It took place on Thursday, 10 July, at the “Piazzale Bandiera” in School of the Italian Air Force Marshals of Viterbo, The graduation ceremony of the 119 Marshals of 3rd class of the 25th Normal Course “Phobos II”. The event marked the conclusion of an important three-year training period, in the presence of the Commander of the Air Force Schools and of the 3rd Air Region, Air Squadron General Francesco Vestito, from civil and military authorities, and from the families of the new graduates.
79 Marshals they obtained a degree in Political Science and International Relations – curriculum Aeronautical Professions Science and Technology; another 40, however, have completed for the first time in the Institute's history the course in Industrial Engineering, developed in collaboration with the University of Tuscia. This latter course is an integral part of the process for obtaining the military aeronautical maintenance licence, in line with European regulations, and represents a virtuous example of synergy between academia and operational reality.
The ceremony opened with the welcome of the Commander of the Marshals' School, Colonel Gianluca Spina, who addressed the new doctors thus: “Congratulations, from the heart, everyone! Unlike the other stages that marked your time here in Viterbo, events which we have always emphasised as merely a starting point, today, here, you are reaching an important milestone, your first real and prestigious achievement as Marshals of the Air Force! An important part of your lives is now closing, a fundamental interlude for your formation as servicemen and women, and for your maturation as men and women. It has been a difficult but at the same time exhilarating journey! The milestone you are justly reaching today, and I want to stress, without any concessions, opens the doors to the operational world of the Air Force, and projects you towards what will be your splendid and unique azure story. An adventure that will require further sacrifices, both personal and familial, but which will repay you with professional satisfaction, life experiences, and unique friendships that will accompany you throughout your lives.
Representing the Viterbo University, the Professor Stefano Rossi, Vice Director of the DEIM Department, who emphasised: “This day represents the culmination of an important training journey, made possible thanks to the established collaboration between our University and the Air Force Marshals School. This is a virtuous synergy between two state institutions that, despite operating in different fields, share the common goal of training high-profile professionals with solid technical, cultural, and social skills. The two degree courses, Political Science and International Relations and Industrial Engineering, while partly so different from each other, fully reflect the plurality of content and knowledge that characterises the Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business: on one hand, political and social sciences, on the other, technical-scientific disciplines. The complementarity between these disciplines constitutes a strategic value for facing the challenges of the present and the future with a mature and aware vision.”.
Following the official proclamation, the graduates received their traditional scrolls, presented by representatives from academic and military circles. Prizes and scholarships were also awarded: among these were accolades from the CARIVIT Foundation for the best degree averages, international awards offered by Argentina, Brazil and Peru, and the Certificate of merit for the top performers in their respective courses.
To close the ceremony, the speech by Air Force General Francesco Vestito: “Marshal, today you reach an important milestone, but remember: it is only the beginning of an even more ambitious journey. The Air Force entrusts you with command roles, requiring excellence, integrity, and a spirit of service. You must be competent, but also ready to innovate and continuously grow. Your leadership must be based on example, listening, and discipline that starts with yourselves. Honour, Duty, and Fatherland must be your guiding principles in every choice and every mission. You will be called upon to operate in difficult contexts, where clear-headedness and team spirit will make the difference. Every action you take will contribute to national security and the prestige of our Armed Force. We have invested in your training: now we ask for your commitment, passion, and sense of duty. Remember: in every gesture, you represent the Air Force. And we are counting on you.
The event represented not only the conclusion of a course of study, but also the start of a professional journey within the Air Force, with a wealth of academic and operational knowledge that will be crucial for future challenges.
The School of the Air Force Marshals / Viterbo Airport Command is subordinate to Command of the Air Force Schools and the 3rd Air Region of Bari; The Department carries out a dual mission: on the one hand, as a university-level institution, it is responsible for the military and moral training and specific professional instruction of Marshals and Warrant Officers, as well as for the refinement and updating of such training; on the other hand, as a military airport open to civil traffic, it provides technical-operational support, air traffic services and activity. Force protection at Tommaso Fabbri Airport.
