Completed the Selected Patrolman Course for the Cadet Sergeants of the Non-Commissioned Officers School

The Selected Patrolman Course was recently held at the Infantry School of Cesano, dedicated to the cadet sergeants of the XXV Course “Dovere” of the Non-Commissioned Officers School of the Army of Viterbo. The five-week course saw 105 future platoon commanders engage in intense training aimed at conducting patrols in hostile territories, improving their technical-professional preparation and leadership skills.

The course was developed in several phases:

1. Overcoming Natural Obstacles: The cadets began by tackling techniques to overcome natural obstacles such as vertical heights and watercourses. This phase tested their courage and increased their skills in handling challenging terrains.
2. Conduct of Combat Patrol: Subsequently, the attendees deepened their techniques for conducting a combat patrol. This part of the course culminated in a continuous four-day activity, called “Orsa Maggiore”. During this exercise, the future platoon commanders had to demonstrate their physical and mental endurance, as well as the will to complete the assigned tasks.

Within the three-year path of the cadet sergeant, training is one of the fundamental pillars of education, along with technological development and values. The Selected Patrolman Course, due to its practical and highly formative nature, provides future commanders with the technical-tactical skills necessary to effectively face combat patrol operations. Moreover, it enhances the cadets' psycho-physical and attitudinal preparation, gradually accustoming them to operate outside their comfort zone.

The Selected Patrolman Course is part of the training activities called “UNA ACIES 2024”. The project will involve all the institutes belonging to the Army's Training, Specialization, and Doctrine Command until the end of July, with the aim of improving the effectiveness of the Italian Army's operational units.