Exercise 'Falena II': The 185th RRAO Enhances Special Forces Capabilities

The exercise “Falena II”, recently concluded at the Monte Romano (VT) range, involved operators from the 185th Paratrooper Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition Regiment “Folgore” (RAO). This high-level training event aimed primarily at planning and conducting special operations, focusing on developing and consolidating the regiment's operational capabilities in complex and challenging scenarios. During the two weeks of training, over 100 military personnel, including Special Forces operators and support staff, engaged in diverse activities such as live-fire exercises, parachute jumps, and ground mobility operations under particularly demanding conditions.

A central objective of the exercise was the expansion of ground mobility capabilities, both day and night, using armored vehicles, light off-road vehicles, electric motorcycles, and night vision goggles. The electric motorcycles, in particular, played a crucial role in special night reconnaissance operations, ensuring silent and discreet movement in scenarios requiring great precision. Additionally, the use of drones enhanced surveillance and target acquisition techniques, leveraging advanced technologies to support field operations highly effectively.

Training Activities and Advanced Techniques

The exercise “Falena II” offered a series of diverse activities that allowed the operators of the 185th RRAO to refine their skills in various crucial sectors. The use of night vision goggles ensured safe execution even in low visibility conditions, maintaining high operational effectiveness.

In parallel, a strong emphasis was placed on aerial mobility capabilities, with operational detachments performing parachute jumps, activities that allowed testing the integration between aerial and ground actions in real-time. These jumps were followed by live-fire operations, simulating situations where Special Forces must respond promptly to threats in both offensive and defensive actions.

In the second week of the exercise, RRAO instructors delved into handling explosives, conducting exercises for demolishing small iron and concrete structures, and breaching doors with explosives. These trainings were essential for testing the ability to manage rapid intervention operations in scenarios where precision and speed of action are crucial. Additionally, special night operations involved snipers engaged in direct actions with precision shooting and recovery operations of downed pilots in enemy territory.

Final Reflections and Strategic Implications

The exercise “Falena II” represented a fundamental opportunity not only to improve the operational capabilities of the 185th RRAO members but also to consolidate the procedures and protocols governing special operations in highly complex scenarios. The presence of high-ranking figures such as the Deputy Commander and Commander of the Operational Area of the Land Operational Forces, General of the Army Corps Salvatore Cuoci, the Honorable Paola Chiesa, Head of the Defense Commission, and the Commander of the Army Special Forces (COMFOSE), Brigadier General Marco Manzone, further underscored the strategic importance of the exercise. Their participation also highlighted the growing institutional attention towards strengthening the capabilities of the Italian Special Forces in an increasingly complex and unstable international context.

The special operations and techniques adopted during “Falena II” are essential to respond to global challenges, such as countering terrorist threats and managing low-intensity conflicts, where rapid intervention and the ability to operate in difficult conditions are crucial. Constant training and the ability to adapt to changing scenarios are essential to maintain the high operational readiness of the Special Forces, ensuring an effective response to threats of different natures.

In conclusion, the exercise “Falena II” represented a significant growth moment for the 185th RRAO, which was able to perfect its operational capabilities through the use of advanced technologies, the simulation of complex scenarios, and cooperation between different units. An experience that not only strengthened the readiness of the Armed Forces but also addressed an increasingly urgent need: to be ready to face a constantly changing world, characterized by global challenges and threats.