The exercise "ERMES 1/24", coordinated by the Operational Forces Command North and oriented to the preparation of the next deployment units in the NATO enhanced Vigilance Activity (e-VA) mission in Bulgaria, has ended. In particular, the 132nd land artillery regiment "Ariete" conducted the activity at the Cellina Meduna training area.
During the exercise, a 'multi-calibre' Artillery Group Command Post was simulated, involving, in addition to the 132nd Regiment, the 'Horse' Land Artillery Regiment and the 5th Land Artillery Regiment (rocket launchers) 'Superga'. Each regiment deployed a Battery and a Joint Fire Support Team, as well as an MLRS Section stationed in Portogruaro.
The main objective of ERMES 1/24 was to improve the technical and professional skills of personnel, with an emphasis on warfighting. In addition, the focus was on increasing information flow management capabilities, even in sub-optimal conditions, and on consolidating Command and Control procedures in line with NATO standards.
The exercise was carried out in perfect synergy with the Command of the 132nd Armoured Brigade 'Ariete'simultaneously engaged in a Command Post Exercise (CPX) at the 'Mittica' Barracks. This simultaneity made it possible to strengthen cooperation and interoperability between the different units involved.
ERMES 1/24 provided an opportunity to assess and strengthen the operational capabilities of the participating units in a realistic training context, emphasising the importance of continuous preparation and updating of procedures to ensure the readiness of armed forces in multilateral and international cooperation contexts. The presence on site of the Commander-in-Chief of the 132nd Brigade, Gen. 'Ariete 1' Marco Longo, highlighted the operational importance of the exercise and the strong commitment to consolidating effective synergies.