The Army at “Lucca Comics & Games 2025”: Special Forces and Paratroopers of the Folgore in the Spotlight

In the heart of the Cortile degli Svizzeri, for the twelfth consecutive year, the Italian Army brought to Lucca Comics & Games an exhibition area dedicated to technological innovation, training, and professional opportunities in uniform.

Spotlight on the Special Forces and the Paratroopers of the Brigata “Folgore”, who met thousands of visitors to explain – with demonstrations and simulators – how the armed force units are trained and operate.

An immersive experience between vehicles and simulation

At the Armed Forces stand, coordinated by the Comando Militare Esercito Toscana, the public could try:

• Virtual driving of vehicles in operational scenarios with VBS3 (Virtual Battle Space);
• LTATV (Light Tactical All Terrain Vehicle) of the 185° Rgt. Par. R.A.O. “Folgore”;
• Quad of the 4° Rgt. Alpini Paracadutisti “Ranger”;
• Flight simulator of the 5° Rgt. AVES “Rigel”.

These activities demonstrated how high-fidelity simulation is now central to tactical preparation, reducing costs and risks and allowing for repeatable and measurable training.

Great interest in the equipment and materials displayed by the soldiers of the Comando delle Forze Speciali dell’Esercito (COMFOSE). In particular, the following were present:

• the Raiders of the 9° Rgt. d’assalto “Col Moschin”;
• the Target Acquirers of the 185° Rgt. Par. R.A.O. “Folgore”, with ZERO FX electric motorcycle for low acoustic signature operations;
• the Rangers of the 4° Rgt. Alpini Paracadutisti.

The occasion allowed for explanations of missions, selection, training standards, and the synergy between mobility, sensors, and C2.

Why the Army at Lucca Comics & Games

Lucca is a natural meeting point between youth, creativity, and technology. The presence of the Army enhances:

• the culture of security and service to the country;
• the role of research and simulation in training;
• the possibility of transforming a passion for technology and the outdoors into a high-profile career.

Military Magazine and Info Point: orientation and career

At the two Info Points, visitors could subscribe and browse the issues of the Military Magazine, one of the oldest publications still in print, which tells the activities, history, and innovation of the Army.

Thanks to the Info Team of the Logistic Regiment “Folgore”, many young people received information on enlistment competitions:

• Officers at the Military Academy of Modena;
• Cadet Marshals;
• Volunteers in Initial Service (VFI) – announcement to be published soon.

Requirements, selection processes, training paths, and career opportunities in the different Corps, Arms, and specialties were illustrated.