In the contemporary media landscape, the world of the Armed Forces too often falls prey to distorted narratives and ideological prejudices. The latest episode, the Piazza Pulita report on La7 titled "The Paradise of Italian Generals," has sparked the firm indignation of USMIA Esercito.
This is not just a defense of a category, but a claim to an identity founded on sobriety, sacrifice, and that traditional "obeying in silence" which is the pillar of military duty, but which can no longer be used as a pretext to endure gratuitous attacks without the right to reply.
The Refutation of Facts: Who Really Benefits from the Services?
The narrative of an elite exclusively benefiting from logistical-training bases collapses in the face of the objectivity of real data. USMIA Esercito, through Secretary General Leonardo Nitti, reiterated that these structures are actually the heart of welfare for the base of the Armed Force:
- Over 80% of users: Consists of Graduates (55%) and Non-Commissioned Officers (26%).
- Only 1.74%: Is represented by the quota referring to Generals and Colonels.
These are not "privileges," but Social Protection Organizations (O.P.S.) provided by law. They serve to compensate, at least in part, for the heavy limitations of military life: frequent transfers, long months away from family, and an operationality that wears down private and social life.
The Importance of Associations: The Only Shield Against Prejudice
In a system where the military, by law and ethics, maintains a profile of confidentiality and neutrality, Professional Associations with Trade Union Character among Military (APCSM) like USMIA become the only true shield against instrumental attacks.
Without these free and structured voices, the personnel with stars would remain defenseless in front of media campaigns aimed at depicting the sector as a system of waste.
The courage of USMIA lies in breaking the silence to protect those who cannot speak, denouncing structural issues that the general public often ignores: staff shortages, forced mobility, and a pension system that heavily penalizes those who have served the State from a young age.
The Reality of the Leadership and International Comparison
Even the rhetoric of "too many generals" is refuted by data updated to 2026. The ratio between top officers and personnel in Italy is among the most balanced in the NATO area, significantly lower than that of partners like Germany and France.
Rather than "hypertrophy," the numbers describe a hierarchical pyramid functional to modern command needs and international commitments, where the rank is not an honorary title but an operational requirement.
Conclusion: Respect for Those Who Serve the Nation
The military are not propaganda tools nor targets for ideological controversies. Their sobriety is a value, but it should not become a point of weakness.
Defending the personnel with stars means respecting the men and women who every day, in silence and away from the spotlight, ensure the safety of citizens. As emphasized by USMIA, it is time to replace sensational headlines with a serious and fact-based discussion, aimed at the concrete protection of those who have chosen to serve the Country with dedication.
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