On Tuesday 9 August, the handover of responsibilities to Col. Luigi Parrella, in the presence of Brigadier General Carmine Masiello, Commander of RC-W. In his farewell address, Col. Parrella emphasized that the challenging but rewarding work in the Theatre, aimed primarily at promoting the stabilization and development of Afghanistan’s economic and social fabric, had constituted a fundamental moment both for his professional and human experience.“We have, or at least we have made efforts to provide the right and necessary support to all the components of the Contingent, and in particular to the various Task Forces”-said Colonel Parrella, highlighting that the achievement of this goal was strongly supported by the Commander of RC-West.“The command action of General Masiello – continued Colonel Parrella – Intensive but non-invasive, it allowed me to coordinate and direct without delay all the complex administrative activities of the Contingent.“. Upon returning to Italy, Colonel Parrella summarized his duties at the Commissariat of the Logistics Command of the A.M., in Rome.
Colonel Sibilia, in assuming the direction of the CAI, stated that he is aware of the complexity of the task and that he intends to continue strengthening the cooperation with the local Afghan business community, continuing the work of those who preceded him.
General Masiello, in thanking the outgoing Director for the effective collaboration provided and the particular availability shown towards all the staff, highlighted the professionalism demonstrated by Colonel Parrella in directing the complex activities of the CAI-I, aimed at meeting the many needs of the Contingent in a particular and complex operational theatre such as that in Afghanistan.
The CAI-I in Herat is the only Inter-Service Administrative Center led by the Air Force, and has the task of providing administrative support to the national contingent deployed in theater operations in Afghanistan. In addition to ensuring the economic treatment of the contingent personnel, the CAI also purchases goods and services for the operation of RC-West Command and the Autonomous Operational Units (including ITALFOR Kabul), contracts for infrastructure works, and entrusts the procurement of goods and assets for Military and Civil Cooperation (CIMIC) interventions.
