Air Force and European Defense Agency together for Personnel Recovery On Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th December, the international event dedicated to the Personnel Recovery (PR) sector was held in Florence, at the Institute of Military Aeronautics Sciences (ISMA). The Florence committee originated from the increasingly close collaboration between the European Defense Agency (EDA) and the Italian Air Force, which has always been deeply sensitive to this delicate yet complex topic. The conference was opened with a speech by the Deputy Chief Executive of the EDA, Mr. Rini Goose, who expressed his honor at the distinguished participation in the event; indeed, 72 guests from 10 Member States of the EDA as well as representatives of three other countries outside the Agency participated. It was an important integration opportunity that brought together for the first time the key leaders of the main organizations active in the field of PR, such as the EDA, the European Union Military Staff (EUMS), the European Personnel Recovery Centre (EPRC), the NATO Allied Command Transformation (NATO ACT), the NATO Allied Command Operations (NATO ACO), the Multinational Capability Development Campaign (MCDC) Integrated Coalition Personnel Recovery Capability (ICPRC), and the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency (JPRA). PR is a vital element of modern operational planning, as it ensures greater security for personnel deployed in operations zones, increases their morale, and also enhances the skills and efforts of national authorities to protect their personnel. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of occasions when members of the international community, including Italian citizens, have had to face isolation or have been held hostage by factions or rebel groups in areas where military operations are taking place. The recovery of personnel who have found themselves in such situations, in addition to being a moral duty, presents factors that can have a direct impact on the successful outcome of the mission, from the morale of the personnel deployed to the support of the families. The two intense days offered the participants interesting points of reflection, focusing in particular on the “reintegration” phase (Reintegration). This fundamental phase of PR enables the necessary support to be provided to the recovered isolated personnel and their families, ensuring a significant reintegration both within the family context and within the social and working environments. Significant and exciting contributions were made by US MG Russel Sanborn, who was captured prisoner for 26 days in Iraq during Operation “Desert Storm”, and his wife. The Conference concluded with the thanks of the main representatives of the EDA and of General D.A. Antonio Conserva, Commander of the Air Operations Command (COA) of Poggio Renatico and chairman of the Conference, with the hope of continuing with new and stimulating initiatives aimed at focusing increasingly more attention on Personnel Recovery.
The Institute of Military Aeronautics Sciences, subordinate to the Command of the 3rd Air Region, is the venue for numerous training activities, including the Normal Master Course, the Staff Course for Captains of Special Roles, and additional training sessions that include preparatory activities for Operations Outside National Borders (OFCN), with theoretical lectures and practical exercises. Professional courses and in-depth training for Officers in the rank of Major/Colonel are also provided; in addition to these, seminars for Generals of Brigade have also been added; these serve as a clear opportunity for reflection, during which to exchange experiences and knowledge, as well as to enhance the analytical tools and stimulate the strategic thinking of future leaders of the Armed Forces. The ISMA includes and operates the Department for Educational and Managerial Training, which has the task of conducting training activities in person and via distance learning (e-learning) and of the related research/development in the fields of educational methodologies and managerial skills, especially in collaboration with the University of Florence. As a result, the Department is the “focal point” within the Italian Air Force for e-learning methodology and leadership training. The Institute also establishes itself as a cultural and thought center of the Armed Forces, hosting international Congresses and Seminars on aeronautical and military topics, as well as conferences and study and working groups both at national and international level. The logistical and technological potential of the ISMA is also known and appreciated at inter-service and international level for hosting symposiums, working tables, meetings and committees.
See also the EDA news item
