According to Wikipedia under the entry Paratrooper "... the paratrooper is a special unit of many armies trained to jump behind enemy lines, in order to carry out both air assault operations and interdiction and sabotage operations.".
Being a military Paratrooper is undoubtedly the dream of many young people who are entering or want to enter military life. In our country, being a paratrooper of the Folgore means becoming part of that group of men who have written, with sacrifice, the history of the beautiful country over the years.
Nothing is impossible in life. The writer was a Paratrooper from 1999 to 2002 despite the Folgore being perceived from the outside as something gigantic, unattainable.
Willpower and motivation will allow you to join the glorious Folgore Paratrooper Brigade, where you can do so as an Officer, Non-Commissioned Officer, or Volunteer Troop.
But let's go in order. Step one: we must enter the Army, so we will look for the most suitable competition for us at this link.
Second step, Volunteer Troop, Marshal or Officer?
How to Join the Folgore as a Volunteer Troop
To aspire to join the Folgore Paratrooper Brigade as a Volunteer, the first step as mentioned is to enlist in the Italian Army by passing the Initial Fixed-Term Volunteer (VFI) Competition in the Army. Subsequently, subject to meeting specific requirements. The selection process includes cultural, logical-deductive, professional tests, English language tests, physical tests, and health and psycho-aptitude assessments. Candidates can accumulate additional points through merit titles and certifications.
The winners of the competition can express their preference for the Folgore Brigade, but they must pass further physical tests to demonstrate their suitability for training and employment. These tests include pull-ups, push-ups, running, and other specific exercises. Suitable candidates proceed with additional health assessments and, if deemed suitable, are sent to the Parachuting Training Center in Pisa for a course of about 40 days, at the end of which they must make jumps to obtain the Military Parachuting Certification.
During the course, participants receive comprehensive training that includes survival techniques, weapon care, topography, combat tactics, and self-defense, along with frequent verbal and written tests. The progress of each student is closely monitored to assess their skills and attitudes. Those who successfully complete the course are assigned to a regiment of the Folgore Brigade, where they complete their training with further specializations, preparing to become paratroopers of the Italian Army.
How to Join the Folgore as a Marshal
To access as a Marshal in the Folgore Paratrooper Brigade, it is necessary to pass specific Selection Competitions of the Italian Army, meeting certain age and psycho-physical requirements. The winners of these competitions, after passing all the tests of the competition process, are required to attend a training course at the Army Non-Commissioned Officers School in Viterbo.
In the path to becoming part of the Folgore Paratrooper Brigade as a Marshal, after passing the selection competitions, candidates have the opportunity to express their preference for the destination corps, including the Folgore Paratrooper Brigade. Within the training courses at the Army Non-Commissioned Officers School in Viterbo for Marshals, students participate in a series of training activities, including those necessary to acquire parachute jump qualification. This training includes a specific course at the Parachuting Training Center in Pisa, during which students perform the same physical tests and receive similar preparation to that of VFI paratroopers, completing 3 jumps to obtain the wings without a star. Subsequently, those who enter the Folgore Paratrooper Brigade and wish to qualify as military paratroopers participate in further training in Pisa to perform jumps with weapons and backpacks, thus obtaining the star that completes their qualification.
How to Join the Folgore as an Officer
To access as an Officer, the path is practically identical to that of an Officer: it is necessary to pass specific Selection Competitions of the Italian Army, meeting certain age and psycho-physical requirements. The winners of these competitions, after passing all the tests of the competition process, are required to attend the training course at the Military Academy of Modena.
In the path to becoming part of the Folgore Paratrooper Brigade as an Officer, after passing the selection competitions, candidates have the opportunity to express their preference for the destination corps, including the Folgore Paratrooper Brigade. Within the training courses at the Military Academy of Modena, students participate in a series of training activities, including those necessary to acquire parachute jump qualification. This training includes a specific course at the Parachuting Training Center in Pisa, during which students perform the same physical tests and receive similar preparation to that of VFI paratroopers, completing 3 jumps to obtain the wings without a star. Subsequently, officers who enter the Folgore Paratrooper Brigade and wish to qualify as military paratroopers participate in further training in Pisa to perform jumps with weapons and backpacks, thus obtaining the star that completes their qualification.
Conclusions of the Writer
I have known many Paratroopers whom I left, at my discharge, with the rank of Corporal Major or 1st Corporal Major. They had enlisted as short-term volunteers in the '90s along with myself.
Many of them, indeed, very many, are Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Paratrooper Brigade. I can cite incredible, moving examples. Paratroopers who went from Corporal in a Company, then after 20 years find themselves as Captains commanding it. The Army annually issues competitions for rank and category advancement. Being a Paratrooper must be the main goal, regardless of whether you become one as Volunteer Troops, Non-Commissioned Officers, or Officers. The ranks will be surrogated by the individual's value.
With ability, motivation, and willpower, you will have all the time to climb the regimental hierarchy chain.
And remember: if telling emotions is a prerogative of art, living them is a privilege of those who have been able to make choices and have taken on those often difficult responsibilities.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!