9 Supplementary Pilot Sergeants and 2 Supplementary Navigator Sergeants swore allegiance to the Italian Republic
It took place on Monday 21 November 2022, at the Student Parlour of the’Air Force Academy in Pozzuoli, the individual swearing-in ceremony of 9 Supplementary Pilot Sergeants and 2 Supplementary Navigator Sergeants, belonging to the 128th AUPC/AUNC Course.
The new Sergeants swore allegiance to the Italian Republic individually, before the School flag, in the presence of Commandant of the Air Force Academy, Air Brigadier General Luigi Casali.
The family members of the young oath-takers and a representation of the permanent staff attended the ceremony.
General Casali, after thanking the guests and family members in attendance, underlined the importance of today's ceremony: “… Always carry with you the commitment you solemnly made today. Love and respect our Institutions and be ready to serve our country with passion. The satisfaction you receive will be far greater than the sacrifices asked of you.”
At the end of his speech, he stated: “...SBe proud of what you have achieved to date. It has not been an easy journey; face the upcoming challenges with determination. Draw inspiration from the pact of honour made today; you are about to embark on an exciting journey that will give you incomparable emotions. Good luck, lads: you have shown that you have all the necessary characteristics and abilities to become military pilots and turn your passion into your profession, and it is a privilege reserved for a few.’
It 128th AUPC/AUNC Course, was incorporated into the Armed Force on 27 April 2022 at the Pozzuoli Aeronautica Militare Academy and, upon completing the initial activities, continued his training at the 70th Wing in Latina where the pilots obtained the BPA (Aeroplane Pilot's Licence) and the navigators obtained the BNA (Airplane Navigator Licence) on the SF.260EA aircraft.
The training process of the A.U.P.C./A.U.N.C. course consists of two phases, the first, defined as the phase “Military”, and is undertaken by all attendees, has the aim of providing basic military training, covering cross-cutting subjects such as command tasks and functions, Defence and Air Force organisation, military logistics, and communication techniques. The second phase instead, called“Professional“, is aimed at providing attendees with the theoretical and practical knowledge preparatory to the acquisition of the Military Pilot/Navigator Licence.
Among the established practices within the Air Force Academy, in agreement with the Regular Course Centauro VI, the task of selecting a name whose initial letter was “C” was entrusted, and the chosen name is “Cherokee”, similarly to the 13th AUFP Course with which they share part of the training process.
The’Air Force Academy It depends Air Force Schools Command / 3rd Air Region. It is a higher military institute of university status which has the task of providing for recruitment and to training young people aspiring to become Officials of the Italian Air Force.
By attending the Regular Courses of the Academy, one can become a Sub-Lieutenant in Permanent Active Service in the Italian Air Force, within the Regular Navigating Branch (pilots) and the Regular Branches of Weapons, Aeronautical Engineering, the Aeronautical Commissariat Corps, and the Aeronautical Health Corps. Courses are also held at the Institute for Officer Cadets (Complementary and Fixed-Term Pilots and Navigators) and direct-appointment Sub-Lieutenants (in both the Regular and Special Branches); finally, the Academy's Curriculum includes courses with an aeronautical specialisation for foreign personnel and other Armed Forces.
