Italy
Nation: Italy
Support to the Global War on Terror:
After September 11, 2001, Italy was one of the first nations to join the Coalition to fight international terrorism.
Indeed, on October 16, 2001, the Italian Joint Cell within USCENTCOM in Tampa was activated to coordinate efforts for the Global War on Terror (GWOT) together with the deployment of an Italian Army regiment-level combat unit in Afghanistan.
In addition to military support, Italy is committed to the GWOT with many other Ministers and Departments, such as the Minister of Interior, Minister of Finances and Economies, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Justice.
Regarding Iraq, Italy deployed a contingent of more than 3,000 soldiers that achieved its mission in December 2006 when the Dhi Qar province's local authority, thanks to the effort of Italian Armed Forces, took complete control of the area.
Currently, Italy has personnel in Baghdad responsible for high-level Iraqi Armed Forces officers training at the war college under NATO Training Mission Command.
In Afghanistan, Italy has deployed about 2,000 soldiers under ISAF Command. Their mission is to support the Government of Afghanistan in providing and maintaining a secure environment in order to facilitate the re-building of the country, to establish democratic structures and to assist in expanding the influence of the central government.
The Italian Military is present in each level of ISAF's chain of command. They are in the town of Herat where they have the command responsibility of Regional Command West and run a Provincial Reconstruction Team; in KABUL where they contribute with the staff officer to the ISAF Head Quarter Crises Establishment; and one combat unit (battalion level) for operations in Regional Command Central Area of Responsibility.
In addition, Italy has specific units (Operational Mentor Liaison Team) responsible for mentoring and training the Afghan National Security Forces in Herat.
Humanitarian Support to the people of Afghanistan/Iraq:
Italy is running a PRT in Herat to support local authorities in the area’s reconstruction and security.
Military personnel within the PRT are accompanied by civilian personnel such as doctors, engineers and agronomists.
Herat’s PRT uses national money to subsidize “Quick Impact Projects” and other reconstruction projects.
Among a variety of projects in different sectors – education, health, security, roads, power, water, and general infrastructure – the most important is the construction of new health care facilities and the enlargement of a hospital in Herat, the construction of schools in different districts, and the extension of the water network in Herart district (200 wells).
SNR: Brigadier General (ITA ARMY) Raffaele De Feo
Brigadier Genral Raffaele De Feo was born in Eboli (ITALY) in 1957. He is Director of Staff Operations at NATO RAPID DEPLOYABLE CORPS – ITA , in Solbiate Olona, Varese district, northern Italy.
He was commissioned Bersaglieri (special mechanized infantry)2nd Lieutenant on September 1st, 1978, from Army Academy 158th batch. On completion of the normal course at the School for Applied Military Sciences in Turin, he was commissioned Infantry 1St Lieutenant September 1st, 1980. He later attended the Italian Army Staff School (1990-1991), the Italian Armed Forces Staff School (1994 – 1995) and a number of other courses both in Italy and abroad. He is Bachelor of Strategic Sciences and speaks English fluently.
He held command positions as:
o Bersaglieri Platoon and Company leader (1980 – 1989);
o Bersaglieri Battalion Commander (1995-1996) when he was appointed with his unit in Bosnia for 6 months with IFOR ;
o Bersaglieri Regiment Commander (2000 – 2001).
o Deputy Commander of Signal Brigade of NATO Rapid Deployable Force – Italy (2005 – 2006)
o Commander of Signal Brigade of NATO Rapid Deployable Force – Italy (2006 – 2007)
o Commander of Support Brigade of NATO Rapid Deployable Force – Italy (2007 – 2008)
He has good knowledge in the operational field as:
o Battalion Chief of Operations and training (1989-1990);
o Army Corps Headquarters Chief of Operations (1996-2000);
o Kosovo Force (KFOR 5) Deputy Chief of Operations (2001).
He was appointed as Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force Attaché at Embassy of Italy in New Delhi from November 2002 to November 2005. His last overseas appointment was as the Italian Senior Representative at USCENTCOM, Tampa from April to October 2006.
Brig. Gen. De Feo has received the following awards and decorations:
o Bronze Medal for 10 years of Unit leadership;
o Gold Cross for 25 years of Service;
o Overseas Service Ribbons (IFOR-Bosnia; KFOR-Kosovo; Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan);
o Army Silver Cross for distinguished duty in Bosnia. o Army Bronze Cross for distinguished duty in Kosovo.
o Knight and Officer of Republic of Italy for merit.
His favourite sports are volleyball and swimming. He likes reading and gardening.
Brig. Gen. De Feo is married with Mrs. Paola. They have two daughters: Mariateresa, 28, and Ilaria, 15, and a grandson.
STRUCTURE OF STAFF
As mentioned, the Italian Joint Cell was established in October 2001 after the decision of the Italian government to participate in the GWOT.
Specific tasks for the Italian Cell:
To ensure national representation of activities as well as to liaison and coordinate with CENTCOM
To provide Italian Joint Operational Staff in Rome with real-time and important information on operations in progress, planning current and future activities, and assessing intelligence
To maintain tight relations with other Coalition Cells in order to reinforce cooperation and mutual reliability
7. LINKS:
