General of the Army Corps Carmine Masiello visits the Army Special Forces Command and the 185th RRAO "Folgore"

General of the Army Corps Paratrooper Carmine Masiello, Chief of Staff of the Army, met with the soldiers of the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE), highlighting the importance of technology, training, and values as cornerstones for the Special Forces sector.

The visit took place at the Military Complex "Tenente M.O.V.M. Dario Vitali" and included a meeting with Brigadier General Andrea Vicari, Commander of COMFOSE. Subsequently, General Masiello visited the 185th Reconnaissance Target Acquisition Regiment (RRAO) "Folgore" at the "Pisacane" barracks in Livorno.

During the visit, General Masiello received a detailed update on current training paths, training and simulation systems, operational commitments of the units, organic feeding needs, infrastructure intervention priorities, and the acquisition of cutting-edge technologies.

In particular, he visited the Special Operations Training Center (CEADDOS) and the Special Operations Support Unit (RSOS), fundamental components for the training and logistical support of Special Forces in training and operations.

General Masiello emphasized the uniqueness of the training level of the Special Forces, their constant aspiration for improvement, innovative spirit, and awareness of their essential role in the defense and safeguarding of national security. He highlighted how the pillars of flexibility, realism, and initiative are fundamental for the success of missions in complex and competitive scenarios.

"The Special Forces embody the essential function of real and credible deterrence of the Italian military instrument," stated General Masiello, adding that "the true essence of the units in the sector can only emerge if technology and training are supported by a selected human capital, which places values at the center of every choice and intelligent creativity as the engine of every solution."

"Those of the Special Forces – concluded Gen. C.A. Masiello - are high standards and difficult to achieve, but all the operational pieces of the Army must strive towards their training heritage, in order to fulfill the task, always and everywhere, safeguarding the life of every soldier, of those alongside him, and of his unit. On this path, the Army will move during my mandate”. ​​​

The Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE), active since September 19, 2014, is a brigade-level command that manages all special forces units, special operations forces, and operational support for the special operations of the armed force and coordinates the following units:

• 9th Paratrooper Assault Regiment "Col Moschin" - Special Forces unit based in Livorno
• 185th Paratrooper Reconnaissance Target Acquisition Regiment "Folgore" - Special Forces unit based in Livorno.
• 4th Alpine Paratrooper Regiment - Special Forces unit based in Verona
• Special Operations Training Center
• Special Operations Support Unit
• Under operational employment the 3rd Helicopter Regiment for Special Operations "Aldebaran"

The current Commander is Brigadier General Andrea Vicari (185th Rgt RAO "Folgore"), since September 15, 2023.