In recent days, the "Rock Hammer", a complex exercise of the 173rd US paratroop brigade which was attended by numerous elements of the 8th "Folgore" parachute destroyer regiment, has concluded.
The Army paratroopers have deployed two minor complexes, as opposed to units belonging to the 2 ° battalion paratroopers of the 173 ^. At the same time, a tactical complex of the 8 regiment, integrated with the specialized structures 54 ° battalion of genius paratroopers in the United States, participated in the planning, preparation and conduct of the ADR (Airfield Damage Repair) air transport operation.
The construction and repair of damaged runways and airfields in a non-permissive environment due to the presence of enemy forces is one of the operations in which the "Folgore" sappers are specialized. ADR operations are essential to enable the projection of military units from the air. Specifically, the Italian paratroopers conditioned the loads for the launch (vehicles and materials of the Engineers) and infiltrated as a result of the aviation launch in "enemy territory", conducting an advanced reconnaissance and the clearing of bombs of the landing strip to be restored.
The exercise made it possible to consolidate the interoperability of the United States units in Italy and improve the techniques and procedures of employment. The ADR capacity is particularly significant also for the possible contribution of the Defense to in dual activities such as the aviation of light skills of the Genius in areas affected by natural disasters, such as floods, large fires or even to bring promptly rescued in isolated areas .
