Masiello awards ranks to 126 Marshals: the First Line of Command of the Italian Army

This morning, at the Non-Commissioned Officers School of the Army, 126 Cadet Marshals of the XXVI Course “Fermezza” received the ranks that consecrate them as platoon commanders: the first line of command, the women and men who will lead soldiers in the most difficult, dangerous, and remote places where the Army is called to operate.

It is they, the platoon commanders, who live every day alongside their soldiers, sharing hardships, risks, sacrifices, and responsibilities. It is they who, more by example than by voice, show the direction, inspire trust, and keep the unit united even in the most critical moments. If there is a daily, silent “medal of valor,” it belongs first and foremost to those who lead from the front line, always putting duty, the unit, and the mission first.

A ceremony full of meaning

In the presence of the Chief of Staff of the Army, General of the Army Corps Carmine Masiello, the ceremony represented the culmination of an intense two-year period, characterized by study, training, physical, moral, and professional tests that tested the steadfastness – not only in name – of this 26th Course.

One of the most emotional moments was the awarding of ranks by family members: a simple gesture, but full of pride and meaning, which ideally united family and Army in a shared journey of sacrifice and growth.

As per tradition, the “baton” was also passed between the XXVI Course “Fermezza” and the XXVII Course “Volontà”. A symbolic baton of values, responsibilities, and traditions, which seals the continuity between generations of Non-Commissioned Officers and the cohesion of the Institute.

The message from the Chief of Staff: example as the highest form of command

In his speech, the Chief of Staff of the Army recalled the path taken by the Cadets: years in which they did not seek shortcuts, but faced obstacles and difficulties, transforming them into strength, maturity, and character.

He reminded how this and all the Army Schools are, above all, “Schools of love for the Homeland” and of the soldier: those who command must first have learned to obey, because the authority of command arises from discipline experienced firsthand, not just from the stars worn on the shoulders.

Addressing the new Marshals, General Masiello emphasized that those who choose command also choose to take care of the people entrusted to them: guiding them, motivating them, helping them grow. Soldiers will follow their commanders not only for what they can teach, but above all for the consistency between what they say and what they do.

Example, he reiterated, is the highest form of command, and personal and professional dignity is the most precious legacy that every commander can leave to their unit.

Competence, resilience, esprit de corps, love of country: the compasses of platoon command

For the new Marshals, entering the role of platoon commanders is not just a career advancement: it is a solemn commitment.

Competence will be their first credential: knowing the means, procedures, and tactics in depth, to be able to decide with clarity even when time is short and pressure is high.

The ability to withstand difficulties – physical, psychological, operational – will make them points of reference in the most challenging theaters, in Italy and abroad, where the Commander must be the last to give up, the first to rise again.

The esprit de corps will be the glue that keeps the platoon united: feeling part of something greater than oneself, where success is always collective and failure is a responsibility to share, not to offload.

Finally, love of country will be their moral compass: the awareness of serving not just a unit, but the entire national community, defending its freedom, security, and value.

Towards operational units: from School to field

With today's ceremony, a demanding training cycle closes and another begins: the new Marshals of the XXVI Course “Fermezza” will now continue with the specialization phase at the Schools and Weapon and Specialty Commands, and then reach the operational units of the Italian Army throughout the national territory.

There, in the units, on the ranges, at guard posts, on missions abroad, and in the most complex contexts, they will wear every day, silently, their true “medal of valor”: the example.

An example made of competence, resilience, esprit de corps, and love of country. These will be the beacons guiding the new platoon commanders along a professional life in the service of the Army and Italy.