The ceremony began with the arrival of distinguished guests, including senior military leaders and representatives from NATO member states. The outgoing Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Carpineto accompanied by his successor Colonel Karsikas, stood before the assembled audience as the official orders were read aloud. This moment signified the formal transition of authority and responsibility.
Mons, Belgium, 23 August 2024, the Change of Responsibility Ceremony, from left outgoing Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Carpineto; incoming Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff, Colonel Jarkko Karsikas; NCISG Commander Major General Jürgen Brötz.
NCISG Commander’s speech highlighted the outgoing leader’s achievements, dedication, and the impact of Brigadier General Carpineto’s leadership on the organization’s success. Major General Brötz continued:
Luigi, you have been more than just a Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff. You have delivered simultaneously support to critical missions such as NATO Mission Iraq, NATO Support to Turkiye and ALLIED SOLACE.
Major General Brötz also took a moment to reflect on the challenges faced and the milestones achieved during his tenure.
Major General Brötz addressed the incoming Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff, Colonel Jarkko Karsikas, who will become the first Finnish Flag Officer in the NATO Command Structure (NCS). The General underlined that he has no doubt that Colonel Karsikas will bring fresh energy, new perspectives and continued excellence into NATO processes.
Before the official handover, the outgoing Deputy Commander, Brigadier General Carpineto stated in his speech to the audience:
Thanks for being here. If you are here, there is a reason for that. You made NATO CIS Group the greatest NATO unit. The Group was able to change its posture and be ready much faster than other NATO commands when new threats occured. Thanks for what you are doing.
Following the official handover, the incoming Deputy Commander, Colonel Karsikas, took the stage. His speech outlined his background and professional principles. The new Deputy Commander underlined that he follows the following guidelines – pragmatism:
I am looking for solutions that work, theory and doctrines are important, but I always try to change them into practical things and finally I always concentrate on results.