Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE)

The Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE), active since September 19, 2014, represents a milestone in the evolution of the Italian Army's special forces, marking a strategic and organizational transition from the past. The unit, operating at the brigade level, is dedicated to the integrated management of all special forces units of the armed force, including both special operations forces and operational support forces.

For over fifty years, the management and employment of special forces were the prerogative of the Folgore Paratroopers Brigade through the 9th Assault Regiment "Col Moschin". During this period, in the absence of a specific Command dedicated to Special Forces operations, the 9th Col Moschin was under direct supervision by the Army General Staff (SME), through the Operations Office of the III Department, directly monitoring its equipment and training.

However, the beginning of the new millennium marked a turning point with the creation of two other units dedicated to special operations, reflecting a more focused and specialized approach in this doctrine.

The creation, in the early 2000s, of specific units such as the 185th Paratroopers Reconnaissance Target Acquisition Regiment (RAO) "Folgore" and the 4th Alpine Paratroopers Regiment was the first step that would lead to a true revolution in the field of special operations. The 185th RAO Regiment "Folgore" maintained a close affiliation with its original brigade, while the creation and elevation to special operations force of the 4th Alpine Paratroopers Regiment was an important external addition to the paratroopers brigade. This expansion and diversification of Italian special forces reflected the desire to enhance the country's operational capabilities in complex scenarios, ensuring an effective and versatile response.

In 2004, the establishment of the COFS (Joint Command for Special Forces Operations), under the guidance of SMD (Defense General Staff), represented an important step forward in this direction, serving as a prelude to the birth of COMFOSE in 2014, highlighting in both cases the progress and alignment of Italy with the standards and needs of the armed forces of NATO member countries, emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptation to new international scenarios.

History and Tasks

The genesis of COMFOSE dates back to September 2013, within the framework of the 2012 Military Instrument Reform, desired by the then Minister of Defense, Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola. Brigadier General Nicola Zanelli was tasked with organizing and making this new structure operational, which was officially established on September 19, 2014.

Before its establishment, as mentioned, the Italian Army never had a single command for the control of its special forces, which were previously under the dependencies of various commands and large units. Full operational capability of the command was achieved in February 2014, marking a significant moment in Italian military history.

From October 1, 2016, COMFOSE came under the dependency of COMFOTER COE, outlining a new phase in its integration into the structure of the Italian armed forces.

The tasks of COMFOSE focus on ensuring unity in training, preparation, doctrinal and procedural development, as well as the acquisition of materials for the Special Forces/Special Operations Forces sector.

However, the command does not hold the responsibility for the operational employment of its units, a task that remains attributed to the Joint Command for Special Forces Operations (COFS), directly dependent on the Chief of Defense Staff.

In October 2018, the exercise 'Notte Scura 2018' formally integrated the 185th Paratroopers Reconnaissance Target Acquisition Regiment (RAO) "Folgore" and the 4th Alpine Paratroopers Regiment into the special forces, an important step for COMFOSE which thus consolidated its structure with three first-level special forces units.

Structure

The command of COMFOSE coordinates the following units:

• 9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment "Col Moschin" - Special Forces unit based in Livorno
• 185th Paratroopers Reconnaissance Target Acquisition Regiment "Folgore" - Special Forces unit based in Livorno.
• 4th Alpine Paratroopers Regiment - Special Forces unit based in Verona
• Special Operations Training Center
• Special Operations Support Unit
• Under operational dependency the 3rd Helicopter Regiment for Special Operations "Aldebaran"

COMFOSE Commanders

The leadership of COMFOSE is entrusted to brigadier generals from the three special forces units of the Italian Army:

1. Brigadier General Nicola Zanelli (9th Rgt "Col Moschin"), September 2013 - June 27, 2016
2. Brigadier General Stefano Mannino (185th Rgt RAO "Folgore"), June 27, 2016 - July 31, 2017
3. Brigadier General Ivan Caruso (4th Rgt Alpini Par.), July 31, 2017 - August 1, 2020
4. Brigadier General Pietro Addis (9th Rgt "Col Moschin"), August 1, 2020 - September 14, 2023
5. Brigadier General Andrea Vicari (185th Rgt RAO "Folgore"), September 14, 2023 - September 5, 2024
6. Brigadier General Marco Manzone (4th Rgt Alpini Par.), September 5, 2024 - June 27, 2025
7. Brigadier General Carmine Vizzuso (185th Rgt RAO "Folgore"), June 27, 2025 - present

Headquarters

The headquarters is located in the new military complex Ten. MOVM Dario Vitali in S.Piero a Grado (Pisa) and is directly dependent on the Command of Land Operational Forces (COMFOTER).