The recent advancement of Major Generals and Brigadier Generals in the Italian Army marks a historic moment for the Paratroopers of the Folgore and, more generally, for the entire elite troops sector. A result that speaks clearly: the Amaranto Berets are today one of the pillars of Italian military leadership.
For the 174th course, among the first five officers promoted to the rank of Major General, there are as many as five Paratroopers:
- Massimiliano Mongillo (Commander 183rd Rgt. Nembo and Paratroopers Brigade Folgore 2023-2024)
- Federico Bernacca (Commander 186th Rgt. Folgore 2019-2021 and Paratroopers Brigade Folgore 2024-2025)
- Andrea Vicari (Commander 185th RAO Folgore 2018-2019 and COMFOSE 2023-2024)
- Nicola Mandolesi (Commander 187th Folgore 2019-2020 and Brigade Pozzuolo del Fiuli 2023-2025)
- Gianluca Dello Monaco (Commander 8th Sappers Folgore 2019-2021 and Engineering Brigade 2023-2025)
An unprecedented fact, certifying not only individual excellence but the solidity of a command school built on training, operational experience, and a culture of responsibility.
The Folgore at the Top of the Army
The presence of five Paratroopers in the top positions of the ranking captures a specific outcome of this advancement, matured within different and articulated professional paths. Promotions, as always, are the culmination of careers built on command assignments, increasing responsibilities, operational deployments, and multi-year evaluations, in a framework where all components of the Army contribute to the formation of leadership.
In this context, the Folgore, like other specialties and units, continues to provide the Institution with officers with experience and profiles suitable for higher-level functions, where planning, coordination, and management of complex organizations matter most, in addition to the operational dimension.
Incursores: Promotion for Yuri Grossi
For the Special Forces, in addition to Paratrooper Acquirer Andrea Vicari, there is another significant recognition: Major General has also been promoted to Incursor Yuri Grossi, former Commander of the 9th Col Moschin (2018-2021) of the Pinerolo Brigade (2024-2025).
An important signal that confirms how the experience gained in elite units is now considered central even in top roles.
New Brigadier Generals: Paduano and Isoni
The promotion framework is completed with the advancement to the rank of Brigadier General of two officers of absolute stature in the airborne troops and special forces:
- Dario Paduano, current Commander of the Paratroopers Brigade Folgore and former Commander of the 187th Rgt. Folgore (2022-2024)
- Luigi Isoni, Commander of the 9th Assault Paratroopers Regiment “Col Moschin” (2021-2024)
A Strong Signal for the Future
These promotions represent much more than a simple career advancement.
For the Amaranto Berets and the Incursores, it is confirmation that sacrifice, competence, and esprit de corps are not just words, but become selection criteria at the highest levels.
A record that enters history and strengthens the strategic weight of the Folgore and Special Forces in the present and future of Italian Defense.
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