On Thursday 27 June 2024, the delivery ceremony of the grey-green beret with the red frieze to the attendees of the 28th amphibious qualification course for non-managerial staff who have completed the training course at the Caorle schools battalion, leonis forge.
The ceremony indelibly sealed the conclusion of the first amphibious qualification course with integration of the 'Maritime Interdiction Operation' module, which provided attendees with professional preparation capable of being employed on board Navy units.
Of the 46 participants selected as part of the competitive tests for initial volunteers admitted to the course, only 26 managed to obtain the amphibious qualification licence. The entire course lasted 24 weeks which saw the participants pass demanding physical, professional and daring tests aimed at evaluating the character and aptitude of the aspiring riflemen: 7 weighted marches with more than 150km travelled, 5 complex activities of long duration in various training areas, 18 written tests, 49 practical tests, over 50 descents with a barbet and various training activities of increasing difficulty aimed at increasing the psycho-physical resistance of the attendees.
“The difficulties encountered along the way forced the visitors to their physical and mental limits, teaching them the correct approach to overcome them” specifies the commander of the Caorle schools battalion, frigate captain Michele Tortora, during his speech on the occasion of the beret delivery ceremony.
“The conclusion of the course represents the achievement of very high professional and operational results, in continuous development and evolution, maintaining in any case stable and deep roots, inextricably linked to the glorious history of the Navy”. With these words the commander of the marine brigade Saint Mark, Rear Admiral Massimiliano Grazioso, attended the delivery ceremony of the beret, highlighting the role that the Saint Mark nowadays, strong in being able to count on a past full of courageous actions.
The final ceremony of the 28th amphibious qualification course marked a unique moment for these new 26 marine riflemen who will join the 1st regiment in the next few days Saint Mark where they will operate, at home and in foreign operating theaters, in which the brigade is called to participate.
