141 new Parachutists for Folgore

PISA - A new generation of paratroopers joins the glorious Parachute Brigade 'Folgore. With a ceremony full of meaning, 141 Young Volunteers on Initial Service received the long-awaited Amaranth beretsymbol of honour, belonging, spirit of sacrifice and absolute dedication to the service of the homeland and the common good. The solemn handover took place in the historic parachuting gymnasium of the 'Gamerra' Barracks in Pisa, the headquarters and beating heart of Italian airborne training, the direct heir of the ancient Tarquinia School and since 1957 the training site for entire generations of paratroopers.

Promoted after a challenging course, only for those who are ready to deserve it

These new paratroopers faced a long and selective path. After an initial training phase of twelve weeks at the Volunteer Training Regiments (RAV)candidates were transferred to Pisa to follow the Combat Techniques Course for Airborne Troops (CTCA) of the duration of ten weeks.

During this period, the future paratroopers received intensive training that tested their physical, mental and moral capabilities. The aim was to prepare them not only for combat, but also for the esprit de corps that distinguishes Italian air forces.

At the end of the CTCA, the last and perhaps most exciting phase began: four weeks dedicated to aviation trainingculminating in the compulsory launches to achieve the Military Parachutist qualification. By passing this stage, the candidates have finally won the right to wear theiconic Basque Amaranth.

A heartfelt ceremony, between pride and tradition

The ceremony took place in the presence of military authorities and over 800 family members flocked from all over Italy to experience this important milestone up close. Present were the Commander of the Parachute Training Centre (CAPAR), Colonel Antonio D'Agostino, and the Commander of the Folgore Brigade, Brigadier General Federico Bernaccawho, through their participation, underlined the symbolic and operational value of this moment.

The words spoken by Col. D'Agostino during the awarding of the beret left a deep impression on the hearts of those present:

"Be worthy! Serve your country with courage, honour and unwavering commitment to earn your self-respect. Be Paratroopers!"

A strong and direct invitation, recalling the founding values of being a paratrooper: discipline, sacrifice, brotherhood and honour.

The value of the Basco Amaranto

The Amaranth beret is not simply an accessory of the uniform. It is honour, sacrifice, brotherhood, bravery. It encompasses hours and days of training, exertion and trials overcome. It is the the result of a selective and transformative journeythe visible sign of a unique military identity, born in the sands of El Alamein and forged in every operation in which the Paratroopers of the Folgore have written pages of valour, in Italy and worldwide.

Wearing it does not only mean belonging to an elite corps: means carry on our heads and in our hearts the history of those who have gone before usof those who served with courage, to the ultimate sacrifice, with Italy in their hearts and the Folgore in their souls. It also means taking moral responsibility every day to honour that pastwith 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 energy and fresh forces, ready to write the next pages of its history. In an ever-changing world, with increasingly complex challenges and international missions that require preparedness and readiness, the arrival of these 141 new paratroopers is an important sign of continuity and renewal.

Our deepest respect and best wishes go to the new Baschi Amaranto. They proved they could resist, fight, believe. They won their (first) personal battle and are now part of something bigger: the history of the Folgore Parachute Brigade.

Welcome to the Folgore!

Source: https://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/141_para.aspx