Debora Corbi, Italy's first female soldier

Text and photography by Claude La Frenière

During the visit of the Italian aerobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori, to the International Air Show of Bagotville (SAIB24) and the Quinte Air Show in Trenton, I had the opportunity to meet Major Debora Corbi, the Public Affairs Officer for the team.

Major Corbi, who speaks several languages, is a very cordial person and is well-known in Italy for being the country’s first female soldier.

Born in Rome, Debora Corbi is now a Major in the Italian Air Force. A few years ago, she was affectionately nicknamed "the mother of all Italian female soldiers" by her peers. Before the 1990s, she harbored an ambitious dream that seemed almost unattainable at the time. Securing a law to allow women to enlist in the Italian military was a significant challenge.

Debora Corbi was among those who fought to make this dream a reality. At that time, she wrote to the General Staff of Defense and the Ministry to learn the steps necessary to become a soldier, receiving polite but negative responses due to the absence of a law permitting women’s enlistment in the armed forces.

Her determination, burning desire to succeed, and deep commitment to joining one of Italy's most prestigious institutions made it possible to achieve this goal. The turning point came in 1992 when the Army General Staff, at the request of the Minister of Defense, launched an initiative to test the integration of women into the armed forces called "The Female Soldier Experience." Approximately thirty young women, including Debora Corbi, were selected to participate in this pilot program.

In 1995, Debora Corbi, along with some of the participants from the "Female Soldier Experience," founded the National Association of Aspiring Female Soldiers. This organization aimed to promote legislation allowing women to join the armed forces by actively engaging public opinion and lobbying the key legislative decision-makers.

By 1999, their efforts bore fruit when the law permitting the recruitment of women was finally adopted, marking a significant turning point. This legislation allowed Italy to overcome an outdated gap compared to other NATO countries, which had already integrated women into their military ranks. Italy became the last NATO country to open its barracks to women in 2000, a major victory not only for those seeking to join the armed forces but also for others seeking career opportunities.

Thanks to her pivotal role in this movement, Debora Corbi was appointed an Air Force officer, initially in an honorary capacity. In June 2000, she was officially enlisted in the armed forces. Over the past twenty-three years, significant changes have occurred. It is now commonplace to see women in all aspects of military activity. This progress has been driven by the commitment of women themselves, who remember the struggles and perseverance required to achieve these changes. Their efforts have demonstrated that advocacy and persistence can transform fields previously dominated by men.

Today, the integration of women in the military is complete. There are no limitations regarding recruitment, employment, or career progression based on gender. Women and men share the same traditions, history, and respect for their predecessors. In the armed forces worldwide, gender does not impact professional capabilities. Italian military women fulfill their roles with enthusiasm and solidarity, working alongside their male colleagues in various capacities.

In the Air Force where Debora Corbi serves, women in blue uniforms are present in every department: within the squadrons, during international missions, and at the general staff level. They perform a wide range of functions, including pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, aviation group commanders, crew chiefs, logisticians, meteorologists, intelligence operators, riflemen, flight instructors, marshals, maintenance agents, communicators, and land defenders, among others.

Today, Italy leverages its human resources without gender distinction. Women enlisted in the Armed Forces have shown remarkable dedication, exceptional skills, and unwavering motivation. Female military personnel are represented in all branches of the Italian Armed Forces, including the police, Carabinieri, and Finance Guard.

Major Corbi, who is married to an Air Force pilot and the mother of a young boy, skillfully balances her family and professional life. She currently works in the Public Information sector at the General Office of the Air Force Chief of Staff.