171 new paratroopers officially received the coveted amaranth beret, symbol of the air force, at the end of an intense and demanding training course. The ceremony, held at the Parachute Training Centre (CAPAR) in Pisa, was presided over by the Centre's Commander, Colonel Antonio D'Agostino, who addressed words of encouragement to the new paratroopers: "Serve the Fatherland with courage, honour and unwavering commitment, earn the respect of yourselves and of the Paratroopers at your side. Wear the beret!"
The ceremony was held in the presence of numerous relatives and guests, and prominent paratroopers, including the 'godfather' of the course (91st), the 1st Graduated Domenico Manciniin service at the 187th Parachute Regiment 'Folgore' of Livorno, awarded the Gold Medal for Victims of Terrorism for service in Afghanistan in 2009.
The training course
The journey of the new paratroopers began with 12 weeks of training at the Reggimenti Addestramento Volontari (RAV). Subsequently, the transfer to CAPAR marked the beginning of a training period divided into two phases: a riflemen's course and a supplementary module for airborne troops, for a total of a further 10 weeks.
At the end of this course, the Volunteers underwent the abseiling training module, passing the required tests and completing the abseiling required to obtain the Military Parachutist qualification.
The Parachute Training Centre (CAPAR)
The CAPARlocated in Pisa, is the heart of the Italian Army's air force training. It is responsible not only for the training of air force personnel and specialised Defence units with air force capability and the Armed Corps of the State, but also for the management and efficiency of air force material and air force capacity both at home and abroad.
The facility includes a Training Battalion and an Airborne Battalion and houses the Airborne Museum and the Parachuting section of the Army's Sports Activities Department, a nationally and internationally recognised excellence, with numerous world and national titles on its palmarès.
With the completion of their training, the new paratroopers now become part of the long tradition and history of the Parachute Brigade 'Folgorecarrying forward the values of sacrifice, discipline and professionalism that characterise the Italian air force.
