Salvatore Farina (general)

Salvatore Farina (born 18 November 1957) is an Italian Army general, and the former Chief of Army Staff. He previously served as commander of the Kosovo Force, the military attaché at the Embassy of Italy, London, and as the commander of Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum.

Salvatore Farina
Farina during the flower laying ceremony at the COL Oskars Kalpaks Memorial in Latvia
Born	(1957-11-18) 18 November 1957 (age 67) Gallipoli, Apulia
Allegiance	Italy
Branch	Esercito Italiano
Years of service	1976–present
Rank	Lieutenant General (I.s.)
Commands	1st Communications Regiment Communication Brigade Kosovo Force JFC Brunssum Chief of Army Staff
Battles / wars	Yugoslav Wars
Awards	Knight Grand Cross, OMRI Officer, Military Order of Italy Officer, Legion of Merit

Biography

Salvatore Farina has earned degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Padua, in strategic science from the University of Turin and in international politics and diplomatic relations from the University of Trieste.^[1][2] He entered the Italian Military Academy of Modena in 1976.^[3] He became Chief of Staff of the Italian Army on 27 February 2018.

On 15 February 2024, Pope Francis appointed Farina to be director of Infrastructure and Services within the Governorate of Vatican City State.^[4]

Personal life

Salvatore Farina and his wife Amelia Gianna have two adult daughters and three granddaughters.^[3]

On 8 March 2020, he had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019.^[5] He said he felt well and was self-isolating.^[6] It was also reported that he will be replaced by Federico Bonato until further notice.^[5]

Awards and decorations

• Knight Grand Cross, Order of Merit of the Italian Republic – motu proprio, President of the Republic, 1 January 2018^[7]
• Officer, Military Order of Italy - Pristina, (Kosovo), September 2013 – September 2014, 9 July 2015^[8]