11 October 2024, at the Vannucci Barracks in Livorno, Colonel Luigi Giovanni Isoni handed over command of the Incursors of the 9th Parachute Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin' to his colleague Andrea Bandieri. The ceremony was attended by several military and civil authorities, including the Brigadier General Marco Manzone, Commander of the COMFOSE (Army Special Forces Command), l'MEP Roberto Vannacci and a representation of the Army National Incursion Association (ANIE).
Colonel Isoni leaves command after three years of intense activity, during which the Department has continued to distinguish itself in strategic operations both at home and abroad, confirming the central role of the 'Col Moschin' within the Italian and NATO Special Forces.
In his farewell speech, Isoni addressed heartfelt thanks to his men, staff and the authorities present, with a special thought dedicated to his family, in particular his wife and three children. Colonel Andrea Bandieri, a raider since 2000, comes from the Interforce Special Forces Operations Command (COFS), and in the course of his brilliant career has held various command posts in the Department.
The 'Ninth
The 9th Regiment 'Col Moschin' is the spearhead of the Italian Army, with some of the most severe, tough and selective training in the Italian armed forces, such that it only obtained the rank of raider after a long process of about two years. Since its reconstitution after World War II, it has been engaged in all military operations, often operating in multinational contexts within NATO.
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 any operational context, specifically designated, planned and organised using unconventional techniques and methods of deployment.
My appreciation and congratulations to Andrea Bandieri, pride of Pavullo and the entire valley, all the way up the mountains from Cimone to Giovo and down the Sestaione to Pian degli Ontani.
Good work Commander. Long live the 9th.