According to Wikipedia under Parachutist "... the paratrooper is a particular unit of many armies trained to launch behind enemy lines in order to carry out both air assault and interdiction and sabotage operations." .
Being a military paratrooper is without a doubt the dream of many young people who are entering or want to enter military life. In our country, being a Folgore parachutist means becoming part of that group of men who over the years have written the history of our beautiful country with sacrifice.
Nothing is impossible in life. The writer was a Paratrooper from 1999 to 2002 despite the fact that the Folgore was perceived from the outside as something gigantic, something unreachable.
Willpower and motivation will enable you to join the glorious Folgore Parachute Brigade, where you can do so as an officer, non-commissioned officer or troop volunteer.
But let's go in order. Step one: we have to join the Army, so we will look for the competition most congenial to us at this link.
Second step, Troop Volunteer, Marshal or Officer?
How to join the Folgore as a Troop Volunteer
To aspire to join the Brigata Paracadutisti Folgore as a Volunteer, the first step, as mentioned above, is to enlist in the Italian Army by passing the Competition for Volunteers on Initial Fermament (VFI) in the Army. Subsequently, after satisfying specific requirements. The selection process includes cultural, logic-deductive and professional tests, English language tests, physical tests, and health and psycho-aptitude assessments. Candidates can accumulate additional points through merit and patents.
Winners of the competition can express their preference for the Folgore Brigade, but must pass additional physical tests to prove their suitability for training and employment. These tests include pulling, bending, running, and other specific exercises. Successful candidates continue with additional health checks and, if deemed fit, are sent to the Pisa Parachute Training Centre for a course of approximately 40 days, at the end of which they must perform jumps to obtain their Military Parachute Brevet.
During the course, participants receive comprehensive training that includes survival techniques, weapons care, topography, combat tactics, and self-defence, as well as frequent verbal and written tests. Each student's progress is closely monitored to assess their skills and aptitude. Those who successfully complete the course are assigned to a Folgore Brigade regiment, where they complete their training with further specialisation, preparing to become paratroopers of the Italian Army.
How to join the Folgore as a Marshal
In order to enter the Folgore Parachute Brigade as a marshal, it is necessary to pass specific Italian Army selection competitions, meeting certain age and psycho-physical requirements. The winners of these competitions, after passing all the competition tests, are required to attend a training course at the Army Non-Commissioned Officers School in Viterbo.
On the path to becoming part of the Folgore Parachute Brigade as a marshal, after passing selection competitions, candidates have the opportunity to express their preference for their target corps, including the Folgore Parachute Brigade. During the training courses at the Army Non-Commissioned Officers' School in Viterbo for marshals, trainees participate in a series of training activities, including those required to acquire the parachute jump qualification. This training includes a specific course at the Pisa Parachute Training Centre, during which trainees undergo the same physical tests and receive training similar to that of VFI parachutists, completing three jumps to obtain starless wings. Subsequently, those who join the Brigata Paracadutisti Folgore and wish to qualify as military paratroopers attend further training in Pisa to perform jumps with a weapon and backpack, thus obtaining the star that completes their qualification.
How to join the Folgore as an officer
To enter as an officer, the path is practically identical to that of an officer: you must pass specific Italian Army selection competitions, meeting certain age and psycho-physical requirements. The winners of these competitions, after passing all the competition tests, are required to attend the training course at the Military Academy in Modena.
On the path to becoming part of the Brigata Paracadutisti Folgore as an officer, after passing the selection competitions, candidates have the opportunity to express their preference for their target corps, including the Brigata Paracadutisti Folgore. During the training courses at the Modena Military Academy, trainees participate in a series of training activities, including those required to acquire the parachute jump qualification. This training includes a specific course at the Parachute Training Centre in Pisa, during which trainees undergo the same physical tests and receive training similar to that of VFI parachutists, completing 3 jumps to obtain starless wings. Subsequently, officers who join the Brigata Paracadutisti Folgore and wish to qualify as military paratroopers attend further training in Pisa to perform jumps with a weapon and backpack, thus obtaining the star that completes their qualification.
The writer's conclusions
I met many Parachutists who I left, on my discharge, with the rank of corporal or first corporal. They had enlisted as short-term volunteers in the 1990s together with myself.
Every one of them, indeed many, are Officers and NCOs of the Parachute Brigade. I can give you some incredible, moving examples. Paratroopers who have gone from being corporals in a company, then after 20 years find themselves as captains in command. The Army issues annual competitions for transfer of rank and category. Being a Parachutist must be the main objective, regardless of whether you become one as a Troop Volunteer, NCO or Officer. Ranks will be superseded by the individual's valour.
With skill, motivation and willpower, you will have plenty of time to climb the regimental hierarchy.
And remember: if recounting emotions is a prerogative of art, living them is a privilege of those who have been able to make choices and have taken on those often difficult responsibilities.
