Training in the field of Security and Special Forces for Junior Lieutenants and Volunteers in Initial Training

From June to August, at the training areas of the 16th Wing “Force Protection” by Martina Franca (TA) and School for Military Aviation Volunteers (SVAM) in Taranto, the qualification course “Local Defence” for the Junior Marshals coming from Marescialli AM School in Viterbo and belonging to the 25th “Normal” Course, together with some participants of the 21st “Internal” Course for Marshal-level officers and five Marshals from the AM’s Operational Departments, and course for acquiring the specialty “Protective and Special Forces” for the benefit of the 28th Volunteer Initial Training Course (VFI).

The Marechals and Marechals-in-Training, already holding the “Operations” category and the “Protective and Special Forces” specialty, have since June 17 started attending the theoretical-practical lessons. The training activities, conducted by the “Fucilieri” personnel of the Stormo Puglia Training Group, National training and education center for aeronautics in the sector of Force Protection for Air Operations, The training courses were divided into modules and lasted 7 weeks. During the training course, professional military subjects were covered, including “urban combat”, “tactics of combat operations”, and “tactical leadership”.“Force protection”, the “real shooting” exercises, personal defense and activities to combat drones and micro-drones, called Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS). The 26 participants followed the lessons with participation and motivation, implementing and refining their theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of “force protection”. Subsequently, they will be able to be integrated into the defense devices of aeronautical installations in Italy and in the Operational Theatres, where necessary.

The instructors of 16th Storm Flight Training Group They also held special training modules for participants of the 28th Initial Volunteer Training Course (VFI). The specialty course, which began on July 15 last year, lasted 3 weeks and followed the basic training phase carried out by the SVAM in Taranto. During this period, the trainees were also able to attend theoretical lessons on Chemical, Bacteriological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CBRN), the use of individual and team weapons, and personal defense. The latter were followed by practical activities at the local gym and shooting range.

All the training was very intense and fruitful, confirming the professionalism, dedication and synergy demonstrated by all the participants in order to ensure a specific and highly-qualified training for the young apprentices.

It 16th Wing it is Air Rifle Division. Since 2004 it has been based at the Martina Franca (TA) air base and reports to Command for Mobility and Support Forces, hierarchically under the Air Force Command. Its main task is to ensure, according to the levels of readiness assigned, the operationality of the specialized components of the Air Force. Force Protection for Air Operations, to ensure participation in the protection of personnel, weapon systems, means and materials, as well as areas, sites and infrastructures of particular interest to the Armed Force, located on national territory or abroad.

Since 2004, it has operated in 37 different international missions, in 20 operational theaters worldwide, growing up over 36 thousand hours of flight, of which 25 thousand for the safety of the aircraft of the Air Force and of those on board. From August 2005 to December 2014, the Air Riflemen were present in Afghanistan to ensure the protection of the Herat Base. The War Flag of the 16th “Protection of Forces” Squadron was awarded a Gold and Silver Medal for Aeronautic Valor by the President of the Republic.