Special Forces, the 4th Alpini Parachute Regiment receives the green beret

In the historic 'G. DUCA' barracks in Verona, the 4th Regiment Alpini Parachutists experienced a day of great significance with the handover ceremony of the new green beret, which will replace the Norwegian headgear. The event, chaired by the Undersecretary of State for Defence, Senator Isabella Rauti, and the Chief of Staff of the Army, Parachute Corps General Carmine Masiellomarked a new stage in the history of the Regiment.

Isabella Rauti e Carmine Masiellodelivered the new beret to the Regimental Commander, Colonel Igor Panebiancowho in turn authorised the deployed personnel to wear the new headgear. Senator Rauti, during her speech, emphasised the importance of the new headgear, which will not replace the historic Alpine hat but will affirm the unique identity of the department "Today is a special day, a date we will remember. From today, you will be able to wear a beret, your beret, with the motto and symbols that characterise you; the new headgear is not, nor could it ever be, a replacement for the historic Alpine hat, which you will continue to wear with pride. The beret - replacing the 'Norwegian' mountain cap - expresses your belonging to an elite, that of the Army Special Forces while maintaining the traditional specificities of the Alpine Troops. I am certain that the Rangers will be able to honour the history that this headgear embodies, in the present and in the future. Faithful to the Ranger creed, to the Homeland and to the Flag, always in the front line and, as your motto says, "Never Strack!" (Never get tired!)".

General Masiello emphasised the symbolic value of the green beret, which is reminiscent of the traditional Norwegian mountain headgear, but which now becomes a distinguishing mark of the department within the Army Special Forces. "The beret, which you deserve, will distinguish you among the elite corps of our Army. Look ahead, always faithful to your roots and to the values that must animate your everyday life".he said, addressing the rangers.

The colour of the new beret recalls the colour of the so-called 'Norwegian' mountain headgear, and on it is pinned the metal frieze with the motto 'MAI STRACK', recalling the coat of arms of the first Alpine parachutist platoon of the Tridentine Brigade established in 1952. The ceremony was enriched by the reading of the Ranger creed, a highly symbolic moment that embodies the values and ideals that guide every special operator in the unit.

The 4th Alpini Parachute Regiment, framed in the COMFOSE (Army Special Forces Command)is made up of highly qualified personnel trained to conduct special missions in extreme environments, particularly mountainous and arctic ones, confirming its position as one of the spearheads of the Italian Special Forces. This new symbol of recognition represents a further step forward in their history, combining tradition and modernity in the name of the homeland and service to the country.

Source: https://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/I-Ranger-ricevono-il-nuovo-basco-241010.aspx