Modena, March 6: The Oath of the Cadet Officers of the Military Academy

In the heart of Modena, within the solemn setting of the Cortile d’Onore of the Palazzo Ducale (home of the Military Academy), on Friday, March 6, the Cadet Officers of the 207th Course “Fermezza” will take the oath of allegiance to the Italian Republic. It is one of the most significant ceremonies of the academic year: a public and definitive step that transforms months of training and regiment life into a formal commitment to the State and its citizens.

A total of 254 Cadet Officers will take the oath, including 236 Italians and 18 foreigners; 44 are women. The ceremony will take place in the presence of the highest Defense authorities, General of the Army Corps Rosario Aiosa (Gold Medal for Military Valor), and civil and religious authorities.

The Flag, formula, and “I swear!”

The heart of the rite takes place in front of the Institute's Flag, when the traditional formula is read: it will be pronounced by the Commander of the Military Academy, Major General Stefano Messina. With this act, the Cadet Officers fully enter the ranks of the Italian Army and the Carabinieri Corps.

Italian law stipulates that military personnel take the oath with this formula:

«I swear to be faithful to the Italian Republic, to observe its Constitution and laws, and to fulfill with discipline and honor all the duties of my state for the defense of the Homeland and the safeguarding of free institutions».

What that oath really means

It is not just a “traditional” ritual phrase: it is a legal and moral commitment that establishes the pillars of military service.

• Loyalty to the Republic and observance of the Constitution and laws: armed service is explicitly anchored to the rule of law and democratic legality.
• Discipline and honor: it calls for professional ethics, individual responsibility, and respect for rules even in the most challenging contexts.
• Defense of the Homeland and safeguarding of free institutions: it clarifies that the ultimate mission is to protect the national community and democratic institutions.

The oath is also a moment shared with families and the community, as it makes the cadets' journey and the emotion of the eve “visible,” often recounted through the stories of the young cadets themselves.

To allow those who cannot be present to follow the event, the ceremony will be broadcast live on the Army's social platforms.