On an emotionally charged day, the Pisa Parachute Training Centre hosted the closing ceremony of the 85th Parachute Course on Friday 16 February, marking a significant moment for 177 new parachutists, including 154 Volunteers on Initial Ference (VFI), who received the prestigious amaranth beret, a symbol of courage, skill and dedication.
The ceremony was presided over by the CAPAR Commander, Parachutist Colonel Antonio D'Agostino, with the 'Godfather' of the Course, retired Senior Adjutant Marshal Antonio Ciavarrella, a historical figure and parachuting instructor at the 'School', at his side. The event was attended by over seven hundred guests, including authorities and family members of the new parachutists, all gathered to celebrate the prestigious milestone.
During his speech, Commander D'Agostino addressed words of encouragement and responsibility to the young paratroopers: "Today you join a glorious ranks, that of the Paratroopers, and as such you have acquired the right to wear the legendary amaranth beret. Be worthy of it! Serve the homeland with courage, honour, absolute loyalty to the institutions and a constant striving to earn your self-respect. Be Paratroopers!"
The training course at the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade is divided into training modules aimed at progressively developing the technical and specialised skills needed to face the airdrop qualification course and future assignments in the various deployment units with confidence and motivation. After an initial period in the Army's Volunteer Training Regiments (RAV), the paratroopers underwent an in-depth specialisation phase at the Parachute Training Centre, culminating in the automatic opening parachute jump qualification course.
With the completion of this training, the new paratroopers are ready to fully integrate into the 'Folgore' units, where they will continue their training to maintain and enhance the skills they have acquired, thus guaranteeing the high level of operational readiness that characterises the units of the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade.
The ceremony of handing over the amaranth beret represents not only recognition of the hard work and dedication of these young soldiers, but also a reminder of their commitment to serve their homeland with honour, courage and loyalty. An event that underlines the continuity of the Italian Parachute Forces' tradition of excellence and their constant commitment to the security and defence of the country.
