Hundreds of perfectly aligned new Beretta NARP rifles, heads held high and proud, bearing and pride in wearing the maroon beret.
This was how the Paratroopers of the 186° Reggimento “Folgore” appeared on Friday, October 9, 2026, for the ceremony marking the 85th anniversary of the Regiment’s establishment, held at “Bandini” Barracks in Siena.
The event brought together service members, Paratroopers from different generations of Folgore, civilian and military authorities, representatives of veterans’ and service associations, and numerous guests, united by the tradition, remembrance and sense of belonging that distinguish the unit and the entire Folgore.
Also present was Aquila 1, the Commander of the Brigata Paracadutisti “Folgore”, Brigadier General Dario Paduano.
Among the guests were two of his predecessors at the helm of the major unit: Lieutenant General (ret.) Rosario Castellano (Aquila 1 2008-2009) and Lieutenant General (ret.) Massimo Mingiardi (Aquila 1 2011-2013), testifying to the continuity between generations of Paratroopers and to a bond that endures even after service has ended.
Among the civilian authorities in attendance were the Mayor of Siena, Dr. Nicoletta Fabio, and the Prefect of Siena, Dr. Valerio Massimo Romeo, who presented awards during the ceremony to several Paratroopers who had distinguished themselves through their service.
There were also numerous standards, civic banners and flags from veterans’ and service associations, local authorities and institutions. Particularly notable was the strong participation of the Associazione Nazionale Paracadutisti d’Italia (ANPd’I), represented by the National Standard and that of the Siena Section, which were present to celebrate the Regiment’s anniversary and renew their bond with Folgore.
Colonel Falcone: thanks to the Paratroopers and their families
In his remarks, the Commander of the 186° Reggimento Paracadutisti “Folgore”, Colonel Salvatore Falcone, reviewed the key stages in the unit’s history, recalling its origins, traditions and values passed down through the generations.
Particularly significant was the remembrance of the Regiment’s first Commander, Colonel Pietro Tantillo, a veteran of the First World War who, despite being over forty years old and having a physical impairment that had left one leg shorter than the other, chose to join the Parachutist specialty, earning his qualification at the Scuola di Paracadutismo di Tarquinia in 1941.
Colonel Falcone cited this choice as a testament to determination, willpower, and self-sacrifice—values that continue to define the Regiment’s identity today.
The Commander then expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the men and women of the 186th for the commitment, professionalism, and dedication they demonstrate every day in carrying out their respective duties.
A particularly heartfelt passage was dedicated to the families of the Parachutists, who are often called upon to silently bear an important share of the sacrifices entailed by military life.
Colonel Falcone noted that family members often bear the greatest burden of the prolonged absences of their loved ones, who spend months away from home on operational duties, missions, and training.
Recognition was extended to those who, although they do not wear the uniform, share the sacrifices and hardships that accompany the choice to serve the country, providing essential support to every Parachutist.
General Paduano: «Here, belonging is taken seriously»
Speaking after the Regiment Commander was Brigadier General Dario Paduano, Commander of the Brigata Paracadutisti “Folgore”, who delivered a forceful, direct, and heartfelt address in which he expressed his sincere appreciation for the 186th Regiment and the men and women who serve in it.
Addressing Colonel Salvatore Falcone first, he praised the work carried out under his command in words that were as simple as they were meaningful: «I found an impeccable Regiment».
In the remainder of his address, the Folgore Commander emphasized the Regiment’s identity, the traditions that have accompanied its history, and above all the deep bond that unites the Parachutists with their unit.
«Here, belonging is taken seriously», emphasized Aquila 1.
The phrase captures what the Parachutists’ Regiment means to them: not merely a military organization, but a community of men and women united by shared values, responsibilities, and traditions, in a bond that endures even after leaving service.
Eighty-five years of history, between tradition and the present day
The anniversary also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the relationship between the 186th Parachutist Regiment and the city of Siena, which has hosted the unit for decades and supported its activities.
The participation of civil and military authorities, former commanders of Folgore, the many retired Paratroopers, and veterans' associations confirmed the strength of the bond uniting different generations, under the banner of a shared identity and sense of belonging to Folgore.
Eighty-five years after its establishment, the 186° Reggimento Paracadutisti “Folgore” continues to preserve and pass on its history, keeping alive the sense of belonging recalled by General Paduano during the ceremony.
A heritage that belongs to the entire Brigata Paracadutisti “Folgore”, its Regiments, and all the units within it, each contributing operationally in its own way, yet united by an inextricably intertwined history, shared traditions, and a common spirit of belonging.
It is precisely in the collective strength of these entities, in the professionalism of the men and women who serve in them, in the memory of the fallen, and in the unbreakable bond with all those who have worn the maroon beret that the identity of Folgore is recognized.
A bond that spans generations and finds expression in the daily commitment of the Paratroopers.
Folgore!
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