Humanity is a military gift

01/05/19

With Roberto we are "frà".

“Fra” in the Navy was exchanged between conscript sailors of the same contingent or between those who had followed the same training process at the non-commissioned officers' schools. I don't know if it's still used. It was obviously the contraction of the word "brother" and implied the sharing of an experience and an important and intense period of life as only military life can give you.

Among the Navy Raiders the term "frà" is always used ... perhaps in the closet of the barracks and away from ears strangers to the Department who could misunderstand and mistake this term for laxity in discipline and little respect for the hierarchies, but between us Incursori is always used.
It joins anyone who wears the green beret. Regardless of the rank: in training the nights underwater are long, dark and cold in the same way that you are an officer rather than a non-commissioned officer or sub-chief; in spite of the assignment: both backpack and rifle weigh equally as much as being the commander rather than the youngest of the operational detachment In spite of the role: both on a mission you expose yourself to risk in the same way that you are on a fifth wheel rather than you are driving an assault boat or hanging from the beard of a helicopter.

Also among us Incursori di Marina the term implies the sharing of an experience that over the years becomes all-encompassing. But it's still something more ...

It is the seal of the entrustment that you do on the abilities and courage of the man who stands beside you on a mission. It is thanksgiving for the security that infuses you when under water you know that it is tied to the other end of your connection cord or when it covers you during a tactical movement. It is the recognition of the importance of his judgment, his professionalism and his experience when you seek comfort in your doubts in planning an intervention. It is the implicit thanks of the contribution that comes to you from his strength of mind and from his spontaneity when in moments of relax you share a beer or a barbecue with the camouflage still soaked of sweat. It is the awareness that his presence does not end when you take off the camouflage or the diving suit or the ordinary uniform, but you know that even your family, in everyday life as in disasters, will have it close if it is needed.

Is it called camaraderie? Is it called humanity? I don't know ... We Navy Raiders are accustomed to thinking that it is a dowry, a military gift that we take for contagion when we are welcomed in the Ward or that perhaps it is benevolently infused by some demigod warrior when they give us a green beret with the dagger and the anchor crossed ... 
Roberto of this gift was the greatest bearer.

Farewell Lieutenant Marongiu. Farewell comrade of exemplary professionalism. Goodbye friend with a big heart .... Goodbye frà!

Rear Admiral Francesco Chionna