Technological Innovation and Italian Armed Forces Training: Challenges and Opportunities

Even though the training of the Italian Armed Forces is the "Cinderella" of the Italian defence debate, it represents a fundamental aspect for the future of the Italian military. First, the analysis evaluates the strategic and operational relevance of training, often ignored or underestimated by decision-makers and public opinion. Second, the study examines the trends in defence expenditure for training and the implications deriving from the decrease in the international deployment of the Italian Armed Forces (with particular attention to the EU and NATO). Finally, challenges and opportunities for the training of Italian Armed Forces are discussed in light of technological innovation, especially in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The main goal is to provide a better understanding of Italian military training, and its significant implications for the operational capability of the Italian Armed Forces and, ultimately, Italy's foreign and defence policy.

Study prepared within the framework of the research project "Training of Italian Armed Forces: challenges and opportunities". Presented at the conference on "Addestramento delle Forze armate: è il momento delle decisioni", Rome, 11 December 2014.