Courage and Dedication: Ceremony of the Maroon Beret Award to New Paratroopers in Pisa

In a day full of emotions, the Parachuting Training Center of Pisa hosted on Friday, February 16th, the closing ceremony of the 85th Parachuting Course, marking a significant moment for 177 new paratroopers, including 154 Initial Service Volunteers (VFI), who received the prestigious maroon beret, a symbol of courage, skill, and dedication.

The ceremony was presided over by the Commander of CAPAR, Paratrooper Colonel Antonio D’Agostino, alongside the Course's "Godfather," Retired Major Marshal Antonio Ciavarrella, a historical figure and parachuting instructor of the "School." The event saw the participation of over seven hundred guests, including authorities and families of the new paratroopers, all gathered to celebrate the prestigious achievement.

During the speech, Commander D’Agostino addressed the young paratroopers with words of encouragement and responsibility: “Today you become part of a glorious group, that of the Paratroopers, and as such, you have earned the right to wear the legendary maroon beret. Be worthy of it! Serve the Homeland with courage, honor, absolute loyalty to the institutions, and continuous commitment to earn the respect of yourselves. Be Paratroopers!”

The training path at the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" is structured in training modules aimed at progressively developing the technical and specialized skills necessary to face the parachuting qualification course and future assignments in various operational units with confidence and motivation. After an initial period in the Army's Volunteer Training Regiments (RAV), the paratroopers underwent an in-depth specialization phase at the Parachuting Training Center, culminating in the qualification course for automatic opening parachute jumps.

With the completion of this training, the new paratroopers are ready to fully integrate into the "Folgore" units, where they will continue their training path to maintain and enhance the skills acquired, thus ensuring the high level of operational readiness that distinguishes the units of the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore".

The ceremony of the maroon beret award represents not only the recognition of the hard work and dedication of these young soldiers but also a reminder of their commitment to serve the Homeland with honor, courage, and loyalty. An event that underscores the continuity of the tradition of excellence of the Italian Paratrooper Forces and their constant commitment to the security and defense of the Country.