The “Dinero 2013” exercise was held in the training areas of the 16th Wing in Martina Franca, involving the Bari Administration Directorate. The exercise allowed for the implementation of command and control (C2) capabilities within a complex operation and provided training for personnel typically employed in administrative roles in the area of Force Protection (FP). Force Protection refers to the combination of measures and means to minimise the vulnerability of personnel, installations and operations to any form of threat/risk, in order to preserve the freedom of action and operational effectiveness of forces.
All of this within a complex scenario akin to those encountered during overseas operations (OVERSEASPS).
Aided by Air Force Riflemen instructors from the Survive To Operate/Force Protection (STO/FP) Training Group, participants in “Dinero 2013” trained in weapons handling, ground combat, and the establishment of a base camp consisting of field tents used as accommodation units and a mess hall. The exercise was supported by the operational and logistical branches of the 16th Wing, commanded by Colonel Andrea Marradi, who observed how important it is “to continually train, to enhance the managerial capabilities and technical skills of all organisational branches of the Department. Joint training with personnel from other Departments of the Armed Force aims to implement synergy between the various professional categories and specialities of the Air Force.“.
The Director of the Administration Department, Colonel Guglielmo Sibilia, during his visit to the areas of the 16th Wing where the exercise took place, expressed his “appreciation for the professionalism shown by the staff at the various stages of Dinero 2013 and for the logistical and training support provided by the Martinese Department“.
The protection of personnel and equipment at the Forward Support Base (FSB) in Herat, Afghanistan, is entrusted to a contingent comprising Air Force Fusiliers from the 16th Wing of Martina Franca (Taranto) and the 9th Wing of Grazzanise (Caserta), ensuring a suitable security framework within the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operation.
The Survive to Operate/Force Protection (STO/FP) Training Group is the branch of the 16th Wing “Force Protection” responsible for training personnel to qualify as Air Riflemen and for all Armed Forces personnel to achieve the “Land Defence” specialisation.
