The ceremony of the “embarkation” of the first Support Tactical Operators for Special Operations – Pararescue took place on April 23 at the military airport of Furbara.
The military airport of Furbara, headquarters of 1st Special Operations Air Brigade and the 17th Assault Wing, He hosted the ceremony on April 23rd,“Swamp”of the patrons who successfully completed the 1st course Pararescue.
The event, the first of its kind for the company STOS, was attended by Air Force Commander, Air Force General Alberto Biavati, and the Commander of the 1st Special Operations Air Brigade, General of Division Riccardo Rinaldi and military and civilian authorities, to represent the close synergy between the department and the territory.
During the ceremony, each newly qualified person was given the brown Basque with “brunito” frieze”, symbol of belonging to the group.
It Commander of the 17th Air Wing, Colonel Livio Albano, He highlighted how today’s ceremony “This marks the entry into our Armed Forces of a renewed professionalism: that of the Tactical Support Operators for Special Operations – Pararescue. The operational environment of the STOS – Pararescue will be that of Personnel Recovery and more specifically the missions of the type “Combat Search and Rescue”. In a historical phase characterized by high levels of conflict, the Air Force felt the need to equip itself with highly specialized personnel in the conduct of the “ground” phase of C/SAR operations and capable of operating synergistically with the helicopters of the 9th Squadron, which will be their operational base. This is not a simple role, nor one devoid of risks and dangers.”
It General Biavati, During his intervention, he highlighted the unparalleled and unique professionalism of the operators in question, admiring their willingness and ability to get back into the game with a remarkable dedication to the cause, and emphasizing the confidence that their work in the field had instilled in them. Personnel Recovery He gave it to all the members of the Armed Forces. He concluded by stating that in this historical moment, more than ever, it is essential to have personnel with this ability, and wishing the newly recruited officers a future full of professional satisfaction related to their new employment.
The STOS Pararescue They are the evolution of the STOS (Tactical Support for Special Operations), a unit formed in 2017 in Furbara. With the reorganization of the COMOS (Special Operations Department) The STOS was assigned the prestigious task of Personnel Recovery in the aeronautical field. Hence the name of STOS Pararescue, As is the case with their American counterparts, the “Pararescue Jumper”Given their very limited use with the HH101s of the 9th Air Wing, they will soon be reorganized at Grazzanise.”.
It Personnel Recovery It is a unique and exceptional capability of the Air Force, with missions of absolute strategic importance for the Armed Forces and for Defense, aimed at recovering personnel isolated in high-risk areas and non-permissive environments, both domestically and internationally.
Access to internal competition This is done through ad hoc tenders followed by a selection process and a particularly selective and demanding training program.
Officers belonging to the Arms Role and Sub-officer, Graduate and Squad personnel of all categories can participate in the selections. In recent years, access to the COMOS sector has also been opened to non-permanent service personnel, the 1-year Fixed-Term Volunteers (c.d. VFP1) and the new category, the VFI (Volunteers in Initial Fixed-Term Service).
The requirements for all staff are: not having exceeded 35 years of age for Officers, and 32 years of age for Sub-Officers and Graduates on the date of the closing of the call for applications, and the required psycho-physical and attitudinal qualifications.
The training process to become a STOS operatorPararescue It lasts approximately 46 weeks. After the first phase, which consists of Basic Combat Course of the Air Force (COBAM) For a duration of 5 months, if deemed suitable in all evaluation phases, the aspiring STOS will access the course. Pararescue, The specialist course aimed at completing the training. In this phase, supported by experts from sectors including Firefighters, participants will engage in activities such as Combat SAR, expert rope handling, survival courses, advanced first aid techniques, support for aerial operations using a winch, SERE course and disrobing module.
