The CoESPUcompound,currently, besides the Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units, also hosts the NATO SP CoE (Stability Policing Center of Excellence) and the Permanent Headquarters of the European Gendarmerie Force (EGF).
Before its present destination, the site hosted the Carabinieri Corps Non-Commissioned Officers Academy. In almost 25 years of activity, more than 10000 Carabinieri have been trained in the barracks, attending either their second year of the Non-Commissioned Officers (Marescialli) course or the three-month Brigadieri (Sergeants)course, as well as many other different courses for specific purposes.
The compound is dedicatedto Carabinieri Corps LieutenantGeneral Antonio Chinotto, hero of the First World War and true symbol of the patriotic spirit of Vicenza.
He was the son of Bernardino Chinotto,also a valiant fighter in the First War of Independence and decorated with the Silver Medal of Valor.
At the outbreak of the Great War (1915-1918) he was called to lead the Command of the “Piacenza” Brigade (111th and 112th Infantry Regiment).
In 1915 he took part, as Commander of the Brigade, in the most important battles on the Karst front, during which, in 1915, he was wounded several times, earning a Silver Medal of Valor for his bravery and the promotion to Lieutenant General.
In 1916, despite his poor health, he took the command of the 14th Division.
Although his health conditions, he personally directed the operations in the Battle of the Isonzo, to conquer the heights of Monfalcone.
General Chinotto passed away in 1916, August the 25th, promoted on his deathbed to General of the Army Corps, due to his merits.
In 1917, his widow, Donna Clara, was given the Gold Medal of Valor, dedicated to the memory of Lieutenant General Chinotto. The citation reads as follows:
“On the Karst, as a Brigade Commander, he was wounded twice in 1915, but wanted to remain at the head of his troops, giving continuous proof of tenacity. As Commander of the Division, although in poor health, he left the position only when he had to undergo surgery. Barely able to stand, he asked and obtained permission to return to the battlefront and took the control of the area of Monfalcone, where he stayed untilhis last days of life, as a wonderful example of military virtues. Brave Commander and Soldier, he died after serving his Country and his only regret was being unable to further serve Italy.”.