On TV, in the newspapers, on the internet, you hear about the Folgore.
But what is the Folgore really? How is it composed? And how does one enter the Folgore Regiments?
The Folgore is a Parachute Brigade composed of six regiments stationed in Livorno, Pistoia, Siena, Pisa, Grosseto, Legnago (VR) and Bracciano (Rome).
It is the only large airborne unit of the Italian Army, reporting to the COMFOTER (Land Operations Force Command).
Because of the composition of its departments, it is a unique unit and because of the special training its personnel undergo, represents a light infantry force always available for deployment. Equipped with both airlift and airworthiness, it also has armoured checkers.
The Folgore is in fact able to deploy three highly efficient basic weapon divisions (183°, 186° e 187°), with within each regiment three rifle companies, a special forces manoeuvre and operations support company, the latter with a parachute scout platoon, a parachute artillery regiment (185°) a cavalry regiment (3°) and a regiment of paratroopers (8°).
The armoured checker is made up of the historic 'Savoia Cavalry' Regiment (3rd), one of the oldest and most glorious units of the Italian Army Cavalry, with an armoured squadron and three parachute scout squadrons.
Backing up these units is a Parachute Fighter Regiment (8th) that can provide support in any scenario.
The three basic weapon regiments, although classified as conventional infantry forces, often carry out training and operations that in armies of other countries would have special forces connotations.
There is also the 184th Command and Tactical Support Unit 'Nembo', the Folgore Parachute Logistic Regiment and the Parachute Training Centre of Pisa.
23 October marks the anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein (1942), while the patron is St Michael Archangel (29 September).
Parachute Scouts
Within the manoeuvre support company, we have a scout platoon that is the spearhead of each department:
- 183rd Par. Rgt. Nembo: 12th Manoeuvre Support Company 'LEOPARDI'
- 186th Parg. Regiment Folgore: 11th Manoeuvre Support Company "PESTE".
- 187th Parg. Regiment Folgore: 10th Manoeuvre Support Company 'DRAGHI'
The explorer course takes place at the 9th Parachute Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin' and the best Parachutists from each Regiment enter it.
The scout platoon is structured with specific expertise, incorporating sharpshooters, JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Control) cores and scout teams. It is trained to perform launches by means of HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) freefall techniques, in addition to the traditional tie-rope launches, thus demonstrating a wide range of capabilities and operational versatility.
The 1st Parachute Scout Squadron of the Savoia Cavalry, like the Scout Platoon of the manoeuvre regiments, is a Special Operations Coronation (COS) unit with high altitude insertion capability in which the COFS (Inter-Agency Special Forces Operations CommandIn the event of even a partial lack of special operations forces, it can be used in mission planning as a scout unit.
The current structure
How does one enter the Folgore?
Officers, NCOs and Troop Volunteers join the Folgore. The latter are also not on permanent service.
You will have to apply at the respective schools, after which you will have to pass physical tests.
Once assigned to the parachute units, depending on the assignment, you may be sent to a specialisation school or directly to the unit. It will depend on the type of assignment you are given.
The parachutist's licence may be obtained while at the category school (in the case of officers and non-commissioned officers) or during the first period of service with the department (in the case of troop volunteers).
When you arrive at the regiment gritting your teeth, the world will seem turned upside down...YOU ARE ENTERING THE FOLGORE and from now on your every gesture, behaviour, action, will be the continuation of a Glorious history born in the early 1940s.
All aspiring Parachutists should be reminded that there is no such thing as an 'easy' regiment in the Folgore. The permanence within the Battalions where the operational companies are present is strongly linked to the Parachutist's behaviour over time.
Training is of the highest level. Paratroopers have been conducting scouting, sniper, patrol, rock, etc. courses for years.
Who cannot keep up he is sent out of the battalion or even transferred to a different department or, in the worst case scenario, taken out of the brigade.
One last piece of information: apart from very rare cases of personnel being sent on logistical assignments, it should be emphasised that one only joins the Folgore upon specific request.
You don't get sent to the Folgore.
You will therefore find yourself carrying out training and operations together with highly motivated personnel.
I was a lightning paratrooper enlisted in PISA 9°-84
It was a pleasure to be enrolled at SMIPAR PISA