The 185th RRAO Folgore Acquisitors in the Arizona desert at EMERALD WARRIOR 2025
On Friday 14 February 2025, the exercise ended in Arizona, USA. Emerald Warrior 2025which saw the participation of an Operational Detachment of the 185th Parachute Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition Regiment Folgoretogether with the staff of the 17th Air Force Wing.
The exercise of the Air Force Special Operations Command
The event, organised by theAFSOC (Air Force Special Operations Command)The aim was to integrate Special Forces with air assets. In particular, the operators of the RRAO conducted trainings on:
- Free Fall Technique (TCL) for aviation;
- Fire activity with A-10 aircraft of the US Air Force;
- Terminal Guidance Operations (TGO) with the support of JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller) Italians;
- Treatment and evacuation of combat casualtiesthanks to the collaboration between the SOCM (Special Operations Combat Medic) and a US set-up SOST (Special Operations Surgical Team). The latter managed the evacuation of the injured aboard a C-130J of 46th Pisa Airborne Brigade.
The training took place in the typical desert setting of Arizona, an environment that is difficult to replicate in Europe, offering a training opportunity of the highest level. In addition, shooting sessions were conducted with the 185th RAO's portable weapons.
The exercise was also attended by special units from United States, France and Romaniawith the aim of strengthening cooperation between NATO Special Forces, making them more effective in facing future operational challenges in complex international contexts.
The 185th Parachute Regiment Goal Acquisition Reconnaissance Folgore
The 185th Parachute Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition Regiment Folgore (abbreviated to 185th RRAO) is a unit of the Italian Army, since 2018 included in the special forces, composed of specifically selected and trained personnel, trained and equipped to conduct the full spectrum of tasks typical of the Special Operationsand specialised in the conduct of Special reconnaissance e Terminal fire driving operations.
The 185th RRAO Regiment has a distinctly intelligence-oriented vocation and specialises in direct actions involving the engagement of targets at a distance (i.e. with stand-off) utilising the armament provided and all land, air and naval fire platforms. The RRAO normally operates by infiltrating operational detachments equipped and trained to operate beyond enemy lines, at a great distance from friendly forces and in complete tactical isolation.
The operational component of the regiment is made up of officers, non-commissioned officers, graduates and volunteers on permanent duty or in pre-secured service, trained and selected through a training process lasting approximately two years, culminating in the award of the Acquirer Targetswith operational dependence on the Inter-Agency Special Forces Operations Commandand is stationed in Livorno.
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.
