National Association of Italian Paratroopers (ANPd'I.)

L'National Association of Italian Paratroopers (ANPd'I.) stands out as a reference body for Italian parachuting, recognized for its official nature since 1956 and identified by the 2010 legislation as the only associative body dedicated to parachutists in the country. The association is among the founding bodies of theEuropean Paratroopers Union (EPU).

The ANPd'I. includes ex-combatants, military personnel and non-military members with a qualification.

The activities promoted range from military training to sports, through commemorative events and meetings that strengthen the sense of community and belonging. The skydiving courses, open to different age groups and both sexes, are designed to transmit not only technical skills but also the values of courage, discipline and camaraderie.

The association not only takes care of the practice and diffusion of skydiving in Italy but also embodies a commitment to memory and respect for traditions, positioning itself as the guardian of a historical legacy and timeless values.

The ANPd'I., as stated on its website, is non-partisan, does not pursue profit-making aims, and has the following purposes:

Love and loyalty to the homeland
The glorification of the paratroopers who fell in the line of duty, in war and in peace, perpetuating their memory
The exaltation of the glories of the Specialty and the celebration of specific anniversaries
Maintain the bonds of solidarity with the Armed Forces, exalting their work in defense of the homeland and in service of peace
Establish fruitful relationships of friendship and aggregation with members of sister associations
Possibly support or implement initiatives in favor of civil protection
Provide assistance in every possible form to members
Award scholarships nationwide to needy and deserving members
To spread the spirit, traditions, activities and news of Italian parachuting through the publication of the specific magazine «Folgore», and the website www.assopar.it, the printing and distribution of historical and technical texts, the holding of conferences
Collaborate with other bodies having common aims or programmes, including the European Union of Paratroopers of which the Association is a founding member

The structure of the ANPd'I. is divided into various bodies and sections distributed throughout the country, making it an essential point of reference for those who belong to or aspire to enter the world of skydiving. With over 130 sections, the association offers a fundamental connective tissue between skydivers of different generations and categories, promoting the exchange of experiences and the continuity of skydiving values.

History of the ANPdI.

The origin of the National Association of Italian Paratroopers (ANPd'I.) dates back to the immediate post-war period, when a group of former combatants and young people, inspired by courage and a passion for flying, decided to create an organization that could represent and unite the world of parachuting in Italy.

National Association of Italian Paratroopers (ANPd'I.) - brigadefolgore.net — Coat of arms of the National Association of Italian Paratroopers (ANPd'I.)

In 1946, the Associazione Paracadutisti Italiani (API) was born, a pioneer in outlining the future of national parachuting and in promoting experimental launching activities. With the increase in its members and the creation of territorial sections, the API consolidated its role in the Italian associative and sporting fabric.

In 1949, the API was transformed, giving life to a new committee that later led to the foundation of the Associazione Sport Aerei (ASA) and, subsequently, to the Federazione Italiana Paracadutismo Civile Sportivo (FIPCS), which would evolve into the Federazione Italiana Paracadutismo Sportivo (FIPS), thanks to the influence of former combatants.

However, the term "sports" did not fully reflect the identity and deeply rooted military traditions among paratroopers, leading to the birth of the National Paratroopers Association. Officially recognized in 1956, the association has since embodied the continuity and evolution of military parachuting values and experience.

In the 60s, ANPd'I. intensified its activities, establishing strong ties with military departments and opening new sections throughout Italy. These sections honored war paratroopers and promoted the training of new generations, in collaboration with military structures and through specific agreements.

The partnership with the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore", the 46th Air Brigade and the Army Aviation, has guaranteed resources and support for parachute training, distinguishing the ANPd'I. for the quality and authenticity of the training offered. With the opening of schools and centers equipped with their own facilities and equipment, the association has strengthened its commitment to the evolution of parachuting, always keeping alive the memory and inspiration of the historical values and brotherhood that marked its birth and development.

The current president is the General of the Army Corps (aux.) Paratrooper Incursore Marco Bertolini. The official site is www.assopar.it.