CWO-4 Maresciallo Massimo Pizzolla was appointed as the 29th Command Sergeant Major of the NATO Kosovo Force on October 11, 2024. He began his military career in December 1996 as a conscript in the Italian Army, later enlisting in 1997.
Pizzolla’s early service included a role as Squad Leader in the Special Reconnaissance Amphibious Platoon. In 2000, he completed the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academy and was subsequently reassigned in 2003 to the Lagunari Amphibious Regiment as Platoon Commander. From July 2003 to 2010, he served as Platoon Commander in both the Heavy Mortar Company "Adria" and the Riflemen Company of the Lagunari Amphibious Regiment "SERENISSIMA." After this, he worked in the S-3 operations branch of the same unit.
Military Training & Education
CWO-4 Pizzolla has completed numerous specialized courses, including:
- Mortar Platoon Commander Course
- Anti-Tank Platoon Commander Course
- Infantry Rifleman Platoon Commander Course
- Patrol Course
- Army Amphibious Course
- Navy Amphibious Course
- Marine Artillery Operations Chief Course (USMC)
- Combat Life Support Course
- He is also a graduate of the Italian Army NCO Staff Course (S-3 branch) and holds the U.S. Army Senior Instructor Badge.
In addition, he has completed several NATO training programs, including:
- NATO Security Course
- NATO Intelligence Course
- NATO Information Knowledge Course
- NATO NCO Advanced Leadership Course in an International Environment
- Pizzolla is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy (Class 63) and holds a university degree in Human Resources and Management.
Operational Deployments & International Experience
CWO-4 Pizzolla has extensive operational experience, including:
- Iraq (Operation Antica Babilonia) in 2004
- Lebanon (UNIFIL) in 2006-2007
- Afghanistan (OMLT) in 2008 and 2010-2011 (ISAF)
- He also participated in counterterrorism operations in Italy and served in multiple international roles:
- Lebanon (2014-2016), Special Staff, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander
- NATO Joint Force Command Naples (2016-2019), Special Staff of the Chief of Staff
- Chief of the Special Secretariat for the Commander of Italian JCO (2019-2020)
- International Instructor at the U.S. Army Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence (2020-2023)
- Upon returning to Italy, he worked within the Special Staff of the Italian National Armament Director (4-star general), contributing to international relations and industrial policies.
Awards & Honours
CWO-4 Pizzolla has received multiple commendations for his service, including:
- United Nations UNIFIL Medal
- Italian Army Medals for peace support operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and homeland security
- NATO Non-Article 5 Medals
- U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal
- He has also been inducted into the NCOLCOE/SGM-A International Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
CWO-4 Pizzolla is married to Erika, and they have two children: a daughter and a son.