ITALIAN DEFENCE ATTACHÉ
MEHMOOD-UL-HASSAN KHAN
1. Would you please share with us your childhood and schooling?
I was born in a little city, Benevento, 100 km far Naples and situated in the south of Italy. There I spent my childhood’s summers in the grandparents’ farm, while I attended the school in Caserta, not far from the hometown.
Benevento is a historical town of the Sannites. It was renamed Beneventum by the Romans, when it became an important base for Roman expansion in southern Italy. Then it was the capital of an important Lombard duchy controlling most of southern Italy. Monuments from classical times include Trajan’s Arch, the ruin of a Roman theatre, and the Ponte Lebbroso, a bridge old more 2000 years. The frequently rebuilt cathedral (founded 7th century), with the magnificent bronze doors; the 12th century cloister of the Church of Santa Sofia (8th century); and the castle (1321) are notable medieval buildings.
While Caserta is famous for the Bourbon Royal Palace, designed by the Italian architect Luigi Vanvitelli and constructed in the 18th century. It was one of the last triumphs of the Italian Baroque. Anyway my high school was humanistic preparatory, then I continue my study at University of Bologna, the oldest University of Europe. It was founded in 11th century where I completed my graduation in Economics and Commerce.
2. Would you please tell us about your professional career?
I started my military career to the Italian Military Academy. I completed the specialist training at the Application School. I was Platoon Leader and Company Commander at a Mechanized Infantry Battalion, I commanded also the Platoon and the Company in the Military Academy and the Company in the School of Infantry. I completed Based and Advanced Army Staff College, prior to attending Joint General Staff College. I commanded the Battalion and the Regiment and I filled Staff assignment at the Italian Joint Operations Headquarters. I was the Military Assistant of the Deputy Commander of the “Salamandra” Division in Bosnia-Herzegovina (SFOR), where I was awarded the Spanish White Cross for Meritorious Service. I was also awarded the Italian, NATO and France medals for operation in former Yugoslavia.
I have been serving as Italian Defense Attaché in Pakistan since 1st October 2006. I have diversified and integrated educational qualifications and professional expertise. I have master a Master in Strategic Science from the University of Turin. Furthermore, I am a qualified Patrolling Specially-Trained officer as well as the parachuting military license.Read More »INTERVIEW WITH HONORABLE ITALIAN DEFENCE ATTACHÉ COLONEL (ARMY) ANTONIO PENNINO