Transfer of Authority at the Army Staff: General Masiello takes over from General Serino

General Carmine Masiello is the new Chief of Army Staff. He took over from General Serino

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This morning, the Chief of Army Staff Transfer of Authority Ceremony between General Pietro Serino and General Carmine Masiello has taken place at the Army Olympic Sports Centre .

The hand-over of the War Flag by General Serino to General Masiello formalized the transfer of authority in the presence of Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Undersecretaries of State for Defence Isabella Rauti and Matteo Perego di Cremnago and Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, as well as military, civilian and religious authorities.

During his speech, Minister Crosetto said:” Continuity and change: the two words, apparently antithetical, are both indispensable. If continuity, in fact, embraces the deepest meaning of the institutions, change underscores their evolving spirit, their disposition to innovate, to move with the times. Change, in the military world, is never a leap in the dark. It is in the Army’s style to respond to changes, understand modernity, change by remaining true to ideals and values that remain unchanged: loyalty, a sense of belonging, labour ethics, commitment, total allegiance to the Republic. We must always be able to see the line of separation between fair and unfair: two words which underpin ideas and values which testify the need to know that we can always rely on modern, effective Armed Forces, able to ensure security in all domains, even the newest ones, like the space, cyber and underwater domains and strategic information”.

Admiral Cavo Dragone, during his speech, addressed General Serino by saying: “Pietro…you have succeeded in understanding the challenges posed by present complex scenarios, shown your sensitivity and farsightedness, supported a challenging transformation and modernization process in your Service, as shown, for example, by the establishment of new operational capabilities in a joint perspective”. Then, addressing General Masiello, he continued:” I was really pleased to listen to the list of your planned priority activities for the Army: training and modernization are fundamental processes, but you have done the right thing in spotting an aspect that is as crucial: ethics and values, a fundamental aspect especially for the youth, who are the deep soul and beating heart of the Italian Armed Forces”.

General Masiello, who had been serving at the Defence Staff, said: “The values of being in the military, besides characterizing the Institutions, are values that contribute to being able to overcome hard times. Wearing the uniform translates into a life choice based on rules of its own, exemplified in the wording of the vow of allegiance to the Republic we all pronounce at the beginning of our career. It is a contract we sign with Italy”.