From 2 September, the Folgore Parachute Brigade will come under the direct reports of the Land Operations Forces Command (COMFOTER)by eliminating intermediate commands. This change aligns the legendary Italian Parachute Brigade with leading units such as the COMFOSE (Army Special Forces Command) and the Army Aviation Command.
The COMFOTER, reporting directly to the Chief of Staff of the Italian Armywill now have more direct control over the Brigade. Currently, the Folgore is under the Operational Forces Command North (COMFOP NORD)which in turn is subordinate to the COMFOTER.
The decision responds to the need for specific resources for the Folgore, distinguishing it from other infantry units and facilitating its training and deployment as an instrument with a high level of readiness in 48h in any theatre, primarily oriented towards warfighting, including complex operations in coordination with special forces. The move, strategically relevant to the nation and theAtlantic Alliance (NATO)is therefore seen as a signal from the Chief of Staff of the Army, Army Parachutist General Carmine Masielloto optimise and enhance the capabilities of the paratroopers, restoring it to its former glory and providing the Brigade with the necessary support.
In recent years, the Folgore has been, we say, 'shelved' and treated like a normal infantry unit.
The move to the direct dependencies of the COMFOTER is its natural place in a modern armed force, given the nature of the Brigade and the paratroopers themselves.
A decision in perfect continuity with the programme for the allocation of new airplanes GMV Flyer 72 about which we had written in this article. To complete its warfighting capabilities, it will also be necessary to enhance the capabilities counter-tanks e anti-aircraft/anti-UAS down to squad level. To do this, more direct control of the General Staff was necessary. The decision to place the Folgore under the direct command of the COMFOTER is also the result of the renewal of the armed force, a renewal that was desired from the first day General Masiello took office.
In short, this change represents a significant step in the reorganisation and enhancement of the Italian Army, strengthening the role of the Folgore in the context of contemporary military operations in defence of the nation and the Atlantic Alliance.
