Headed by Dean Dr Stephen Mariano, Senior Course 135 and participating faculty members concluded the Course’s second Field Study at the Italian Joint Operational HQ.
Deputy Commandant of the Italian Centro Operativo Interforze (COI – Joint Operations Headquarters, JOHQ) MGEN Gianpaolo Miniscalco in his welcoming remarks underlined the important role that Italy plays in NATO. He also attended the GFOAC and stressed the importance of education for nations and the Alliance.
The NDC Head of Field Study Branch and Senior Italian Officer COL Riccardo Brizzi introduced Italian Day, pointing out that Italy sees the NDC as a very important institution and remains a proud host.
Deputy Head of Plans and Policy Division at the Ministry of Defence, BGEN Andrea Argieri, discussed the strategic perspectives of the Italian Defence Policy and explained the current geopolitical situation using the arc of crisis scenario to highlight the instability around Europe, including migration, population density, demographic growth and access to potable water. Alliance cohesion, Russia’s assertiveness, and in the south international terrorism, irregular migration and state fragility were discussed, as well as the consequences for Italy as one of the western countries most exposed to the crises.
Counselor Fabio Rugge Head of the Office for NATO and Strategic Security and Politico-Military Issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, briefed SC 135 on challenges in the south of Europe, understanding hybrid warfare, Russia’s assertive behaviour, NATO burden sharing and EU strategic autonomy.
Deputy Police Commissioner, BGEN, (Dirigente Superiore of Italian Police) Claudio Galzerano, Director of Police Directorate for Prevention and Anti-Terrorism/Violent Extremism Service, explained the three pillars of the Italian model to counter terrorism:
- Up-to-date legislation based on Italy’s experience in fighting terrorism;
- Multi-agency, compatible information gathering, analysis and sharing and International cooperation at strategic and operational levels.
COL Roberto Vergori, Head of the J3 Operation of the Italian Joint Operations Headquarters spoke about the Italian Armed Forces Operations Commitment, centered on national defence, defence of the Euro-Atlantic and Euro-Mediterranean spaces, contributions to international peace and security and support to public authorities and disaster relief.
The day was moderated by Ms Nancy Vellone (ITA C), NDC Faculty Adviser.
SC 135 participants heard different, but complementary, perspectives on the incredibly challenging field of Defence and Security. In this regard, the superb insights enabled participants to revisit and rebalance their thinking.
The excellent reception after the in-depth question and answer period ensured the right atmosphere for participants to continue discussions in a warm and convivial environment.
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