Official Photos: General Scuderi is the new Commander of MND-S

FLORENCE – The change of command ceremony for the Multinational Division South (MND-S) took place at the “Predieri” Barracks. In the presence of Corps General Salvatore Cuoci, Deputy Commander and Operational Area Commander of the Army Operational Forces Command (COMFOTER), local civil and military authorities, and representatives of Combat and Weapon Associations, Major General Massimiliano Quarto handed over command to his peer Giuseppe Scuderi.

General Quarto's Farewell

In his farewell speech, General Quarto expressed deep gratitude towards the Division's personnel, highlighting the commitment, professionalism, and passion with which operational and training commitments were faced, both nationally and internationally.

He particularly recalled the historic milestone of transforming the “Vittorio Veneto” Division into Multinational Division South, a process initiated in 2019 and completed thanks to a comprehensive path of field exercises, doctrinal evaluations, and assessments conducted by the top levels of the Atlantic Alliance.

Another significant achievement was the inclusion of MND-S within the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) as the Land Component Command, a recognition that testifies to the centrality of the Italian contribution within NATO.

Continuity with General Scuderi

General Giuseppe Scuderi, in taking over the baton, thanked his predecessor for the work done and assured continuity in the commitment towards NATO and the Italian Armed Forces. His leadership comes at a crucial phase for MND-S, which is welcoming the first Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers from allied countries that have joined the project, thus strengthening the multinational dimension of the Division.

Future Prospects and Commitments

The immediate future of the Multinational Division South is characterized by important operational and training activities within the Allied Reaction Force, under the direct command of the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps (NRDC) of Solbiate Olona (VA).

Among the most significant commitments, in February 2026, the Division will be a key player in the “Steadfast Dart” exercise in Germany, a major event that will test MND-S's readiness, interoperability, and command capabilities.

A Symbolic Passing of the Baton

The ceremony in Florence not only represented a change at the top but also a symbolic passing of the baton at a time of growth and consolidation for the Division. The work done by General Quarto has laid solid foundations on which General Scuderi can continue the path of internationalization and operational strengthening, confirming the role of MND-S as a fundamental tool for the collective security of the Atlantic Alliance.