Today in History: 30 Years Since the Enlisted Oath of the 76th Warrant Officer Course "Orgoglio"

It feels like yesterday—October 22, 1994, when a group of fresh-faced soldiers stood together in Viterbo, united by a shared purpose, the weight of history, and a sense of belonging. We raised our right hands and took the enlisted oath, a solemn promise to serve our country with unwavering dedication. That oath, spoken on a crisp autumn day, echoed through the barracks, binding us together not just as soldiers, but as brothers in arms. Today, we stand at the 30-year mark of that moment, reflecting on the journey we’ve undertaken and the legacy we've built.

For 24 years, I walked a path alongside many of you—fellow soldiers who became family, comrades who shared the same trials, and friends who weathered the challenges of military life. From the Folgore Parachute Brigade to the Special Forces HQ, I found myself on the frontlines of some of the world’s most volatile regions. The landscapes of Bosnia, Kosovo, Albania, Afghanistan, and Lebanon are etched in my memory, not just as places of duty, but as reminders of the resilience, courage, and camaraderie we nurtured in Viterbo. It was there, during those early mornings and long days, that we learned the values that would guide us through deployments, missions, and life.

Last September 27, nearly 80 alumni from the 76th Course came together once again in Viterbo, the city that holds so much of our shared history. We gathered not just to reminisce, but to honor the path we’ve walked—individually and together. There was laughter, there were stories of battles fought and friendships rekindled, and above all, there was a palpable sense of pride. As we stood on the same parade ground where we had once taken our first steps as soldiers, the sense of unity was as strong as ever. The name of Simone Cola, our fallen brother, echoed through the air with our shout of "Presente." His sacrifice in Iraq remains a powerful symbol of what it means to serve, and his memory will live on as a tradition, passed down through the generations of new soldiers who walk that same ground.

We’ve come a long way since those early days at the Warrant Officer School. The world has changed, and so have we. The Army we once knew has evolved, adapting to new threats and challenges, just as we have transitioned from the compulsory military service era to the professionalism that defines today’s armed forces. Many of us have forged distinguished careers, from NATO operations in the Balkans to UN peacekeeping in the Middle East, and yet, we remain tethered to the values we first embraced in Viterbo: Duty, honor, and love for our country.

As I reflect on my 24 years of active service, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude—for the experiences that shaped me and for the brothers who stood beside me. But this journey is not over. Today, I continue to serve, although in a different capacity, at the European Union Military Staff, working in Common Security and Defence Policy. In this role, I have the opportunity to help shape the future of European defense, contributing to strengthening Europe’s role on the global stage. Our military experiences taught us how to lead, how to unite, and how to overcome challenges. Now, in a civilian role, I carry those lessons forward, using them to foster collaboration and build security structures that will protect future generations.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the spirit of the 76th Course will continue to inspire. Whether through our work in the military, in civilian service, or in retirement, the bonds we forged and the lessons we learned will guide us. Our recent reunion was a reminder that, despite the years that have passed, we are still the same—brothers who have shared a unique and unbreakable bond. We are part of something greater, a legacy that stretches back through history and will carry forward into the future.

The reunion was a time to celebrate, but it was also a time to reflect. Many of us have gone on to lead distinguished careers, while others have taken quieter paths. Yet, no matter where life has led us, we are united by the values instilled in us during our time at Viterbo. The Warrant Officer School, with its long history of training and shaping Italy’s finest soldiers, was where our journey began, and it remains a place of profound significance.

As we move forward, let us remember not just the past but the future we are helping to build. And as we commemorate this 30th anniversary, let us do so with the knowledge that our bond, our service, and our dedication to duty are as strong as ever.

Here's to the 76th Warrant Officer Course "Orgoglio", to 30 years of service, and to the future that lies ahead.

Together, stronger.

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