Lieutenant General Paratrooper Giovanni Iannucci is the new Commander of COVI (Joint Operational Command)

The former Commander of the Paratrooper Brigade Folgore, Lieutenant General Paratrooper Giovanni Iannucci, has been appointed as the new Commander of COVI (Joint Operational Command), succeeding Lieutenant General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo. Iannucci thus leaves his position as Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Defense to take on the role of Commander of one of the most important defense leadership positions.

The Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto himself, in a press release, wanted to recall the time spent "by his side," highlighting his competence and professionalism:

"It is an important milestone, both personally and professionally, that comes at a particularly delicate historical moment. In the role of Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Defense, I had the opportunity to appreciate his extremely high professionalism, effective and forward-looking management of the complex institutional and strategic challenges that the Ministry faced. I am certain that thanks to his undeniable competence, experience, and strategic vision, he will fulfill the new role with equal determination, without sparing any effort, making the contribution of Defense and Italy to international stability and security even more significant. Congratulations and good luck! "- Hon. Guido Crosetto

Who is Giovanni Maria Iannucci, an outstanding career in the service of Italy

Giovanni Maria Iannucci's military training began at the prestigious Military Academy of Modena where he completed the 166th Course "Dignity". His operational career started in 1988 when he was assigned to the 185th Paratrooper Artillery Group, which later became a Regiment, marking his first contact with the paratrooper world.

His experience further enriched when he participated in Operation IBIS in Somalia, an engagement that saw him confront extremely complex operational scenarios. Upon his return, he took command of the Cadet Officers Company of the 176th Course at the Military Academy of Modena, contributing to the training of future generations of Officers.

General Iannucci's career continued with increasingly responsible assignments: after attending the Staff Course at the War School of Civitavecchia and the Senior Staff Course of the Argentine Army, he held key roles within the Paratrooper Brigade "Folgore" and in various strategic offices of the Army Staff.

He commanded the Target Acquisition Group of the 185th RRAO "FOLGORE" and led Task Force "Victor" in Iraq, demonstrating remarkable leadership skills in operational contexts.

Between 2004 and 2008, he served as Head of the Staff Section at the General Office of the Chief of Army Staff. Subsequently, promoted to the rank of Colonel, he served in Germany in the United Kingdom's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC-UK) from 2008 to 2010, before returning to Italy to take command of the 185th RRAO Regiment. In 2012, he was appointed Head of Division J3 (Operations) at the Joint Operational Command (COVI).

In the following years, General Iannucci continued to distinguish himself in various national and international assignments, including the role of Deputy DCOS Operations at the ISAF Command in Afghanistan and the position, in 2015, of Commander of the Paratrooper Brigade "Folgore". His career reached another peak when he took command of the NATO Mission IRAQ and subsequently became Commander of the Southern Operational Forces.

In 2023, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Minister of Defense, a role that testifies to the trust and recognition of his skills.

In addition to his military capabilities, General Iannucci boasts a solid academic background, with degrees in Economics and Commerce and in Strategic Sciences, enriched by a Master's in International Strategic-Military Studies. His linguistic proficiency in English and Spanish and the numerous decorations received confirm his stature as one of the most respected and capable Officers of the Italian Army.

He is the second Maroon Beret in history to hold the role of Commander of the highest joint command, after Gen. C.A. Marco Bertolini (2012 - 2016).

Congratulations on the prestigious appointment, General! Folgore!