Responding to Those Who Oppose the Army in Schools: Why It's Important for Young People to Know the Nation's Defense Tools

We were very curious about the article published in "Il Fatto Quotidiano" on September 19 titled "Piemonte, 'no to the army in schools': the letter against orientation conferences organized by the military". The article expresses an extremely critical position towards the presence of the Armed Forces in schools, describing it as a threat to the values of peace and democracy. This view, although respectable, ignores how profoundly the Italian Army has changed in recent decades.

The writer served as a volunteer troop in the Paratroopers Brigade Folgore from 1999 to 2002, a period during which the Italian Army was already undergoing a renewal process. This change led the Armed Forces, with the introduction of professional soldiers and the intensification of international peacekeeping missions, where it was necessary to interact with foreign armies, to adopt increasingly rigorous measures to ensure a culture of respect, discipline, and transparency, distancing themselves from outdated practices.

Our commanders, even in 1999, firmly conveyed to us that any form of discrimination — political, sexual, or racial — was absolutely unacceptable. I served my country, Italy, in an environment oriented towards formal education, respect, and the defense of democratic values. This change was already tangible in those years, and today the Army is even more focused on its defense function, not on belligerent ideologies.

It is important to remember that the Armed Forces are not a tool of propaganda or violence, but guarantors of democracy and peace, values enshrined in our Constitution. Military institutions are not tied to any political agenda, and orientation activities in schools offer a realistic view of a career where serving the country represents an act of responsibility and protection of fundamental freedoms.

The Italian Army, like the other Armed Forces, is strongly committed to operations supporting and sustaining international stability. Moreover, the same soldiers participating in these international missions are also involved in Operation Strade Sicure on national territory, actively contributing to the safety of citizens. Therefore, it is essential that young people understand and know the nation's defense tools.

The military language, often described as rigid or formal, is actually based on respectful dialogue and strongly oriented towards the professionalism of the Soldier or Soldieress figure. Training young people to know the Army does not mean promoting war, but offering them an alternative of service to the country.

The Armed Forces do not “militarize” schools, as stated in the article from "Il Fatto Quotidiano". On the contrary, they allow young people to understand what it means to defend freedom, peace, and democracy — values that paradoxically the article seems to want to protect by keeping the Army out of classrooms.

Living in a peaceful and free society requires awareness of the importance of defense tools. Schools should be places where all voices are heard, where young people can form an opinion based on facts and not stereotypes. To do this, they must be exposed to different realities, including that of the Armed Forces.

The Italian Army today is an apolitical tool, committed to protecting democratic values. Denying young people the opportunity to know this reality means depriving them of a fundamental part of their civic education and understanding of the modern world.

The fact that isolated episodes of political exaltation or violence have occurred in some barracks, often by guests belonging to a past that no longer reflects the current reality of the Armed Forces, is undeniable. However, similar situations can occur in any entity or company. The difference is that, when this happens within the walls of a barracks, the military or political leaders of Defense have always acted firmly, punishing those responsible.

In today's Army, there is no room for violence or extremism.

On this website, where we independently tell the story and activities of the Italian Army, with a particular focus on the Paratroopers Brigade Folgore, there is no political reference or incitement to violence. On the contrary, violent or political or racial comments are absolutely prohibited, in line with the military education received by the writer, based on respect and neutrality.

We believe that the presence of the Army in schools is not an act of militarization, but an opportunity for growth for the young citizens of tomorrow.

Sincerely, Alessandro Generotti