171 New Paratroopers for the Folgore

171 new Paratroopers have officially received the coveted maroon beret, symbol of the airborne troops, at the end of an intense and demanding training course. The ceremony, held at the Parachuting Training Center (CAPAR) in Pisa, was presided over by the Center Commander, Colonel Antonio D’Agostino, who addressed the new Paratroopers with words of encouragement: "Serve the Homeland with courage, honor, and constant commitment, earn the respect of yourselves and the Paratroopers who stand by your side. Wear the beret!".

The ceremony took place in the presence of numerous relatives and guests, and prominent Paratroopers, including the course (91st) "godfather", 1st Graduate Domenico Mancini, serving at the 187th Paratroopers Regiment “Folgore” in Livorno, awarded the Gold Medal for Victims of Terrorism for service rendered in Afghanistan in 2009.

The Training Path

The journey of the new Paratroopers began with 12 weeks of training at the Volunteer Training Regiments (RAV). Subsequently, the transfer to CAPAR marked the beginning of a training period divided into two phases: a riflemen course and an additional module for airborne troops, for a total of another 10 weeks.

At the conclusion of this path, the Volunteers faced the static line parachute training module, passing the required tests and completing the necessary jumps to obtain the Military Paratrooper qualification.

The Parachuting Training Center (CAPAR)

The CAPAR, located in Pisa, is the heart of the training for the Italian Army's airborne troops. The entity is responsible not only for the training of airborne troops personnel and specialist Defense units with parachuting capability and the Armed Corps of the State, but also for the management and efficiency of parachuting material and the air supply capability both at home and abroad.

The structure includes a Training Battalion and an Air Supply Battalion and hosts the Airborne Troops Museum and the Parachuting section of the Army Sports Activities Department, a nationally and internationally recognized excellence, with numerous world and national titles in its palmarès.

With the conclusion of their training, the new Paratroopers now become part of the long tradition and history of the Paratroopers Brigade “Folgore”, carrying forward the values of sacrifice, discipline, and professionalism that characterize the Italian airborne troops.