General of the Army Parachute Corps Carmine Masiello, Chief of Staff of the Army, met with the military of the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE)highlighting the importance of technology, training and values as cornerstones for the Special Forces sector.
The visit took place in the 'Lieutenant M.O.V.M. Dario Vitali' Military Complex and included a meeting with Brigadier General Andrea Vicari, COMFOSE Commander. Afterwards, General Masiello visited the 185th Reconnaissance Target Acquisition Regiment (RRAO) 'Folgore in the 'Pisacane' barracks in Livorno.
During the visit, General Masiello received a detailed update on current training courses, training and simulation systems, operational commitments of the departments, organic supply needs, priorities in infrastructural interventions and the acquisition of state-of-the-art technologies.
In particular, he visited the Special Operations Training Centre (CEADDOS) and the Special Operations Support Department (RSOS), key articulations for the training and logistical support of Special Forces in training and operations.
General Masiello emphasised the uniqueness of the Special Forces' training level, their constant striving for improvement, their innovative spirit and awareness of their essential role in defending and safeguarding national security. He emphasised how the pillars of flexibility, realism and initiative are fundamental to mission success in complex and competitive scenarios.
"The Special Forces embody the essential function of real and credible deterrence of the Italian military instrument," stated General Masiello, adding that "the true essence of the units can only emerge if technology and training are supported by selected human capital, which places values at the centre of every choice and intelligent creativity as the driving force behind every solution."
"Those of the Special Forces - concluded Gen. C.A. Masiello - are high standards and difficult to achieve, but all the Army's operational pawns must strive for their training heritage, in order to perform the task, always and everywhere, safeguarding the lives of every soldier, those at his side and his unit. It is on this path that the Army will move during my term of office"..
The Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE), active since 19 September 2014, is a brigade-level command that manages all special forces, special operations forces and special operations support units of the armed forces and coordinates the following units:
- 9th Parachute Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin' - Special Forces unit based in Livorno
- 185th Parachute Reconnaissance Target Acquisition Regiment 'Folgore - Special Forces unit based in Livorno.
- 4th Alpine Parachute Regiment - Special Forces unit based in Verona
- Special Operations Training Centre
- Special Operations Support Department
- In employment the 3rd Special Operations Helicopter Regiment 'Aldebaran'
The current Commander is Brigadier General Andrea Vicari (185th Rgt RAO 'Folgore'), from 15 September 2023.
