Special Forces, change of command at the 185° RRAO “Folgore”: Colonel Stefano Vergori is the new Commander

Livorno, November 6, 2026 – A change-of-command ceremony was held at the “Pisacane” barracks in Livorno for the 185° Reggimento Paracadutisti Ricognizione Acquisizione Obiettivi (RRAO) “Folgore”. Colonel Stefano Vergori assumed command of the Regiment, succeeding Colonel Alessio Di Marzio, who leaves the post after one year at the unit’s helm.

The ceremony was attended by civilian and military authorities and presided over by Brigadier General Giovanni Luigi Isoni, Comandante delle Forze Speciali dell’Esercito (COMFOSE). Also in attendance was Hon. Paola Chiesa, Fratelli d’Italia group leader on the Chamber of Deputies’ Defense Committee.

In his farewell address, Colonel Di Marzio reviewed his time leading the Regiment, which was marked by intensive operational and training activity in an international context shaped by new challenges and the continuing evolution of Special Forces employment scenarios.

Colonel Vergori is now tasked with continuing to strengthen the 185° RRAO’s operational capabilities, enhancing the specialized expertise of its personnel and ensuring continuity in the preparation and training of Acquisitori Obiettivi.

Hon. Paola Chiesa’s message

Hon. Paola Chiesa also wished to convey a message of thanks to Colonel Alessio Di Marzio and best wishes to the new commander, Colonel Stefano Vergori, through a post published on her Facebook profile:

«I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Colonel Alessio Di Marzio, who today relinquishes command of the 185° Reggimento Paracadutisti Ricognizione Acquisizione Obiettivi "Folgore", a unit of the Forze Speciali dell'Esercito Italiano. During his distinguished tenure, he led the Regiment with professionalism, expertise, and a strong sense of responsibility, meeting even the most demanding challenges with determination and a spirit of service.

His ability to enhance the value of the Acquisitori Obiettivi, the Regiment’s men and women, was particularly valuable, strengthening their cohesion and team spirit.

I extend my best wishes for a successful tenure to the new Commander, Colonel Stefano Vergori, confident that he will continue in the wake of the RRAO’s glorious tradition, writing another important chapter in its history».

The 185° Reggimento Paracadutisti Ricognizione Acquisizione Obiettivi “Folgore” is one of the specialized components of the Comando delle Forze Speciali dell’Esercito (COMFOSE). The unit specializes in special reconnaissance, intelligence collection, and target acquisition, with the ability to operate in complex, high-risk operational environments.

Acquisitori Obiettivi undergo a particularly demanding selection and training process designed to develop the skills required to operate in a range of environmental settings and in support of Operazioni Speciali.

Recognition of the Regiment's history

During the ceremony, General Enrico Pino, President of the Associazione Nazionale Combattenti della Guerra di Liberazione, awarded the 185° RRAO the title of Collective Member, recognizing its historical ties to the 185° Reggimento Fanteria Paracadutisti “Nembo” and the Squadrone da Ricognizione “Folgore”, known as Squadrone “F”.

A legacy that recalls the contribution of the Paracadutisti to the Guerra di Liberazione and, in particular, to Operazione Herring in April 1945, during which Italian servicemen were airdropped behind enemy lines in the Po Valley.

The change of command between Colonels Di Marzio and Vergori thus marks a new chapter in the history of the 185° RRAO, under the banner of operational continuity, specialist training, and the traditions of the Paracadutisti.