source: Army General Staff

Since 1861 the Italian Army has been proud to serve the country with the same spirit and the same values as always.

The Italian Army is there today, was there in the past and will always be there, for you and with you

​​The history of Italian Army, although having roots much farther and deeper in time, began on May 4, 1861, when a measure by the Minister of War Manfredo Fanti decreed the end of the Sardinian Army and the birth of the Italian Army. The contribution made by all Italians who have had the honour of serving their country in Army uniforms is immeasurable and continues even today in this delicate period, which sees the Armed Forces on the first line to contain the spread of Covid-19.


In this particular period, not being able to honor this date with any ceremony, in compliance with the current legal provisions, in a video message on the social networks of the Army, the Army Chief of Staff, Army Corps General Salvatore Farina, addressing all Italians said: "We are soldiers, women and men of the Italian Army, we are truly proud to serve our country; the Army is there today, has been there in the past, and will always be there, for you and with you".


During his speech, Liutenant General Farina wanted to underline how in all these years the values of homeland love, responsibility, altruism, justice and freedom transmitted by those who preceded us have remained intact over time and are also the heritage of today's soldiers who carry out their daily duty in Italy and abroad.


Today the Army has about 2,750 soldiers deployed in most important international missions and over 15 countries, like Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan, kosovo, Lybia, Somaly, Niger, Mali, and many more international missions with many duties from development cooperation and support to stabilisation and reconstruction processes, training local security forces, called also "Security Force Assistance (SFA).


In Italy, about 7,500 soldiers are involved in the "Safe Streets" operation. They work with Italian law forces to control Italian land​, and are also intended to ensure compliance with the rules put in place by the government authorities, in order to contain the spread of Covid 19.


A commitment of the Army, which highlights the exceptional preparation and competence of all its men and women who, through training based on the spirit of sacrifice and dedication to their work, supply to​​ the Terrestrial Military Instrument, both advanced combat capabilities on the ground, and extraordinary possibilities of intervention, at home or abroad, in emergency and public utility situations.


The Army is a reassuring presence, demanded loudly by all citizens and local administrators, especially at this particular time that sees the Army employed on various fronts such as the sanitization and sanitation of public buildings, health care residences and roads in various municipalities of Italy, a contribution that would not have been possible without constant preparation and training over time.


The Army continues to guarantee its support to the National Civil Protection, for the distribution not only of health equipment and personal protective equipment but also food for the most needy citizens. A moment of difficulty that is highlighting the particular qualities of altruism and generosity of the soldiers of the Army, who have mobilized for the collection of materials and food items highlighting a very strong sense of civic duty that distinguishes them.


A valuable contribution is made in this emergency, especially by the approximately 200 to 260 Army doctors and nurses, who are constantly working in various military and civilian facilities in Italy, to relieve the burden of the pandemic on local health companies. By the way, an important Covid-Hospital was recently inaugurated at the "Celio"​​​ Military Hospital in Rome, thanks to the great contribution of our soldiers of the Army Corps of Engineers.


The I​talian Army in this date remembers​ its 159 years serving Italy. As one of the main Italian institution, created on etic values, in support to citizens and with capabilities to adapt to any change, Italian Army is a armed force ready and efficiently based on the human element and new technologies. Never as in this moment​​ our thanks goes to​ every soldier​​​!​


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