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National Association of Italian Paratroopers (A.N.P.d’I.)

National Association of Italian Paratroopers (A.N.P.d’I.)

The Associazione Nazionale Paracadutisti d'Italia (A.N.P.d'I.) stands out as the reference body for Italian parachuting, officially recognized since 1956 and identified by the 2010 regulations as the only associative body dedicated to the country's parachutists. The association is among the founding entities of the European Union of Parachutists (UEP).

The A.N.P.d'I. includes former combatant parachutists, military personnel, and non-military members with a license.

The activities promoted range from military to sports training, including commemorative events and meetings that strengthen the sense of community and belonging. The parachuting courses, open to different age groups and both genders, are designed to impart not only technical skills but also the values of courage, discipline, and camaraderie.

The association not only fosters the practice and dissemination of parachuting in Italy but also embodies a commitment to memory and respect for traditions, positioning itself as a guardian of a historical legacy and timeless values.

The A.N.P.d'I., as stated on its website, is non-partisan, non-profit, and aims to:

  • Love and loyalty to the Homeland
  • Glorification of parachutists who fell in the line of duty, in war and peace, perpetuating their memory
  • Exaltation of the glories of the Specialty and the celebration of specific anniversaries
  • Maintain bonds of solid collaboration with the Armed Forces, exalting their work in defense of the Homeland and service of peace
  • Establish fruitful relationships of friendship and aggregation with members of sister associations
  • Possibly support or carry out initiatives in favor of civil protection
  • Provide assistance in every possible form to members
  • Award scholarships at the national level to needy and deserving members
  • Disseminate the spirit, traditions, activities, and chronicles of Italian parachuting through the publication of the specific magazine «Folgore», and the website www.assopar.it, the printing and distribution of historical and technical texts, the holding of conferences
  • Collaborate with other organizations having common goals or programs, including the European Union of Parachutists of which the Association is a founding member

The structure of the A.N.P.d'I. is divided into various bodies and sections distributed throughout the national territory, making it an essential point of reference for those who belong or aspire to enter the world of parachuting. With over 130 sections, the association offers a fundamental connective tissue among parachutists of different generations and categories, promoting the exchange of experiences and the continuity of parachuting values.

History of the A.N.P.d'I.

The origin of the Associazione Nazionale Paracadutisti d'Italia (A.N.P.d'I.) dates back to the immediate post-war period, when a group of former combatants and young people, inspired by daring and passion for flying, decided to create an organization that could represent and unite the world of parachuting in Italy.

Associazione Nazionale Paracadutisti d'Italia (A.N.P.d’I.) - brigatafolgore.net
Emblem of the Associazione Nazionale Paracadutisti d'Italia (A.N.P.d’I.)

In 1946, the Associazione Paracadutisti Italiani (A.P.I.) was born, pioneering in outlining the future of national parachuting and promoting experimental launch activities. With the increase of its members and the creation of territorial sections, the A.P.I. consolidated its role in the Italian associative and sports fabric.

In 1949, the A.P.I. transformed, giving rise to a new committee that subsequently led to the foundation of the Associazione Sport Aerei (A.S.A.) and, later, the Federazione Italiana Paracadutismo Civile Sportivo (F.I.P.C.S.), which evolved into the Federazione Italiana Paracadutismo Sportivo (F.I.P.S.), thanks to the influence of former combatants.

However, the term "sportivo" did not fully reflect the identity and deeply rooted military traditions among parachutists, leading to the birth of the Associazione Nazionale Paracadutisti. Officially recognized in 1956, the association has since embodied the continuity and evolution of military parachuting values and experience.

In the 1960s, the A.N.P.d'I. intensified its activities, establishing strong ties with military units and opening new sections throughout Italy. These sections honored war parachutists and promoted the training of new generations, in collaboration with military structures and through specific agreements.

The partnership with the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore", the 46th Air Brigade and the Army Aviation, has provided resources and support for parachuting training, distinguishing the A.N.P.d'I. for the quality and authenticity of the training offered. With the opening of schools and centers equipped with their own facilities and equipment, the association has strengthened its commitment to the evolution of parachuting, always keeping alive the memory and inspiration of the historical values and brotherhood that marked its birth and development.

The current president is General of the Army Corps (ret.) Paratrooper Incursor Marco Bertolini. The official website is www.assopar.it.

Websites of A.N.P.d'I. Sections

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