Former Amaranth Beret: 187th Regiment 'Folgore' trains with the 173rd US Airborne Brigade

Altopascio (LU) / Valle Ugione (LI) - April 2025. The exercise was recently concluded 'Amaranth Beret'which featured the amaranth berets of the 187th Parachute Regiment 'Folgore' and a platoon of paratroopers from the 173rd U.S. Army Airborne Brigadestationed at the 'Ederle' Barracks in Vicenza.

A training event of international significance, which is part of the joint activities of the so-called 'Airborne Community'a network of allied paratroop units, united by a desire to maintain high operational standards, interoperability and cohesion in joint operations.

Exercise objectives: cooperation, speed, effectiveness

The purpose of the exercise was twofold, strengthen cooperation between Italian and US elite unitson the other, test and refine the ability to plan and conduct joint airborne operationsin realistic and complex scenarios.

An opportunity to "mutual training"Valuable', which allowed both contingents to compare different but complementary procedures, techniques and approaches, with a view to continuous tactical and technical evolution.

Phase 1: Joint Forcible Entry Operation on the DZ 'Nella'

The first part of the exercise took place in the Launch area 'Nella' in Altopascio (LU). Here, Italian and American paratroopers operated side by side in a Joint Forcible Entry Operation (JFEO)military action aimed at conquest and consolidation of a strategic objective through aviation.

The activity required a high capacity for rapid planning, coordination between multiple assets and reactivity in dealing with environmental and operational variables, simulating high-intensity scenarios, such as interventions in hostile theatres or occupied by enemy forces.

Phase 2: urban combat and C-IED countermeasures

The second phase took place in theValle Ugione training area (LI)where personnel were engaged in complex exercises, with particular emphasis on the Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT)operations in urban environments, among the most insidious and challenging for combat troops.

Among the main activities:

• Using the Inflatable Wall Systemor highly realistic inflatable buildings to simulate urban scenarios;
• Use of the SIMUNITIONnon-lethal ammunition that allows real simulations with impact marking;
• Counter-IED trainingthe recognition and neutralisation of improvised explosive devices, one of the main threats in modern theatres of operation.

These activities required maximum coordination, a spirit of adaptation and effective communication between the two formations, helping to consolidate a common operational language.

Final phase: joint shooting exercise

The exercise ended at the ISOPOL polygonwithin the Complesso Addestrativo Multifunzione “Folgore”. Here, an advanced shooting activity took place, aimed at assessing engagement skills in realistic and simulated conditions, refining readiness to use individual and departmental weapons in high-intensity contexts.

A moment of final verification of the skills acquired during the whole exercise, but also of sharing best practices between the two departments.

A strategic and operational link between allies

The collaboration between the 187th Regiment of Folgore and the 173rd US Airborne Brigade is not episodic: it is based on a long history of cooperation and a shared vision of the operational readiness of Italian and US paratroopers.

These exercises, in addition to ensuring interoperability between contingents, represent a strategic investment in collective security of NATO forces and partners. In an increasingly dynamic geopolitical context, the ability to operate in an integrated and responsive manner is a key resource.

The link between the amaranth berets Italians and the 'Sky Soldiers' America goes beyond mere technical cooperation: it is based on a cultura comune del dovere, del sacrificio e dell’eccellenza militare.

Events such as 'Amaranth Beret' not only enrich professional skills, but also strengthen brotherhood between men and women who share the same military vocationthat of operating with speed, precision and courage in the most difficult contexts.

La Folgore Parachute Brigadeonce again confirms its leading role within the Italian and allied land forces, maintaining standards of training excellence and demonstrating full capacity to act in synergy with the most prestigious international airborne units.

Source: https://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/Conclusa-l%E2%80%99esercitazione-Amaranth-Beret-250424.aspx