence of democratic values. This change was already tangible in those years, and today the Army is even more focused on its defence function, not on warlike ideologies.

It is important to remember that the Armed Forces are not an instrument of propaganda or violence, but guarantors of democracy and peace, values enshrined in our Constitution. Military institutions are not tied to any political agenda, and orientation activities in schools offer a realistic view of a career in which service to the country is an act of responsibility and protection of fundamental freedoms.

The Italian Army, like the other Armed Forces, is heavily involved in operations to support and sustain international stability. Moreover, the same soldiers participating in these international missions are also involved in theOperation Safe Streets national territory, actively contributing to the security of citizens. Therefore, it is crucial that young people understand and know the tools of the nation's defence.

Il linguaggio militare, spesso descritto come rigido o formale, è in realtà fondato su un dialogo rispettoso e fortemente orientato alla professionalità della figura del Soldato o della Soldatessa. Formare i giovani a conoscere l’Esercito non significa promuovere la guerra, ma offrire loro un’alternativa di servizio al Paese.

The Armed Forces do not 'militarise' schools, as stated in the article in 'Il Fatto Quotidiano'. On the contrary, they enable children to understand what it means to defend freedom, peace and democracy - values that paradoxically the article seems to want to protect by removing the Army from the classroom.

Vivere in una società pacifica e libera richiede consapevolezza dell’importanza degli strumenti di difesa. Le scuole dovrebbero essere luoghi dove tutte le voci sono ascoltate, dove i giovani possono formarsi un’opinione basata sui fatti e non su stereotipi. Per farlo, devono essere esposti a diverse realtà, inclusa quella delle Forze Armate.

Today's Italian Army is an apolitical instrument, committed to the protection of democratic values. Denying young people the opportunity to learn about this reality means depriving them of a fundamental part of their civic education and understanding of the modern world.

The fact that isolated episodes of political exaltation or violence have occurred in some barracks, often at the hands of guests from a past that no longer reflects the reality of the Armed Forces today, is undeniable. However, similar situations can occur in any organisation or company. The difference is that, when this happens within the walls of a barracks, the military or political leadership of Defence has always acted firmly, punishing those responsible.

Nell’Esercito di oggi non c’è spazio per violenza o estremismo.

On this website, where we narrate the independent the history and activities of the Italian Army, with a special focus on the Folgore Parachute Brigade, there is no political reference or incitement to violence. On the contrary, violent or politically or racially motivated comments are absolutely forbidden, in line with the military upbringing received by the writer, based on respect and neutrality.

We believe that the Army's presence in schools is not an act of militarisation, but an opportunity for the young citizens of tomorrow to grow.

Cordially, Alessandro Generotti