Exercise successfully concluded Mongoose 2024the main annual training event of the Parachute Brigade 'Folgorewhich involved more than 600 soldiers in the areas of Pisa, Livorno, Siena e Grosseto. The impressive operational exercise tested the capabilities of airborne units to plan and conduct operations in a realistic and highly dynamic scenario.
Objectives and particularities
Exercise Mongoose is distinguished by its approach: training events are generated directly in the field by interactions between opposing forces. This approach challenges commanders to exercise the Mission Commandi.e. the ability to make quick and adaptive decisions in a complex environment.
Training focused on tactical operations such as:
- Area interdiction and counter-interdiction
- Extended Control of the Area of Operations
- Protection of Key Terrain and Entry Points
- Disarticulation of adversary devices
Of fundamental importance was the simulation of operations following airdrops, conducted in a degraded electromagnetic environment and a high tempo of activity, all under prohibitive weather and terrain conditions. This scenario made it possible to test not only the technical capabilities, but also the psycho-physical endurance of the paratroopers, in combat and battlefield survival.
Technologies and inter-agency cooperation
During the conduct phase of the exercise, specialised Fincantieri personnel, in close cooperation with technicians from the Transmission Company of the 184th Command and Tactical Support Unit 'Nembo'carried out familiarisation sessions of the Imperio' Command and Control System.
Participation and means involved
The exercise was attended by all departments of the Parachute Brigade 'Folgoresupported by specialised units and Armed Forces personnel:
- A section V-Shorad of 121st art. regiment c/a 'Ravenna'
- A platoon of the 66th Infantry Regiment 'Trieste
- A platoon of the 33rd logistics support regiment 'Ambrosian
- Unit of the Tactical Information Brigade
L'Army Aviation (AVES) provided support with helicopters CH-47F, NH-90 e A-129used for aviation, heli-transport and exploration and escort missions.
L'Air Forcewith its aircraft C-130J of 46th Pisa Airborne Brigadeprovided transport for airdrops, while the 4th Fighter Wing Grosseto provided the necessary logistical support for joint operations, consolidating the synergy between the Armed Forces.
Conclusions
La Mongoose 2024 proved to be an essential event for testing and improving the operational capabilities of the 'Folgore' Parachute Brigade. Thanks to the use of realistic scenarios, advanced technologies and close inter-force cooperation, the exercise once again demonstrated the effectiveness of Italian air forces in responding to complex situations in high-intensity operational contexts.
A training that represents not only a moment of verification, but also a fundamental step to ensure the operational readiness and excellence of the 'Folgore' in the national and international military landscape.
