Why the Folgore under the direct command of COMFOTER is much more than a simple reorganization

As we wrote last month in this article, from September 2, the Folgore Paratroopers Brigade has officially come under the direct control of COMFOTER (Command of Land Operational Forces). This decision marks a crucial change in the organization of the Italian Army, not only in terms of hierarchical management but especially for the operational effectiveness of the Paratroopers Brigade. The elimination of intermediate commands and the direct transition under the command of COMFOTER represent a strong signal of appreciation for the specific capabilities of the Italian Paratroopers.

A high readiness force

The new strategic setup will allow the Brigade to be ready to intervene within 48 hours on any operational theater, with a particular focus on warfighting-oriented operations.

This response capability is essential to ensure national defense and cooperation within NATO, offering a key contribution to the most critical international missions.

Modern warfare requires a force capable of quickly adapting to changes on the field, and the Folgore, with intensive and specific training, will be able to play a central role.

The operational proximity with special forces will allow greater integration in complex missions, improving coordination and effectiveness in high-intensity contexts.

Essential support from the Air Force

The operations of the Folgore largely depend on the support of the Air Force.

The ability to project a paratrooper force into difficult, often isolated, and logistically complex theaters requires perfect cooperation between the Army and the Air Force.

Modern air-droppable vehicles like the GMV Flyer 72, mentioned in this article of ours, will significantly increase mobility and deep penetration capability, allowing for rapid and targeted operations.

The close collaboration between the two Armed Forces will ensure an extremely rapid deployment of troops and equipment, essential for missions requiring immediate and swift interventions.

Modernization of the weapon and equipment system

The entry of the Folgore under the direct command of COMFOTER is not just a matter of organization, but also represents a long-term commitment to modernizing the weapon and equipment system of the Brigade.

The ongoing renewal aims to improve the Italian Paratroopers' ability to counter advanced threats such as armored vehicles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The optimization of anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapon systems will allow the Brigade to effectively respond to any threat present on the battlefield, strengthening its ability to operate in environments where technological superiority is crucial.

The decision to entrust the Folgore with new means and operational capabilities represents a clear intention to return it to the excellence and effectiveness that have always distinguished it.

An important step for the Nation's Defense and NATO

The transition of the Folgore under COMFOTER is a clear message from the Chief of Staff of the Army, General C.A. Paratrooper Carmine Masiello.

A move that underlines the importance of optimizing and enhancing the capabilities of the Italian paratroopers.

This decision not only strengthens the Nation's defense but positions Italy as a crucial partner within the Atlantic Alliance (NATO) and the Airborne Community.

We are not talking about a simple reorganization: it is a strategy to ensure that the Folgore can operate at its maximum capacity, with the speed and flexibility necessary to respond to modern military challenges.

Its direct placement under COMFOTER represents the will to bring the historic Brigade to be a reference point for the Italian Army and NATO forces in the most complex and delicate operations.

Safe Streets? No thanks

We close the article by emphasizing the need to free the Folgore from the Strade Sicure Operation, restoring its primary role of defense and operational readiness. As highlighted by the Chief of Staff of the Army, General C.A. Paratrooper Carmine Masiello, the Strade Sicure Operation represents a significant constraint on the Army's operational capabilities, diverting essential resources from training and combat readiness.

The Folgore Paratroopers Brigade should not be employed in urban security operations, but should be dedicated exclusively to preparation for high-intensity warfare scenarios. Prolonged employment for tasks that do not fall within the institutional duties of Military Paratroopers (!), such as maintaining public order, reduces their ability to respond promptly in complex operational contexts, damaging their effectiveness on the battlefield.

To ensure that the Folgore can maintain its excellence as a rapid deployment force on international scenarios, it is essential to free it from operations like Strade Sicure, restoring the Armed Force's full defense and training capacity, and leaving public security tasks to the Law Enforcement, to whom they naturally belong.