The same year he published, on the same matter, a study: "Ordinamento militare delle popolazioni alpine" (trans. "Military organization of Alpine people") and, in August 1879, he was back to the School of War as full professor. While maintaining his teaching activity, in May 1880 Dabormida was re-attached to the Army Staff, and by November 1881 he was nominated secretary to the Army Chief of Staff, general Cosenz. Promoted Lt. colonel in 1883, he served in this capacity until June 1887, when he was reassigned to the 3rd Infantry Regiment as provisional commander. In April 1888 he was promoted colonel and confirmed in his role. Two years later, Dabormida was again reassigned to the Army Staff. In 1891, he published in Rome "La battaglia dell'Assietta", a study wrote for his students when he was a teacher in the School of War about the 1747 Battle of Assietta.