The Logistic Parachute Regiment 'Folgore represents a crucial component in the Folgore Parachute Brigade distinguished by its ability to provide efficient and versatile logistical support. Inheriting a rich military history, the regiment has continuously evolved to adapt to modern requirements, while maintaining the tradition and excellence that have characterised it over the years.
History
Established in 2015, it is the heir to the 6th Manoeuvre Regiment (itself heir to the Parachute Logistics Battalion 'Folgore and the Centaur' Health Department).
The Folgore Parachute Logistics Battalion
The 'Folgore' Parachute Logistic Battalion was established on 1 October 1975 in Pisa, responding to an operational necessity following the reorganisation of the Italian Army and the strengthening of the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade.
On 24 October 1976, during a ceremony that coincided with the anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein the Battalion received its War Flag.
On 7 March 1978, the Battalion was awarded the heraldic coat of arms with the motto 'DIAM L'ALI ALLA VITTORIA'. This recognition reflected the connection to the Units of the 1941 'Folgore' Parachute Division.
Over the years, the 'Folgore' Battalion has participated in various international missions, both under the auspices of the UN and NATO. These experiences, which include the missions at Lebanon, in Somalia in Bosnia Herzegovina, East Timor and Kosovo, helped define the unit's role and identity within the international context, facing major logistical challenges and operating in often complex scenarios.
The history of the 'Folgore' Parachute Logistics Battalion is thus intertwined with significant moments in Italian and international military history, reflecting the evolution of the logistical and operational needs of the armed forces over time.
The 6th Manoeuvre Regiment
The 6th Manoeuvre Regiment was established on 1 September 2001 as part of a reorganisation of the logistics sector of the Italian Army at the beginning of the new millennium. It was part of a broader reorganisation project, aimed at optimising logistics capabilities by transforming some logistics battalions, previously part of their respective brigades, into manoeuvre regiments and transport regiments. The 6th Manoeuvre Regiment found its place within the Projection Logistics Brigade based in Treviso, preserving the War Flag, the Motto and the traditions of the 'Folgore' Logistic Parachute Battalion established in 1975.
With the aim of supporting the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade, the battalion had played a key role in enhancing the logistical capabilities of the Grand Unit. The 6th Manoeuvre Regiment inherited not only the War Flag and motto but also the traditions and ethos of its predecessor.
The organisational structure of the regiment included a Command, a Command and Logistics Support Company, a Maintenance Battalion, a one Supply Battalion and, as of 19 March 2002, a Health Department based in Novara. The latter was originally the Sanitary Support of the 3rd Mechanized Brigade 'Goito', established on 13 July 1981.
The role of the 6th was clearly defined within the operational logistics of the Army, with the task of ensuring the necessary support for the maintenance, supply and medical care of forces deployed in out-of-area operations. In addition, the regiment also contributed to the support needs of the Land Forces during operational standstill.
Despite its recent establishment, it proved ready and able to operate in international contexts already in its early days. It was engaged in the multinational exercise 'DRAWSKO 2001' in Poland and in Operation 'DOMINO 2001', a mission focused on safeguarding strategic targets. In the following years, the 6th Manoeuvre Regiment continued to prove its versatility and reliability by participating in missions in the Balkans, Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan, thus consolidating its strategic importance within the operational dynamics of the Italian Army.
Current Structure
Based in Pisa at the M.O.V.M. Barracks Alberto Bechi Luserna, the 'Folgore' Logistics Regiment has reconfigured itself to respond more efficiently to contemporary operational requirements. Its structure includes a Command and Logistics Support Company and a Logistics Battalion.
The latter is divided into three specialised companies: Maintenance, Transport e Refuelling providing complete logistical cover for the Folgore Parachute Brigade.
The Regiment is an emblematic example of how tradition, innovation and dedication can converge to form a first-class military logistics support unit. With its highly qualified personnel and efficient organisational structure, the regiment continues to play a vital role in supporting the operations of the Folgore Parachute Brigade, confirming its status as a pillar of military logistics.
The military valour of the Logistic Parachute Regiment 'Folgore' is recognised through the decorations awarded to its war flag: a Bronze Medal for Valour of the Army and two Crosses of Merit of the Army, one Silver and one Bronze.
The regimental holiday, celebrated on 22 May, coincides with the anniversary of the first major car transports of military units engaged in the Battle of the Highlands in 1916.
