The exercise Mongoose, which represents the main annual training event for the “Folgore” paratrooper brigade, aims to test the ability of the airborne units to plan and conduct operations in a combat campaign.
The particular characteristic of the “Mongoose” is in fact that events are generated on the ground by the interactions between opposing parties, challenging the commanders to effectively exercise their Mission Command.
The training activities, developed in a highly realistic operational scenario and supported by the latest technologies, had the aim of verifying the units' capabilities to conduct tactical interdiction and counter-interdiction activities in the area, extended control of the Operations Area, maintenance of Key Terrain / Entry Points and disarticulation of the opponent's device.
Of particular importance was the verification of the ability of commanders and units to plan and conduct activities following an airdrop, in a degraded electromagnetic environment, following a high pace of operations in prohibitive weather and terrain conditions, to test the psycho-physical resistance of the paratrooper, in combat and in survival on the battlefield.
During the conduct phase of the exercise, specialized personnel from Fincantieri, in close collaboration with the technicians of the transmission company of the 184th command and tactical support department “Nembo”, carried out familiarization sessions of the “Imperio” command and control system.
In addition to all the departments of the “Folgore” paratrooper brigade, the following participated in the exercise: a V-Shorad section of the 121st art. c/a “Ravenna” regiment, a platoon of the 66th f. regiment “Trieste”, a platoon of the 33rd logistic support regiment “Ambrosiano”, units and personnel from the tactical information brigade.
The Army Aviation (AVES) employed rotary-wing aircraft such as the CH-47 F, NH-90 and A-129, for airdrop, helicopter transport, exploration and escort activities.
The Italian Air Force supported the exercise with C-130J transport aircraft from the 46th Air Brigade of Pisa for airdrop activities. The synergy with the 4th Fighter Wing of Grosseto was also consolidated, which ensured the necessary logistical support for the Army Aviation carriers, developing an effective inter-force coordination activity in flight activities.
