Monolithic defense: astute maneuvers, we discover the altars and the authoritarian design begins to reveal itself?

(To Gabriele Baracca)
17/09/15

Dear Editor, I am an attentive reader of your newspaper and a scholar of national security and defense issues. I am writing to you because I was able to follow some criticisms made some time ago by some columnist of his headline on the possible reorganization in centralist and totalitarian terms of the National Defense by the highest inter-agency top authority. Some opponents pointed out that the White Paper itself, a new and innovative political-strategic document in the sector, concealed some authoritarian danger.

It is obvious that for those who observe and study this sector closely this threat cannot have escaped them, but it is equally true that some of the opponents wanted to hope that the democratic tradition of our Armed Forces was now so well established as to consider this threat only an oversight of who drafted the document and certainly not a real intention on the part of the summit itself.

However, I must note that I have come across reliable sources that have made available to me a draft of what should be the next decree of "Extension of the international missions of the Armed Forces and Police, development cooperation initiatives and support for the reconstruction and participation in the initiatives of international organizations for the consolidation of peace and stabilization processes, as well as urgent provisions for the operation of the defense administration ”. I find it obvious that there is a certain urgency regarding the missions but what leads me to think that perhaps the criticisms of some opponents of the time were well founded lies in the attempt to include at the end of the decree those provisions defined as "urgent" for the operation of the defense administration. Are the latter really urgent and so fundamental for the functioning of the administrative machinery of the national defense?

I refer to the contents of Chapter II, urgent provisions for the operation of the defense administration. We learn that from what is reported in Article 8 concerning the transitional regime for the advancement of officers of the Italian Army, the Navy and the Air Force starting from the year 2016, in relation to the specific needs of each Armed Force, in derogation from the criteria referred to in paragraph 1, letters a) and b), the decree fixing the number of promotions of your choice may provide for a reduction in the number of annual promotions to the rank of colonel or corresponding grade established by the attached tables 1, 2 and 3 to this code, up to a maximum limit of 30 percent with rounding down to one unit. The number of undeclared promotions cannot be carried forward to an increase for the following year. So it would be a nice cut to the leadership with the stars.

However, what reveals a more subtle plan, perhaps certainly authoritarian, is article 10 which establishes the institution of the single joint commission. In particular, it states at point (1) ... "The code of the military system referred to in the legislative decree of 15 March 2010, n. 66, some changes are made. To summarize, but we invite you to check the text that will be approved, the change in my opinion is not only semantic, that is, with the replacement of the words "The single joint commission" instead of "The top commissions" but substantial, more in detail with the amendment of art. 1036 Military order of the same code. In fact, it will provide that the single joint commission is composed as follows:

a) for the Italian Army, the Navy and the Air Force:

1) Chief of Defense Staff, President;

2) Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces to which the evaluator belongs, vice president;

3) Secretary-General of Defense / DNA;

4) Deputy Chief of Defense;

5) Commander of the Joint Command Operational Command;

6) President of the Center for High Defense Studies;

7) Chief of Staff of the Armed Force to which the evaluator belongs;

8) Chief commander of the operational organization of the Armed Force to which the evaluator belongs;

9) Chief commander of the logistic organization of the Armed Force to which the evaluator belongs;

10) Chief commander of the training organization of the Armed Force to which the evaluator belongs;

b) for the Carabinieri:

1) Chief of Defense Staff, President;

2) General commander of the Carabinieri, vice president;

3) Deputy Chief of Defense;

4) the army corps generals of the Carabinieri.

The presidency entrusted to the Chief of Defense Staff is the keystone. There will no longer be any general officer or admiral who can be appointed without the approval of the president of the commission, called interforces, but actually the expression of a single will.

Obviously I hope to be wrong and that the fears of the opponents of this change are unfounded, but the doubt is democratic and is one of the few things that has remained as an expression of free thought.

 

_________________ TEXT draft of the Law Decree _________
"Extension of the international missions of the Armed Forces and Police, development cooperation initiatives and support for the reconstruction processes and participation in the initiatives of international organizations for the consolidation of peace and stabilization processes, as well as urgent provisions for the operation of the defense administration ».
 
THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
HAVING REGARD to articles 77 and 87 of the Constitution;
GIVEN the decree-law 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with amendments, by law 17 April 2015, n. 43, containing urgent measures to combat terrorism, including international ones as well as extension of the international missions of the Armed Forces and police, development cooperation initiatives and support for reconstruction processes and participation in the initiatives of international organizations for the consolidation of processes peace and stabilization;
GIVEN the decree-law 8 July 2015, n. 99, converted into Law 4 August 2015, n. 117, containing urgent provisions for the participation of military personnel in the European Union military operation in the central-southern Mediterranean called EUNAVFOR MED;
CONSIDERING the extraordinary need and urgency to issue provisions to ensure the participation of the personnel of the Armed Forces and Police Forces in international missions, development cooperation initiatives and support for reconstruction processes and participation in the initiatives of international organizations for the consolidation of process of peace and stabilization;
CONSIDERING also the extraordinary need and urgency to issue provisions aimed at ensuring the operation of the defense administration;
GIVEN the resolution of the Council of Ministers, adopted at the meeting of …… .;
ON THE PROPOSAL of the President of the Council of Ministers and of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defense and the Interior, in agreement with the Ministers of Justice and the Economy and Finance;
ISSUES
the following decree-law:
Head I
International missions
of the armed forces and police 
Art 1.
Europa
1. The expenditure of € 1 for the extension of the participation of military personnel in the missions in the Balkans is authorized from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 25.602.210, pursuant to article 11, paragraph 1, of decree-law 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with modifications, by the law of 17 April 2015, n. 43, listed below:
a) Multinational Specialized Unit (MSU), European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX Kosovo), Security Force Training Plan in Kosovo;
b) Joint Enterprise.
2. The expenditure of € 1 for the extension of the participation of military personnel in the European Union mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina, called EUFOR ALTHEA, within the scope of which is authorized, starting from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 69.466 operates the mission called Integrated Police Unit (IPU), referred to in article 11, paragraph 2, of the decree-law of 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with amendments, by law 17 April 2015, n. 43.
3. The expenditure of € 1 for the continuation of the cooperation programs of the Italian police forces in Albania and in the countries of the Balkan area is authorized from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 1.309.645, of which Article 11, paragraph 3, of the decree-law of 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with amendments, by law 17 April 2015, n. 43.
4. The expenditure of 1 euros for the extension of the participation of State Police personnel in the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo is authorized starting from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 339.840. (EULEX Kosovo) and € 16.640 for the extension of the participation of State Police personnel in the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), referred to in Article 11, paragraph 4, of the Decree-Law of 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with modifications, by the law of 17 April 2015, n. 43.
5. The expenditure of 1 euros for the reactivation of the participation of military personnel in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) mission is authorized from 2015 October 31 until 2015 December 66.961, of which Article 11, paragraph 5, of the Decree-Law 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with amendments, by law 17 April 2015, n. 43.
6. The expenditure of 1 euros for the extension of the participation of military personnel in the mission in the Mediterranean called Active Endeavor, referred to in Article 2015, paragraph is authorized, starting from 31 October 2015 and up to 4.213.777 December 11. 6 of decree-law 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with modifications, by the law of 17 April 2015, n. 43.
7. The expenditure of 1 euros for the extension of the participation of military personnel in the European Union military operation in the central-southern Mediterranean called EUNAVFOR MED is authorized, starting from 2015 October 31 and up to 2015 December 33.486.740, of referred to in article 1, paragraph 1, of the decree-law 8 July 2015, n. 99, converted by law 4 August 2015, n. 117.
Art 2.
Asia
1. The expenditure of 1 euros for the participation of military personnel in the NATO mission in Afghanistan, called Resolute Support Mission (RSM), referred to in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2015 (31), and for the extension of participation in the EUPOL Afghanistan mission, referred to in Article 2015, paragraph 58.617.770, of Decree-Law no. 2189, converted, with amendments, by law 2014 April 12, n. 1.
2. The expenditure of 1 euros for the extension of the use of military personnel in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Tampa for the needs is authorized from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 5.982.563 connected with the international missions in the Middle East and Asia, referred to in article 12, paragraph 2, of the decree-law of 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with amendments, by law 17 April 2015, n. 43.
3. The expenditure of € 1 for the employment of personnel belonging to the Voluntary Military Corps and the Corps of Voluntary Nurses of the Italian Red Cross for support needs is authorized from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 166.505. health care of international missions in the Middle East and Asia.
4. The expenditure of € 1 for the extension of the participation of the Italian military contingent in the United Nations mission in Lebanon, called United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, is authorized from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 42.820.407. (UNIFIL), including the use of naval units in the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force, and for the extension of the use of military personnel in training activities of the Lebanese armed forces, referred to in article 12, paragraph 4, of the decree-law 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with modifications, by the law of 17 April 2015, n. 43.
5. The expenditure of € 1 for the extension of the participation of military personnel in the mission called Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH2015) and for the extension of their employment is authorized from 31 October 2015 to 583.037 December 2. of military personnel in training activities of the Palestinian security forces, referred to in article 12, paragraph 5, of the decree-law of 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with amendments, by law 17 April 2015, n. 43. 
6. The expenditure of € 1 for the extension of the participation of military personnel in the European Union border assistance mission for the Rafah crossing point, called European, is authorized from 2015 October 31 to 2015 December 30.550. Union Border Assistance Mission in Rafah (EUBAM Rafah), in Article 12, paragraph 6 of the decree-law of 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with amendments, by law 17 April 2015, n. 43.
7. The expenditure of 1 euros for the extension of the participation of State Police personnel in the European Union Police Mission in Palestine is authorized from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 50.930. the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS), referred to in article 12, paragraph 7, of the decree-law of 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with amendments, by law 17 April 2015, n. 43.
8. The expenditure of € 1 for the extension of the participation of military personnel in the activities of the international coalition to combat the terrorist threat of Daesh is authorized from 2015 October 31 and up to 2015 December 64.987.552, as per 'article 12, paragraph 9, of the decree-law of 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with modifications, by the law of 17 April 2015, n. 43.
Art 3.
Africa
 1. The expenditure of 1 euros for the extension of the participation of military personnel in the European Union military operation to combat piracy called Atalanta is authorized, starting from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 13.620.228, of referred to in article 13, paragraph 3, of the decree-law of 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with modifications, by the law of 17 April 2015, n. 43.
2. The expenditure of € 1 for the extension of the participation of military personnel in the European Union missions called EUTM Somalia and EUCAP Nestor and in further initiatives is authorized from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 7.566.838 of the European Union for the Regional maritime capacity building in the Horn of Africa and the West Indian Ocean, as well as for the operation of the national military base in the Republic of Djibouti and for the extension of the use of military personnel in force training activities of the Somali and Gibutian police, referred to in article 13, paragraph 4, of the decree-law of 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with amendments, by law 17 April 2015, n. 43.
3. The expenditure of 1 euros for the extension of the participation of military personnel in the United Nations mission in Mali, called United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, is authorized from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 821.779 ( MINUSMA), and to the European Union missions called EUCAP Sahel Niger, EUTM Mali and EUCAP Sahel Mali, referred to in article 13, paragraph 5, of the decree-law 18 February 2015, n. 7, converted, with amendments, by law 17 April 2015, n. 43.
Art 4.
Insurance, transport, infrastructures, AISE, upgrading of the air-naval device, sales
1. The expenditure of € 2015 for the stipulation of insurance and transport contracts and for the construction of infrastructures relating to the international missions referred to in this decree is authorized for the year 22.383.440.
2. The expenditure of 1 euros for the maintenance of the info-operational device of the External Information and Security Agency (AISE) to protect the personnel of the Forces is authorized, starting from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 1.400.000 armed forces employed in international missions, in implementation of the missions entrusted to AISE by article 6, paragraph 2, of law no. 3.
3. The expenditure of € 1 for the enhancement of the air-naval surveillance and security device in the central Mediterranean in relation to the extraordinary needs of preventing and combating terrorism is authorized, starting from 2015 October 31 and until 2015 December 24.497.826. and in order to ensure the protection of national interests, pursuant to article 5, paragraph 3-bis, of the decree-law of 18 February 2015, no. 7, converted, with amendments, by law 17 April 2015, n. 43.
4. The following expenses are authorized for the year 2015:
a) 1.102.500 euros, for the free transfer to the Republic of Iraq of NBC protection equipment;
b) Euro 72.000, for the free transfer to the Republic of Albania of spare parts for VM 90P vehicles.
5. For the year 2015, the transfer, free of charge, to the Arab Republic of Egypt of replacement materials for F-16 aircraft is authorized.
6. The transfer, free of charge, to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan of n. 100 M113 vehicles, already authorized by article 4, paragraph 3, letter b), of the decree-law 1 August 2014, n. 109, converted, with amendments, by law 1 October 2014, n. 141, can be carried out in 2015, without new or greater charges for public finance.
Art 5.
Provisions regarding personnel
 1. Article 3, paragraphs 1, alinea, 5, 8 and 9, of the law 3 August 2009, n. 108, and the article 3, paragraph 6, of the 4 decree-law November 2009, n. 152, converted, with modifications, by the law 29 December 2009, n. 197.
2. The mission allowance, referred to in Article 3, paragraph 1, alinea, of the 3 law August 2009, n. 108, is paid in the amount of 98 per cent or in full, increased by 30 per cent if the staff does not enjoy free board and lodging for any reason.
3. For personnel who participate in the missions listed below, the mission compensation referred to in paragraph 2 is calculated on the daily allowances shown alongside them:
a) Resolute Support mission and EUPOL Afghanistan, personnel employed in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Tampa and on security service at the diplomatic offices of Kabul and Herat, UNIFIL mission, including personnel belonging to the activated structure at the United Nations, personnel employed in training activities of the Lebanese armed forces, mission to combat the terrorist threat of Daesh: per diem planned with reference to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Oman;
b) as part of the missions to combat piracy, for the staff employed at the Northwood Headquarters: per diem envisaged with reference to Great Britain-London;
c) EUTM Somalia, EUCAP Nestor, EUCAP Sahel Niger, MINUSMA, EUTM Mali, EUCAP Sahel Mali missions, further European Union initiatives for Regional maritime capacity building in the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean, personnel employed in training of the Somali and Djiboutian police forces and for the operation of the national military base in the Republic of Djibouti: per diem envisaged with reference to the Democratic Republic of Congo;
d) as part of the EUTM Somalia mission, for staff employed at the Brussels Headquarters: per diem envisaged with reference to Belgium-Brussels;
e) as part of the EUNAVFOR MED mission, for the staff employed at… ..: per diem envisaged with reference to the United States of America-New York.
4. To the personnel employed in the Active Endeavor, EUNAVFOR MED and Atalanta missions and in the activities referred to in Article 4, paragraph 3, the flat-rate employment remuneration and the remuneration for overtime work are paid in derogation, respectively, to the limits set out in 'article 9, paragraph 3, of the decree of the President of the Republic 11 September 2007, n. 171, and the individual time limits referred to in article 10, paragraph 3, of law no. 8. The personnel referred to in article 1990, paragraphs 231 and 1791, of the military code, referred to in Legislative Decree no. 1, the flat-rate remuneration for employment is attributed to the extent referred to in article 2, paragraph 15, of the decree of the President of the Republic no. 2010 of 66.
Art 6.
Provisions in criminal matters
1. The provisions of article 5 of the decree-law of 30 December 2008, no. 209, converted, with modifications, by the law 24 February 2009, n. 12, and subsequent amendments, and in article 4, paragraphs 1-sexies and 1-septies, of the decree-law of 4 November 2009, n. 152, converted, with modifications, by the law 29 December 2009, n. 197.
2. The provisions referred to in paragraph 1 also apply to personnel employed in the United Nations missions called United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in Middle East (UNTSO), United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and in the multinational mission called Multinational Force and Observers in Egypt (MFO), as well as in NATO's Interim Air Policing missions.
Art 7.
Accounting provisions
1. To the international missions of the Armed Forces, including the Carabinieri Corps, and the Finance Guard Corps referred to in this decree, the accounting provisions of article 5, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the 4 decree-law, apply. 2009, n. 152, converted, with modifications, by the law 29 December 2009, n. 197.
2. To ensure the continuation of international missions without interruption, within ten days from the date of entry into force of this decree, the Minister of Economy and Finance, at the request of the Administrations concerned, arranges the advance of an equal sum (not less) than seventy percent of the expenses authorized by articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 12 and 13, based on the allocation referred to in article 15, paragraph 1.
Chapter II
Urgent provisions for the operation of the defense administration
 Art 8.
 Transitional regime for the progress of Italian Army officers, the Navy and the Italian Air Force starting from the year 2016
 1. Article 2233-bis, paragraph 1, of the Military Code order by Legislative Decree 15 March 2010, n. 66, after the letter c), the following is inserted:
"C-bis) for the year 2016, in relation to the specific needs of each armed force, notwithstanding the criteria referred to in paragraph 1, letters a) and b), the decree establishing the number of promotions to be chosen may provide for a reduction in the number of annual promotions to the rank of colonel or corresponding rank established by tables 1, 2 and 3 attached to this code, up to a maximum of 30 per cent with rounding down to the unit. The number of promotions not awarded cannot be increased for the following year. ».
Art 9.
Equiordination of the officers of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Carabinieri in matters of expectation for reduction of cadres
 1. The 907 article of the 15 legislative decree March 2010, n. 66, and subsequent amendments, is replaced by the following:
"Art. 907. Reduction of cadres for surplus in the special and technical-logistic roles of the Carabinieri - 1. The surpluses that occur, compared to the maximum number of staff in the grades of general and colonel, in the special and technical-logistic roles of the 'Carabinieri weapons are eliminated with the placement on leave for the reduction of cadres of the officer of the respective role by birth age and, at the same age, of the least senior officer in the grade. "
Art 10.
Establishment of the single joint commission
 1. To the code of the military order referred to in the legislative decree 15 March 2010, n. 66, the following modifications are made:
a) in Article 165, paragraph 3:
1) the words "and vice president of the summit commission" are deleted;
2) the words "of the top committees and" are replaced by the following: "of the commission";
b) in Article 1034:
1) point a) is replaced by the following:
"A) the Joint Joint Force Commission in respect of officers with the rank of colonel to general of division and corresponding grades;";
2) in letter b), the words "brigadier general" are replaced by the following: "colonel";
c) in article 1035, paragraph 1, the words "The top commissions" are replaced by the following: "The single joint commission";
(d) Article 1036 is replaced by the following:
"Art. 1036. Single Joint Commission - 1. The Single Joint Commission is composed as follows:
a) for the Italian Army, the Navy and the Air Force:
1) Chief of Defense Staff, President;
2) Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces to which the evaluator belongs, vice president;
3) Secretary-General of Defense / DNA;
4) Deputy Chief of Defense;
5) Commander of the Joint Command Operational Command;
6) President of the Center for High Defense Studies;
7) Chief of Staff of the Armed Force to which the evaluator belongs;
8) Chief commander of the operational organization of the Armed Force to which the evaluator belongs;
9) Chief commander of the logistic organization of the Armed Force to which the evaluator belongs;
10) Chief commander of the training organization of the Armed Force to which the evaluator belongs;
b) for the Carabinieri:
1) Chief of Defense Staff, President;
2) General commander of the Carabinieri, vice president;
3) Deputy Chief of Defense;
4) the army corps generals of the Carabinieri.
2. In case of absence or impediment of the Chief of Defense, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces to which the appraiser belongs or the General Commander of the Carabinieri Corps shall assume the presidency of the Joint Commission. ";
e) in Article 1041:
1) in the rubric, the words «vertex and» are suppressed;
2) the paragraph 1 is repealed;
f) in article 1061, paragraph 5, the following are inserted after the words "after obtaining a favorable opinion": "of the single joint commission or";
g) Article 1069, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:
"2. On the proposal, accompanied by the opinions of the hierarchical authorities, the Minister after hearing the single joint commission decides, if it is an officer of a grade no less than a colonel or a corresponding rank, the superior progress commission, if it is an official with the rank of lieutenant Colonel or corresponding rank, or the ordinary commission of advancement, if it is an official of another rank. "