Extreme Patrol: the Alpini on the Catinaccio, between drones and helicopters

TRENTO – From September 15 to 19, the Catinaccio massif becomes the stage for “Extreme Patrol,” an intense exercise featuring the Alpini, engaged in a training context that combines tradition and advanced technologies. Twelve regimental patrols, each composed of ten soldiers equipped with about 30 kilos of weaponry and materials, will be called to face the operational difficulties typical of the mountain environment.

The area of operations

The scenario extends between Ega, the Costalunga Pass, and Moena, in a territory that combines the most severe characteristics of the Dolomitic mountain: steep ridges, deep valleys, alpine lakes, and changing weather conditions. An ideal context to test the patrols' ability to move, navigate, survive, and endure, challenged in static and dynamic reconnaissance exercises, stabilization activities, treatment and transport of wounded, as well as crossing bodies of water at high altitude.

Technologies and means employed

Alongside traditional alpine skills, the exercise includes the use of state-of-the-art technological tools: reconnaissance drones for terrain observation and satellite communication devices capable of ensuring connections in compartmentalized environments. The activity will be made even more realistic by the use of blank shots and the overflight of Army Aviation helicopters, particularly the aircraft of the 4th Regiment “Altair,” which will simulate support and rapid insertion maneuvers at altitude.

The units involved

The twelve patrols in action belong to units of the two alpine brigades of the Italian Army. From the Brigata alpina Taurinense participate the 2nd, 3rd, and 9th Alpini Regiment, the Nizza Cavalleria (1st), the 32nd Engineer Regiment, and the 1st Mountain Artillery Regiment. From the Brigata alpina Julia are deployed the 5th, 7th, and 8th Alpini Regiment, the 2nd Engineer Regiment, the 3rd Mountain Artillery Regiment, and the Piemonte Cavalleria (2nd).

Supporting the activities are also the Centro Addestramento Alpino di Aosta, the 2nd Alpine Transmission Regiment, and the Reggimento Logistico Julia, with an essential contribution to the mobility, communications, and technical-logistical support of the patrols.

Training between tradition and innovation

“Extreme Patrol” represents a moment of synthesis between the alpine military culture, based on endurance and adaptability at altitude, and the adoption of modern tools capable of enhancing operational readiness. The scheduled tests aim to strengthen the cohesion of the units, the ability to operate in logistical autonomy, and readiness for deployment in multinational and multidomain scenarios, where the combination of traditional mobility, technology, and interforce coordination becomes crucial.

From the Catinaccio, the Alpini are thus preparing to once again demonstrate their ability to face the most extreme challenges, confirming the indissoluble bond between soldiers, mountains, and innovation.