“I swear!”: the 238th course of the Nunziatella celebrates its military baptism

In the majestic setting of Piazza del Plebiscito, the identity heart of Naples, the Cadets of the Military School “Nunziatella” of the 238th course, dedicated to the Gold Medal for Military Valor Lieutenant Colonel Alberto Bechi Luserna, pronounced their oath of allegiance to the Italian Republic. A solemn moment, full of emotion, marking the formal entry of these young people into the great national military tradition.

The ceremony took place in the presence of high-ranking civil and military authorities: the Undersecretary of State for Defense, Senator Isabella Rauti, the Chief of Staff of the Army, General of the Army Corps Carmine Masiello, and the Commander for Training, Specialization, and Doctrine of the Army, General of the Army Corps Antonello Vespaziani. Alongside them, representatives of local institutions, Combat and Weapon Associations, and numerous citizens who wanted to share this decisive milestone in the lives of the Cadets.

After the speech by Colonel Alberto Valent, Commander of the School, the Cadets responded in unison with a powerful and vibrant “I swear!”, pronounced in the presence of the Institute Flag. A cry that resonated strongly in the square, symbolizing commitment, dedication, and awareness towards the founding values of the Republic. This moment, as brief as it is intense, represents for the young students their “military baptism”, the beginning of a journey that will see them grow as citizens and future servants of the State.

Values, leadership, and tradition: the message of the authorities to the Cadets

In her speech, Undersecretary Isabella Rauti emphasized the profound meaning of the ceremony, placing it in the international context marked by instability and hybrid threats. Addressing the young people, she recalled how the Nunziatella — among the oldest military training institutions in the world — represents a bastion of values, discipline, and tradition. “Your oath cry has shaken this square and our consciences,” she stated, highlighting how the School prepares its Cadets for the technological and operational challenges of the future, offering comprehensive training capable of facing the complexity of the contemporary world.

The message from General of the Army Corps Carmine Masiello was also profound and inspired, emphasizing the centrality of ethical leadership, service, and connection with one's roots. The Chief of Staff of the Army reminded that being a leader does not mean seeking personal primacy, but knowing how to elevate those who walk alongside: “Whoever believes they are a leader but has no one following them is not leading — they are just taking a walk.” A warning that goes beyond the military perimeter and extends to civilian life, because authentic leadership is above all service, example, and responsibility.

In his speech, General Masiello invited the Cadets to keep alive the bond with their family and personal history, recognizing them as irreplaceable sources of moral strength. Dignity, a key value for every soldier, was described as an inherited legacy and a gift to be passed on, a beacon guiding choices in the most complex moments. Words that deeply touched the Cadets and their families, present on a day destined to remain etched in collective memory.

Tradition, community, and future: the Nunziatella as a center of educational excellence

The ceremony was enriched by a spectacular and symbolic moment: the landing in Piazza del Plebiscito of the Italian Army Paratroopers, who unfurled a large Tricolor in the Neapolitan sky, welcomed by the enthusiasm of those present. A gesture that combines tradition, technical skill, and esprit de corps, offering concrete testimony of the operational excellence of the Armed Forces.

Simultaneously, the Army set up the large “Army Village” on the Caracciolo seafront, an exhibition space of over 17,000 square meters that allowed citizens to learn about the means, technologies, training activities, and professional opportunities of the military world. An initiative that strengthens the dialogue between Armed Forces and community, bringing young people closer to educational and professional paths often little known.

The Military School “Nunziatella”, with over two centuries of history, continues to stand out as a center of excellence in the Italian educational landscape. Through an annual public competition, it offers boys and girls the opportunity to undertake a three-year period characterized by high-level academic training, intense sports activity, and military training. It is not just about preparing future officers, but conscious citizens, endowed with civic sense, discipline, and leadership skills.

The oath of the 238th course is therefore not just a ceremony, but the starting point of a demanding and fascinating journey. A journey where history, values, and innovation intertwine to form the new generations who will serve the Country, inside and outside the Armed Forces: a promise to the present and future of the Republic.