9th Col Moschin Regiment: the spearhead

The 9th Parachute Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin' is the department of raiders of the Italian Army, from 20 September 1954 forerunner of the Italian special forces. Renowned for its ability to intervene in complex operational contexts, the 24 June 1995, as part of the restructuring of the Italian Army, it changed from a battalion to a regiment.

Framed in the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE), holds the flag of the 9th Assault Department, of which it inherited the year of incorporation (1918), the place name of an epic action (Col Moschin) and insignia (black flames of the Arditi), re-adopted in the 2006.

Heir of the Arditi, Royal Army assault troops formed during the First World War and considered by many historians as the first to truly embody the modern concept of special forces, the 9th 'Col Moschin' has unique peculiarities, even within COMFOSE itself, compared to the 4th Rgt Alpini Parachutists and the 185th RAO Regimentamong the many tasks it performs, typical of special forces, is the only unit within the Armed Forces able to officially carry out hostage rescue activities on behalf of the Italian Stateas well as being the only Italian department, military or otherwise, to perform launches at very high altitude with an oxygen cylinder (up to an altitude of 11,000 metres). In addition, he is qualified and counter-terrorism operations.

Since 2016, it has also operated at the request of the AISE intelligence services for individual classified missions abroad, carrying out special operations in extremely delicate contexts, always maintaining the highest degree of confidentiality and professionalism that has always characterised the department.

The Regiment's base is in Livorno at the Vannucci' barracks. There is also the Base Addestramento Incursori (BAI), also known as the 'sea base', located in the San Rossore regional park, near the mouth of the Arno river. Once part of the former presidential estate, this facility is used for both training and planning of the department's operations.

It performs highly strategic tasks of politico-military significance for the security and defence of the nation and high-risk operations for the protection of national interests  in each operational context, specially designated, planned and organised using techniques and methods unconventional. The raiders members are trained to perform combat missions with action live e indirect, even in particularly hostile environments and contexts and at great distance from friendly unitsusually in scenarios asymmetricaloperating on the basis of small groups o "detachments".

For more than 20 years, it has been continuously engaged in theatres of operation, deploying both units entirely trained by its own personnel and elements integrated into task force structures for the inter-agency special operationsas well as being deployed in multiple military assistance operations to local forces in countries designated by the political-military leadership.

It has also operated, from the post-war period to the present day, in all the missions to evacuate compatriots in the most turbulent areas of the planet, almost always solowith the Air Force alone.

In the mission ISAF in Afghanistan, at least since June 2006 to 2016, was the beating heart of the Task Force 45 providing the framework for all task groupand having under exclusive operational command, all special forces units of the Italian armed forces.

It unquestionably represents the spearhead of the Italian Armytraining among the strictest, toughest and most selective in the Italian armed forces, such as to obtain the raider qualification only after a long process of about two years.

The only department to participate in all missions in which the Italian Army has been involvedIt is also the first in the armed forces to be composed exclusively of professional soldiers, since 1953 (only conscripts could join the support companies). For more than half a century it has been framed in the Folgore Parachute Brigade, where, until 2000 selects 'valuable' trainees from the troop (always at the voluntary request of the paratrooper). The selections will open up to the rest of the Armed Force, as far as permanent service troops are concerned, at the beginning of the new millennium.

In recent years, thanks to a special procedure, they can gain access by qualifying as Incursor, also military personnel not on permanent service. Leave 'Mamma Folgore', as the Brigade is romantically called by long-standing raiders, in 2014to transit, as mentioned, in the COMFOSE.

World War I

The history of the Regiment can be associated with that of some of the Arditi units of the First World War, in particular the IX Assault Division. The Arditi imposed themselves on the military scene, gaining an impressive reputation for their acts of heroism and the violence of their actions. The Arditi were specialists in assaults with hand grenade throwing and knife fighting in enemy trenches.

The IX Department, in particular, distinguished itself on Mount Grappa, where the 15 June 1918 urgently went up with 600 daring men led by Major Giovanni Messe to recover the lost lines.

At 22, Valle San Lorenzo, Col Fagheron and Col Fenilon were recaptured. That left the Col Moschin. At 7:10 In the morning of 16 June 1918, Messe's Arditi (despite the fact that the Italian artillery had not yet extended their fire as ordered) set off to attack the Col Moschin (municipality of Solagna).

After 10 minutes, the summit was retaken, however, taking numerous prisoners (more than 300) and taking many machine guns.

A few days later he took part in the conquest of Asolone (municipality of Pove), which cost the IX an enormous tribute of blood and was only temporary, because an opposing counterattack got the better of his exhausted forces. In just a few hours, the 9th lost almost 50% of its forces.

World War II

During the Second World War, the 20 July 1942, an Arditi Regiment was formed in Santa Severa, which a few months later was named the 10th Arditi Regiment. The unit, with its blue flame insignia, operated under the Operations Office of the Royal Army General Staff. Employed in operations behind enemy lines in Tunisia, Algeria, and in Sicily invaded by the Allies, it ceased to exist the 8 September 1943.

War of Liberation

The 1st Battalion, also known as the Arditi Battalion 'Boschetti' after the name of its commander, originally comprised of three companies numbered 101st, 102nd and 103rd (paratroopers, swimmers then 'landing' and truckettes then 'land'), deployed in Sardinia in January 1943, after the proclamation of the armistice of the 8 September 1943 remained stationed on the island as a mobile reserve.

Renamed the 9th Assault Division, it was reorganised in 1944 into a landing company, a land company and a special company (102nd, 123rd and 110th), becoming part of the 20 March 1944 in the 1st Motorised Regiment in the process of being transformed into the Italian Liberation Corps, framed by the 27 June also the 'Guide' Volunteer Squadron, which represented the Cavalry in the Italian Liberation Corps. The IX Assault Squadron 'Arditi' was engaged in the Marche region in June.

After 18 days of bitter fighting along the 'Edith' defensive line erected along the Musone river from Loreto, Osimo and Filottrano by the Nazi-Fascist occupation forces, not without countless attempts to cross it by Polish liberation troops, the CIL and Majella Div. with considerable losses, the 18 June 1944 the 9th Division itself is employed and succeeds in the breakthrough near Casenuove di Osimo.

This courageous feat allowed first and foremost the liberation of Ancona, logistically decisive for the early breakthrough of the Gothic Line.

The 9th Assault Division was assigned to the 2nd Brigade of the C.I.L. and was then framed, when the 24 September 1944 the C.I.L. was disbanded as the 3rd Battalion 'Col Moschin' into the 68th Infantry Regiment of the 'Legnano' Combat Group and participated in the War of Liberation. The 9th Parachute Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin' inherited its traditions.

Post-war

Dissolved on 1 August 1946, is reconstituted as Parachute Saboteurs Company at the infantry school in Cesano on 20 April 1953. The 1 June 1957 becomes Parachute Saboteurs Department assigned to the Military Parachuting Centre in Livorno, and later in Pisa. He became Parachute Saboteurs Battalion 25 September 1961.

the 10 May 1963 assumes training, logistical and administrative autonomy by being attached to the Command Parachute Brigade Folgore. 26 September 1975 takes the name of 9th Parachute Assault Battalion 'Col Moschin'. In theOctober 1976 the battalion was presented with the war flag of the X Armed Regiment.

At that time, in the absence of a specific command dedicated to Special Forces operations (such as the COFSestablished in 2004, or the COMFOSEcreated in 2014), the department was under direct supervision by the Army General Staff (EMS), through the Operations Office of the III Department, directly monitoring its equipment and training.

30 December 1985 the Special Operations Groups (GOS) at the behest of the then Defence Minister Spadolini, and a share of the 'Col Moschin' and one of the COMSUBIN Navyfor SISMI operations.

In 1995 from battalion to regiment and takes the name of 9th Parachute Incursion Regiment 'Col Moschin' Parachute Assault Regiment, with the 1st Incursor Battalion.

In 2014 the regiment leaves the Folgore Brigade to join the newly formed Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE).

In April 2019 the grey-green beret is handed over, replacing the amaranth beret, which is in addition to the specific beret frieze, the black insignia and the patent badge with gladius, all symbols and friezes of the Arditi.

Operations Notes

The unit has been involved in numerous special and anti-terrorist operations throughout the world and is the only one to have participated in all the Italian Army's military missions abroad since the post-war period. Below is a brief mention of the known operations, but it goes without saying, given the nature of the department, that numerous are those that are not made public and are covered by military and state secrecy.

We are the last resort, and as such, we must be deployed wisely. After us, there is no other organisation that can take over. We cannot fail. We are a decisive device.

Par. Gen. Incursor Nicola Zanelli

Lebanon, 1983: On 15 March, a patrol of the San Marco Battalion was ambushed near the Sabra camp. Four marines are wounded, one seriously. During the same night, Brigadier General Franco Angioni led a counter-attack to intercept the attackers. During the clash, three raiders were wounded and the action was suspended. The following day, the Israeli army command sent a message of admiration for the courage shown by the Italian raiders in fighting at night: "Tell your commander that you are admired, because in the Middle East no one fights at night."

Achille Lauro, 1985: On 7 October, the day of the hijacking of the Achille Lauro, 60 Col Moschin raiders arrive at the military base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, ready to intervene in a hostage removal operation, planned together with COMSUBIN's UNIS. However, the situation is resolved with a diplomatic approach.

Somalia, 1992-1993: On 13 December 1992, during Operation Restore Hope, a C-130 Hercules from the 46th Aerobrigade brought a team of incursors from the 9th 'Col Moschin' Regiment to Mogadishu to occupy the Italian Embassy building, abandoned since the beginning of the civil war in 1991. On 5 June 1993, some 20 raiders intervened to rescue a group of Pakistani blue helmets, who had fallen into an ambush near Radio Mogadishu. Four weeks later, during the Battle of the Pasta Factory, the Colour Sergeant Major Stefano Paolicchi, a member of the unit, will be the first casualty of the battle during an initial attempt, at 9.30am, to regain control of the hand-armed quarter. Several raiders were also wounded during the battle. The unit fought relentlessly on 2 July 1993, house by house, alley by alley, flushing out Somali snipers throughout the Aliwa neighbourhood, from the early hours of the morning until the order to fall back came at around 1pm.

Rwanda, 1994: Incursors participate in the evacuation of Italian civilians during the Rwandan civil war. Despite the tragedy surrounding the country, the operators manage to evacuate all their compatriots using civilian vehicles requisitioned at Kigali airport. The operation Hippocampus in Rwanda is considered one of the most difficult operations in which the 9th Col Moschin took part.

In the mission ISAF in Afghanistan, from 2006 to 2014, he commanded the Task Force 45 (the largest deployment of special forces ever deployed by Italy since the post-war period) and provides the framework to all the task group. During these years, the unit took part in dozens and dozens of direct and indirect combat missions in Afghan territory. 

Afghanistan, 2007: In September, Col Moschin raiders participate in a raid with the British BSS to free two kidnapped SISMI agents in Farah province. After a firefight in the prison camp where the Italian operatives eliminate all hostile forces present, it is reported that the kidnappers are moving by land. The British spot the kidnappers' car and engage in a firefight. During the confrontation, Officer Lorenzo D'Auria, Parachute Marshal, is accidentally hit by friendly British fire. Once the engagement is over, the hostages are then found in the boot of the car, blindfolded and wounded. D'Auria, severely hit in the head, is transferred to hospital, but will die days later from his injuries.

Afghanistan, 2010: on 17 September 2010 he lost in combat the Lieutenant Raider Alessandro Romani. Together with the operational detachment of which he is commander, Romani is helicoptered to the area of Bakwah, province of Herat, to capture Afghan terrorists identified by a UAV Predator while planting a bomb under a road bridge. Wounded in the shoulder in the ensuing firefight, he died a few hours later in hospital Role 2 of Farah from cardiovascular arrest due to his injuries.

Iraq, 2015: Thirty Col Moschin raiders operate against ISIS in Taqaddum, between Falluja and Ramadi, in cooperation with US special forces.

Libya: At least 40 raiders are sent to train and assist the NTC rebels, as well as to coordinate NATO air strikes.

Italy, 2023: A contingent of 43 raiders intervenes in Emilia Romagna following a flood, demonstrating the versatility and speed of response of Italian special forces even in non-war contexts.

Sudan, 2023the unit is again called upon to evacuate Italian civilians abroad in a country battered by civil war, this time in Sudan. In April 2023, the raiders will evacuate all Italian citizens scattered in and around the Sudanese capital within 48 hours. According to the Incursor Gen. Giuseppe Faragliawho coordinated the operation for the COVI (Joint Force Operational Command) the operators acted at night, finding themselves in a complex and extremely dangerous situation.

News

The regiment, framed in the Army Special Forces Commandfor operational activity depends on the COFS, the Joint Special Forces Operations Command.

With the new reorganisation, the regiment is arranged into three battalions:

• 1st Incursor Battalion
• Operational Support Battalion
  • Command and Logistics Support Company
  • C4 Company
• RAFOS (Special Operations Forces Training Unit)
  • Incursor Training Base

Each company consists of several detachments (the exact number is a military secret).

An operational detachment of the Col Moschin (usually six per company) has within it:

• a Raider with Combat Medic specialisation, a Breacher (explosives handling)
• an EOD-IEDD deactivator (artificer)
• an SF JTAC - Special Forces Joint Terminal Attack Controller (advanced air control)
• an information collector
• one or two snipers.

Training and selection

The training to qualify as a raider is among the most stringent and selective in the Italian armed forces, requiring a long and demanding process of about two years.

Candidates for the unit are chosen through a 21-day selection process at the BAI (Base Addestramento Incursori) training centre in Pisa; they are then trained through a long training cycle lasting approximately two years.

The selection and initial training are carried out together with the candidates for the 185th Parachute Reconnaissance Target Acquisition Regiment 'Folgore' and the 4th Alpini Parachute Regiment 'Btg Monte Cervino', and then specific training is continued at their destination units.

Officers (rank of second lieutenant and lieutenant), non-commissioned officers (sergeants or marshals), VSPs and VFP-4s, and VFP1s from any department and post participate in the selections.

Until the early 2000s, it selected personnel exclusively from the Folgore Parachute Brigade, then opened its selections to all branches and specialities of the Italian Army.

What we publish is purely indicative and based on information in the public domain, since operations, personnel, training and any other information relating to the department are covered by military secrecy.

Selective phase

Lasting seven weeks, it is structured in pre-selection and selection traineeships. The initial pre-selection includes several physical tests:

• flat race: 2000 m within 8'20'';
• bar tractions: minimum 10 in 1' (prone grip);
• arm bends (squats/flexions): minimum 30 in 1';
• bending on the parallel bars: minimum 10 in 1';
• abdominal squats: minimum 40 in 1';
• rope climb (**)4 m within 1'45'' (any technique);
• high jump: minimum 120 cm (any technique);
• rapid march: 7000 m within 45' (in combat uniform and services);
• weighted march: 10 km with 10 kg backpack within 1h 12';
• pool apnea test (**): 15 m line in combat uniform and services without boots;
• buoyancy test (**): minimum 5' in combat uniform and services without boots;
• swimming test: 50 m within 2'15'' in combat uniform and services without boots (any style).

 (**) Barrier test

Those who pass the physical pre-selection participate in the 101st Trainee Company, in the Selection internship, second stage of the selection process, which includes:

• 5 time weighted gearsin combat uniform and a 20 kg rucksack without a weapon, on routes of varying difficulty, altitude and distance;
• tests of braveryat the 'Lustrissimi' complex in Livorno, which involve overcoming war courses, aerial obstacles and rope bridges, in order to ascertain courage, coordination and speed.
• aquatic and amphibious testssea base, surface swimming and rowing.

Common training phase (19 weeks)

• Parachuting Course Rope Constraint (FV) (4 weeks) at the Parachute Training Centre (CAPAR) of the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade, allows aspirants to obtain a military parachutist licence for those who do not already hold one;
• Special Operations Basic Operator Course (OBOS) (15 weeks), under the aegis of the RAFOS in Livorno and Montorio Veronese. It focuses on enhancing physical performance and endurance and acquiring the basics for planning and conducting Special Operations. It includes theoretical-practical training on topography, learning orientation and land navigation techniques, technical-tactical procedures (PTT) of the FOS, specific technical training on transmissions, first aid procedures and tactical medicine with the attendance of a course based on BLS (Basic Life Support).

Specialised training phase

After passing the Basic Special Operations Operator - OBOS course, the future incursors remain at RAFOS to begin the specialised training reserved for the operators of the 9th Col Moschin Regiment. This phase lasts 52 weeks.

Combat Course for Special Forces (CCFS)

Lasting 23 weeks, it is conducted, as in OBOS, by highly experienced instructors assigned to RAFOS in rotation from the Ninth's operational companies, is held entirely at RAFOS and is divided into several parts:

• Survival, escape and evasion, resisting interrogationduration of 3 weeks.
• Explosives Handling Course8 weeks, which teaches explosives handling techniques and procedures, sabotage techniques and expeditious demolition.
• Combat Medic according to Combat Life Support protocolswhich provide the rudiments of first aid techniques.
• Special Forces Radio Operator Module, which enables the use of the sophisticated VHF, HF and satellite radio equipment provided, necessary to ensure tactical and strategic communications.
• Technical Tactical Procedures for Special Forces (PTT/FS)for an in-depth study of the procedures of the Operational Incursion Detachment in typical deployment situations.

Finally, knowledge of all light weapons in the department is deepened and the students attend a series of lessons on aerial photo interpretation. At the end, having obtained the 'Guastatore Paracadutista' licence, the student will face the next stage, the Parachute Incursor qualification course.

Advanced Combat Course for Special Forces (CCAFS)

It lasts 5 weeks and is designed to deepen advanced urban combat techniques, instinctive, discriminated and close-range shooting, break-in and intervention in a variety of scenarios against targets inside various types of buildings.

Habilitation as a raider

Candidates, who have successfully completed the first specialisation phase, begin the 'Qualification Course Incursor Parachutist', which aims to complete the training of trainees, specialise personnel and make them capable of operating in the various environments and scenarios of employment peculiar to special forces. Further training includes a series of courses of varying lengths run directly by the RAFOS or conducted at external educational institutions and are as follows:

• Amphibious mobility courseA six-week course to learn the techniques of amphibious operations, which includes day and night navigation exercises with outboard motor dinghies, practice of operational surface swimming, launching and fast recovery from moving boats, and theoretical and practical knowledge of the nautical means used by the department: rigid-hulled boats, canoes, self-inflating rigid-hulled dinghies. At the end of the course, a nautical licence is obtained for the use of smaller vessels within the 12-mile coastal zone.
• Media and Material Recognition Course3 weeks, for knowledge and recognition of the weapons, vehicles and uniforms of some foreign armed forces.
• Freefall Skydiving Course (TCL)It takes place at the Centro Addestramento Paracadutismo (CAPAR) in Pisa for a period of between five and six weeks, during which command-opening jumps are made from a maximum height of 3-4000 metres (10,000 feet).
• Basic Training Course Alpinistic (CA1), at the Alpine Training Centre (CEALP) in Aosta, lasting 6 weeks (since 2011), to provide the fundamental knowledge of climbing and mountain movement techniques necessary to confer the ability to operate in mountain environments in safe conditions.
• Basic Ski Training Course (CS1)also at the CEALP in Aosta, lasting 6 weeks since 2011 and dedicated to learning movement techniques in the mountains in a snowy environment: alpine and cross-country skiing, avalanche prevention and survival in cold climates.
• Basic English Language Courseduration of five weeks, at the SLEE (Scuola di Lingue Estere dell'Esercito) in Perugia, or at affiliated schools in Livorno.

At the end of this lengthy training process, candidates receive the coveted Parachute Incursor Patent and transit to an operational company detachment.

Further training and specialisation courses

• Underwater CourseA 12-week course at COMSUBIN in Varignano (La Spezia), to learn how to operate safely in the marine environment, with an in-depth study of operational surface and underwater swimming techniques, and to obtain qualification in the use of A.R.O. (Auto Respirator Oxygen) and A.R.A. (Auto Respirator Air) underwater equipment.
• Alpinistics and Skiing Advanced Training Coursecourses, at the Alpine Training Centre in Aosta, to deepen mountaineering techniques and to learn the ability to act in arctic and high mountain environments, and to raise the degree of operational mobility in particularly demanding conditions and in the presence of an adversary trained to operate in the mountains. The succession of courses may lead to the qualification of instructor or chosen military instructor in skiing and mountain combat.
• Advanced Parachuting Course, lasting 3-4 weeks, for learning techniques for high-altitude launches (7,000-11,000 metres) with oxygen and low altitude opening - HALO (High Altitude Low Opening), or with high altitude opening and sailing under sail - HAHO (High Altitude High Opening).

Courses by speciality

• Sharpshooter Courseheld at the Regiment, for training in the correct use of the numerous sniper rifles in the regiment, derived from the US S.O.T.I.C. (Special Operations Target Interdiction Course), designed for .308 calibre.
• FAC (Forward Air Controller) Course, for qualification in missions relating to the ground direction of air strikes and the designation of target pilots, held at the Air Force Aerocooperation School, lasting five weeks (three theoretical and two practical). This qualification is limited to those who possess the necessary level of knowledge of the English language (which can be achieved by attending the advanced course at SLEE Perugia). As a rule, the course is followed by the Fire Controller for Special Operations (CF/OS)by a further three weeks. All this is a prelude to the Laser Target Marking (FAC/LTM) qualification for the use of the laser designators supplied to the Regiment.
• Combat Medic Course. On a national level, Incursors assigned to this sector obtain the qualification of 'Military Rescuer' at the School of Health in Rome, after a three-week course that guarantees, among other things, a kind of legal status to operate in the field of first aid, albeit with significant limitations. In addition, one can attend the 'Special Operations Combat Medics (SOCM) Course', which is held at the ISTC in Pfullendorf and teaches basic first aid procedures, such as stopping haemorrhaging and ensuring correct infusion and anti-shock therapy, and the '18D - Special Operations Combat Medic' course of the American Green Berets.
• EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator) Course e IEDD course (Improvised Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator)to be attended at the EOD Training Centre of the Army Corps of Engineers School.

Other courses

• Escort and Close Protection of Personalities Courseheld at the Regiment on V.I.P. protection and escort techniques, lasting five weeks.
• Advanced English Language Coursea basic course, for a complete knowledge of English, at the Army's Foreign Language School in Perugia.

The Department Commanders

9th Assault Department

Maj-Gen John MESSE 02/1918 - 12/1918
Maj. PARISI 1919 - 11/1920
Lt-Col. Col. MESSE John 11/1920 - xxxx

X Regiment Arditi

Col. GAZZANIGA Renzo 01/08/1942 - 08/09/1943

Arditi 'BOSCHETTI' Battalion

Lt-Col. Col. BOSCHETTI Guido 12/1942 - end of conflict

9th Assault Department

Maj. MARCIANO' Vito 1943 - end of the conflict

Parachute Saboteurs Company

Lt. FALCONE Franco 09/1952 - 19/04/1953

Parachute Saboteurs Department

Capt. ACCONCI E. Edward 20/04/1953 - 30/06/1959
Lt. FALCONE Franco 01/07/1959 - 09/05/1960
Ch. IMPROVEMENT Francis 09/05/1960 - 19/09/1960
Capt. FALCONE Franco 20/09/1960 - 31/10/1961

Parachute Saboteurs Battalion

Maj. CAMURANI Ambrose 01/11/1961 - 16/02/1963
Maj. ACCONCI E. E. Edward 17/02/1963 - 15/08/1964
Maj. SOLINAS Dominic 16/08/1964 - 14/11/1965
Maj. VIETRI Antonio 16/11/1965 - 20/08/1967
Lt. Col. CAVALLINO Italo 21/08/1967 - 19/08/1969
Maj. BASSI Ermanno 20/08/1969 - 22/08/1971
Lt-Col. Col. ANGIONI Franco 23/08/1971 - 22/08/1972
Lt-Col. Col. ROSSI Vladimiro 23/08/1972 - 22/08/1974

9th Parachute Assault Battalion 'COL MOSCHIN'

Lt. Col. Aldo POLLICE 23/08/1974 - 23/08/1976
Lt-Col. Col. COLONNA Aniello 24/08/1976 - 19/07/1978
Lt-Col. Col. MONTICONE Franco 20/07/1978 - 28/07/1980
Lt-Col. Col. PETER Costanzo 29/07/1980 - 29/07/1982
Lt-Col. Col. PERSI PAOLO Enrico 30/07/1982 - 14/09/1982
Lt-Col. Col. PAPISCA Luigi 05/09/1982 - 10/06/1984
Lt-Col. Col. PIACENTINI Luciano 11/06/1984 - 30/08/1986
Lt-Col. Col. PERSI PAOLI Enrico 01/07/1986 - 26/09/1988
Lt-Col. Col. NARDI Enrico Ansano 27/09/1988 - 30/06/1991
Lt. Col. BERTOLINI Marco 01/07/1991 - 04/07/1993
Lt-Col. Col. SBLENDORIO Emanuele 05/07/1993 - 24/06/1995

9th Parachute Assault Regiment 'COL MOSCHIN

Col. NARDI Enrico Ansano 25/06/1995 - 04/09/1997
Col. BERTOLINI Marco 05/09/1997 - 12/12/1998
Col. SBLENDORIO Emanuele 13/12/1998 - 25/10/2002
Col. BRANDONISIO Michele 26/10/2002 - 31/07/2006
Col. ZANELLI Nicola 01/08/2006 - 10/10/2008
Col. FARAGLIA Giuseppe 10/10/2008 - 24/06/2011
Col. VANNACCI Roberto 24/06/2011 - 18/02/2014
Col. ADDIS Peter 18/02/2014 - 23/01/2015
Col. FORTEZZA Paolo 23/01/2015 - 15/09/2017
Col. GIULIANO Angelucci 15/09/2017 - 28/09/2018
Col. GROSSI Yuri 28/09/2018 - 15/10/2021
Col. ISONI Luigi Giovanni 15/10/2021 - 11/10/2024
Col. BANDIERI Andrea 11/10/2024 - In office

Flag Honours

Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Italy

In the harsh trials of war, in the tormented trench or in the bitter battle, he knew every limit of sacrifice and daring; bold and tenacious, he tamed places and fortunes tirelessly, consecrating with fruitful blood the Roman virtue of the sons of Italy. 1915 - 1918 (To the Infantry)

5 June 1920

Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Italy

Prestigious department of exceptional professional qualification, combined - in perfect harmony - with the strong temperament of its men, its operational versatility, its generous yearning for achievement and its immediate response to every request for intervention for the good of the national and international community. Present in South Tyrol (1967-1971) to carry out anti-terrorist operations and in Sardinia (1992) with Operation 'Forza Paris' in cooperation with law enforcement agencies in the fight against organised crime, engaged in the overseas mission in Lebanon (1982-1984), in Iraq and Turkey (1991), in Somalia (1992-1993) gave admirable proof of efficiency and firm discipline, offering continuous proof of courage and sacrifice. The Officers, Incursion NCOs and Paratroopers always and everywhere carried out the tasks entrusted to them with complete success, even in a difficult and hostile operational environment characterised by a high index of risk. The Officers, Incursion NCOs and Paratroopers did their utmost in every circumstance, in an admirable competition of self-denial and dedication to service, also offering a tribute of blood and providing an exceptional example of high military virtues that contributed to increasing the prestige of Italy and its Armed Forces in the international arena.

25 October 1994

Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Italy

In the finest tradition of the Italian Army's assault units, the regiment's incursors offered repeated proof of admirable valour, unparalleled expertise and an uncommon sense of responsibility, operating for more than three years as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. With an extraordinary spirit of sacrifice and absolute dedication to duty, working in often difficult tactical and environmental conditions, they made a decisive contribution to ISAF's efforts to stabilise the country and alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people, who are harshly marked by a persistent and violent state of internal conflict. Unconditionally recognised by the international community, the successes achieved contributed to strengthening the prestige and image of the entire Italian nation and its armed forces in the international scenario.

Kabul (Afghanistan), July 2006-October 2009

Gold medal for army valour

The 9th Parachute Assault Battalion "Col Moschin" participated, with its own units embedded in the Italian forces in Somalia, in relief operations for the Somali population. Consisting essentially of professionals, aware of the leading role to be played in the operation, by virtue of the moral steadfastness, sense of duty and attachment to the Specialty of its men, it dedicated itself with total dedication and high capacity in the dangerous mission, confirming, in numerous raking actions to search for weapons and in operations against guerrillas and anti-banditry, the very high level of efficiency, great courage and generosity of its men as well as the moral compactness of its formations. Its operational detachments, which were involved in numerous fierce conflicts, always reacted with effectiveness and determination, highlighting the military valour, operational capacity and extremely strong motivation of its members. In spite of the painful, heavy losses suffered in combat, it continued to perform the tasks entrusted to it without flinching with the pride and pride of persevering in the attempt to restore security and humanitarian relief to the martyred Somali people and in the determination to honour the distant homeland.

Somalia, 22 December 1992 - 7 September 1993

Silver medal for military valour

For the unstoppable audacious impetus in one leap reached formidable important positions.

Col Moschin, 15 June 1918 - Berretta Pass, 20 October 1918

Silver medal for military valour

During several months of war he gave constant proof of aggression and unscrupulousness. In the course of an offensive action, launched on an open wing, he developed his manoeuvre with speed, decisiveness and energy, succeeding in surprising and disrupting the German device. Suddenly called to another important task, he entered the battle with superb momentum and in the hard fought attack, when the outcome of the fight was still uncertain, he impetuously broke through the enemy line-up, after a daring piecemeal close-quarters fight he reached all the objectives at night. In pursuit, it gave the adversary no respite. An excellent instrument of warfare, supple and tenacious; a proud and generous heir worthy of the shining traditions attached to his name.

Colli al Volturno, Guardiagrele, Cingoli, Musone, Esino, 11 February - 25 July 1944

Silver medal for military valour

A veteran in the War of Liberation, he took part with inexhaustible ardour in the breakthrough battle on the Apennines in Bologna, making a decisive contribution to the city's liberation. With heroic impetus, he bent, broke, and shattered the fanatical resistance of fierce German units, imposing himself to the admiration of the allied units fighting alongside him.

War for the Liberation of Italy, 20 March - 30 April 1945

Silver medal for army valour

Regiment within the Multinational Brigade North engaged in Bosnia-Herzegovina, he performed his assigned tasks with extraordinary enthusiasm, total dedication and an uncommon spirit of sacrifice. During the many activities of monitoring, patrolling routes, escorting humanitarian convoys and controlling and inspecting sites, in a particularly delicate and complex operational and environmental situation, he operated with constant balance, a deep sense of duty and extremely high professionalism. The ceaseless commitment to humanitarian support for populations, the prevention of criminal underworld activities and the saving of numerous human lives, highlighted the extraordinary skills and exceptional qualities of courage, steadfastness and solidarity of the men of the 9th Assault Regiment 'Col. Moschin', who performed a decisive function in restoring peaceful coexistence, sometimes at the risk of personal safety. This was a clear example of a highly motivated and cohesive unit that showed the highest professionalism, concrete moral steadfastness and elevated military virtues in its men and that significantly contributed to enhancing and ennobling the prestige of Italy and the Armed Force in the international context.

Sarajevo, 03 July 1996 - 24 March 1997