ble personnel structure, with more modern recruitment criteria and career progression and supported by legislation closer to the needs of a professional model of defence. Moreover, to mitigate the possible risks associated with a reduced force structure, it will study the creation of a reserve force that is able to contribute to the overall needs of national security and defence. 78. Quality will be given priority, in particular with regards to training and instruction, with specific attention paid to the forces with the highest level of operational readiness. A better balance between quality and cost will be created to ensure that quantitative requirements are not excessively penalised. 79. Capability will be enhanced by a better balance of quantity and quality and a new governance structure that will lead to more effective political management of the important choices. It will allow the armed forces to work together as single synergistic unit. The goal is to achieve a more streamlined and efficient overall structure, with fewer management levels, to make it less expensive and to give priority to operational effectiveness. Tasks and missions of the armed forces 80. The tasks assigned to the armed forces are written in our constitution, which states that the defence of the homeland is the sacred duty of every citizen (Art. 52). These tasks are explained and updated in article 89 of Legislative Decree no. 66, 2010 (“Military Code - COM”). This decree states that the defence of the state is priority, as is the task of working towards the realisation of peace and security, in accordance with international law and the decisions of the international organizations of which Italy is a member (article 11 of the Constitution). The armed forces are also involved in safeguarding institutions and have specific tasks in the event of a public calamity, as well as in other extraordinary situations of great urgency. Finally, under Article 92 of the Military Code, the Armed Forces, in addition to their institutional responsibilities, contribute on request, to situations which are in the interests of the general public and to environmental protection. - 41 -