A new section of the was born in Santa MarinellaThe National Association of the Weasel, an initiative desired and promoted by Major Francesco Coletta with the support of leading figures from the military and academic world.
The project, inspired by the commitment of General Cortellessa, aims to bring together enthusiasts, veterans and supporters to keep alive the values of the Italian Infantry and promote cultural and educational activities.
The inaugural conference on intelligence, held by Prof. Vittorfranco Pisano, an absolute authority in the field, was a significant success. With extraordinary popularization skills, Pisano managed to make the dynamics of a world that is by definition complex and articulated understandable and accessible, capturing the attention of a large and attentive audience.
Despite the difficulties in creating new branches of military associations, the enthusiasm of members demonstrates that interest in defense and national security is still strong.
Magg. Coletta, what prompted the creation of a new section of the National Infantry Association in Santa Marinella?
The idea of creating the Section of the National Association of the Infantryman of Santa Marinella, originated a few years ago, when it was proposed to me by Gen. Cortellessa, honorary president of the National Association of the Infantryman. General Cortellessa, who I had the fortune and the Honor to know, was an exceptional man and soldier, a Gentleman, who always carried forward the Values of the Association trying to make it grow.
The undersigned comes from the 107th AUC course held at the Infantry School of Cesano, having subsequently served in the 2st infantry battalion San Giusto in Trieste: the “Red Ties”. I have always been a member of both the Infantry Association and the UNUCI (National Union of Retired Officers of Italy) of which I was president of the Monterosi Section for 10 terms (XNUMX years). This also prompted me to found this Section.
As you surely know, it is not easy to found a new Section of the Armed Forces Association. I consulted with a very dear friend of mine, Sergeant Major. Paolo Comero, a very trustworthy person, an excellent soldier and of impeccable morality, who immediately accepted with enthusiasm.
I spoke with another great friend, Col. Pisano Vittorfranco, who immediately made himself available, both for the Headquarters and for the organization, in particular for the Conferences for which he will be an active part.
Have you already registered a good number of members?
As for membership, although I wanted to wait for the official announcement from the national presidency, which promptly arrived, the potential members could be between 15 and 20 people, a number that I will be able to update with certainty within this month, when the membership cards and stamps arrive.
Who can join the Association and how?
It can be requested by both Infantrymen who have performed military service with any rank, as well as Supporters and Friends who have not performed military service or who have done so in other forces, and also by Patronesses, who represent the female component of the Infantry Association.
What is the role of the National Infantry Association today and how has it evolved over time?
Undoubtedly, as previously mentioned, the role of the Infantry Association, as for other Armed Forces Associations, is increasingly difficult as, with the lack of compulsory military service and AUC courses, the number of people enrolling has significantly decreased. It is the duty of each Armed Forces Association to make its own Section known, proselytizing in order to be able to carry forward all the patriotic, moral and cultural values, as also established by the Statute of the National Association of the Infantryman.
The first conference, held by Prof. Pisano, dealt with the topic of intelligence and the room was full. Considering the general crisis of the Armed Forces associations, was it an unexpected success?
The first Conference was held by Prof. Col. Pisano Vittorfranco, and had as its theme Intelligence, a topic chosen for its topicality and importance, and also to give a military and informational connotation to a much discussed topic, which saw a notable presence of participants.
Do you have any other events related to national security and defense planned?
As for the future programs of the Association, other Conferences are being prepared with various topics, presented by high-level Speakers with whom we will try to focus the attention of the members on various themes.
An institutional website for the Section will be created, as well as the possibility for those who cannot attend the various Conferences in person to be present remotely, in order to give all members the opportunity to participate.
Photo: Francesco Coletta / Online Defense
