The 9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment "Col Moschin" is the raiders unit of the Italian Army, since September 20, 1954 a precursor of the Italian special forces units. Renowned for its ability to intervene in complex operational contexts, on June 24, 1995, as part of the restructuring of the Italian Army, it transitioned from a battalion to a regiment.
Framed within the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE), it holds the flag of the IX Assault Unit, from which it inherited the year of establishment (1918), the name of the location of an epic action (Col Moschin), and the insignia (black flames of the Arditi), re-adopted in 2006.
Heir to the Arditi, assault troops of the Royal Army formed during World War I and considered by many historians as the first to truly embody the modern concept of special forces, the 9th "Col Moschin" has unique characteristics, even within the same COMFOSE, compared to the 4th Paratrooper Alpini Regiment and the 185th RAO Regiment: among the numerous tasks it performs, typical of special forces, it is the only unit within the Armed Forces officially capable of conducting hostage rescue operations on behalf of the Italian State, in addition to being the only Italian unit, military or otherwise, to perform high-altitude jumps with oxygen tanks (up to 11,000 meters altitude). Furthermore, it is qualified and oriented to conduct counter-terrorism operations.
Since 2016, it has also operated at the request of the AISE intelligence services for individual confidential missions abroad, conducting special operations in extremely sensitive contexts, always maintaining the highest degree of confidentiality and professionalism that has always characterized the unit.
The Regiment's base is in Livorno at the "Vannucci" barracks. There is also the Raiders Training Base (BAI), also known as the "sea base", located in the San Rossore regional park, near the mouth of the Arno River. Once part of the former presidential estate, this facility is used both for training and for planning the unit's operations.
It performs highly strategic tasks of political-military relevance for the security and defense of the nation and high-risk operations for the protection of national interests, in every operational context, specifically designated, planned, and organized using unconventional techniques and methods of employment. The raiders who are part of it are trained to carry out combat missions with direct and indirect action, even in particularly hostile environments and contexts and at great distances from friendly units, usually in asymmetric scenarios, operating based on small groups or "detachments".
For over 20 years, it has been continuously engaged in operational theaters of interest, deploying both units entirely formed by its personnel and elements integrated into the structures of task forces for joint special operations, as well as being deployed in multiple military assistance operations in favor of local forces in countries designated by the political-military leadership.
It has also operated, from the post-war period to the present, in all evacuation missions of compatriots in the most turbulent areas of the planet, almost always alone, with the sole support of the Air Force.
In the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, at least from June 2006 to 2016, it was the beating heart of the Task Force 45 providing the framework for all task groups, and having under exclusive operational command all the special forces units of the Italian armed forces.
It indisputably represents the spearhead of the Italian Army, with one of the most rigorous, tough, and selective training programs of the Italian armed forces, such that the qualification of raider is obtained only after a long process of about 2 years.
The only unit to participate in all the missions involving the Italian Army, it is also the first of the armed force to always be composed exclusively of professional soldiers, since 1953 (only in the support companies could conscript soldiers be assigned). For over half a century it has been part of the Brigata Paracadutisti Folgore, where, until 2000, it selected "precious" trainees from the troops (always on the voluntary request of the Paratrooper). The selections opened to the rest of the Armed Force, concerning the permanent service troops, at the beginning of the new millennium.
In recent years, thanks to a special process, even non-permanent service military personnel can access it, obtaining the qualification of Incursore. It left "Mamma Folgore", as the Brigade is romantically called by veteran raiders, in 2014, to transition, as mentioned, into COMFOSE.
First World War
The history of the Regiment can be associated with that of some Arditi units of the First World War, particularly the IX Assault Unit. The Arditi made their mark on the military scene, earning an impressive reputation thanks to their acts of heroism and the violence of their actions. The Arditi were specialists in assaults with hand grenade throws and hand-to-hand combat in enemy trenches.
The IX Unit, in particular, distinguished itself on Monte Grappa, where on June 15, 1918, it urgently climbed with 600 Arditi led by Major Giovanni Messe to recover the lost lines.
By 10 PM, Valle San Lorenzo, Col Fagheron, and Col Fenilon were reconquered. Col Moschin remained. At 7:10 AM on June 16, 1918, Messe's Arditi (despite the Italian artillery not having yet extended its range as ordered) launched the attack on Col Moschin (municipality of Solagna).
After 10 minutes, the summit was retaken, capturing numerous prisoners (more than 300) and seizing many machine guns.
A few days later, it took part in the conquest of Asolone (municipality of Pove), which cost the IX an enormous blood toll and was only temporary, as an enemy counterattack prevailed over its exhausted forces. In a few hours, the IX lost almost 50% of its personnel.
Second World War
During the Second World War, on July 20, 1942, an Arditi Regiment was formed in Santa Severa, which a few months later was named the 10th Arditi Regiment. The unit, with insignia of blue flames, operated under the operations office of the General Staff of the Royal Army. Employed in operations behind enemy lines in Tunisia, Algeria, and Sicily invaded by the Allies, it ceased to exist on September 8, 1943.
War of Liberation
The I Battalion, also known as the "Boschetti" Arditi Battalion after its commander, originally consisted of three companies numbered 101st, 102nd, and 103rd (paratroopers, swimmers then "landing" and jeeps then "land"), stationed in Sardinia in January 1943, after the proclamation of the armistice on September 8, 1943, remained stationed on the island as a mobile reserve.
Renamed IX Assault Unit, it was reorganized in 1944 into a landing company, a land company, and a special company (102nd, 123rd, and 110th) becoming part of the 1st Motorized Group on March 20, 1944, in the process of transformation into the Italian Liberation Corps, including from June 27 the Volunteer Squadron "Guides" which represented the Cavalry Arm in the Italian Liberation Corps. The IX Assault Unit "Arditi" in June was engaged in the Marche region.
After 18 days of fierce fighting along the "Edith" defensive line erected along the Musone River from Loreto, Osimo, and Filottrano by the Nazi-Fascist occupation forces, not without numerous attempts to cross it by Polish liberation troops, the CIL, and the Majella Division with significant losses, on June 18, 1944, the IX Unit itself was employed and succeeded in breaking through near Casenuove di Osimo.
This extremely courageous feat allowed for the liberation of Ancona, which was logistically crucial for the early breakthrough of the Gothic Line.
The IX Assault Unit was assigned to the II Brigade of the C.I.L. to be later incorporated, when on September 24, 1944, the C.I.L. was dissolved, with the designation of III Battalion "Col Moschin" in the 68th Infantry Regiment of the "Legnano" Combat Group, participating in the War of Liberation. The 9th Paratrooper Assault Regiment "Col Moschin" has inherited its traditions.
Post-war
Dissolved on August 1st 1946, it was reconstituted as the Paratrooper Saboteur Company at the infantry school in Cesano on April 20th, 1953. On June 1st, 1957, it became the Paratrooper Saboteur Unit assigned to the Military Parachuting Center in Livorno, and later in Pisa. It became the Paratrooper Saboteur Battalion on September 25th 1961.
On May 10th, 1963, it gained training, logistical, and administrative autonomy, coming under the command of the Paratrooper Brigade "Folgore". On September 26th, 1975, it was renamed the 9th Paratrooper Assault Battalion "Col Moschin". In October 1976, the battalion received the war flag of the X Reggimento arditi.
During that period, in the absence of a specific command dedicated to Special Forces operations (such as the COFS, established in 2004, or the COMFOSE, created in 2014), the unit was under direct supervision by the Army General Staff (SME), through the Operations Office of the III Department, directly monitoring its equipment and training.
On December 30th 1985, the Special Operational Groups (GOS) were established by order of the then Minister of Defense Spadolini, and a portion of the "Col Moschin" and a portion of the COMSUBIN of the Navy were called to be part of it for SISMI operations.
In 1995, it transitioned from a battalion to a regiment and was named the 9th Paratrooper Assault Regiment "Col Moschin", with the 1st Incursori Battalion.
In 2014, the regiment left the Folgore Brigade to join the newly established Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE).
In April 2019, the gray-green beret was introduced, replacing the maroon one, adding to the specific beret badge, black insignia, and brevet badge with gladius, all symbols and insignia of the Arditi.
Notable Operations
The unit has been involved in numerous special and anti-terrorism operations worldwide and is the only one to have participated in all Italian Army overseas military missions from the post-war period to the present. Below is a brief mention of notable operations, but it goes without saying, given the nature of the unit, that many are not made public and are covered by military and state secrecy.
We are the last resort, and as such, we must be employed judiciously. After us, there is no other organization that can take over. We cannot fail. We are a decisive device.
Gen. Par. Incursore Nicola Zanelli
Lebanon, 1983: On March 15th, a patrol of the San Marco Battalion fell into an ambush near the Sabra camp. Four marines were injured, one seriously. On the same night, Brigadier General Franco Angioni led a counterattack to intercept the assailants. During the clash, three incursori were injured, and the action was suspended. The next day, the Israeli army command sent a message of admiration for the courage demonstrated by the Italian incursori in fighting at night: "Tell your commander that you are admired, because in the Middle East no one fights at night."
Achille Lauro, 1985: On October 7th, the day of the Achille Lauro hijacking, 60 incursori from Col Moschin arrived at the Akrotiri military base in Cyprus, ready to intervene in a hostage rescue operation, planned together with the UNIS of COMSUBIN. However, the situation was resolved with a diplomatic approach.
Somalia, 1992-1993: On December 13, 1992, during Operation Restore Hope, a C-130 Hercules from the 46th Air Brigade brought a team of raiders from the 9th Regiment "Col Moschin" to Mogadishu to occupy the Italian embassy building, abandoned since the start of the civil war in 1991. On June 5, 1993, about 20 raiders intervened to save a group of Pakistani blue helmets, ambushed near Radio Mogadishu. Four weeks later, during the Battle of the Pasta Factory, Sergeant Major Raider Stefano Paolicchi, an active member of the unit, was the first casualty of the battle during an initial attempt, at 9:30 in the morning, to regain control of the district by force. Several raiders were also wounded during the battle. The unit fought on July 2, 1993, relentlessly, house by house, alley by alley, rooting out Somali snipers throughout the Aliwa district, from the early hours of the morning until the order to retreat, which came around 1:00 PM.
Rwanda, 1994: The raiders participated in the evacuation of Italian civilians during the Rwandan civil war. Despite the tragedy surrounding the country, the operators managed to evacuate all compatriots using civilian vehicles requisitioned at Kigali airport. Operation Ippocampo in Rwanda is considered one of the most difficult operations the 9th Col Moschin has ever participated in.
In the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, from 2006 to 2014, it commanded the Task Force 45 (the largest deployment of special forces ever fielded by Italy since the post-war period) and provided the framework for all task groups. During these years, the unit participated in dozens and dozens of direct and indirect combat missions in Afghan territory.
Afghanistan, 2007: In September, the Col Moschin raiders participated in a raid with the British SBS to free two SISMI agents kidnapped in the province of Farah. After a firefight in the prison camp where the Italian operators eliminated all hostile forces present, it was reported that the kidnappers were moving by land. The British identified the kidnappers' car and engaged in a firefight. During the clash, Agent Lorenzo D'Auria, Paratrooper Marshal, was accidentally hit by British friendly fire. Once the engagement was concluded, the hostages were found in the car trunk, blindfolded and injured. D'Auria, severely hit in the head, was transferred to the hospital but died days later due to his injuries.
Afghanistan, 2010: On September 17, 2010, Lieutenant Raider Alessandro Romani was lost in combat. Together with the operational detachment he commanded, Romani was airlifted to the Bakwah area, province of Herat, to capture Afghan terrorists identified by a UAV Predator while placing a device under a road bridge. Wounded in the shoulder during the ensuing firefight, he died a few hours later at the Role 2 hospital in Farah from cardiac arrest due to the injuries sustained.
Iraq, 2015: Thirty raiders from Col Moschin operated against ISIS in Taqaddum, between Falluja and Ramadi, in collaboration with American special forces.
Libya: At least 40 raiders were sent to train and assist CNT rebels, as well as coordinate NATO airstrikes.
Italy, 2023: A contingent of 43 raiders intervened in Emilia Romagna following a flood, demonstrating the versatility and rapid response of Italian special forces even in non-combat contexts.
Sudan, 2023: the unit was once again called to evacuate Italian civilians abroad in a country ravaged by civil war, this time in Sudan. In April 2023, the raiders evacuated all Italian citizens scattered in the Sudanese capital and its surroundings within 48 hours. According to Gen. Raider Giuseppe Faraglia, who coordinated the operation for the COVI (Joint Operational Command), the operators acted at night, finding themselves in a complex and extremely dangerous situation.
Current Events
The regiment, framed within the Army Special Forces Command, for operational activities depends on the COFS, the Joint Command for Special Forces Operations.
With the new reorganization, the regiment is arranged into three battalions:
- 1st Raiders Battalion
- Operational Support Battalion
- Command and Logistic Support Company
- C4 Company
- RAFOS (Special Operations Forces Training Unit)
- Raiders Training Base
Each company is composed of several detachments (the exact number is a military secret).
An operational detachment of the Col Moschin (usually six per company) includes:
- a Raider with Combat Medic specialization, a Breacher (explosives handling)
- an EOD-IEDD deactivator (bomb disposal expert)
- an SF JTAC – Special Forces Joint Terminal Attack Controller (advanced air control)
- an intelligence gathering officer
- one or two Snipers (sharpshooters).
Training and Selection
The training to achieve the Raider qualification is among the most rigorous and selective in the Italian armed forces, requiring a long and demanding process of about 2 years.
Candidates for the unit are selected through a 21-day selection process at the BAI (Raiders Training Base) in Pisa; subsequently, they are trained through a long training cycle lasting about two years.
The initial selection and training are conducted together with candidates for the 185th Paratroopers Reconnaissance Target Acquisition Regiment "Folgore" and the 4th Alpine Paratroopers Regiment "Btg Monte Cervino", before continuing specific training at their destination units.
Officers (rank of second lieutenant and lieutenant), non-commissioned officers (sergeants or warrant officers), VSP and VFP-4, and with a dedicated process, VFP1 from any unit and assignment participate in the selections.
Until the early 2000s, regarding the troops, it selected personnel exclusively from the Paratroopers Brigade Folgore, later opening its selections to all units and specialties of the Italian Army.
What we publish is purely indicative and based on publicly available information, as operations, personnel, training, and any other information related to the unit are covered by military secrecy.
Selection Phase
Lasting 7 weeks, it is structured into pre-selection and selection internship. The initial pre-selection includes various physical tests:
- flat run: 2000 m within 8’20’’;
- pull-ups: minimum 10 in 1’ (overhand grip);
- push-ups: minimum 30 in 1’;
- parallel dips: minimum 10 in 1’;
- sit-ups: minimum 40 in 1’;
- rope climb (**): 4 m within 1’45’’ (any technique);
- high jump: minimum 120 cm (any technique);
- fast march: 7000 m within 45’ (in combat and service uniform);
- weighted march: 10 km with 10 kg backpack within 1h 12’;
- pool apnea test (**): 15 m linear in combat and service uniform without boots;
- floating test (**): minimum 5’ in combat and service uniform without boots;
- swimming test: 50 m within 2’15’’ in combat and service uniform without boots (any style).
(**) Barrier test
Those who pass the physical pre-selections participate at the 101st Cadet Company, in the Selection Internship, the second phase of the selection process, which includes:
- 5 timed rucksack marches, in combat uniform and 20 kg backpack without weapon, on routes of varying difficulty, elevation, and distance;
- courage tests, at the “Lustrissimi” complex in Livorno, which include overcoming war courses, aerial obstacles, and rope bridges, to assess courage, coordination, and speed.
- water and amphibious tests, at the sea base, surface swimming, and rowing.
Common training phase (19 weeks)
- Static Line Parachuting Course (FV) (4 weeks) at the Paratrooper Training Center (CAPAR) of the “Folgore” Paratrooper Brigade, allows candidates to obtain the military parachutist license for those who do not already hold it;
- Basic Operator Course for Special Operations (OBOS) (15 weeks), conducted under the aegis of RAFOS at the Livorno and Montorio Veronese locations. It focuses on enhancing physical fitness and endurance and acquiring basic knowledge for planning and conducting Special Operations. It includes theoretical and practical training in topography, topographic marches, learning orientation and land navigation techniques, technical-tactical procedures (PTT) of the FOS, specific technical training on transmissions, first aid procedures, and tactical medicine with a course that mirrors BLS (Basic Life Support).
Specialist training phase
After passing the Basic Operator Special Operations Course – OBOS, future raiders remain at RAFOS to begin the specialized training reserved for the operators of the 9th Regiment Col Moschin. This phase lasts 52 weeks.
Special Forces Combat Course (CCFS)
Lasting 23 weeks, it is conducted, as in OBOS, by highly experienced instructors assigned to RAFOS on rotation from the operational companies of the Ninth, held entirely at RAFOS and divided into several parts:
- Survival, evasion and escape, resistance to interrogation, lasting 3 weeks.
- Explosives Handling Course, lasting 8 weeks, teaching techniques and procedures for handling explosives, sabotage, and rapid demolition techniques.
- Combat Medic according to Combat Life Support protocols, providing the basics of first aid techniques.
- Special Forces Radio Operator Module, enabling the use of sophisticated VHF, HF, and satellite radio equipment necessary to ensure tactical and strategic communications.
- Technical Tactical Procedures for Special Forces (PTT/FS), for deepening the procedures of the raider operational detachment in typical employment situations.
Finally, knowledge of all light weapons assigned to the unit is deepened, and students attend a series of lessons on aerial photo interpretation. At the end, having obtained the "Paratrooper Saboteur" license, the student will face the next phase, the Paratrooper Raider qualification course.
Advanced Combat Course for Special Forces (CCAFS)
Lasting 5 weeks and aimed at deepening advanced combat techniques in urban environments, instinctive, discriminated, and close-range shooting, breaching, and intervention in various scenarios against targets located within different types of buildings.
Raider Qualification
Candidates who have successfully completed the first phase of specialization begin the "Raider Paratrooper Qualification Course", which aims to complete the training of students, specialize personnel, and make them capable of operating in the various environments and scenarios peculiar to special forces. The refinement includes a series of courses of varying duration managed directly by RAFOS or conducted at external educational institutions and are as follows:
- Amphibious Mobility Course, lasting six weeks, for learning amphibious operations techniques, including day and night navigation exercises with outboard motor boats, practice of surface operational swimming, launching and fast recovery from moving boats, and both theoretical and practical knowledge of the nautical equipment available to the unit: rigid hull boats, canoes, self-inflating rigid hull boats. At the end of the course, a nautical license is obtained for the use of smaller vessels within the 12-mile coastal zone.
- Vehicle and Material Recognition Course, lasting 3 weeks, for the knowledge and recognition of weapons, vehicles, and uniforms of some foreign armed forces.
- Parachuting Course with Free Fall Technique (TCL), upon reaching the milestone of 20 jumps with the static line technique; it takes place at the Parachuting Training Center (CAPAR) in Pisa for a period between five and six weeks, during which jumps with controlled opening are performed from a maximum height of 3-4000 meters (10,000 feet).
- Basic Mountaineering Training Course (CA1), at the Alpine Training Center (CEALP) in Aosta, lasting 6 weeks (since 2011), to provide fundamental knowledge related to climbing and mountain movement techniques, necessary to confer the ability to operate in mountain environments safely.
- Basic Ski Training Course (CS1), also at the CEALP in Aosta, lasting 6 weeks since 2011, dedicated to learning mountain movement techniques in snowy environments: ski mountaineering and cross-country skiing, avalanche prevention, and survival in cold climates.
- Basic English Language Course, lasting 5 weeks, at the SLEE (Army Foreign Language School) in Perugia, or at affiliated educational institutions in Livorno.
At the end of this long training process, candidates receive the coveted Paratrooper Raider brevet and move to an operational company detachment.
Further Advanced and Specialization Courses
- Diving Course, lasting 12 weeks, at the COMSUBIN in Varignano (La Spezia), to learn to operate safely in the marine environment, with an in-depth study of operational swimming techniques on the surface and underwater, and to obtain the qualification for the use of A.R.O. (Auto Respiratore ad Ossigeno) and A.R.A. (Auto Respiratore ad Aria) diving equipment.
- Advanced Alpine and Skiing Course, at the Alpine Training Center in Aosta, for the in-depth study of mountaineering techniques and to learn the ability to operate in arctic and high mountain environments, and to enhance the degree of operational mobility in particularly challenging conditions and in the presence of an adversary trained to operate in the mountains. The succession of courses can lead to obtaining the qualifications of instructor or chosen military instructor of skiing and mountain combat.
- Advanced Parachuting Course, lasting 3-4 weeks, for learning techniques for high-altitude jumps (7,000-11,000 meters) with oxygen and low-altitude opening – HALO (High Altitude Low Opening), or with high-altitude opening and canopy navigation – HAHO (High Altitude High Opening).
Specialty Courses
- Sniper Course, held at the Regiment, for qualification in the correct use of the numerous precision rifles in service, derived from the U.S. S.O.T.I.C. (Special Operations Target Interdiction Course), designed for the .308 caliber.
- FAC (Forward Air Controller) Course, for qualification in missions related to directing air attacks from the ground and designating targets to pilots, held at the Air Cooperation School of the Air Force, lasting five weeks (three theoretical and two practical). This qualification is limited to those with the necessary level of English language proficiency (which can be achieved by attending the advanced course at SLEE in Perugia). Typically, the course is followed by the Special Operations Fire Controller (CF/OS) course, lasting an additional three weeks. All this leads to qualification for the Laser Target Marking (FAC/LTM) function for the use of laser designators in service with the Regiment.
- Combat Medic Course. At the national level, Incursori assigned to this sector obtain the qualification of “Military Rescuer” at the Health School in Rome, after a three-week course that provides, among other things, a sort of legal framework for operating in first aid, albeit with significant limitations. Additionally, one can attend the "Special Operations Combat Medics (SOCM) Course,” held at the ISTC in Pfullendorf, which teaches fundamental first aid procedures, such as stopping hemorrhages and ensuring proper infusion and anti-shock therapy, and the “18D – Special Operations Combat Medic” course of the American Green Berets.
- EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator) Course and IEDD (Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Operator) Course, to be attended at the EOD Training Center of the Army Engineering School.
Other Courses
- VIP Escort and Close Protection Course, held at the Regiment, on VIP protection and escort techniques, lasting five weeks.
- Advanced English Language Course, an in-depth study of the basic course, for a complete knowledge of the English language, at the Foreign Languages School of the Army in Perugia.
The Commanders of the Unit
IX Assault Unit
Maj. MESSE Giovanni 02/1918 – 12/1918
Maj. PARISI 1919 – 11/1920
Lt. Col. MESSE Giovanni 11/1920 – xxxx
X Arditi Regiment
Col. GAZZANIGA Renzo 01/08/1942 – 08/09/1943
Arditi Battalion "BOSCHETTI"
Lt. Col. BOSCHETTI Guido 12/1942 – end of conflict
IX Assault Unit
Maj. MARCIANO’ Vito 1943 – end of conflict
Paratrooper Saboteur Company
Lt. FALCONE Franco 09/1952 – 19/04/1953
Paratrooper Saboteur Unit
Capt. ACCONCI E. Edoardo 20/04/1953 – 30/06/1959
Lt. FALCONE Franco 01/07/1959 – 09/05/1960
Capt. MIGLIORANZA Francesco 09/05/1960 – 19/09/1960
Capt. FALCONE Franco 20/09/1960 – 31/10/1961
Paratrooper Saboteur Battalion
Maj. CAMURANI Ambrogio 01/11/1961 – 16/02/1963
Maj. ACCONCI E. Edoardo 17/02/1963 – 15/08/1964
Maj. SOLINAS Domenico 16/08/1964 – 14/11/1965
Maj. VIETRI Antonio 16/11/1965 – 20/08/1967
Lt. Col. CAVALLINO Italo 21/08/1967 – 19/08/1969
Maj. BASSI Ermanno 20/08/1969 – 22/08/1971
Lt. Col. ANGIONI Franco 23/08/1971 – 22/08/1972
Lt. Col. ROSSI Vladimiro 23/08/1972 – 22/08/1974
9th Paratroopers Assault Battalion "COL MOSCHIN"
Lt. Col. POLLICE Aldo 23/08/1974 – 23/08/1976
Lt. Col. COLONNA Aniello 24/08/1976 – 19/07/1978
Lt. Col. MONTICONE Franco 20/07/1978 – 28/07/1980
Lt. Col. PETER Costanzo 29/07/1980 – 29/07/1982
Lt. Col. PERSI PAOLO Enrico 30/07/1982 – 14/09/1982
Lt. Col. PAPISCA Luigi 05/09/1982 – 10/06/1984
Lt. Col. PIACENTINI Luciano 11/06/1984 – 30/08/1986
Lt. Col. PERSI PAOLI Enrico 01/07/1986 – 26/09/1988
Lt. Col. NARDI Enrico Ansano 27/09/1988 – 30/06/1991
Lt. Col. BERTOLINI Marco 01/07/1991 – 04/07/1993
Lt. Col. SBLENDORIO Emanuele 05/07/1993 – 24/06/1995
9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment "COL MOSCHIN"
Col. NARDI Enrico Ansano 25/06/1995 – 04/09/1997
Col. BERTOLINI Marco 05/09/1997 – 12/12/1998
Col. SBLENDORIO Emanuele 13/12/1998 – 25/10/2002
Col. BRANDONISIO Michele 26/10/2002 – 31/07/2006
Col. ZANELLI Nicola 01/08/2006 – 10/10/2008
Col. FARAGLIA Giuseppe 10/10/2008 – 24/06/2011
Col. VANNACCI Roberto 24/06/2011 – 18/02/2014
Col. ADDIS Pietro 18/02/2014 – 23/01/2015
Col. FORTEZZA Paolo 23/01/2015 – 15/09/2017
Col. GIULIANO Angelucci 15/09/2017 – 28/09/2018
Col. GROSSI Yuri 28/09/2018 – 15/10/2021
Col. ISONI Luigi Giovanni 15/10/2021 – 11/10/2024
Col. BANDIERI Andrea 11/10/2024 – Current
Honors to the Flag
Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Italy
In the harsh trials of war, in the troubled trench or in the fierce battle, it knew no limits of sacrifice and daring; bold and tenacious, it tirelessly tamed places and fortunes, consecrating with fruitful blood the Roman virtue of the sons of Italy. 1915 - 1918 (To the Infantry Arm)
June 5, 1920
Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Italy
Prestigious unit, of exceptional professional qualification, to which is combined - in perfect harmony - the strong temperament of its men, operational versatility, generous realization drive, and immediate response to every request for intervention for the good of the national and international community. Present in Alto Adige (1967-1971) to carry out anti-terrorism operations and in Sardinia (1992) with the operation "Forza Paris" in cooperation with law enforcement in the fight against organized crime, engaged in the overseas mission in Lebanon (1982-1984), in Iraq and Turkey (1991), in Somalia (1992-1993) it gave admirable proof of efficiency and solid discipline, offering continuous proofs of courage and sacrifice. It always and everywhere fulfilled the tasks entrusted to it with full success, even in a difficult and hostile operational environment characterized by a high risk index. The Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Paratroopers excelled in every circumstance, in a remarkable contest of self-denial and dedication to service, also offering a tribute of blood and providing an exceptional example of high military virtues that contributed to increasing the prestige of Italy and its Armed Forces on the international stage.
October 25, 1994
Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Italy
In the wake of the most splendid tradition of the Italian Army's assault units, the regiment's raiders offered repeated proofs of admirable valor, unparalleled expertise, and uncommon sense of responsibility, operating for more than three years within the "International Security Assistance Force" (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. Under the banner of extraordinary spirit of sacrifice and absolute dedication to duty, engaged in often difficult tactical and environmental conditions, they contributed decisively to ISAF's efforts to stabilize the country and alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people, harshly marked by a persistent and violent state of internal conflict. Unconditionally recognized by the international community, the successes achieved have contributed to strengthening the prestige and image of the entire Italian nation and its armed forces on the international scene.
Kabul (Afghanistan), July 2006-October 2009
Gold Medal for Army Valor
The 9th Paratrooper Assault Battalion "Col Moschin" participated, with its own units framed within the Italian forces in Somalia, in relief operations for the Somali population. Composed essentially of professionals, aware of the leading role to be sustained within the framework of the operation, by virtue of the moral solidity, sense of duty, and attachment to the Specialty of its men, it devoted itself with total dedication and high capability in the dangerous mission, confirming, in numerous search operations for weapons and in operations against guerrillas and anti-banditry, the highest level of efficiency, great courage, and generosity of its men as well as the moral compactness of its formations. Its operational detachments, involved in numerous firefights, always reacted effectively and determinedly, highlighting the military valor, operational capability, and strong motivation of its members. Despite the painful, severe losses suffered in combat, it continued to fulfill the assigned tasks without faltering, with the pride and determination to persevere in the attempt to restore security and humanitarian aid to the tormented Somali people and in the determination to honor the distant Homeland.
Somalia, December 22, 1992 - September 7, 1993
Silver Medal for Military Valor
For the unstoppable audacious impetus with which it bloodily reached formidable important positions in a single leap.
Col Moschin, June 15, 1918 - Col della Berretta, October 20, 1918
Silver Medal for Military Valor
During several months of war, it consistently demonstrated aggression and boldness. In the course of an offensive action, launched on an exposed flank, it developed its maneuver with speed, decisiveness, and energy, managing to surprise and disrupt the German device. Suddenly called to another important task, it entered the battle with superb momentum, and in the hard-fought attack, when the outcome of the struggle was still uncertain, it broke through the enemy formation with a bold rush, reaching all objectives by night after a daring, close, fragmented fight. In the pursuit, it gave no respite to the adversary. An excellent instrument of war, flexible and tenacious; proud and generous, a worthy heir to the most splendid traditions linked to its name.
Colli al Volturno, Guardiagrele, Cingoli, Musone, Esino, February 11 - July 25, 1944
Silver Medal for Military Valor
A veteran in the Liberation War, it participated with inexhaustible ardor in the breakthrough battle on the Bologna Apennines, making a decisive contribution to the liberation of the city. With heroic impetus, it bent, broke, and shattered the fanatical resistance of well-armed German units, imposing itself on the admiration of the allied units fighting alongside it.
War for the Liberation of Italy, March 20 - April 30, 1945
Silver Medal for Army Valor
Regiment framed in the multinational brigade north engaged in Bosnia – Herzegovina, carried out the assigned tasks with extraordinary enthusiasm, total dedication, and uncommon spirit of sacrifice. During the multiple activities of monitoring, patrolling routes, escorting humanitarian convoys, and controlling and inspecting sites, in a particularly delicate and complex operational and environmental situation, it operated with constant balance, deep sense of duty, and very high professionalism. The relentless commitment to humanitarian support for the populations, the prevention of criminal activities by the underworld, and the saving of numerous human lives highlighted the extraordinary capabilities and exceptional qualities of courage, firmness, and solidarity of the men of the 9th Assault Regiment “Col. Moschin”, who played a decisive role in restoring peaceful coexistence, sometimes at the risk of personal safety. A clear example of a highly motivated and cohesive unit that demonstrated in its men the highest professionalism, concrete moral solidity, and high military virtues, significantly contributing to enhancing and ennobling the prestige of Italy and the Armed Forces in the international context.
Sarajevo, July 03, 1996 – March 24, 1997
Comments (2)