Training the Allied Reaction Force for complex threats in Western Africa / page 10
Lieutenant Colonel SILVIO BRESCIA LESSONS FROM REAL WORLD CYBER-ATTACKS
How cyber and electromagnetic tactics and AIdriven deception challenge cyber awareness and defense strategies / page 13
Major SIMONE VALIENSI ENHANCING NATO’S DEFENSE: ITALY’S 5th MLRS REGIMENT BOLSTERS LONG-RANGE FIREPOWER FOR NRDC-ITA / page 17
Mrs. IRENE FELLIN THE HUMAN SECURITY AGENDA AT NATO The Alliance’s path to human-centered security / page 20
Lieutenant Colonel GENNARO BALZANO OBEDIENCE TO AUTHORITY IN THE MODERN MILITARY
Examining the psychology and the challenges of giving orders / page 23
Lieutenant Colonel FILIPPO TREMOLADA THE “VITTORIO VENETO” DIVISION AND THE MULTINATIONAL DIVISION SOUTH (MND-S) Leveraging tradition and readiness: MND-S and the legacy of the Italian Division in NATO Defense / page 26
Lieutenant MAURA MONTUORI COMITMARFOR’S STRATEGIC EVOLUTION: STRENGTHENING NATO’S MARITIME READINESS Italy’s Naval Command expands its role as the Maritime Component for NATO’s Allied Reaction Force / page 30
PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT
Public Affairs Office
NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy
EDITORIAL BOARD
COL Raffaele Della Rocca
LTC Gianluca Greco
GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PHOTO EDITOR
Patrizia Raimondi
NRDC-ITA PHOTOGRAPHERS
SSGT Marco Orrù
CPL Mattia Russo
Magazine
Everywhere Rapidly is the authorized official publication of the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps, Italy. All editorial content of Everywhere Rapidly is coordinated, for publication, by the Public Affairs Office. The contents of Everywhere Rapidly are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Nations thereby represented. All intellectual property rights, including copyright in the content displayed on Everywhere Rapidly, belong to their respective owners.
Printed by: Spinnaker s.r.l. - Olgiate Olona (VA)
COMMUNITY
Mrs. ANNE MARIE RAO BOURILLET
THE NISIC ENTHUSIASTIC WALKERS
“Let’s hike for friendship and wellness” / page 33
Lieutenant Colonel ANTONIO BERNARDO
THE COIN AS A COMMUNICATION TOOL IN ROMAN TIMES
Beyond currency: Roman coins as historical narratives / page 34
Lieutenant Colonel RICCARDO COSTA INTERNATIONAL DAY AT NRDC-ITA
A celebration of Unity and Culture / page 37
Colonel LEONARDO SCANDURRA WIND AND WAVES FOR THE NRDC-ITA SAILING CLUB
A year of community, camaraderie, and competition / page 40
Mrs. ANA DELGADO HUMMINGBIRD HEARTBEAT
The power of human connection in neonatal care / page 41
Mr. TONY CERELLA FROM COMMAND TO CONNECTION: THE EVOLVING ROLE OF LEADERSHIP
The human side of Leadership, a personal reflection / page 42
Lieutenant Colonel ROBERTO DESSÌ OPERATION OVERLORD: THE ROAD TO VICTORY IN NORMANDY
Insights from the NRDC-ITA Staff Ride on the planning, challenges, and triumphs of history’s largest amphibious operation / page 46
Wing Commander DEREK JAMES “LIVES OR STONES” Military Necessity and the Bombing of Montecassino 1944. What have we learnt over the past 80 years? / page 49
BEAUTIES AROUND US
2nd Lieutenant MARIANNA DAPOTO DISCOVER COMO: A CITY OF SILK, SURROUNDED BY STUNNING NATURAL BEAUTY / page 52
As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a pivotal year for NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy (NRDC-ITA) and the Alliance at large. This year marked our inaugural role as the headquarters of the newly established Allied Reaction Force (ARF), a significant milestone in NATO’s evolution toward a more responsive, adaptable, and collective defence posture.
The ARF embodies NATO’s commitment to readiness and rapid deployment, reinforcing our capability to address the unpredictable security landscape of today and tomorrow.
The first headquarters to take this critical responsibility, NRDC-ITA has embraced the opportunity to lead the way in shaping and refining this force, a role we will continue to fulfil for the foreseeable future.
Throughout 2024, we have leveraged this leadership role to drive the refinement of our professional capabilities, enhancing our deployable readiness and strengthening coordination with higher and subordinate commands, as well as with component commands. Steadfast Dagger 24, concluded in December, was another opportunity to learn how to better coordinate across all echelons in a non-Article 5 scenario, further proving ARF’s capacity to respond effectively to diverse security challenges.
Our commitment to readiness was further tested with our recces and planning, activities that have involved the HQ and – critically – the Support Brigade, part of our ability to rapidly project stability where it is most needed, a crucial capability as NATO adapts to a complex and evolving strategic environment.
Looking ahead, NRDC-ITA will remain steadfast in our mission to bolster our deployable capabilities, refine our professional expertise, and deepen coordination across the Alliance. The challenges on the horizon are as varied as they are unpredictable, but with the experience and momentum gained this year, we stand ready to face them directly and be stronger, more united, and ever prepared.
Warm wishes to all our families, on whose support I count to enable the vital contribution of each of us, HQ Staff and Support Brigade.
Buon Natale e felice Anno Nuovo!
FOREWORD
NRDC-ITA COMMANDER Lieutenant General LORENZO D’ADDARIO
BUILDING THE RIGHT MINDSET TO BE DEPLOYABLE
Warrant
Officer
(1st class)
ITA Army STEFANO GENCO
As I reflect on this demanding yet highly rewarding year, I am genuinely impressed by the progress we have made. Looking back over the past 12 months, the activities and achievements we’ve accomplished are remarkable. The ARF journey, which began only a few months ago, has seen us steadily improve our ability to deliver on the expectations placed upon us. I’ve witnessed an impressive array of activities led by the HQ. The work we have done in collaboration with the Components and other HQs has been nothing short of outstanding. Of course, we are not perfect and there is still much to be done. We must continue to train, test and exercise, ensuring we remain credible and capable of confronting any challenges that may arise. Steadfast Dagger 24 has been another valuable opportunity to train, learn from one another and strengthen our relationships with the Component Commands. Through these exercises, we are actively cultivating a culture of readiness, one that also includes our families. We must be prepared to deploy at a moment’s notice. This is the right mindset and we must ensure that our actions reflect this readiness. We need to deploy effectively, efficiently and with precision.
The NCO Corps plays a pivotal role in this process. I consistently see a highly cohesive NCO Corps, eager to support one another and ready to collaborate with various HQs and agencies to improve our performance. By fostering strong relationships and creating seamless connections, we enhance our overall effectiveness.
The ARF offers a unique opportunity for NRDC-ITA’s NCO Corps. While this is undoubtedly a demanding period filled with challenges, it also presents an impressive number of opportunities. We must adopt the right mindset and be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Effective preparation requires not only physical training but also mental fortitude. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of deployment preparation is ensuring that our families are ready for the possibility of our departure. Transitioning to a 24/7 job requires significant support and we must prepare them for this change as much as we prepare ourselves.
Training in the garrison is essential. NCOs must uphold firm discipline as a key to success. Proper discipline fosters a healthy atmosphere and ensures that we maintain the high standards expected of us. Historically, teams lacking discipline have failed; this cannot be allowed to happen. Moreover, we must continually enhance the mental preparedness of our unit. Over the past few months, I’ve seen a unified NCO Corps, always willing to step up, support one another and perform at their best. But we can always improve and the spirit I see in the Corps today gives me great confidence in our future.
NCOs must continue to step outside their comfort zones, always striving to provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the challenges we face. By doing so, we will continue to support the Chain of Command and uphold the high standards expected of us.
ASSESSING ARF DEPLOYABLE CAPABILITIES
A look at the ARF’s first deployment, a benchmark for NATO’s rapid response
WHAT IS THE ARF?
As discussed in previous articles, the creation of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) occurred as part of the first new NATO military strategy to defend the Euro Atlantic region in 50 years. Its creation was a reaction to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The ARF replaced the NRF primarily to increase operational agility and give SACEUR the capability to rapidly deploy a force to handle multiple situations. ARF tasks range from deterrence-related activities, humanitarian and disaster relief to warfighting.
WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE ARF CP CONCEPT?
In order to balance the readiness required of the ARF, the range of missions and the diverse geographical options for potential deployment, NRDC-ITA developed the Modular Expeditionary Deployment Concept. The concept organises the HQ in Modular Expeditionary Command Posts (MECPs) that are rapidly deployable, having a robust Reach Back in its static location.
MULTI-DOMAIN OPERATIONS CENTRE (MDOC)
The first modules consist of deploying personnel (mission tailored) that focus on Situational Awareness generation, Command and Control (C2) of Current Operations, Multi-Domain Orchestration and Crisis Management. Those modules are normally led by the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations (DCOS OPS) and their structure allows decision autonomy during the current operations window. Through these capabilities the Command Element is able to rapidly gain an understanding of complex environments and perform the key leader engagement and the messaging required for deterrence-related activities. These modules are likely sufficient for most ARF operations.
DIRECT FUNCTION
The direct function is responsible for the processes that require decision-making at the three-star level. The MECP is supplemented by a deployable module consisting of a staff group, based on J3/J35 personnel in the event of a mission of a prolonged duration or increased complexity. This module performs the
direct functions and focuses on Assessment, MultiDomain Operations (MDO) Synchronisation and Targeting.
INTELLIGENCE, PLANS AND LOGISTICS FUNCTIONS
The Reach Back module, consisting of the majority of the personnel, is located at the primary headquarters and is deployable to deal with highthreat environments and to increase staff robustness for long-term deployments. It primarily focuses on intelligence fusion, logistical coordination and longterm planning.
ARF CP CONCEPT CONSIDERATIONS
The MECP concept of deploying the minimum necessary force increases operational agility by reducing the need for intra-theatre transportation assets, benefits tactical survivability through a decreased signature and increased tactical mobility and achieves sustainable readiness.
The ARF HQ has a strong focus on readiness and our deployment of MECP modules to North Macedonia allowed the HQ to test its expeditionary deployment capabilities. Due to the rapidity with which the MECP could potentially be deployed, it is possible that the elements could arrive in the country before the staff is able to fully coordinate host nation support. Therefore, the MECP must be prepared to be initially self-sufficient in the areas of communications, mobility, power generation and sustainment. However, this concept is heavily dependent on overthe-horizon communications to ensure the staff can function with unity of effort.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE NRDC-ITA OPERATIONAL AND RECONNAISSANCE TEAMS?
The NRDC-ITA Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Teams (OLRTs) play a crucial role in maintaining NATO’s rapid response capability. They are tasked with gathering on-the-ground intelligence,
assessing operational needs and establishing essential communication and coordination links with NATO forces and local counterparts. This enables a rapid reaction in times of crisis, ensuring that operational strategies are effectively adapted to real-time conditions and that all tactical requirements are met before the main forces are deployed. Through these efforts, OLRTs provide NATO leaders with actionable insights, aiding in the quick decision-making process that are essential for maintaining stability in complex environments.
The OLRT’s involvement goes beyond mere reconnaissance; they act as the vital bridge between the command and deployed forces, facilitating logistical planning and interoperability among allied forces. Their role includes evaluating infrastructure, identifying logistical needs and ensuring alignment with NATO’s operational protocols. The team’s presence on the ground ensures NATO’s readiness to deploy larger forces if necessary, thereby reinforcing NATO’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.
WHAT DID WE ACCOMPLISH IN NORTH MACEDONIA? AND IN THE WESTERN BALKANS?
From September 30 to October 16, 2024, NRDC-ITA deployed an OLRT in Kosovo and a Command Node in North Macedonia.
The OLRT’s primary goal was to ensure the readiness of the ARF to support the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The deployment of the team in the Balkans region, alongside the MECP, the Strategic Reserve Force (SRF) and the Operational Reserve Force (ORF), underscored NATO’s strong commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the area, as well as its capability and readiness to respond to potential escalations.
During this deployment, the OLRT identified critical support requirements for a potential KFOR reinforcement, including logistical, infrastructural and operational needs. The team also fostered strong
relationships with KFOR HQ counterparts and other relevant entities, such as the Military Specialised Unit (MSU), the KFOR Joint Logistic Support Group (JLSG), the Regional Commands West and East (RC-W, RCE), the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and the Area Support Group Balkans (ASG-B).
One of the main objectives of the deployment was to exercise the MECP’s capability to operate in a distributed manner using NATO’s dedicated mission network, thus validating its interoperability among the ARF HQ, its components and the NATO command structure was a significant achievement.
Another key objective was to gain a better understanding of the logical challenges associated with deploying the ARF CP configuration and the level of multinational NATO Command Structure and NATO Force Structure collaboration required for expedited deployment timelines.
CIS OBSERVATIONS
We were able to successfully operate the HQ in a distributed manner and validate the ability to connect our systems and exchange information with units that do not have access to the dedicated mission network. We were also able to validate our ability to operate our battle rhythm while constrained by limited bandwidth provided by satellite communications. Our deployment was supported by the NATO Signal Battalion which conducted an experimental setup that allowed connections to NATO networks with 1/3 of their previous logistical footprint.
LOGISTIC OBSERVATIONS
The ARF HQ successfully conducted multinational and multimodal logistics, which required coordination with SHAPE, JFC Naples and the NATO CIS Group, and national/host nation approval from North Macedonia and Albania. We were also able to successfully test the readiness of HQ’s National Support Elements by conducting multinational predeployment checks and equipping all deploying elements with weapons and ammunition.
FUTURE WORK
The deployment of the MECP was extremely successful and highlighted the work that remains to be done. The ARF HQ will continue to conduct realistic expeditionary deployment exercises to refine the MECP concept by addressing distributed command post operations and logistical footprint reduction. Optimally, these exercises will be preceded by alert exercises that would include all components to comprehensively test the readiness of the ARF. The execution of the deployment was supported by an Italian support regiment, an Italian signal regiment, a German NATO signal battalion, an American NATO signal battalion and operational personnel from various Nations. The planning involved the executing NATO Force Structure Unit and four NATO Command Structure Elements: SHAPE, JFC NPS, JSEC and NCISG. We have now tamed the complexity of deploying the ARF which opens the door to working on the speed at which we do so!
Activities at the Modular Expeditionary Command Post (MECP) deployed in North Macedonia
EXERCISE STEADFAST DAGGER 24
ADVANCING NATO’S MULTI-DOMAIN CRISIS RESPONSE
Training the Allied Reaction Force for complex threats in Western Africa
Lieutenant Colonel ITA Army
FRANCESCO GRASSO
Exercise Steadfast Dagger 24 was a Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) sponsored operational and tactical level command post exercise / computer assisted exercise that trained the ARF in planning and executing non-article 5 multi-domain operations against a terror group challenging NATO and partners in Western Africa. The exercise was the first in a series of exercises to train NATO crisis prevention-management and cooperative security outside of SACEUR’s Area of Responsibility in the new context of Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area.
The NRDC-ITA and its Joint Logistic Support Group (JLSG) both joined Exercise Steadfast Dagger 24 as secondary training audiences, providing joint leadership of the overall operational planning process through the establishment of the joint operational planning group and the operational liaison and reconnaissance team.
The exercise was designed to validate the ARF component commands, with a particular focus on the Turkish Joint Force Air Component Command (JFACC) and the Italian Vittorio Veneto Division as the primary training audiences. It also included personnel from Spain (SP MARFOR) and the United Kingdom (UK SOF), as well as extensive resources from various branches of the armed forces. In addition, representatives from various governmental and non-governmental agencies took part in the event. Furthermore, the event involved key multi-domain actors, like the Cyber Operation Centre in SHAPE. Its personnel played the role of the Combined Forces Cyber Component Command providing both direction and guidance, and solutions to Cyberspace Domain problems and dilemmas.
Exercise Steadfast Dagger 24 saw NRDC-ITA HQ involved in the following critical activities.
The Academics (i.e. A-Block) was the first exercise event, and it was fruitfully conducted on February 12 and 13,
2024, highlighting the paramount importance of ARF HQ readiness to be deployed outside of SACEUR’s Area of Responsibility. Flag Officers of the ITA Vittorio Veneto Division, TUR JFACC, ESPMARFOR and external civilian speakers, such as teachers, experts and other speakers took part in the event, making an excellent contribution to understanding West Africa and the counter-terrorism threats in the region. The event provided the forum with a detailed West Africa overview, thus creating an ideal environment for a rewarding and proactive face-to-face dialogue between Commanders and other key actors. The Crisis Response Plan (namely C-Block) was the second exercise event, and it was conducted from March 4-22, 2024 to ensure the delivery of planning directives, plans and orders. A collaborative and parallel refinement of the plan was competently implemented at strategic, operational and tactical levels. The radiological threat proved to be critical in a NATO-led exercise scenario and it was given high relevance during planning activities, where the concepts were primarily developed by CBRN subject matter experts from ARF HQ and the Land Component Command. During the C-Block, all the operations planning groups of the training audiences remained in their static locations, with the exception of the NRDC-ITA HQ operational liaison and reconnaissance team, which was deployed to the Multinational Joint Warfare Centre in Istanbul (TUR), to interact with the simulated host nation and international community in the exercise area of operations, as represented by the Joint Warfare Centre grey cell.
The last event was conducted from November 20, to December 7, 2024 at the Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger (Norway). In order to ensure the execution phase of Exercise Steadfast Dagger 24 (namely E-Block) went smoothly, in its ARF HQ role, NRDC-ITA HQ was split in two parts, operating both from the Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger (Norway) and the Ugo Mara Barracks in Solbiate Olona (Italy). Furthermore, the Italian Army took the lead in countering the radiological threat through the Combined Joint CBRN Defence Task Force
response cell detaching the 7th CBRN Defence Regiment. Before STARTEX, a five-day warm-up was conducted to sharpen the STARTEX conditions and to gain familiarity with the exercise battle rhythm. Then, at the invitation of the host nations, NATO, through its JTF HQ, planned and conducted a small joint operation to counter terror group activities in Western Africa within the framework of the SACEUR Strategic Plan (SASP) interdiction model.
From the beginning of 2023, a comprehensive approach was used to design, plan and execute Exercise Steadfast Dagger 24. Throughout the exercise, many important activities—such as the Main Events List / Main Incidents List Strategy, Incident Development and Scripting Workshops— were conducted to develop, build and script the storylines and the injections to challenge the training audiences and support the evaluation requirements for the component commands.
As a final result and milestone, Exercise Steadfast Dagger 24 emphasised the importance of Key Leader Engagement. This was not only crucial to the success of military operations while they were being conducted, but also played a fundamental role in the analysis and evaluation of planners on the planning side, involving them in advance for what might happen in relation to an action that might affect the contingent crisis. Furthermore, it provided the right venue to implement and enhance procedures and functions within the cyber, CBRN and space domains, giving all the actors involved the chance to develop capabilities and proficiency in a complex and fast changing environment. In addition, the exercise highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach in the management of modern missions, integrating political, economic, social, security, rule of law and humanitarian aspects in close coordination with military aspects and capabilities.
Finally, NRDC-ITA could rely on the standardised procedures built up over 20 years of experience in the field, taking another important step forward and once again confirming its high capability level as a Joint Task Force Headquarters in its new NATO Allied Reaction Force role.
LESSONS FROM REAL WORLD CYBER-ATTACKS
How cyber and electromagnetic tactics and AI-driven deception are challenging cyber awareness and defence strategies
Major ITA Army SILVIO BRESCIA
As the digital landscape continues to change at an unprecedented rate, so do the tactics and tools used by cybercriminals. The advent of sophisticated cyber and electromagnetic activity (CEMA) attacks and the deceptive use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake images and voices have redefined the operating environment as a whole. These emerging challenges underscore the critical need for enhanced cyber awareness and robust defence mechanisms.
CEMA can be understood as a fusion of cyber warfare and electronic warfare capabilities. By leveraging the interconnectedness of cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum, adversaries can conduct operations that disrupt, degrade or manipulate both digital and physical systems. CEMA attacks are particularly insidious because they can simultaneously target information systems, communication networks and control systems, leading to widespread disruption.
AI has revolutionised various industries, offering unprecedented capabilities in data analysis, automation and more. However, it has also empowered cybercriminals with tools to create deepfakes—i.e. highly convincing fake images, videos and voices generated using AI algorithms. These deepfakes can be weaponised to impersonate individuals, spread disinformation and commit fraud.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, both governments and organisations face a growing array of risks that target critical infrastructure, military assets and even public trust. Cyberattacks have grown more sophisticated, with adversaries increasingly using CEMA to combine digital and physical interference, as well as artificial intelligence to deceive and manipulate. These tactics, once theoretical, have been used in real incidents with significant impact, exposing vulnerabilities in even the most secure systems.
This collection of case studies examines specific incidents of cyberattacks that exploited both traditional cyber vulnerabilities and emerging tactics, like AI-driven deception and CEMA-based interference.
CASE STUDY 1: THE UKRAINE POWER GRID ATTACK
In December 2015, a cyberattack targeted Ukraine’s power grid, cutting off electricity to nearly 230,000 people in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Hackers infiltrated the networks of Ukrainian energy companies using spear-phishing emails, gaining access to their internal systems. Once inside, they compromised the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, which are vital for managing the grid’s automated operations. The attackers remotely shut down substations, deployed malware (later identified as “Black Energy”) to destroy recovery files and simultaneously flooded call centres, preventing customers from reporting outages. The coordinated attack highlighted the
vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats and demonstrated the sophistication of modern cyberattacks, where both digital and physical systems are targeted.
This incident highlighted several key points: the need for robust cybersecurity in critical infrastructure, the importance of phishing awareness training for employees and the challenges of incident recovery when attackers destroy system recovery tools. Following the attack, Ukraine improved its cybersecurity defences, while the international community took note, emphasising the urgent need for safeguards to protect essential services globally from such threats.
CASE STUDY 2: THE IRANIAN CYBERATTACK ON US NAVY DRONES
In 2011, Iran intercepted and captured a US RQ-170 Sentinel drone, a high-tech unmanned aerial vehicle used for surveillance. Iranian military engineers reportedly used a combination of GPS spoofing and signal jamming to manipulate the drone’s navigation system. By sending false GPS signals, they tricked the drone into thinking it was near its home base in Afghanistan, prompting it to initiate an automatic landing sequence inside Iranian territory. Once on the ground, Iran secured the drone and claimed to have extracted sensitive data.
This incident was a major example of cyber and electromagnetic tactics used against military assets, showcasing the vulnerability of unmanned systems such as drones to cyberattacks. The capture of the RQ-170 raised concerns in the US about the security of its defence technology and highlighted the risks of GPS-based systems that are vulnerable to spoofing. As a result, the US Department of Defense increased its focus on cybersecurity for unmanned vehicles and developed safeguards against GPS spoofing
and signal interference. This incident illustrates the critical need to protect military technology from cyber-electromagnetic threats, which can lead to compromised intelligence and disruptions in military operations.
CASE STUDY 3: VOICE-CLONING SCAM AGAINST A UK-BASED ENERGY FIRM
In 2019, a UK-based energy firm was targeted in a voice-cloning scam in which fraudsters used AI to imitate the voice of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the parent company in Germany. The scammers created a highly convincing deepfake audio, replicating the CEO’s specific accent and tone. The UK CEO received an urgent call, supposedly from the German CEO, instructing him to transfer €220,000 to a supplier to secure an important contract. Trusting the familiar voice, the UK CEO authorised the transfer.
Once the funds had been sent, the money was quickly moved through multiple accounts, making recovery almost impossible. This incident revealed the vulnerability of voice-based authentication methods, showing how AI can exploit the trust placed in familiar voices. The energy firm suffered a financial loss of €220,000 and recognised the need for additional verification measures beyond voice recognition for high-value transactions. This case demonstrates the increasing risks of voice-cloning scams as AI technology advances and highlights the importance of multi-factor authentication and employee awareness of potential deepfake audio threats in corporate and financial environments.
CASE STUDY 4: THE GABON PRESIDENTIAL VIDEO CONTROVERSY
In late 2018, Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba suffered a stroke while attending a conference in Saudi Arabia. Following months of absence from the public eye, concerns and rumours about his health and ability to govern began to circulate in Gabon and internationally. In an attempt to quell the growing speculation, the Gabonese government released a video of President Bongo delivering a New Year’s address on December 31, 2018.
However, instead of reassuring the public, the video sparked further controversy. Many citizens and opposition figures questioned the authenticity of the footage, alleging that it was manipulated or even a deepfake. Observers noted that President Bongo’s speech appeared slurred, his movements were stiff, and certain gestures seemed unnatural or looped. These anomalies led to widespread suspicions that the video had been doctored to conceal the true state of his health.
The situation escalated dramatically on January 7, 2019, when a group of Gabonese military officers attempted a coup d’état. They seized the national radio station and announced their intent to “restore democracy,” citing the questionable New Year’s address as evidence that President Bongo was incapacitated and unfit to continue leading the country. Although the coup was quickly suppressed by government forces, the incident highlighted the profound impact that suspected deepfake technology can have on political stability.
The questionable authenticity of the presidential address undermined public confidence in the government’s transparency and honesty.
Opposition groups and coup plotters leveraged the doubts surrounding the video to justify their actions, demonstrating how misinformation can be weaponised for political gain. The incident highlighted the difficulty in verifying the authenticity of digital content, especially in regions lacking advanced technological resources. Even the suspicion of deepfake technology can have serious consequences, affecting not just individuals but national security and governance.
CASE STUDY 5: THE “KATIE JONES” LINKEDIN ESPIONAGE OPERATION
In 2019, cybersecurity experts uncovered a sophisticated espionage operation involving a fake LinkedIn profile under the name “Katie Jones.” Claiming to be a Russia and Eurasia fellow at the prestigious Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C., “Katie Jones” appeared to be a well-connected professional with a credible background. The profile featured a convincing headshot of a young woman with red hair and glasses.
However, upon closer inspection by researchers and journalists, it was revealed that “Katie Jones” did not exist. The profile picture was generated using an artificial intelligence technique known as a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), which creates realistic human faces that are entirely synthetic. This AI-generated image was designed to bypass traditional reverse image searches that might have flagged a stolen or stock photo.
The use of AI-generated images is a significant advancement in social engineering tactics, making fake personas more difficult to detect and increasing the potential success rate of espionage activities. By connecting with government officials and experts, foreign intelligence agencies could potentially gather sensitive information, influence opinions or gain insights into policy developments. Traditional methods of verifying identities, such as reverse image searches, are less effective against AI-generated images, necessitating new tools and approaches. Professionals must exercise caution when accepting connection requests, especially from individuals they do not know personally or cannot verify through other means.
CONCLUSION
These real-world examples provide insights into the methods, motivations and consequences of such attacks, emphasising the urgent need for improved cybersecurity, robust incident response plans and greater awareness across all sectors. Each case study illustrates a different aspect of the modern cyber threat landscape and underscores the critical importance of proactive defence strategies in an era where digital and physical threats converge.
The changing threat landscape demands a
multifaceted approach to cybersecurity. Strategies to improve defences against CEMA attacks and AI-driven deceptions may only be possible with comprehensive security training, use of multilayered authentication to secure communication channels and prevent unauthorised access, and use of advanced threat detection systems through AIpowered security solutions.
To prevent malicious activities, it is important to invest in technologies that protect against electromagnetic interference and jamming, to conduct frequent security audits and to hire ethical hackers to test systems to uncover vulnerabilities before adversaries exploit them.
Furthermore, in order to create a solid context that discourages harmful activities across the information environment, it is essential to develop partnerships with industry peers, government agencies and cybersecurity firms to share intelligence about threats and best practices. Likewise, it is necessary to promote media literacy and critical thinking promotion among the public, reduce the impact of disinformation and deepfakes, and advocate for laws that penalise the malicious use of deepfakes.
In fact, while organisations and governments play significant roles in cybersecurity, individuals are the first line of defence. Simple practices can make a substantial difference, e.g. always verify requests for sensitive information or fund transfers through multiple channels, use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly, keep devices and software updated to protect against known vulnerabilities and be sceptical of sensational content online and check multiple sources before believing or sharing.
In conclusion, improving cyber awareness is imperative. By fostering a culture of security and proactively addressing vulnerabilities, we can enhance our resilience against the changing tactics of cyber adversaries. The digital realm offers immense benefits but also presents risks that must be managed thoughtfully. As the threats become more sophisticated, so must our defences.
ENHANCING NATO’S DEFENSE
ITALY’S 5th MLRS REGIMENT BOLSTERS LONG-RANGE
FIREPOWER FOR NRDC-ITA
Major ITA Army SIMONE VALIENSI
Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) during a live-fire exercise in Vidsel, Sweden
In the realm of modern warfare, the ability to project firepower swiftly and accurately across vast distances is a cornerstone of military strategy. Italy’s 5th Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Regiment is a high-readiness asset in NATO’s arsenal, particularly its capacity to provide long-range fires to NRDCITA. As the threat landscape evolves, this capability is becoming increasingly crucial in maintaining deterrence and safeguarding Allied interests. Let us delve into the significance of the 5th MLRS Regiment’s role in bolstering NATO’s defensive capabilities.
The 5th MLRS Regiment is renowned for its proficiency in employing cutting-edge artillery systems. The regiment is attached to the Italian Artillery Command based in Bracciano near Rome. Currently equipped with the M270E1 MLRS, it will receive the latest M270A2 MLRS and HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) over the next few years, starting in 2027. This will further enhance its capability to deliver a variety of munitions to targets with precision, ranging from conventional highexplosive warheads (M31ER) to munitions able to saturate a wide area against soft targets (M30AWER) with ranges up to 150 km. In addition, these two new platforms will be upgraded to launch both ATACMS and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) with ranges of 300 and 499+ km, thus enhancing the Regiment’s operational fire capability.
TACTICAL AND OPERATIONAL VERSATILITY
A distinctive feature of the 5th MLRS Regiment is its ability to be used for both tactical and operational fires, further enhancing its versatility and utility on the battlefield.
Tactical Fires: In a tactical context, the regiment can provide responsive and lethal fire support to manoeuvring ground forces short of the Fire Support Coordination Line (FSCL). Whether conducting offensive or defensive operations, the precision and firepower of the MLRS systems enable commanders to dynamically shape the battlefield.
Operational Fires: The 5th MLRS Regiment contributes to operational-level objectives by engaging High Payoff Targets (HPTs) deep beyond FSCL. These targets may include command centres, logistics hubs, air defence systems and critical infrastructure. By striking these high-value assets with precision and lethality, the regiment disrupts enemy operations, degrades their ability to sustain combat operations and undermines their overall warfighting capability.
MULTI-ROLE CAPABILITIES: GENERAL SUPPORT AND REINFORCING FIRE SUPPORT RELATIONSHIPS (FSR)
In addition to its tactical and operational versatility, the 5th MLRS Regiment also has the capability to perform a variety of roles, from General Support (GS) to General Support Reinforcing (GSR) and reinforcing
(R), further solidifying its status as a multi-role asset in NATO’s defensive framework.
General Support: GS for NRDC-ITA 5th MLRS is provided to the Corps a whole and not to any subdivision therein.
The Regiment remains under the direct control of NRDC-ITA JFIRES. This ensures FS is immediately responsive to the needs of the NRDC-ITA Commander. It is the most centralised of the standard FS relationships. The zone of fire may be the entire NRDC-ITA AOR or a specific portion.
General Support Reinforcing: NRDC-ITA could decide to assign a GSR FSR to 5th MLRS (or part of it, down to platoon level) to augment the firepower of other artillery units belonging to one of its Div/Bde, enhancing their capacity to deliver precision strikes against priority targets, while retaining priority of fire for itself. The GSR MLRS Unit would be positioned by Corps according to the needs of the reinforced FS unit.
In this scenario, the MLRS unit in the GSR remains under the control of NRDC-ITA JFIRES. However, it can also be tasked, as a secondary role, to respond to Calls for Fire (CFF) from the reinforced FS unit. As a result, its zone of fire will cover the area covered by the reinforced FS unit. The Italian 5th MLRS Regiment has dedicated Liaison Teams to establish liaisons and communication with the reinforced FS unit. These teams work to synchronise efforts with other artillery assets, such as self-propelled howitzers and towed artillery weapons, thus amplifying the overall lethality and effectiveness of the combined arms team.
The GSR relationship gives the NRDC-ITA Commander the flexibility to face several different tactical situations.
Reinforcing: Like for GSR, Reinforcing is a tactical relationship in which one Fire Support Unit augments the fire of another Fire Support Unit, when the priority of fire is given to the reinforced FS unit.
The NRDC-ITA Commander can assign the 5th MLRS Regiment, or part of it, a reinforcing relationship to increase firepower in a specific area or support a manoeuvre unit by designating one or more Fire Support Units to augment the fire capability of another Fire Support Unit.
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION WITH NRDC-ITA’S COMMAND STRUCTURE
The dual capability of the 5th MLRS Regiment for tactical and operational fires seamlessly integrates into NRDC-ITA’s command structure, regardless of the role the Corps is playing (JTF, LCC, WFC), providing Commanders with a wide range of options to achieve their mission objectives. Whether providing support for immediate battlefield requirements or shaping the operational landscape,
EVERYWHERE RAPIDLY Insights
the Regiment’s firepower can be tailored to meet the changing needs of the operational environment. This flexibility enhances NRDC-ITA’s ability to conduct multi-domain operations, synchronise efforts across diverse theatres and respond decisively to emerging threats.
PRECISION AND LETHALITY: KEY ATTRIBUTES
One of the key advantages of the 5th MLRS Regiment is its ability to deliver precision strikes with devastating effect. Using advanced targeting systems and guidance technologies, such as GPS and inertial navigation systems, the Regiment can accurately engage high-payoff targets deep within enemy territory. This capability not only neutralises threats, but also minimises collateral damage, underlining NATO’s commitment to conducting operations with the utmost precision and restraint.
FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY IN DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTS
At the heart of the 5th MLRS Regiment’s operational structure is the fire platoon, the minimum unit size essential for the deployment and effective operation of MLRS systems. Comprising a cohesive team of skilled personnel and specialised equipment, the fire platoon serves as the fundamental building block for delivering precision. The fire platoon is the smallest MLRS unit that can receive and fulfil FSR and it is capable of operating and surviving autonomously. The modular nature of the fire platoon enables seamless integration into larger formations, such as batteries and battalions, thereby facilitating the coordinated employment of MLRS systems across multiple echelons of command. This scalability ensures that the regiment can tailor its firepower to match the scope and intensity of the operational environment, while maintaining the agility and responsiveness necessary to achieve mission success.
The integration of the 5th MLRS Regiment into NRDC-ITA exemplifies NATO’s commitment to fostering collaborative interoperability among member nations. The Italian 5th MLRS Regiment’s Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) are fully aligned with NATO Standardisation Agreements (STANAGs) and have been tested several times in joint training exercises, information sharing and doctrinal alignment with other similar units of NATO countries (USA, UK, Romania and France). This alignment enhances the ability to operate seamlessly together, leveraging each other’s strengths to deal with shared security challenges. The synergy achieved through such cooperation amplifies the effectiveness of NATO’s collective defence posture, deterring potential adversaries and preserving peace and stability.
CONCLUSION: A PILLAR OF NATO’S DEFENSIVE DETERRENCE
The 5th MLRS Regiment is a valuable pillar of NATO’s defensive deterrence, bolstering the Alliance’s ability to project power and protect its interests. By providing NRDC-ITA with long-range fires, the Regiment enhances NATO’s operational capabilities, enabling swift and precise engagement of threats across vast distances. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, investments in advanced artillery capabilities, such as those embodied by the 5th MLRS Regiment, remain essential for safeguarding the security and prosperity of NATO member nations and upholding the Alliance’s collective defence commitments.
Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) during exercise NASR 2021 in Al Qalail, Qatar
THE HUMAN SECURITY AGENDA AT NATO
The Alliance’s path to human-centered security
Mrs. IRENE FELLIN
NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security and Security
At the Washington Summit in July 2024, NATO celebrated its 75th Anniversary, providing a unique opportunity to recall the Alliance’s numerous achievements. Since its founding with 12 members, NATO has expanded to include 32 countries, all working together to safeguard their freedom and security. It is a community bound together by common values of democracy, individual liberty, human rights and the rule of law, as enshrined in the Washington Treaty.
The Washington Summit also provided an opportunity to reflect on past successes and the way forward on the two NATO Agendas under my remit: Women, Peace and Security and Human Security. In 2022, NATO made Human Security and Women, Peace and Security an integral part of its Strategic Concept, highlighting their cross-cutting importance for the Alliance’s three core tasks of deterrence and defence, crisis prevention and management, and cooperative security. In essence, Women, Peace and Security and Human Security are and have always been at the heart of NATO’s core values.
The concept of Human Security first emerged on the global stage in the 1990s and was first introduced by the United Nations (UN) in 1994, in its General Assembly Resolution 66/290. The aim of Human Security was framed as achieving individuals’ “freedom from fear” and “freedom from want”. Human Security was understood as “an approach to assist Member States in identifying and addressing pervasive and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihoods and dignity of their people.”
NATO’s Human Security Agenda is derived from the UN’s framework, although it has been adapted to the unique needs and mandate of a political-military Alliance. This Agenda is deeply rooted in the norms of international humanitarian law, as the Alliance has always been committed to abiding by its rules and principles. Most of NATO’s experience in this area has come from the operations in Afghanistan and the Western Balkans, focusing in particular on the protection of civilians and civilian harm mitigation.
Through these recent experiences, NATO has understood that during times of conflict and crisis, additional capabilities are needed to safeguard civilians at risk from various types of violence. This includes recognising the specific needs of a population based on age, gender and other social factors.
For NATO, the term Human Security refers to the risks and threats to civilian populations which may arise in all aspects of the Alliance’s work. At the 2022 Madrid Summit, Heads of State and Government formally outlined NATO’s approach towards Human Security by endorsing the Human Security Approach and Guiding Principles. This document provides the Alliance with a common understanding of Human Security and sets the principles guiding its integration into all that the Alliance does. NATO’s modern
defence posture – comprising a range of effective weapon systems, robust infrastructure and, most importantly, highly trained military forces – has the potential not only to enhance security but also to support and promote Human Security both within and beyond the borders of its Allies.
NATO’s Human Security approach is peoplecentred, gender-responsive, and prevention and protection-oriented. It aims to avert and respond to the risks and threats faced by civilians and their assets, especially in situations of conflict or crisis. The Alliance’s Human Security efforts encompass five areas of work in which the Alliance can be most effective: Protection of Civilians (PoC); Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV); Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (CTHB); Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC); and Cultural Property Protection (CPP).
Men, women, boys and girls as well as different communities and groups within a given society, experience armed conflict and crisis in different ways, resulting in varying security needs. Identifying and appropriately responding to these specific needs in the local context is an essential part of NATO’s approach to Human Security, in line with its common values of individual liberty, human rights, democracy and the rule of law as well as the moral imperative of protecting the civilian population.
Against the backdrop of increased strategic competition in NATO’s security environment, giving due consideration to Human Security allows NATO to distinguish itself from adversaries who deliberately target civilians during conflict or crisis. NATO’s operational experience has shown that a Human Security approach is essential for success, as it provides a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of conflict dynamics through the lens of the human environment. By integrating Human Security considerations into NATO’s core tasks, the Alliance seeks to prevent unintended consequences, such as harm to civilians, that could undermine the effectiveness of its operations, missions and activities. Additionally, this approach may also help build support for NATO’s actions among local populations, which is essential in gaining legitimacy and achieving long-term success.
With increasing urbanisation and the growing likelihood of warfare in densely populated areas, the need to incorporate Human Security considerations is more relevant than ever. For example, urban warfare increases the impact on the civilian population as a whole, as well as the interaction between armed forces and civilians – which can lead to an increase in civilian harm or casualties. It is also important to note that vulnerable groups suffer disproportionately from these effects. In addition, cultural property located in urban areas also becomes more susceptible to damage, destruction or theft. The protection of cultural property, therefore, not only strengthens a country’s own cultural identity, but also boosts respect for the cultural property and heritage of other nations.
This trend has been sadly illustrated in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. From the wilful killing of civilians, torture, rape and other sexual violence to the deliberate targeting of Ukrainian critical infrastructure and cultural property – Russia is instrumentalising civilians in this war in an attempt to erase the Ukrainian identity and undermine the people’s resilience and will to fight.
Focusing on Human Security thus enhances operational effectiveness and contributes to lasting peace and security, whereas neglect thereof has the potential to undermine the effectiveness and sustainability of the Alliance’s actions. By acknowledging the importance of Human Security, NATO ensures that its actions are consistent with its values and principles, helping to prevent the escalation of conflict and crisis and contributing to a more stable, secure and peaceful world.
At NATO, we remain committed to advancing this Agenda and to ensuring that our policies and actions reflect this commitment. While a strong institutional foundation exists, we recognise that there is still work to be done and we remain fully dedicated to continuing our efforts in this regard. NATO entities from its Force Structure, such as the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy, are and will be pivotal in this undertaking.
Ms. Irene Fellin is NATO’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, appointed in 2022. She is a leading expert in gender and security, with over 15 years of experience in international security. Fellin has been instrumental in initiatives like the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network, aimed at increasing female participation in peacemaking. She also founded the Italian chapter of Women In International Security, dedicated to advancing women’s leadership in peace and security. As NATO’s Special Representative, Fellin oversees the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and related resolutions, focusing on five key areas: civilian protection, cultural property protection, children in armed conflict, human trafficking and conflict-related sexual violence.
OBEDIENCE TO AUTHORITY IN THE MODERN MILITARY
Examining the psychology and the challenges of giving orders
Lieutenant Colonel ITA Army GENNARO BALZANO
What is obedience and why is it important in the military? What factors influence or enhance obedience to authority? Are today’s soldiers less obedient than those that served 20 or 50 years ago? Does obedience to authority need to be safeguarded in the modern military? If so, how can or should this be achieved? These are some of the key questions that this article will address.
Obedience is the tendency of individuals to comply with authority figures, even when doing so contradicts their moral or ethical beliefs. In essence, it can be seen as a form of social influence that occurs when a person submits to explicit instructions or orders from an authority figure.
Why is obedience important in the military?
Obedience is a fundamental pillar of the functioning of a military organisation because it helps ensure predictability of behaviour and enables the speed and efficiency required for the collective actions typical of military operations. It is also at the heart of military professionalism because the battlefield demands unhesitating obedience in situations in which, adopting the logic of civilian life, it would seem quite reasonable to refuse an order—such as in the interests of one’s personal safety—but which in the context of a battle is necessary to protect the safety of others or achieve a mission’s objective. Moreover, and probably most importantly, obedience to a military authority reflects a character trait that demonstrates trust in one’s superiors and confidence in the legitimacy of military demands.
The most famous and influential study on obedience to an authority was undoubtedly Stanley Milgram’s 1963 experiment on obedience at Yale University. The experiment involved forty male volunteers who were told that they were participating in a study about the effects of punishment on learning. They were divided in two groups—labelled learners and teachers. The so-called teachers and an authority figure—Milgram himself—were in one room, while the learners were in another. Each teacher was instructed to help another subject, purportedly like himself, to learn a list of word pairs. Each time the
learner made a mistake, the teacher was to give the learner an electric shock using an shock generator with 30 switches ranging from 15 to 450 volts. During the experiment, the learner and authority figure were colluding with one another to monitor the behaviour of the teacher. The learner pretended to be in pain when shocked. Moreover, the teacher was told—even if a learner falsely vocalised concern—to increase the shock level each time the learner made a mistake, until dangerous levels were reached.
Milgram found that two-thirds of the teachers administered even the highest level of shock, despite believing that the learner was suffering great pain and distress. Milgram concluded that the teachers had acted in this way because they were pressured to do so by an authority figure.
Milgram enjoyed relative “freedom of action” conducting the experiment. Today, it would be simply impossible to have the same freedom, using unaware participants in experiments that might lead to unwanted consequences. Interestingly, requiring informed consent started to become normal in the mid-1970s and, by the mid-80s, obedience research had pretty much ended worldwide. This has left open the question whether obedience levels are any different today than they were when Milgram conducted his experiment or if compliance with authoritarian social roles has increased or decreased over years. The best available evidence suggests that if Milgram’s research could be conducted today, the results would be essentially the same as what Milgram found over a half century ago: more or less the same two-thirds of people would presumably also obey an authority figure who pressed to punish learners that make mistakes; that is, today people would still administer shocks, up to the highest level, if an authority figure asked them to do so, despite believing that the learner was suffering great pain and distress.
The question now focuses on the factors that Milgram identified almost 60 years ago that still influence obedience to an authority today. First, Milgram argued that people typically operate in one of two ways when faced with social situations: they can act autonomously and choose their behaviour, or they can enter an agentic state, where they carry out orders from an authority figure and do not feel responsible for their actions.
We can infer, therefore, that the most relevant aspect of applying the well-known “mission command” concept is the fact that higher Commands need to be ready to accept that the level of obedience will inevitably tend to decrease. Additionally, it is clear that military leaders who do not assume ultimate responsibility for the actions of their subordinates are unlikely to command high levels of obedience.
The proximity of the authority figure also affects the level of obedience. To test the power of proximity, Milgram conducted a variation where the teacher
and learner were seated in the same room. In this variation the percentage of participants who administered the full 450 volts dropped from 65% to 40%, as the teacher was able to experience the learner’s pain more directly. Milgram found then that the closer you place the teacher to the learner, the fewer shocks the teacher is likely to administer. Equally, the further you place the learner away from the teacher, the less the impact they are likely to have. In simpler terms, this factor suggests that the continuous presence of an authority figure in the working environment of their subordinates is crucial for enhancing obedience.
Milgram conducted his original research in a laboratory at Yale University. To test the power of the location, Milgram conducted a variation in a run-down building in Bridgeport (Connecticut). In this variation the percentage of participants who administered the full 450 volts dropped from 65% to 47.5%. This suggests that the status of location affects obedience, with less credible locations resulting in a reduction in the level of obedience. Just as private research firms are often perceived as less prestigious than certain universities, some barracks— partly due to their physical appearance—may be seen as less appealing, comfortable or prestigious. This perception can directly influence attitudes and behaviours related to obedience.
In most of Milgram’s variations the experimenter wore a lab coat, indicating his status as a University Professor. Milgram examined the power of uniform in a variation where the experimenter was called away and replaced by another “participant” in ordinary
clothes, who was in fact also in on the experiment. In this variation, the man in ordinary clothes came up with the idea of increasing the voltage every time the leaner made a mistake. The percentage of participants who administered the full 450 volts when being instructed by an ordinary man, dropped from 65% to 20%, demonstrating the dramatic power of uniform. This suggests that an authority figure who frequently delegates issuing orders to close staff may experience a decline in the level of obedience from subordinates. Finally, Milgram highlighted probably the most important factor affecting obedience: legitimate authority. Variations on location and uniform highlighted that the lack of a uniform and a questionable position of authority reduced the credibility of the authority, which meant the participants were far less likely to obey. In other words, for a person to obey an instruction they need to believe that the authority is legitimate.
In conclusion, in everyday situations – including in the military – people obey orders because they perceive them as coming from a legitimate authority present in their environment. They are motivated by a desire to gain rewards, avoid the negative consequences of disobedience and often justify their actions by shifting responsibility to the authority rather than assuming it themselves. There is no evidence to suggest a need to safeguard obedience to authority in the military today, as the fundamental dynamics remain unchanged and are likely to persist in the future. What is probably needed, however, is a deeper awareness of the factors that shape, enhance or challenge obedience.
Fig. 2 - A moment of Milgram’s experiment
THE “VITTORIO VENETO“ DIVISION & THE MULTINATIONAL DIVISION SOUTH (MND-S)
Leveraging tradition and readiness: MND-S and the legacy of the Italian Division in NATO Defense
Lieutenant Colonel ITA Army FILIPPO TREMOLADA
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In a Euro-Atlantic landscape characterised by increasing competition and uncertainty, the Multinational Division South (MND-S) is a key component of NATO’s New Force Structure (NFS), making a significant contribution to the Alliance’s collective security. This division, built on the core of the Italian Army’s “Vittorio Veneto” Division, plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges through continuous training, skill refinement and the promotion of innovation. The MND-S enhances the Alliance by providing command and control capabilities for subordinate units, ensuring that diverse missions in support of three NATO core tasks can be accomplished.
FOUNDATION OF MND-S
SACEUR’s Strategic Directive, which refers to the endorsement of the MND-S, was officially signed in May 2024. The roots of this command can be traced back to a proposal from the Italian Ministry of Defence presented to the North Atlantic Council in October 2019, which approved the creation of this new headquarters as part of the NFS. The core of the “Vittorio Veneto” Division was identified as the foundation upon which to build this multinational command. The decision to include the MND-S in the NFS reflects Italy’s strategic importance in the Euro-Atlantic security context and its commitment to collective defence and deterrence.
TRAINING AND OPERATIONAL PREPARATION
Operational preparation is a fundamental pillar of MND-S activities. In 2023, the “Vittorio Veneto” Division was intensively involved in a series of multinational exercises that tested and refined its operational capabilities. These included “Ghost Command Post ‘23” (GHCP 23), a national Command Post Exercise (CPX/CAX) in which the 78th Headquarters Support Group (HSG) participated. This exercise was part of a multinational exercise called “Citadel Bonus ‘23” (CIBO 23) that was organised by the French Rapid Reaction Corps (RRC – FRA).
During the “CIBO/GHCP 2023” exercise, the MND-S HQ acted as Secondary Training Audience in a wartime scenario, testing its ability to plan and conduct complex operations, with a particular focus on the integration of land/air forces and the effectiveness of the C2 systems. The exercise also included the redeployment of the Division Main Command Post, while the Tactical Command Post ensured the continuity of the C2.
2024 was a critical year for the MND-S. The main goal was to achieve Combat Readiness through the evaluation process conducted by the Allied Land Command (LANDCOM). The “Steadfast Dagger 2024” exercise, held at the NATO Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, was the final step of this process, during which the MND-S demonstrated its operational readiness in a Non-Article 5 scenario, confirming its ability to act as the Land Component Command (LCC).
In July 2024, the MND-S was engaged – together with the personnel of the 78th Headquarters Support Group (HSG) “Lupi di Toscana” and the 7th Signals Regiment – in the “Wolf 2024” exercise.
The purpose was to verify the ability to deploy and activate three C2 Nodes (Two Forward Command Posts and One Tactical Command Post) maintaining the connectivity of the Communication Systems and Information (CIS) inside each Node and within the Nodes. Moreover, there was the ability to move the aforementioned Nodes (jumps) in a short time, guaranteeing C2 stability.
These activities were crucial steps on the path to assuming the role of LCC of the NATO Allied Reaction Force (ARF) between July 2025 and July 2026.
In addition to these large-scale exercises, the MND-S regularly conducts various forms of training, courses and seminars on modern conflict scenarios, involving international experts and academics. As such, in 2022, the MND–S signed a specific Memorandum of Understanding with the University for Foreigners in Perugia, Scuola Universitaria Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa and L’Orientale University in Naples.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF MND-S
The MND-S is a strategic asset and of great importance to NATO. In an unstable global scenario, characterised by threats from both state and nonstate actors, the MND-S’s role is becoming ever more important. Its primary mission is to ensure the collective defence of the Alliance through a ready and effective military presence, capable of rapidly responding to crises.
The conflict in Ukraine marked a turning point in NATO’s defence strategy, prompting the Alliance to reinforce its deterrence posture. In this context, the MND-S plays a crucial role, ensuring NATO is ready to defend Allied territory and respond to any aggression with strength and determination.
The creation of NATO’s New Force Model, a new structure replacing the NATO Response Force
(NRF), is a direct response to these new challenges. This model envisions the establishment of a rapid reaction force, distributed across different levels of operational readiness in various domains. The MND-S, as part of this new model, will play a central role in ensuring that NATO can respond quickly and effectively to emerging crises.
CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF THE “VITTORIO VENETO” DIVISION
The traditions of the “Friuli” Division can be traced back to its establishment as a Brigade in 1882. The unit then fought in the First World War in the Carso region. In 1939, the Brigade was reorganised as a Division and was involved in various military operations in France, Yugoslavia and Corsica during the Second World War. After September 8, 1943, its members formed the “Friuli” combat group, which fought against the Germans during the Italian civil war until April 1945.
In the post-war period, the Division was initially downsized to a Brigade then, following several rearrangements of the Army, it returned to being a Division again in 2013. The HQ moved from Bologna to Florence, occupying the “Predieri” barracks.
On July 1, 2019, the “Friuli” Division changed its name to “Vittorio Veneto” in memory of the decisive Battle of Vittorio Veneto, which marked Italy’s victory in the First World War. This historical legacy is further emphasised by the tradition and symbolism associated with the Division. The emblem of the “Vittorio Veneto” Division, derived from the insignia used by the “Friuli” Division during the Second World War, is a winged shield with a central, yellow and gold gladius – a symbol of strength – flanked by oak leaves, representing courage, and laurel leaves, symbolising victory.
Nowadays, the Division’s HQ is the “Predieri” barracks in Florence. Built in the 1920s, the barracks are dedicated to General Alessandro Predieri, Commander of the “Brescia” Division, who heroically fell in 1942 during the Battle of El Alamein. Over the years, the barracks have been home to various prestigious units, including the EUROFOR Command—a European multinational force established in 1995 and active until 2012. The presence of this multinational force helped to consolidate Florence’s role as a hub for international military cooperation.
The “Predieri” is also a significant cultural and historical heritage for the city of Florence, as many Florentines served there during their mandatory military service.
CONCLUSION
The MND-S embodies a distinctive blend of historical heritage and modern military capability. Through its unwavering commitment to operational readiness, training and innovation, the MND-S has become a crucial strategic force for NATO, ready to respond to emerging challenges and enhance security and stability.
Italy’s Naval Command expands its role as the Maritime Component for NATO’s ARF
Lieutenant ITA Navy MAURA MONTUORI
The Italian Navy Fleet during the main national exercise Mare Aperto ‘23, showcasing maritime operational readiness
INTRODUCTION
Recent geopolitical challenges, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and instability in the Mediterranean and North Africa, have heightened the need for a coordinated and cohesive response from the Atlantic Alliance. In this context, joint and synchronised action among NATO allies is essential to effectively address threats ranging from traditional sources to asymmetric and cognitive warfare tactics employed by state and non-state actors, as well as supply chain vulnerabilities. Demonstrating NATO’s strength and reliability is not just a symbolic gesture, but a fundamental requirement for maintaining global peace and stability. It is within this complex international framework that Italy’s Second Naval Division finds itself. Its dual role as COMITMARFOR and its forthcoming responsibility as the permanent Headquarters of Maritime South (HQ MNM-S) reflects its critical position in the Alliance’s operational readiness and strategic deterrence. As part of its expanded responsibilities, COMITMARFOR today serves as the Maritime Component Command for the ARF, reinforcing NATO’s maritime capabilities in times of heightened readiness.
BACKGROUND
NATO has continually evolved to meet new global challenges. Beginning in the 1990s, as post-Cold War dynamics reshaped international security, NATO embarked on a major restructuring process. This transformation, formalised at the 1999 Washington Summit and reaffirmed at the 2002 Prague Summit, gave rise to a more agile and adaptable military command structure. By bifurcating into the Command Structure (NCS) and the Force Structure (NFS), NATO was able to maintain a high degree of operational flexibility while allowing member nations to contribute forces on a rotational basis. The Italian Navy with its Second Naval Division was able to leverage its extensive and long-standing involvement in NATO-led missions such as Operation Active Endeavour, designed to deter terrorist activity in the Mediterranean, and become a key player. Italy’s contributions culminated in the establishment of COMITMARFOR on September 4, 2002. Located in Taranto (Apulia), this command exemplifies Italy’s proactive stance in international security, building upon its naval prowess and experience.
ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF COMITMARFOR
As the High Readiness Force Maritime Headquarters (HRF(M)), COMITMARFOR has the ability to command maritime operations across the full spectrum of military missions. Its flexibility, sustainability and multinational composition make it a cornerstone of the NATO Response Force (NRF). The NRF, a rapid-reaction “package” of forces with highly trained men and women ready for deployment, was developed to enhance NATO’s crisis-response capabilities. COMITMARFOR was a key actor in NRF, demonstrating its readiness to address maritime threats in several exercises and fulfilling the role of NRF Maritime Component Command. This multinational force is not just theoretically deployable; its operational readiness is supported by rigorous certification programmes and meticulous planning that takes up to 24 months. Moreover, the staff, including officers from 10 different NATO member states, is constantly trained for crisis response, enabling COMITMARFOR to lead complex missions in NATO and non-NATO areas alike. With the rising instability in Europe and beyond, NATO has further refined its deterrence strategies. In 2023, the Concept for Deterrence and Defence of the EuroAtlantic Area (DDA) was developed in response to mounting threats from Russia and terror groups. The DDA emphasises deterrence during peacetime and rapid military response during crises. Within this framework, the ARF was established, offering a new model of force deployment across multiple domains. COMITMARFOR, already experienced in multinational maritime operations with multidomain effects, was called upon to lead in this changing landscape, ensuring that NATO retains its maritime edge in crises and conflicts alike. The ability to mobilise, deploy and employ maritime assets, and sustain them, makes COMITMARFOR an indispensable part of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture. This capability has proven its worth in various NATO exercises, where the prompt response of forces often serves as both a practical drill and a visible show of strength.
FUTURE CHALLENGES: TRANSITION INTO HQ-MNM-S
As international tensions persist and new security challenges emerge, the need for greater NATO maritime commitment is clear. Italy, through its leadership of COMITMARFOR, has positioned itself at the forefront of this effort. With a 360’ perspective and a regional focus on the South and the Mediterranean Sea, Italy has offered to transform its existing Naval Command into a fully updated Maritime Division Command: HQ MNM-S. This new command, fully in line with the NATO Force Model,
will serve as a permanent and modern capability covering the full range of NATO’s core tasks. The HQ MNM-S will enable NATO to better address multifaceted challenges, providing a flexible and robust command capable of leading peacetime deterrence, collective defence and crisis management operations. Together with the capability to conduct high-end missions, the ability to plan and execute Security Force Assistance (SFA) missions, such as building partner nations’ naval capabilities, will be an added value, especially in contributing to regional stability. The HQ MNM-S will also be central to NATO’s efforts in deterrence and defence activities, and in preventing crises before they escalate into conflict. Operating to NATO standards, the HQ MNM-S will be able to project its force into crisis zones, operating from a floating command platform or managing operations from its base in Taranto, providing unparalleled flexibility. In a world where maritime security is intertwined with global trade and geopolitical stability, the ability of HQ MNM-S to lead collective defence missions will be vital to the Alliance’s long-term strategy. Whether ensuring deterrence through exercises in the whole SACEUR Area of Responsibility or providing command and control in crisis, the HQ MNM-S will strengthen NATO and make it an essential asset in addressing both current and future challenges.
FINAL WORDS
In June 2024, Adm. Bauer, Chair of NATO Military Committee said in his speech to the US Army War College: “In a world of me, NATO fights for the we. Strengthening deterrence and ramping up our defense is the best way to protect what we all hold dear. For we are collectively defending not only the physical safety of our 32 nations and 1 billion people, but also the democratic values we all hold dear.”
This quote represents the efforts and commitment of all the thousands of military and civilian men and women in the great NATO family.
THE NISIC ENTHUSIASTIC WALKERS
Mrs. ANNE MARIE RAO BOURILLET | NISIC Board Representative for French Contingent
“ Let’s hike for friendship and wellness”
Last year, I agreed to take charge of the NRDC-ITA Spouses International Club (NISIC) walking group and organise the hikes. What is this all about? Once a month, military spouses can join a hike somewhere in the Varese region. All the necessary information, including the distance, duration, level of difficulty, meeting point, meal location and so on... are made available by the organisation a few weeks before.
A friendly moment for exchange and meeting up, it is also an opportunity to improve or refine language skills. Depending on the people present, discussions might take place in English or Italian, or in many cases, using a mix of both languages.
These hikes give us an opportunity to discover pretty landscapes and viewpoints around the region, particularly near Varese or Como.
Always accessible and family-friendly (of course one of the goals of these hikes is to make them easy to do again, perhaps with family or visiting friends), the distance covered is around twelve kilometres done at a leisurely pace, taking between 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the breaks. Whenever possible, I like to include a historical or cultural element in the walk.
In addition to the camaraderie, which is always good for the soul, hiking is physical exercise that provides a work out for our joints, strengthens our bones, boosts our energy levels and also improves blood circulation and heart function. Indeed, regular exercise helps strengthen muscles, such that it is recommended to do 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
The brain also benefits from this physical activity by secreting hormones that can increase optimism and improve mood. The benefits of exercise for adults are well-established, but they are also proven for children. Hiking really helps younger people improve both their concentration and even their cognitive abilities.
Finally, physical exercise, particularly endurance exercise, increases the production of endorphins, a natural painkiller.
Whether it’s the Greenway along Lake Como or a walk around the Torba Monastery and the village of Castiglione Olona, these nature hikes can be powerful medicine. Many doctors agree that people who spend time in nature suffer less stress and enjoy better mental health. Ecotherapy or ecopsychology—a sort of “nature prescription”— is even recommended by doctors as a way to reduce anxiety and combat depression. It’s simply about reconnecting with nature, which hiking makes possible.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s never too late to start.
THE COIN AS A COMMUNICATION TOOL IN ROMAN TIMES
Beyond currency: Roman coins as historical narratives
Lieutenant Colonel ITA Army ANTONIO BERNARDO
Coins have genuinely ancient origins, traceable to the 6th century BC. The first monetary exchanges took place in Asia Minor, followed by Greece and, from the 3rd century BC onwards, Italy. Here, the earliest coins initially circulated among the Etruscan peoples and those of Magna Graecia. Later, the Romans began minting their own coins, which eventually came to be used across the Empire over a span of 800 years.
In practice, coins replaced bartering in commercial transactions. The use of coins, as it was more convenient than bartering, quickly spread throughout the Mediterranean basin. The earliest forms of coinage were crude and primitive, lacking any artistic value. Their purchasing power was determined by the type of metal (bronze, silver or gold) and their respective weight, set within a defined value system. Over time, coins acquired significant aesthetic features, which played a crucial role in directly understanding the culture and society of the ancient societies in which they circulated.
Coins were not merely used to procure goods but also played a central role in the payment of soldiers in an ancient context marked by wars between peoples and many invasions. Rome’s soldiers reached the furthest reaches of the empire, from Spain in the west to the Danube in the east, going as far north as Britannia, while in the south they occupied all of North Africa and pushed into the Middle East as far as Mesopotamia. For about 500 years, Rome was continually expanding. In this context, Roman coinage played a crucial role for these reasons: it established monetary authority for the trade of goods from all areas of the Empire bound for Rome; it served as payment for soldiers engaged in various military campaigns; and most importantly, it functioned as a means of propaganda enabling the Emperor to disseminate his messages to every corner of the Empire. The word “soldiers” itself derives from solidus, which was a Roman gold “coin.” Soldiers traditionally operated far from Rome, the centre of the Empire and site of the mint. The need to remunerate soldiers at different levels led to the emergence of multiple mints throughout the empire, as well as itinerant mints that allowed commanding generals to independently mint and disburse payments to motivate soldiers and avoid potential protests or uprisings. The ancient period marked by Rome’s hegemony is divided into two phases: the first being the Republican period and the second the Imperial period, which endured until its fall.
Coins, thanks to their portability, conveyed messages to every corner of the Empire. Thus, the Emperor communicated the same messages from Carthage to Carrhae in Mesopotamia, and from Londinium in Britannia to Antioch in the Middle East. In both periods, first during the Republican and later the Imperial periods, countless coins were minted, which over time have been discovered either by chance or
during archaeological digs. For instance, coins from the Antioch mint have been found in Rome, just as coins from the Aquileia mint have been found in Thessaloniki (ancient Thessalonica), demonstrating that coins circulated extensively and ubiquitously at the time. Today, these coins are housed in museums and private collections, allowing us to examine the nature of the subjects depicted and the legends inscribed in Latin and Greek, which served as advertisements for Roman policy.
At this point, it is important to provide examples of coins which spread messages across the vast Empire, consolidating the figure of the Emperor, the virtues of Roman society, the victorious campaigns against the barbarians and the army’s glory and cohesion. The earliest coins issued by the Roman mint featured images that had already been used in Greek coinage and in coinage circulating in the Middle East. In particular, the most common image on early Roman coins is the bow of a ship. Such an image frequently appears on earlier coins from Phoenician and Syrian mints under Seleucid rule. The ship is very important because it emphasises the importance of the fleet as an essential tool for crossing the sea and reaching distant lands.
Let us now look in detail at some examples from the different historical periods.
ROMAN REPUBLIC, AS, MINTED IN ROME IN 151 BC
The obverse features the head of Janus, the twofaced god, with the symbol “I” between the two faces; the reverse shows the bow of a ship facing right. At the bottom is the inscription “Roma,” and above, the name of the monetary magistrate, “P. SULA,” is legible. This likely refers to Publius Cornelius Sulla, who was probably the father of the famous dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla (dictator in 82–81 BC). On this coin, there is a religious message on one side, as it depicts Janus with two faces, the pagan god who looks to the past and the future but not the present. On the reverse, the bow of a ship is depicted, testifying to Rome’s dominance both on land and at sea, and the clearly legible inscription “Roma” reinforces this concept.
ROME EMPIRE, AS WITH EMPEROR NERO, MINTED IN ROME BETWEEN 54 AND 68 AD
The obverse of the coin has the legend “NERO CAESAR AVG GERM IMP” with the laureate bust of the Emperor facing right. The titles of Nero refer to the military campaigns conducted by the Roman army in Germanic territory: Nero Caesar Augustus GermanicusImperator. On the reverse, the inscription reads “PACE PR VBIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT SC.”
The legend in Latin is Pace Populi Romani Ubique Parta Ianum Clausit, meaning, “With the doors of the temple of Janus closed, peace was ensured across the Roman world.” The temple of Janus, a sacred site for the Romans, signified a period of peace for Rome when its doors were closed, whereas open doors indicated a state of war.
ROMAN EMPIRE, ANTONINIANUS WITH GORDIAN III, MINTED IN ROME BETWEEN 238 AND 244 AD
The obverse of the coin features the radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of the Emperor facing right, with the inscription “IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG.”
On the reverse, the coin depicts Securitas standing looking left, holding a long spear and leaning on a column, accompanied by the inscription “SECURITAS PERPETUA.” This coin conveys a very important message across the Empire, clearly intended to reassure the population of perpetual security.
ROMAN EMPIRE, ANTONINIANUS WITH POSTUMUS, MINTED IN LUGDUNUM (LYON) BETWEEN 259 AND 267 AD
The obverse of the coin depicts the radiate bust of the Emperor facing right, surrounded by the inscription
featuring the imperial titles “IMP C POSTVMVS PF AVG.” On the reverse, Fides is depicted between two Roman legion standards, with the inscription “FIDES MILITVM,” representing the loyalty of Roman soldiers.
ROMAN EMPIRE, ANTONINIANUS WITH AURELIAN, MINTED AT THE SISCIA (SISAK) BETWEEN 270 AND 275 AD.
The obverse of the coin features the bust of Emperor Aurelian wearing a crown and facing right, surrounded by the legend: “IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG.” On the reverse, Concordia is depicted among soldiers, accompanied by the inscription “CONCORDIA MILITVM,” intended to convey a message, to the people of Rome, of harmony among the soldiers working to ensure the security of the Empire, fostering a sense of peace
In conclusion, with these few examples of coins— though there could be countless others—it is clear that communication in Roman times was an institutional function of vital importance, likely contributing to Rome’s longevity and delaying its eventual fall. Today, communication is facilitated by technology, which also enables rapid transmission, but in those days, the images depicted on small coin flans were visible to everyone because all people needed to use coins to meet their needs. This widespread accessibility ensured the extensive spread of the Empire’s messages, constantly documenting the actions of the Roman army, even thousands of kilometres away.
INTERNATIONAL DAY AT NRDC-ITA A CELEBRATION OF UNITY AND CULTURE
Lieutenant Colonel ITA Army RICCARDO COSTA
On September 21, 2024, NRDC-ITA hosted its annual International Day at the Ugo Mara barracks, continuing a long-standing tradition within NATO’s Command and Force Structure. The day was a resounding success, bringing together military personnel from 20 contributing nations, their families and local institutions.
International Day is an established event across NATO commands, with each headquarters organising a day to celebrate the diversity of the Alliance: at NRDCITA, the event is designed to enhance cohesion and camaraderie among military personnel and their families. It provides a unique opportunity to share cultural traditions, foster mutual understanding and also promote solidarity through charitable initiatives.
This year’s edition, particularly brightened by pleasant summer weather, also featured the Newcomers’ Family Orientation Day, offering newly assigned
personnel and their families a chance to integrate into the community. During the event, they were introduced to the various services and recreational activities available at NRDC-ITA, which are aimed at helping them adjust to life in the region while allowing them to see the great opportunities that the different clubs will provide over the coming year.
NRDC-ITA Commander, Lieutenant General Lorenzo D’Addario, took time to engage with attendees throughout the event, walking between the stalls and stopping to speak with families. His presence, alongside that of senior leaders, highlighted the significance of the day in strengthening the relationships between the military, their families and the local community.
Special thanks must be extended to the personnel of the 33rd “Ambrosiano” Regiment, the 1st Signal Regiment and the Morale and Welfare Agency,
who worked tirelessly to ensure the day’s success: their efforts in setting up a variety of activities for both children and adults contributed significantly to the overall enjoyment of the event. They created dedicated spaces, including children’s play areas, dining sections and cultural stands representing each nation. Static displays of sports cars and military vehicles lined the main square, while recreational zones offered a range of engaging activities for attendees of all ages.
For children, there were a variety of activities, including fire safety demonstrations, magic shows and sports simulations such as rugby, golf and airgun shooting. The day’s schedule was carefully crafted to ensure that children of all ages could participate in hands-on, educational experiences that fostered teamwork and fun. While the children were thoroughly entertained, adults enjoyed exploring the display of classic Ferraris, sports cars and vintage military vehicles, which added a distinctive element to the day’s attractions.
Senior National Representatives from each of the contributing nations played an integral part in the day’s festivities, setting up stands that showcased their respective cultures. Attendees were welcomed to sample food and traditional drinks from the contributing nations, experiencing the rich diversity the Alliance has to offer. The national stalls provided a great combination of expected flavours combined with new unexpected tastes; altogether, there was something for everybody.
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Local sponsors, coordinated by the Morale and Welfare Agency, added further value to the event by offering products and services that supported both the military and civilian communities. These sponsors, which included local gourmet food and beverage providers, contributed to the festive atmosphere by showcasing regional delicacies. In addition to culinary offerings, there were businesses providing practical advice on key family matters such as schooling, housing and other essential services, making the event not just a celebration but also a practical support system for families. The presence of these sponsors helped ensure that the event catered to the diverse needs of NRDC-ITA personnel and their families, offering valuable information and assistance to those settling into the community or looking for local resources.
Several local sports clubs volunteered to participate by setting up stands, where they provided information about the range of recreational activities available to NRDC-ITA personnel and their families. The clubs offered details on activities such as snowsports, tennis, sailing, running, swimming and scuba diving, and encouraged attendees to register and get involved. Their presence highlighted the many opportunities available to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle within the community and provided a great range of activities and events to look forward to across the next year.
The event’s entertainment programme was a particular highlight, with remarkable performances by the Greensleaves Gospel Choir from Varese and the Fanfara dei Bersaglieri “Nino Garavaglia” from Magenta: these musical acts played a pivotal role in energising the attendees and adding an uplifting atmosphere to the day. Their performances provided a cheerful backdrop for the event and were wellreceived by all in attendance, ensuring that spirits remained high throughout the celebration.
Among the day’s most memorable moments was the dramatic airdrop of the paratroopers from the Italian Army Parachute Training Centre. This thrilling spectacle was made even more poignant by the team’s display of the Italian “Tricolore” and the NRDCITA flag as they descended, airlifted by a helicopter from the 4th Army Aviation Regiment “Altair.” As they landed on the lawn behind the headquarters, accompanied by the Italian anthem performed by the Fanfara, the participants and children watched in
awe. The precision and symbolism of the airdrop left a lasting impression on the crowd, who applauded the paratroopers for their skill and dedication.
One of the key aspects of International Day is its charitable focus. The NISIC, represented by President Mrs. Valentina Lampugnani and co-president Mrs. Ana Delgado, played a significant role in raising funds for local charities by raffling generous gifts donated by the various commercial sponsors. During the event, they presented a substantial donation to Mrs. Maria Amelia Meli, President of the non-profit organisation “Famiglie Disabili Lombardia”. The funds will support the “Charlie” project, which provides families with disabled children the opportunity for respite care. This initiative allows parents to spend dedicated time with their other children, knowing that their disabled child is being cared for by professional paediatric
nursing staff. It also offers the family a day of leisure at a Lombard playground, giving them much-needed respite and joy.
Following the raffle, the NRDC-ITA Eagle Band took to the stage, performing an energetic set of rock classics from the 1950s to the present day. Their twohour performance brought the event to a rousing conclusion, with guests dancing and applauding as the evening came to an end.
As the day came to a close, it was clear that International Day had once again succeeded in achieving its core objectives of fostering unity, encouraging cultural exchange and strengthening the bonds between NATO nations and the local community. The event provided a platform for showcasing the diverse cultures within NRDC-ITA, while also creating opportunities for meaningful interactions among participants. Beyond celebrating the richness of each nation’s heritage, it reaffirmed the shared values of cooperation, mutual respect and solidarity that unite all members of the Alliance, ensuring a strong sense of community across both military and civilian spheres.
Looking ahead, excitement is already building for International Day 2025. Next year’s event will build on this year’s success, with even more engaging cultural displays, activities and charitable initiatives. The high standard set this year has created eager anticipation for what the next edition will bring, with planning and preparations soon to begin for another memorable celebration that continues the proud tradition of unity and cultural exchange.
WIND AND WAVES FOR THE NRDC-ITA SAILING CLUB
A year of community, camaraderie, and competition
Colonel ITA Army LEONARDO SCANDURRA
The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for the NRDC-ITA Sailing Club. Serving as a key resource for fostering cohesion and socialisation among NRDC-ITA members, both national and international, the club has made a significant contribution to the Headquarters’ mission by strengthening the sense of belonging and friendship within its community.
Alongside the daily responsibilities at the garrison, the Sailing Club has revitalised the spirit of multinational cooperation within NATO. The club has proven that inclusion not only bridges cultural and linguistic differences but also reinforces the bonds between members of diverse backgrounds. By promoting the joys of sailing, the club invites its members to step out of their comfort zones and discover the world of sailing and motor sailing, offering them the thrill of steering and navigating the waters.
Sailing is more than just a sport, it’s a way of life and a profound learning experience. It teaches sailors to read the wind, respect nature and work together as a well-coordinated team. We appreciate sailing because it instils essential values such as patience, perseverance and resilience. It is an enriching experience that fosters personal growth, both individually and as a collective. Sailing enhances the “spirit of community” and shared passion, whether at sea or on the lake. Above all, it requires strict adherence to safety protocols, rules and respect for the environment.
Participating in a sport like sailing also highlights the importance of physical activity for maintaining overall well-being. Engaging in targeted physical exercise in a natural environment can help restore both body and mind, teaching us how to harness the power of a once-hostile wind and sail smoothly with it, living in harmony with nature.
The club is also actively involved in socially beneficial initiatives. During “No Limits Day 2024,” the NRDC-ITA Sailing Club supported the Wheels on Waves (WoW) 2023-2025 Around the World project. This initiative, of true ethical and social value, is conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence. It involves an equatorial world tour to benefit disabled soldiers and civilians from various nations, underscoring the club’s commitment to charitable causes.
Located conveniently near Solbiate Olona, the Meina League section on the shores of Lake Maggiore offers an idyllic setting for the club’s activities. This year, it hosted two major Sailing Club Open Days, which saw enthusiastic participation from families across the community. On September 15, members of the NRDC-ITA Sailing Club were invited by the Oncological Rehabilitation Service, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit of the AOU of Novara, in collaboration with the Italian League for the Fight Against Tumours in Novara. They assisted the Italian Naval League during the “Vento in Poppa 2024” event, which focused on promoting sport, physical activity and well-being for cancer patients. The participants had the opportunity to experience sailing on Lake Maggiore, surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Angera Castle and the historic coast of Meina.
In conclusion, building on this year’s successes, the NRDC-ITA Sailing Club is looking forward to continuing its mission of spreading nautical culture and fostering friendship within the Headquarters, while also competing in future regattas under the proud banner of our Club.
May this be the start of an exciting journey with us. Fair winds to all!
HUMMINGBIRD HEARTBEAT
The power of human connection in neonatal care
Mrs. ANA DELGADO | NISIC Co-President
Only 34 weeks of protection in the womb and these little ones are already in the world.
This is the first information I received from Marta Quadrelli, Medical Director and Neuropsychiatrist at Ponte Hospital in Varese. An extraordinary woman who, together with a magnificent team of professionals, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and even a music therapist, recreates, in her neonatology department, the maternal womb.
With great enthusiasm, a group of NISIC ladies had the opportunity to visit them to learn about this reality. Statistics show that more and more children are coming into the world before their time. Curious little ones who do not want to wait any longer.
In a space filled with care, respect and lots of love, these little ones are monitored minute by minute by expert hands that do everything to avoid causing them any suffering. This includes checking vital signs and monitoring heart rates, measuring fluid intake and output and performing eye examinations. Every
“PREMATURE BABIES HAVE A HEART RATE OF 160 BEATS PER MINUTE, ALMOST LIKE A HUMMINGBIRD; 160 BEATS OF WILL TO LIVE”.
effort is made to replicate the conditions of the mother’s womb as closely as possible.
The paediatric department told us about a potential project called “La cura posturale”. It is a basic way to promote a child’s neuro-motor skills (sound, well-being, alignment along the midline, muscular-skeletal balance) and to prevent possible osteoarticular deformations, such as brachycephaly or pressure ulcers, among others. This is done using thermosensitive, self-modelling, slow memory and high breathability materials—in simple terms, pillows and cushions made of viscoelastic foam.
Unsurprisingly, this project captured our hearts, so NISIC organised several initiatives, including the Spring Ball and a fundraising event during No Limits Day to help make this project possible.
Thanks to your support, the little ones at Ponte Hospital are closer than ever to spreading their wings and leaving the hospital in the best possible health.
Thanks to all of you!
THE EVOLVING ROLE OF LEADERSHIP
The human side of Leadership, a personal reflection
Mr. TONY CERELLA | (LTC, USA Army, Retired) Professional Coach
It was early morning, somewhere in the dust and tension of a forward operating base, that I first understood the weight of leading others. The world around me was intense and relentless, the stakes high, and in that environment, leadership was direct, unyielding. Orders given and obeyed, teams moving in unison toward a singular purpose. But as the years passed and I moved through different assignments, I began to see that leadership was evolving, both in the military and beyond. The strict chain of command was giving way to something deeper—an understanding that leading meant connecting.
As I reflect on my 23-year journey in the USA Army, I am struck by the profound shifts in leadership approaches that have transformed the way we connect with and guide others. When I first donned the uniform, leadership was often synonymous with command—structured, authoritative and steeped in tradition. Yet, as military organisations adapted to an evolving global landscape and an increasingly connected world, so too did the essence of what it means to lead. Today, leadership is less about rank and position and more about the relationships we foster, the trust we build and the personal growth we facilitate in others.
The journey from command to connection reflects broader societal shifts toward empathy, vulnerability and inclusion—values that once seemed foreign within the disciplined and rigid confines of military culture and norms. At the heart of this transformation
was and is coaching, a practice that I have personally experienced and now champion as a leadership coach. Coaching emphasises the value of open dialogue, self-awareness and collaborative problemsolving, all of which are vital in today’s complex environments.
During my early years of military service, during both conflict and peace, my leadership focus was on maintaining readiness and executing orders with precision and efficiency. The mission was paramount and leadership often took the form of top-down directives aimed at achieving specific, immediate objectives. This approach is not only natural but necessary in high-stress military operations. In such environments, centralised hierarchies and clear lines of authority are essential to ensure rapid decisionmaking and coordinated action. When lives are on the line and missions are time-sensitive, the traditional command structure provides the clarity and cohesion needed for success.
However, while this command-centric model serves well in high-stress situations, it can inadvertently overlook the importance of personal well-being and growth. In those early days, leadership training emphasised tactics, technical skills and compliance, with concepts like emotional intelligence or personal growth considered secondary. We were trained to follow orders and ensure that others did the same, leaving little room for introspection or self-coaching.
As I became a more seasoned leader, I learned to recognise that effective leadership goes beyond order and discipline. Outside the immediacy of battlefield operations, military leaders also need to be adaptable, thoughtful and resilient. Programmes like the 360-degree feedback assessments emerged, encouraging officers and NCOs alike to seek and reflect on feedback. This marked the beginning of a shift toward self-awareness, opening doors to coaching as a means of personal and professional development.
In my own transition, evolving into a coaching leader played an invaluable role. The experience taught me that leadership extends beyond military objectives; it is about enabling others to grow, adapt and thrive within a community. The journey from being coached to becoming a coach illuminated a fundamental truth: that true leadership empowers others to find their own answers. This approach, grounded in curiosity and deep listening, reminds me of the most impactful military leaders that I followed during operations.
Today, professional military development programmes increasingly emphasise personal reflection, empathy and resilience. The focus has shifted to equipping leaders with the tools they need to support mental health, address the challenges of reintegration and cultivate a culture of trust and inclusivity. We are now recognising that leaders must be adaptable, empathetic and culturally aware to inspire loyalty and resilience in a rapidly changing world.
I left the USA Army in the autumn of 2023 after 23 years. Outside of the Army, NATO and my uniform, I carry forward the lessons of this transformation. Leadership is no longer confined to the walls of command; it extends into the heart of every relationship we build. As a former officer, leader and coach, I am honoured to work with individuals across various fields, helping them navigate the complexities of identity, purpose and connection. The journey has been one of growth and self-discovery, and I am grateful to be part of a profession that continues to redefine what it means to lead with authenticity and purpose.
Dr. Tony Cerella is a former USA Army Lieutenant Colonel who serves others as a coach, facilitator, and storyteller.
During his 23 years of international military service, Tony excelled in challenging multinational assignments, developing emerging talent and building cohesive teams. Tony models positive behaviors, shares wisdom, and creates safe spaces for constructive vulnerability. Tony’s discovery of coaching launched a journey of selfdiscovery that positively influenced his definition of serving others. His transformation from Army officer to executive coach was easily and passionately nourished by his compassion and desire to connect with others. He is a steady hand for leaders from multiple industries and professions bringing experience, humor, and empathy to create opportunities for growth.
Tony is curious, dependable, and loves to share laughter. His friends describe him as a generous soul and a thoughtful storyteller.
DISCOVERING OUR SUMMER CAMPS
Lieutenant Colonel ITA Army ROBERTO BECHIS
NRDC-ITA recently burst into its third decade of existence, making it a robust but still relatively young HQ as it plays an important role within the Atlantic Alliance at this historic moment of rapidly shifting geopolitical balances. Against such a backdrop, servicemen and women need to know that their families can continue to spend their days in serene environments. Such knowledge helps precisely to strengthen the esprit de corps at a time when the challenges are becoming ever more arduous and it brings a sense of reassurance to those same men and women as they go about their important operational activities. This is where the Family Support Centre comes in, an arm of the Brigade Command that provides support to the soldiers of the NRDC-ITA HQ and their families.
In a way—but without overstating the idea—the Family Support Centre can be seen as the “dark side of the moon” of our NATO base at Solbiate Olona, as it is a small structure that is often in the shadows, but that is able to plan, organise and manage activities that are a “beacon of light” for Italian and foreign personnel in times of need.
It is hardly a secret that the school and training calendars live in parallel universes that never meet—and this is never more evident than during the summer months. Once school is out, what can uniformed parents do to let their children spend a few peaceful weeks before the much-needed family summer holidays? The Family Support Centre has an answer to this question: its summer camps .
The summer camp experience provides children with an opportunity to be in the company of peers and to enjoy their free time in a way that has been carefully planned and structured by experienced and trained activities leaders. Enjoying the experience is at the heart of every activity, with team games not only promoting fun but also giving the children the opportunity to learn pro-social skills that encourage interaction and cooperation.
Many parents have told us that they could not believe their eyes when they saw their children setting their alarm clocks to get up early in the morning and be on time for the start of the summer camp activities. This was after a whole school year of almost ‘begging’ them to get up because the school bus was already at the bottom of the drive and they hadn’t even prepared their school bag yet (let alone popped in a snack or reviewed their lessons!) The mix of fun, games and new friendships encourages children to ‘be the protagonists’ of their day and to realise that
following the rules does not limit their freedom, but provides a valuable springboard for their creativity. Just as the parents confide in us at times, so do the children. And this has often helped us to learn some key lessons. Unfortunately, Italy has not been able to escape the phenomenon of hikikomori, that is, young people who are so immersed in virtual reality that they refuse to leave their bedrooms even to eat. Indeed, this is becoming more and more common. Without going to such pathological extremes, it is certainly not uncommon to come into contact with young people who have these quite extraordinary computer skills but are almost completely unable to cope with everyday life. They are able to interact with AI, but have trouble if they have to take the underground or public transport. Through the summer camps, some such children have discovered that going without video games is not a catastrophe, but simply a different, smarter way of spending one’s days, kicking a ball around on the grass in the open air, dreaming of scoring a goal in extra time of the World Cup final and perhaps even imaging what a shame it would be for VAR to wipe out that winning goal.
At the Family Support Centre we know all too well that summer is the time when the whole family finally gets a chance to really spend time together. But if family holidays have to be put off for a few weeks, the summer camps are a well-rounded educational experience that help our children grow. Together.
OPERATION OVERLORD THE ROAD TO VICTORY IN NORMANDY
Insights from the NRDC-ITA Staff Ride into the planning, challenges and triumphs of history’s largest amphibious operation
“And
what a plan! This vast operation is undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever occurred.”
(Winston Churchill)
Lieutenant Colonel ITA Army ROBERTO DESSÌ
A tribute to the fallen during the staff ride at the La Cambe German War Cemetery
A “staff ride” is a military training method in which participants study and visit the actual site of a significant battle or campaign. It combines historical analysis with on-the-ground studies to gain insights into leadership, strategy, decision-making and the dynamics of warfare. It is an important tool for military education, offering practical lessons in leadership, planning and adaptability.
This year, NRDC ITA’s senior leaders conducted the annual staff ride called Eagle Mercurius 2024, which focused on Operation Overlord, from September 30 to October 4, 2024, widely acknowledged as the largest and most complicated operation ever conceived.
In the recent celebrations marking 80 years since D-Day, we have seen the natural conflation between Operation Overlord, the beaches of Normandy and June 6, 1944. Nothing could be further from the truth. This operation was originally conceived on the day Britain was evacuated from France in June 1940, when Churchill uttered the words “wars are not won by evacuations.” It was clear that to win, Britain had to cross the Channel again and defeat the German army. In 1940 and 1941 this was a forlorn hope, but by the end of 1941 the United States of America had entered the fray. The “Germany First” policy laid the foundations for the operation that became Overlord.
At a macro level, the US strategic objective was to “defeat Germany first”. In today’s terms, Overlord was essentially a campaign plan with both strategic and operational objectives. The overarching strategic objective was “a full-scale invasion of Europe, to take place as early as possible in 1944.” Operationally, the basic aim of Overlord was simply “to secure a lodgement area on the continent from which further operations could be developed.” Despite its size, Overlord, aimed at the unconditional defeat of Germany, required numerous tactical operations.
The initial focus of Overlord’s planning was to “gain a lodgement between the Seine and Loire Rivers.”
The idea was to force the Germans across the natural barrier of the Seine, which they estimated would take 90 days. After a pause to regroup and replenish supplies, they would then advance beyond the Seine
and into Germany. The strategic bombing campaign began months before the invasion.
The pursuit of the operational objectives was to begin the night before the amphibious invasion with a two-division airborne assault into the American zone. The 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions would land near Sainte-Mère-Église, inland from Utah Beach, and secure the roads leading to the beach to prevent the Germans from reinforcing their coastal defences. The following morning, the First Army under General Bradley would attack the coast. The US VII Corps would land on Utah Beach with the 4th Division. The US V Corps would land to its east with the 1st and part of the 29th Divisions at Omaha Beach. After securing a foothold in Normandy, the V Corps would extend the beachhead, while the VII Corps would cross the Contentin Peninsula before rolling north to capture the port city of Cherbourg. Once the seaport was secured, the VII Corps would move south towards St Lô.
After holding St Lô, General Patton’s Third Army was able to advance into Brittany, seize ports (including Brest) and cover the southern flank while the First Army began its attack on Paris.
Meanwhile, the Second British Army would operate between Bayeux and Caen, a region suitable for airfields with “a relatively unimpeded route toward Paris.” The landing of airborne troops would also precede their arrival. The British 6th Airborne Division would drop near Caen before dawn to secure the crossings over the Orne River and protect the northeastern flank.
To ensure that all soldiers knew what was expected of them during the invasion, rigorous training and meticulous rehearsals were carried out in the south of England. Although the overall mission was complex, this was recognised from the outset. An apparent conflict with the principle of simplicity was mitigated by simply stated orders and clear objectives combined with intensive training, preparation and rehearsals. An example of simplicity was the paratroopers’ use of dime-store clickers as an alternative to a password. The challenge was one click, the answer two. By D-Day, soldiers were well trained, knew their unit’s objectives and understood where they fitted into the mission.
Logistical experts faced unprecedented challenges in preparing for the cross-Channel invasion. They began production planning two years before D-Day,
the build-up of supplies in England a year before, “and planning of detailed logistical support six months before the landings.” This required not only a concerted joint effort, but also a huge industrial effort.
In May and June, 54 “pre-stowed” ships were “tailorloaded” with food, ammunition and equipment as specified by General Eisenhower’s headquarters. These ships were not intended to be unloaded in England, but were sent overseas, held in British waters and then taken directly to the beaches of Normandy for unloading. This saved four turnarounds in the UK, relieved pressure on ports, railways and depots, and provided immediate supplies for the invasion forces.
As there was no deep-water harbour, an artificial one was needed. As a result, many ingenious engineering concepts were developed to build harbours, supply fuel and perform specialised tasks.
Operation Overlord provides numerous excellent examples of the deception used to achieve surprise. Many deception plans were used to confuse the Germans about the date and location of an Allied invasion. A major reason why these deception plans worked so well was that early in the war the Allies had broken the Enigma code, which could be used to decipher secret German messages. This allowed the Allies to monitor German communications and determine whether deception efforts were working or not before their subsequent efforts.
Unity of Command was also present throughout Operation Overlord, from planning to execution. Unity of command enabled the Allied forces to maintain appropriate timing and tempo and to manoeuvre faster than the enemy. This allowed them to exploit the opportunities presented by the evolving situation. Although it now seems obvious, the Allies only realised the importance of unity of command through the lessons learned during Operation Torch (the Allied invasion of North Africa), where General Eisenhower discovered, among other things, that the complexity of large-scale combined amphibious operations required the complete integration of a coalition under one commander. It was necessary to have all resources under one commander who
would exercise operational control (OPCON) over the forces assigned. This concept was embedded in General Eisenhower’s mind when he became Supreme Commander of the European Campaign, and specifically for Operation Overlord he ensured that it was present in all aspects; this is clearly evident in the command and control structure he established.
On the German side the situation was totally different. “The Germans from almost the first blow had been off balance, despite years of preparation to meet just such an attack as struck on 6 June. For this failure there are many explanations. Most striking perhaps was the German lack of unified command, which the Allies had in the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF).”
The results of D-Day and the lack of trust between Hitler and his commanders led to a constant turnover of high-ranking officers in key positions. Unity of command was further undermined by the unsuccessful attempt on Hitler’s life on July 20. This resulted in many senior officers being courtmartialled and executed and others being removed from their posts. The sum of these actions severely undermined unity of command and certainly had an major effect on the German response to Overlord. In conclusion, the success of Operation Overlord depended on careful planning, deception operations to mislead German forces (such as Operation Fortitude), and overcoming logistical and operational challenges. Within weeks, the Allies had established a foothold in Normandy, enabling them to liberate Paris by the end of August 1944 and ultimately drive Nazi forces back across Europe.
“We will accept nothing less than full Victory!” (Winston Churchill)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
• Ambrose, Stephen E. (1969). The Supreme Commander: The War Years of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Garden City, NY: Doubleday. OCLC 660826327.
• Beevor, Antony (2009). D-Day: The Battle for Normandy. New York; Toronto: Viking. ISBN 978-0-670-02119-2 – via Archive Foundation.
• Churchill, Winston (1949). Their Finest Hour. The Second World War. Vol. II. Boston; Toronto: Houghton Mifflin. OCLC 396145.
• Harrison, Gordon A. Cross-Channel Attack. Washington, DC: Center of Military History, 1995.
Pictured are Brigadier General R.C. Crawford, Brigadier General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Brigadier General Leonard Gerow, War Plans Division, War Department General Staff in January, 1942
“LIVES OR STONES”
MILITARY NECESSITY AND THE BOMBING OF MONTECASSINO 1944
What have we learnt over the past 80 years?
Wing Commander GBR Royal Air Force DEREK JAMES
Every day we see the civilian death tolls rising in numerous conflicts across the world. When asked why these people have to die or why their homes, schools and places of worship are destroyed, the military spokespersons usually answer that these military actions are necessary to defeat the enemy. This widespread devastation resonates strongly with imagery of the Second World War. Recently, my book Plumes of Smoke was published, which addresses the destruction of L’Abbazia di Montecassino by Allied bombers in February 1944. Sadly, comparing the answers from 80-years ago to today suggests that we have learned little concerning the protection of civilian life and property during conflict.
The title of this piece comes from the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, and it asks whether soldiers’ lives can be balanced against the potential to inflict damage to often irreplaceable
property which forms the basis of our society? For those who have visited the L’Abbazia di Montecassino, you may agree that it is magnificent, perched upon a hill overlooking the road to Rome. Yet the building you see is only a facsimile, a post-war copy of what was once there. As the Vatican Secretary of State in 1944, Cardinal Luigi Maglione mused, “Even if Monte Cassino is rebuilt in gold and precious stones, it will never be the same.” We must remember that this destruction was not limited to bricks and mortar, however venerable, but also to innocent Italian civilians, taking refuge in what they thought was a safe sanctuary from the battle raging outside.
There is no doubt that a commander has a duty, firstly to their mission and secondly to their soldiers. Some may argue that preserving cultural property is an idealistic luxury, a low priority in the realities of war. In late 1943, General Eisenhower issued an
Montecassino Today: L’Abbazia di Montecassino in 2024. The building was rebuilt almost exactly as it had been prior to its destruction and was consecrated by Pope Paul VI in 1964
edict warning commanders that they should not confuse the accepted principle of Military Necessity with military convenience. He stated, “If we have to choose between destroying a famous building and sacrificing our own men, then our men’s lives count infinitely more, and the buildings must go.” But he then added that it is often possible to do both. The justification given for the Abbey’s destruction was that Montecassino was occupied by the defenders and that it was therefore militarily necessary. The question asked of Allied commanders was whether the building and the civilians within it, or those tasked to conquer it, were more important?
Military Necessity has always been the dominant principle of the Law of War. Today, treaties and conventions designed to limit the manner and extent of hostilities usually offer a caveat favouring military action through this principle. So, what is Military Necessity? Surprisingly, this core principle has no codified definition within the current body of International Humanitarian Law, which has resulted in a divergence of opinion about its meaning. Is it a permissive principle that allows through necessity acts that would not otherwise be lawful, or, is it a restrictive principle that strictly limits acts to those that are unavoidably necessary?
The principle was codified in 1863 during the American Civil War by Francis Lieber, charged by
President Lincoln with creating guidance for Union soldiers. Article 14 of the Code states:
“Military Necessity, as understood by modern civilized nations, consists in the necessity of those measures which are indispensable for securing the ends of the war, and which are lawful according to the modern law and usages of war.”
The key words are “indispensable” and “lawful”. Acts can only be conducted if they are within the rules and if there is no feasible alternative. This Code has no strength in current law, but provides a valuable first principle as to its application. In the case of Montecassino, the attack met neither requirement. Under The Hague Convention of 1907, religious buildings are protected, and to be lawful the Allies had to prove as a fact that the Germans occupied it and were using it for military purposes. They also had to prove that there was no other way to achieve their objectives of overcoming the German defences and advancing to Rome. There were in fact several other options available, but these were either more difficult or would have taken longer. Destroying the sixth century Abbey, the motherhouse of the Benedictine holy order and one of the most important sites of Christendom, was easier, more convenient and offered a bonus morale boost to the soldiers suffering under its gaze. It added nothing to mission success.
Monte Cassino with the ruined Abbey at its peak
Image taken around 0930 on 15 February 1944 with the initial strike by the B-17s of the 2nd Bombardment Group led by Major Bradford Evans
The last reconnaissance images prior to the attack in early February 1944. Note the absence of craters around the building and the damage to the Basilica roof
As journalist Eric Sevareid, present at the time, commented, “we destroyed them because we didn’t care… it required effort to spare them.” The veneer of proof, produced post-attack, that the building was occupied was erroneous and flimsy. Evidence was deliberately withheld from the Vatican because of its transparent inadequacy. The Chairman of Britain’s Joint Intelligence Committee, upon reading the evidence wrote, “I think that we had probably better keep quiet about Montecassino and let it be forgotten…There is no proof that the Germans were in fact using the monastery.” Victor’s justice ensured no-one was ever held accountable for its destruction and for the deaths of those innocents within. The guardians of Allied righteousness quickly defended the controversial attack and continue to do so.
Military Necessity was undoubtedly developed to limit military force to that which is unavoidable. It is balanced alongside the Humanity principle and is closely linked with Proportionality. Neither of these latter two principles were codified in the Second World War, but their doctrinal underpinning stretches back centuries to the medieval pax dei and St Thomas Aquinas’ principle of Double Effect. Necessity sometimes appears to be equated with military advantage, whereby an act that advances the military position is viewed as acceptable regardless of the human consequences. This “whatever it takes” position moves us away from Just War into the utilitarian position of Kriegsraison where the outcome justifies the act. But to destroy cultural
sites that represent the values of our civilisation for minor military gain is entirely counter-intuitive, going against everything we fight for in the first place? It cannot be true that soldiers’ lives count “infinitely more” than either civilian lives or irreplaceable cultural treasures. The view of the Mediterranean commander, Air Marshal Sir John Slessor, when asked to approve the bombing of Florence was somewhat different to that of Eisenhower’s:
“We say we are fighting to preserve civilization. Florence is one of the shrines of European civilization and in my view is of more permanent value to the cause for which we are fighting, than a few British or American lives. If we are prepared to be killed in defending these things, we should, if necessary be prepared to accept a small added risk of being killed in preserving them.”
Perhaps, however, this and other devastations ultimately led to greater protections, both to cultural property and to civilians more generally through the Geneva Conventions of 1949, The Hague Cultural Property Convention of 1954 and their Additional Protocols. The question remains whether these are currently being wilfully ignored and whether those that cause the devastations of today continue to confuse the difference between Military Necessity and military convenience? As you view the next destroyed university, library or place of worship, save a thought for Montecassino and ask yourself if any lessons have been truly learnt?
Lieutenant General Sir Bernard Freyberg VC, General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Corps, wearing the B-3 flying jacket
DISCOVER COMO A CITY OF SILK, SURROUNDED BY STUNNING NATURAL BEAUTY
2nd Lieutenant ITA Army MARIANNA DAPOTO
Beauties around us
Only thirty minutes from Solbiate Olona, the city of Como beckons visitors with its timeless allure. Nestled beside the crystal-clear waters of its namesake lake and framed by majestic mountains, Como is a Lombard gem that captivates visitors from around the globe. Whether strolling through its elegant historic centre, exploring the villas and gardens that adorn the lake’s shores or wandering through cobbled alleys, popping into artisan workshops, Como offers a wealth of experiences. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a day immersed in beauty, culture and tranquillity. In this article, we’ll go on a journey to uncover these wonders in this delightful city.
Como is a city that offers so much more than a beautiful lake view. Made famous around the world by the opening lines of The Betrothed (or Promessi Sposi, to use the original title of this Italian classic), the city, which lends its name to the lake chosen by Manzoni as the setting for his celebrated novel, is a place rich in history and charm. Founded during the Roman era, Como bears many traces of its long and fascinating history, shaped by art, architecture and traditions spanning the centuries. The Cathedral, with its intricate mosaics and majestic Gothic façade, echoes the city’s medieval past, while ancient walls still encircle the historic centre, offering a unique view of Como from times past. Tempio Voltiano, built in honour of Alessandro Volta, an illustrious citizen and the inventor of the electric battery, is a testament to Como’s material contribution to the history of science. Complementing this are the public gardens and elegant villas that embellish the shores of the lake, such as Villa Olmo and Villa Carlotta, nestled in verdant greenery and overlooking tranquil waters— an ideal setting for a leisurely stroll, a boat outing or simply moments of pure relaxation. Como embodies an ideal blend of culture, nature and timeless beauty, making it a top bucket-list destination for anyone in search of an authentic and refined Lombardy.
A GLIMPSE OF COMO’S HISTORY
Como’s history is rooted in antiquity, tracing back to pre-Roman times when the area was inhabited by the Celts. With the arrival of the Romans, Como became a strategic colony, officially founded in 59 BC as Novum Comum. During the Middle Ages, the city was at the heart of numerous bitter conflicts, including a ten-year war against Milan (1118–1127). Later, thanks to its alliance with Frederick Barbarossa, Como rose again and fortified itself with new walls, which remain visible to this day.
During the Renaissance, Como was enriched with splendid buildings, palaces and churches, many of which still grace the historic centre of the city. In the 19th century, it gained fame for its silk production. Alessandro Volta, an illustrious citizen and inventor of the electric battery, is inextricably linked to the city, and Tempio Voltiano, dedicated to him, stands as an enduring symbol of Como’s scientific heritage.
The Volta Temple - to use the less common English version of Tempio Voltiano - is shaped like a neoclassical temple and located on the shores of Lake Como. As one might guess, it is dedicated to the renowned physicist Alessandro Volta. It was conceived and funded by the industrialist and patron Francesco Somaini, with the building being erected in 1927 to mark the first centenary of the death of the inventor of the electric battery. Designed to house and preserve Volta’s scientific instruments, the main body of the mausoleum, crowned by a hemispheric dome, is fronted by a spacious colonnaded portico with statues of Faith and Science that is accessible via two symmetrical flights of steps.
The interior of Tempio Voltiano is spread across two floors. On the ground floor, in the central hall, various instruments, machines and devices used by the scientist for his experiments in physics, electrology and the study of gas properties are on display. On the first floor, the loggia showcases personal memorabilia, letters, publications and portraits of Volta, testifying to his dedication as a scientist, professor and politician, as well as the numerous accolades he received during and after his lifetime.
The Cathedral
Tempio Voltiano
Generally regarded as one of the architectural masterpieces of northern Italy, the Cathedral in Como – or the Duomo as it is known locally - is a monumental and intricate structure whose construction began in 1396, but was only completed in 1740 with the elevation of the dome under the watchful eye of architect Filippo Juvara, commissioned by the King of Sardinia.
Built to replace the ancient Romanesque cathedral of Santa Maria, the Cathedral seamlessly blends multiple architectural styles. Its grand Gothic façade merges with Renaissance elements on the sides and the side portals, creating a harmonious composition marked by unity and beauty. The façade, adorned with spires and pinnacles, features elaborate sculptural decorations, largely crafted by the workshop of Giovanni Rodari.
The Gothic interior of the Cathedral has a nave and two aisles divided by ten majestic pillars, and houses numerous notable works of art. Particularly remarkable are the 16th-century altarpiece of Sant’Abbondio – or Saint Abundius, to use the proper English name for the patron saint of Como –, the 1590 baptismal chapel and the two Romanesque column-bearing lions, originally from the church of Santa Maria. These treasures provide precious testimonies of the city’s rich religious and artistic heritage.
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE DUOMO SCAN HERE
The Broletto
The Broletto, Como’s old city hall, derives its name from the Latin term brolo, which referred to a field or open space used for town meetings, and by extension, the place where assemblies were held. Built in 1215 at the behest of Bonardo da Cadazzo, the city’s podestà (a sort of chief magistrate), it stands next to the Cathedral, representing the continuity between Church authority and the emerging city power.
The actual building has a double-floor structure: the ground floor features wide arches, while the first floor is adorned with triplearched windows and clad in bands of white, grey and red marble. Next to the building stands a tower constructed using a technique called rusticated masonry.
Over the centuries, the Broletto has undergone various transformations. In the second half of the 15th century, part of it was demolished to make room for an extension to the Cathedral. It was later converted into a theatre and subsequently served as a notarial archive until the late 19th century. Today, owned by the city administration, the Broletto hosts art exhibitions and conferences, preserving its historical and cultural significance.
Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is a place of stunning beauty, perched in an enviable spot on the shores of Lake Como, with breathtaking views of the Grigne massif and the picturesque village of Bellagio. The villa is celebrated both for the priceless art collections housed within its walls and for its enchanting 70,000-square-metre botanical garden. In spring, the garden becomes a riot of colour as over 150 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas bloom, creating a natural spectacle of tremendous beauty.
Villa Carlotta is also a magnificent example of how art and nature can intertwine harmoniously. Built in the 17th century by the Clerici family, marquises of Milan, the villa became the property of the collector Giovanni Battista Sommariva in 1801, who adorned it with masterpieces by renowned artists such as
Antonio Canova, Bertel Thorvaldsen and Francesco Hayez. During the First World War, the villa was confiscated by the Italian State and, in 1927, entrusted to the Ente Villa Carlotta, which continues to oversee its preservation and promotion to this day.
The garden of Villa Carlotta reflects centuries of history and styles: the 17th-century Italian garden, with its geometric hedges, balustrades and statues; the romantic English garden, marked by majestic trees and picturesque vistas; and the 19th-century park, embellished with rhododendrons, azaleas and exotic species, which turn it into a true botanical garden.
