On 5 September, at the Comprensorio Militare 'Ten. MOVM Dario Vitali' in Pisa, a solemn ceremony was held to mark the passing of Italian Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE). Parachutist Brigadier General Andrea Vicari officially passed the baton to the Alpine Parachutist Brigadier General Marco Manzone.
The handover was preceded, on 3 September, by a meeting at the Prefecture of Pisa, where the Prefect Maria Luisa D'Alessandro welcomed Generals Vicari and Manzone, further strengthening the institutional ties between the Armed Forces and the territory, emphasising the crucial role of special forces in national and international security.
Brigadier General Andrea Vicari, outgoing commander, has a career full of significant national and international experience. From 2018 to 2019, he was Commander of the special forces regiment 185th RRAO FolgoreHe also served in the Army General Staff and the Defence General Staff in Rome. His skills were further enhanced by his time serving at the NATO Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia (USA), where he worked in an international context in close contact with the armed forces of other NATO member states. He also participated in numerous operational missions abroad.
Brigadier General Marco Manzone, originally from Asti, takes command of COMFOSE with a wealth of command experience that makes him a leading figure in the Italian Armed Forces. He commanded from 2019 to 2021 the prestigious special forces unit 4th Alpine Parachute Regiment and holds numerous command and staff positions with the Alpine Troops and the Army General Staff. Internationally, he has served at the NRDC-ITA Multinational Command in Solbiate Olona and like its predecessor at the NATO Supreme Transformation Command in Norfolk, Virginia.
His career has taken him to various operational theatres, including Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo, where he has been able to demonstrate his skills as a commander in highly critical contexts. The handover ceremony was held in the presence of numerous guests, including a representation of the ANA Section of Astihome town of the new commander. In particular, councillor Giorgio Gianuzzi and other members of the section, with banner and pennant, wished to be present to celebrate one of their countrymen at such an important moment.
BrigadeFolgore.net congratulates General Manzone on his prestigious appointment as COMFOSE Commander. Best wishes Mr Commander!
