The ceremony for awarding the commando qualifications to the students of the 75th course took place yesterday in the historic Varignano fortress: six young people passed the intense selection process, reaching the coveted goal sealed by the delivery of the green beret.
Rear Admiral Stefano Frumento, commander of Comsubin, highlighted that "this year a further challenge was won with the addition of an important underwater qualification in the course plan, effectively expanding the operational capabilities of the component. For this, to you instructors of the Incursori School, the focal point of the Armed Forces in the conduct of offensive underwater courses, goes my most sincere applause".
Admiral Enrico Credendino, Chief of Staff of the Navy, addressing the newly certified graduates, declared: "You are a true elite, characterized by a strong sense of self-discipline and the ability to keep your nerves steady, your cool and your mind clear. You will be called upon to make difficult decisions quickly, in moments of tension and high pressure you will be asked for initiative, perseverance, tenacity, common sense, balance and a lot of courage." - Admiral Credendino concluded his speech, underlining how the choice made will lead the young raiders to test themselves with the sea, in its most fascinating and insidious dimension.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Luciano Portolano, during his speech expressed his utmost satisfaction for having taken part in this ceremony which marks the entry of young professionals into the highly select component of the Special Forces, composed of selected personnel, trained and equipped to conduct tactical activities of maximum value, independently or with the support of Special Operations Forces and, if necessary, conventional units for the achievement of strategic objectives for Italy.
Addressing the new raiders, he emphasized their entry into the restricted circle of heirs of those men who contributed to writing the history of Italy, including Teseo Tesei, Luigi Durand De La Penne and Emilio Bianchi. Values and excellent capabilities that General Portolano had the opportunity to personally appreciate during his previous command assignments in the various Theaters of Operation.
The Chief of Defense Staff reminded the newly certified officers that the result achieved represents the beginning of a journey made of sacrifices, constant commitment, extremely high professional competence and courage to contribute to the security of the Nation and adequately face the uncertainty of the current global geostrategic scenario.
"Today I am here to bring the respect of the Country to you, the new raiders, and to those who preceded you, to those who have written glorious pages of history and whose demanding legacy you are today collecting. The Special Forces represent the spearhead of the Defense. A group composed of a few, 'a happy few, a band of brothers' to quote Shakespeare's Henry V, who with courage, discipline and spirit of service represent the pride of serving the Nation. Because the Armed Forces are a garrison of democracy and freedom; a few people who are entrusted with the defense of the community. I am honored and I bow before the values and ideals that inspire you and I pay homage to the history of which today you become a part. From today you enter a family that I consider mine, a family that asks for a lot and knows how to give a lot" – these are the final words of the Minister of Defense, the Honorable Guido Crosetto.
Images: Navy
