Joint Special Forces Operations Command (C.O.F.S.)

Traditionally, until the end of the 20th century, the command and use of the Italian Army special forces were the prerogative of the Folgore Paratroopers Brigade through the 9th Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin'. Similarly, for the Navy, the use of COMSUBIN did not occur through a proper operational command but directly under the control of the Ministry of Defence via the Defence General Staff (SMD). The Carabinieri GISuntil the end of 2003, was not even validated as a special force.

The advent of the new millennium marked a significant turning point: the creation of new units dedicated to special operations and the need to recognise other entities as such, for example, the Carabinieri GIS, and improve resource optimisation in various theaters of employment, in addition to interoperability, thanks to the specific skills of the four armed forces, contributed to greater specialisation and focus on the future of Italian special forces.

Origins and Strategic Purposes

The COFS was initially established with the status of Joint Paratrooper Raiders Unitresulting from a decision by the then Chief of Defence Staff, Adm. Giampaolo Di Paola, stemming from a specific initiative by the then Minister of Defence, Hon. Antonio Martino, providing the Defence with a specific tool for conducting Special Operations and thus completing the restructuring started with the creation of the then COI (now COVI) for the command of conventional operations, aligning Italy with the other main countries of the Atlantic Alliance, for which the Special Forces represent a resource of strategic importance.

Officially established on December 1, 2004under the leadership of Paratrooper Raider General (Italian Army) Marco Bertolini, it was already recognised in 2008 as a planning command and in 2021 was validated by NATO as a Deployable Component Command for Special Operations (SOCC) within the NATO Response Force (NRF). Between 2021 and 2023, the COFS was dependent on the Joint Operational Command (COVI), but since 2023 it has returned under the direct supervision of the Chief of Defence Staff.

Positioned under the direct command of the Chief of Defence Staff, it is located at the Centocelle Military Airport 'Francesco Baracca' and is tasked with coordinating and managing all operations of the Italian special forces.

Structure of the C.O.F.S.

Joint Command for Special Forces Operations (C.O.F.S.) - brigadefolgore.net — The COFS coordinates all operations of the special forces belonging to the four Italian Armed Forces

As mentioned, the command coordinates all operations of the special forces belonging to the four Armed Forces, specifically:

The COFS thus represents a fundamental pillar in the management of Italian special operations, emphasising the importance of innovation and adaptation to new international scenarios, representing an important step forward in aligning Italian military capabilities with NATO standards, paving the way for the creation of the COMFOSE (Army Special Forces Command) in 2014.

These developments have demonstrated, without a shadow of a doubt, Italy's ability to adapt in continuously evolving international contexts, significantly contributing to national and international security and stability, as well as representing a model for Allies.

Since its establishment, the COFS has overseen numerous key initiatives in the special operations sector, most classified as state secrets and only later made public, such as the establishment of the Task Force 45, active in Afghanistan from 2006 to 2014.

Symbolism and Motto of the COFS

The symbol of the COFS is inspired by the central element of the painting "The Oath of the Horatii". by Jacques-Louis David (1784), displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The painting depicts a Roman legend narrated by Titus Livius and dramatised in the tragedy 'Horace' by Corneille. During the reign of Tullus Hostiliusto determine the outcome of the war between Rome and Alba Longa, three Roman brothers, the Horatii, fought against three brothers from Alba Longa, the Curiatii. At the end of the clash, no Curiatius survived, while one of the Horatii managed to return, thus sealing Rome's victory.

The three swords symbolise the defence of the homeland in the three natural elements-land, sea, and sky-the theatre of special operations.

The motto, "etiam si omnes ego non", is taken from the Gospel according to Matthew and reflects the determination and moral virtue of those called to emerge by exploiting their moral and spiritual qualities.

The Commanders

Gen. D. Marco BERTOLINI - Italian Army - December 1, 2004, September 25, 2008
Adm. D. Donato MARZANO - Navy - September 26, 2008, October 9, 2011
Gen. D. Maurizio FIORAVANTI – Italian Army- October 10, 2011, November 2, 2014
Adm. Sq. Giuseppe CAVO DRAGONE – Navy - November 3, 2014, June 26, 2016
Gen. D. Nicola ZANELLI – Italian Army- June 27, 2016, October 23, 2019
H.S.H. Gen. Nicola LANZA DE CRISTOFORIS – Air Force - October 24, 2019, January 19, 2022
Adm. Sq. Paolo PEZZUTTI – Navy - January 20, 2022, incumbent