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Multinational Division South

In a Euro-Atlantic landscape characterised by increasing competition and uncertainty, the Multinational Division South (MND-S) is a key component of NATO’s New Force Structure (NFS), making a significant contribution to the Alliance’s collective security. This division, built on the core of the Italian Army's "Vittorio Veneto" Division, plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges through continuous training, skill refinement and the promotion of innovation. The MND-S enhances the Alliance by providing command and control capabilities for subordinate units, ensuring that diverse missions in support of three NATO core tasks can be accomplished.

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Foundation of MND-S

SACEUR’s Strategic Directive, which refers to the endorsement of the MND-S, was officially signed in May 2024. The roots of this command can be traced back to a proposal from the Italian Ministry of Defence presented to the North Atlantic Council in October 2019, which approved the creation of this new headquarters as part of the NFS. The core of the "Vittorio Veneto" Division was identified as the foundation upon which to build this multinational command. The decision to include the MND-S in the NFS reflects Italy’s strategic importance in the Euro-Atlantic security context and its commitment to collective defence and deterrence.

Training and Operational Preparation

Operational preparation is a fundamental pillar of MND-S activities. In 2023, the "Vittorio Veneto" Division was intensively involved in a series of multinational exercises that tested and refined its operational capabilities. These included "Ghost Command Post '23" (GHCP 23), a national Command Post Exercise (CPX/CAX) in which the 78th Headquarters Support Group (HSG) participated. This exercise was part of a multinational exercise called "Citadel Bonus '23" (CIBO 23) that was organised by the French Rapid Reaction Corps (RRC – FRA).

During the “CIBO/GHCP 2023” exercise, the MND-S HQ acted as Secondary Training Audience in a wartime scenario, testing its ability to plan and conduct complex operations, with a particular focus on the integration of land/air forces and the effectiveness of the C2 systems. The exercise also included the redeployment of the Division Main Command Post, while the Tactical Command Post ensured the continuity of the C2. 

2024 was a critical year for the MND-S. The main goal was to achieve Combat Readiness  through the evaluation process conducted by the Allied Land Command (LANDCOM). The "Steadfast Dagger 2024" exercise, held at the NATO Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, was the final step of this process, during which the MND-S demonstrated its operational readiness in a Non-Article 5 scenario, confirming its ability to act as the Land Component Command (LCC). 

In July 2024, the MND-S was engaged – together with the personnel of the 78th Headquarters Support Group (HSG) "Lupi di Toscana" and the 7th Signals Regiment – in the "Wolf 2024" exercise. The purpose was to verify the ability to deploy and activate three C2 Nodes (Two Forward Command Posts and One Tactical Command Post) maintaining the connectivity of the Communication Systems and Information (CIS) inside each Node and within the Nodes. Moreover, there was the ability to move the aforementioned Nodes (jumps) in a short time, guaranteeing C2 stability.

These activities were crucial steps on the path to assuming the role of LCC of the NATO Allied Reaction Force (ARF) between July 2025 and July 2026.

In addition to these large-scale exercises, the MND-S regularly conducts various forms of training, courses and seminars on modern conflict scenarios, involving international experts and academics. As such, in 2022, the MND–S signed a specific Memorandum of Understanding with the University for Foreigners in Perugia, Scuola Universitaria Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa and L’Orientale University in Naples.

Strategic Importance of MND-S

The MND-S is a strategic asset and of great importance to NATO. In an unstable global scenario, characterised by threats from both state and non-state actors, the MND-S's role is becoming ever more important. Its primary mission is to ensure the collective defence of the Alliance through a ready and effective military presence, capable of rapidly responding to crises.

The conflict in Ukraine marked a turning point in NATO's defence strategy, prompting the Alliance to reinforce its deterrence posture. In this context, the MND-S plays a crucial role, ensuring NATO is ready to defend Allied territory and respond to any aggression with strength and determination.

The creation of NATO’s New Force Model, a new structure replacing the NATO Response Force (NRF), is a direct response to these new challenges. This model envisions the establishment of a rapid reaction force, distributed across different levels of operational readiness in various domains. The MND-S, as part of this new model, will play a central role in ensuring that NATO can respond quickly and effectively to emerging crises.

Cultural and Historical Heritage of the "Vittorio Veneto" Division

The traditions of the “Friuli” Division can be traced back to its establishment as a Brigade in 1882. The unit then fought in the First World War in the Carso region. In 1939, the Brigade was reorganised as a Division and was involved in various military operations in France, Yugoslavia and Corsica during the Second World War. After September 8, 1943, its members formed the “Friuli” combat group, which fought against the Germans during the Italian civil war until April 1945. 

In the post-war period, the Division was initially downsized to a Brigade then, following several re-arrangements of the Army, it returned to being a Division again in 2013. The HQ moved from Bologna to Florence, occupying the “Predieri” barracks. 

On July 1, 2019, the “Friuli” Division changed its name to “Vittorio Veneto” in memory of the decisive Battle of Vittorio Veneto, which marked Italy's victory in the First World War. This historical legacy is further emphasised by the tradition and symbolism associated with the Division. The emblem of the "Vittorio Veneto" Division, derived from the insignia used by the “Friuli” Division during the Second World War, is a winged shield with a central, yellow and gold gladius – a symbol of strength – flanked by oak leaves, representing courage, and laurel leaves, symbolising victory. 

Nowadays, the Division’s HQ is the "Predieri" barracks in Florence. Built in the 1920s, the barracks are dedicated to General Alessandro Predieri, Commander of the "Brescia" Division, who heroically fell in 1942 during the Battle of El Alamein. Over the years, the barracks have been home to various prestigious units, including the EUROFOR Command—a European multinational force established in 1995 and active until 2012. The presence of this multinational force helped to consolidate Florence's role as a hub for international military cooperation.

The “Predieri” is also a significant cultural and historical heritage for the city of Florence, as many Florentines served there during their mandatory military service.  

The MND-S embodies a distinctive blend of historical heritage and modern military capability. Through its unwavering commitment to operational readiness, training and innovation, the MND-S has become a crucial strategic force for NATO, ready to respond to emerging challenges and enhance security and stability