Folgore Revolution, the Parachute Brigade under the direct command of the COMFOTER

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 Army Staffwill 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.

La decisione risponde alla necessità di risorse specifiche per la Folgore, distinguendola dagli altri reparti di fanteria e facilitandone l’addestramento e l’impiego come strumento ad elevato livello di prontezza in 48h su ogni teatro, prioritariamente orientato al warfighting, anche con operazioni complesse in coordinamento con le forze speciali. La mossa, strategicamente rilevante per la Nazione e l’Atlantic Alliance (NATO), è quindi vista come un segnale del Capo di Stato Maggiore dell’Esercito, 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 sintesi, questo cambiamento rappresenta un passo significativo nella riorganizzazione e valorizzazione dell’Esercito Italiano, rafforzando il ruolo della Folgore nel contesto delle operazioni militari contemporanee a difesa della Nazione e dell’Alleanza Atlantica.