General Federico Bernacca is the new Commander of the Paratroopers Brigade Folgore

The last Italian Commander to leave Afghanistan in 2021, along with his Paratroopers, in a loud silence. A career dedicated to national and international security at the Command of all airborne units, from the Paratroopers Platoon as a young Lieutenant at the 187th Regiment, to the Command of the 186th Paratroopers Regiment Folgore as a Colonel. As of yesterday, October 23, 2024, Brigadier General Paratrooper Federico Bernacca is the new AQUILA 1, the Commander of the Paratroopers Brigade Folgore.

In his inaugural speech, General Bernacca promised continuity with the excellent work carried out by his predecessor, General Massimiliano Mongillo, emphasizing the importance of willpower as the most precious weapon for the Paratroopers. The new AQUILA 1 recalled the places and deeds of the Paratroopers forged in the African desert, driven by that very willpower that makes them extraordinarily efficient even in the most complex situations.

Born in Asiago on March 31, 1973, Bernacca began his training at the Military Academy of Modena, where he attended the 174th Course from 1992 to 1994.

During his career, he held positions of great responsibility at the command of some of the most prestigious units of the Folgore. After the Academy, he was assigned to the 187th Paratroopers Regiment Folgore with the role of Paratroopers Platoon Commander. As a Captain, he moved to the 186th Paratroopers Regiment Folgore, where he commanded the legendary XVª Company "Diavoli Neri". Between 2014 and 2015, he served as Commander of the 5th Paratroopers Battalion "El Alamein", and subsequently, from 2019 to 2021, he led the 186th Paratroopers Regiment Folgore.

During this period, at the end of June 2021, he directed the return from Afghanistan of the last Italian troops, operating in an extremely complex and high-risk context due to the rapidly changed geopolitical scenario. For his contribution during the operation, Federico Bernacca received the Bronze Cross for Military Merit with the following motivation:

Regiment commander of absolute value and crystal-clear military virtues, employed in an overseas operational theater, he fulfilled the delicate assignment, in the most critical phases of the mission, with undisputed dedication and extremely high command capability. Following the sudden change in the international geopolitical scenario and the consequent withdrawal of coalition troops, despite a continuous reshaping of the National Contingent's withdrawal plans, he synchronized and coordinated all logistical activities and force protection on the ground, managing to avert insidious crisis situations. A magnificent figure of an Officer, whose actions provided a significant contribution to the success of the operation and the prestige of the Nation in the international context.

Herat (Afghanistan), January 16 - June 27, 2021.

At the international level, General Bernacca served as Deputy Commander of the NATO KFOR mission from November 14, 2023, succeeding Hungarian General Jozsef Szpisják, further strengthening his experience in multinational operations.

The appointment as Commander of the Paratroopers Brigade Folgore reflects his exceptional ability to lead men and women in complex operations, both nationally and internationally.

Congratulations on the prestigious assignment, General, FOLGORE!!!