PISA – A new generation of Paratroopers joins the glorious Paratrooper Brigade “Folgore”. In a ceremony full of significance, 141 young Initial Service Volunteers received the much-anticipated Amaranth Beret, a symbol of honor, belonging, spirit of sacrifice, and absolute dedication to the service of the Homeland and the common good. The solemn presentation took place in the historic parachuting gym of the “Gamerra” Barracks in Pisa, the headquarters and beating heart of Italian parachute training, the direct heir of the ancient Tarquinia School and since 1957 a training ground for entire generations of Paratroopers.
Promoted after a challenging journey, only for those ready to earn it
These new Paratroopers have undergone a long and selective journey. After an initial training phase of twelve weeks at the Volunteer Training Regiments (RAV), the candidates were transferred to Pisa to attend the Combat Techniques for Airborne Troops Course (CTCA) lasting ten weeks.
During this period, the future paratroopers received intensive training that tested their physical, mental, and moral abilities. The goal was to prepare them not only for combat but also for the esprit de corps that distinguishes the Italian airborne troops.
At the end of the CTCA, the last and perhaps most exciting phase began: four weeks dedicated to parachute training, culminating in the mandatory jumps to achieve the Military Paratrooper qualification. By passing this phase, the candidates finally earned the right to wear the iconic Amaranth Beret.
A heartfelt ceremony, between pride and tradition
The ceremony was held in the presence of military authorities and over 800 family members who came from all over Italy to witness this important milestone up close. Present were the Commander of the Parachute Training Center (CAPAR), Colonel Antonio D’Agostino, and the Commander of the Folgore Brigade, Brigadier General Federico Bernacca, whose participation underscored the symbolic and operational value of this moment.
The words spoken by Col. D’Agostino during the presentation of the Beret left a deep impression on the hearts of those present:
“Be worthy of it! Serve the Homeland with courage, honor, and continuous commitment to earn the respect of yourselves. Be Paratroopers!”
A strong and direct invitation, recalling the founding values of being a paratrooper: discipline, sacrifice, brotherhood, and honor.
The value of the Amaranth Beret
The Amaranth Beret is not just an accessory of the uniform. It is honor, sacrifice, brotherhood, daring. It encompasses hours and days of training, hardships, and challenges overcome. It is the result of a selective and transformative journey, the visible sign of a unique military identity, born in the sands of El Alamein and forged in every operation where the Paratroopers of the Folgore have written pages of valor, in Italy and around the world.
Wearing it does not just mean belonging to an elite corps: it means carrying on the head and in the heart the history of those who preceded us, of those who served with courage, to the ultimate sacrifice, with Italy in their heart and the Folgore in their soul. It also means taking on the moral responsibility every day to honor that past, with discipline, loyalty, and a spirit of service.
The future in the hands of the young
With the entry of the 93rd Course, the Folgore is enriched with new energies and fresh forces, ready to write the next pages of its history. In a constantly evolving world, with increasingly complex challenges and international missions requiring preparation and readiness, the arrival of these 141 new paratroopers is an important signal of continuity and renewal.
To the new Amaranth Berets, we extend our deepest respect and best wishes. They have shown they can endure, fight, believe. They have won their (first) personal battle and now are part of something greater: the history of the Paratrooper Brigade Folgore.
Welcome to the Folgore!
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