They are the first Italian visitors to take part in it.
The basic officer course, lasting 26 weeks and ending the 23 June with the graduation ceremony, represents the first challenge that all the officers of the United States Marine Corps face, regardless of the specialization to which they will subsequently be addressed. This is because, as one of the most famous principles of the body states: "Every marine a rifleman", every marine is first of all a rifleman.
The aim of the course is to provide young officers with all the tools they will need to perform their first job as platoon commander. The goal is achieved through a broad and varied curriculum that includes multiple field exercises and fire polygons, discussion groups and case studies, tactical games, academic and technical-professional teaching.
The presence of the two Italian officers at the basic school, as well as having represented an occasion of great professional growth for the latter, is also an excellent opportunity to strengthen the already close relations between the USMC and the Italian navy, and in particularly the San Marco marine brigade. The visit by the Naval Attendant to the embassy of Washington DC, Captain Valter Zappellini, served to underline the strong spirit of collaboration that exists between the two organizations.
The naval officer, after a brief tour of the school's facilities and living environments, was able to witness first-hand a firing range with light weapons in which the two STVs were engaged, as well as confronting the class staff.
The STV Della Sala and Li Pomi, after completing the course in the United States, will have to complete their training at the schools of the San Marco marine brigade before being able to boast the prestigious title of marine fusiliers.
Source: Military Navy
