Paratroopers and Joint Forcible Entry: Exercise BOA-2 2025
The “BOA-2” exercise, an important training activity involving the “Boa-2” regiment, ended a few days ago at the Monte Romano (VT) shooting range.Savoy Cavalry” (3rd) and the 185th Parachute Artillery Regiment. The exercise simulated a Joint Forcible Entry Operation (JFEO, Joint Forced Entry Operation), a maneuver concept that combines air, ground, and support forces to enable infiltration into hostile territory.
The “BOA-2” training cycle focused on high intensity and low permissive scenarios, testing the ability of the Italian Armed Forces to operate in an integrated and reactive manner. The activities aimed at acquiring and maintaining technical-tactical procedures, particularly in the context of para-cavalry, a sector in which Italy boasts a long tradition of excellence.
The Dynamics of the Joint Forcible Entry Operation (JFEO)
A JFEO is one of the most complex operations in the military, requiring detailed planning and close cooperation between the various forces involved. It is divided into several phases, which include the projection of air and ground forces, control of the territory, and the expansion of the “airhead”. Exercise “BOA-2” allowed us to simulate all these phases, with the use of a Tactical Command Post (TACP) of the Tactical Group. Initially operating in “dismounted” mode (on foot), the TACP later adopted a “mounted” mode with the introduction of combat vehicles.
The core of the operation was the infiltration of a “Savoia Cavalleria” paratrooper reconnaissance detachment supported by a Joint Fire Support Team (JFST). The objective was to ensure access to a hostile area, thus allowing the subsequent deployment of air and ground forces. The operational phases, which also included an airborne landing from rotary-wing aircraft, were conducted with extreme precision, demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperation between the various components of the Italian armed forces.
The Importance of Logistical Preparation and Medical Support
A key aspect of JFEO operations is logistics and medical support. “BOA-2” tested the ability to sustain and replenish forces, including the replenishment of ammunition, fuel, and essential materials (Class I, III, V), as well as the recovery of damaged combat vehicles. In addition, medical support was managed effectively, with the establishment of a ROLE 1 and the evacuation of wounded in a timely manner.
In a high-intensity operational context such as the one simulated during “BOA-2”, logistical readiness and medical response capacity are essential to ensure the overall effectiveness of the maneuver. The involvement of a doctor from the Florence infirmary, integrated into the “Savoia Cavalleria” team, contributed to strengthening the emergency response capacity.
Lessons from the Russian VDV Experience
The difficulties and mistakes of the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) during the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 provide crucial lessons for planning JFEO operations. The lack of strategic surprise, ineffective airspace management, and the inability to integrate supporting forces such as artillery and mortars have highlighted the need for careful management of readiness and synchronization between the different forces involved in a JFEO.
In particular, the ability to maintain control of electromagnetic space and secure communications is vital. The VDV has failed to neutralize enemy air defenses, leaving their forces vulnerable. Proper information and communication management is therefore crucial to the success of a JFEO.
Conclusions
Exercise “BOA-2” represented an important opportunity to sharpen the capabilities of the Italian Armed Forces in the context of JFEO operations. Technical preparation, coordination between different components of the Armed Forces, and logistical and medical support were key elements in ensuring the effectiveness of the operation. As the experience of the VDV has shown, failure to adhere to the fundamental principles of a JFEO can seriously compromise the outcome of a large-scale operation. Exercise “BOA-2” therefore laid the foundation for future joint operations, strengthening the ability to respond rapidly and project power globally.
The result of this training contributes to strengthening the ability of the Paratroopers Brigade “Folgore” and its specialized units, confirming the importance of continuous preparation in complex and changing operational scenarios. Italy, through exercises like this, is preparing to face the challenges of the future, maintaining high operational readiness and efficiency in forced entry operations and subsequent consolidation.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
