The Infantry School in Cesano recently held the Chosen Patroller Coursededicated to the trainee marshals of the 25th 'Duty' Course of Viterbo Army Non-Commissioned Officers School. The five-week course saw 105 future platoon commanders engage in intensive training aimed at leading patrols in hostile territories, improving their level of technical-professional preparation and leadership skills.
The course was developed in several stages:
- Overcoming Natural Obstacles: The students started by tackling techniques to overcome natural obstacles such as vertical heights and streams. This phase tested their courage and increased their skills in handling rough terrain.
- Combat Patrol Conduct: Subsequently, the trainees deepened the techniques of conducting a combat patrol. This part of the course culminated in a four-day continuous activity called 'Ursa Major'. During this exercise, the future platoon commanders had to prove their physical and mental endurance, as well as their will to complete their assigned tasks.
Within the three-year cadet marshal course, training is one of the fundamental pillars of training, along with technological development and values. Due to its practical and highly formative nature, the Patrol Marshal Course provides future commanders with the technical-tactical skills necessary to effectively face combat patrol operations. It also improves the psycho-physical and attitudinal preparation of trainees, gradually accustoming them to operating outside their comfort zone.
The Chosen Patrolman Course is part of the training activities called "UNA ACIES 2024". The project will involve all the institutes belonging to the Army Training, Specialisation and Doctrine Command until the end of July, with the aim of improving the effectiveness of the Italian Army's operational units.
