The 4th Ranger Trains Among the Ice of Alaska

The validation activity of the 11th Airborne Division and U.S. Army Alaska, developed by the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Alaska (JPMRC-AK) of the US Army, concluded in Fairbanks, Alaska. Personnel from the 4th Alpini Paratroopers Regiment also participated in the training event.

The exercise took place in a warfighting scenario in an arctic environment, with confrontation between opposing forces of equal technological level (peer-to-peer). The activity was characterized by strong realism and a high degree of complexity, thanks to the involvement of assets from various nations and a significant number of personnel, operational means, and supports employed in the vast training area of Fort Wainwright.

Cooperation on the Ground and Operational Detachments

During the activity, the confrontation was structured on the ground between two Brigade-level units (Infantry Brigade Combat Team). The Rangers operated in close connection with the Green Berets of the 10th Special Forces Group of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), forming operational detachments for the conduct of Special Operations in assigned areas and in support of their respective maneuver forces.

During the three weeks of exercise, the training focus was on conducting the full spectrum of Special Operations, with particular reference to kinetic activities in a snowy arctic environment. Special long-range reconnaissance missions were also carried out using snowmobiles, in addition to various types of direct actions:

• stand off, with terminal guidance of munitions;
• raids using FPV drones;
• hands on activities, with demolition of structures, material recovery, or ambushes;
• assistance interventions in favor of potential irregular forces.

Visit of the Leaders and Value of the Experience

At the conclusion of the training activity, the Commander of COMFOSE, Brigadier General Carmine Vizzuso, and the Commander of the 4th Alpini Paratroopers Regiment, Colonel Paolo Rocchi, visited Fort Wainwright to observe some activities conducted by the Rangers and participate in the demonstration activity organized by the JPMRC-AK.

The exercise represented a profitable and unique training opportunity, allowing Special Forces members to operate in a high-intensity scenario with fast-paced rhythms, in an extreme natural environment, and enabling the Rangers to further enhance interoperability with special and conventional forces from other countries.

The Rangers, prepared to conduct the full spectrum of Special Operations (Military Assistance, Special Reconnaissance, and Direct Action), are described as particularly trained and equipped to operate in high-intensity and complex contexts, with a specific focus on combat in an arctic mountain environment. The 4th Alpini Paratroopers Regiment, defined as an absolute excellence with operators appreciated even at an international level, is indicated as capable of intervening with maximum readiness and promptness in any situation.