Two United States Army Soldiers take cover on the lower slopes of a mountain within the
Dolomites mountain range located in northeastern Italy, they are conducting a reconnaissance
mission as part of the first phase of four phase elements of Exercise Vertigo 2022.
These are scout platoon Paratroopers of 1st and 2nd battalion, 503rd airborne infantry
regiment, assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, based at Vicenza, Italy, they are scouting
the mountain slopes, searching for enemy positions using advanced imaging and drone equipment
Second phase deploys a small assault force simulating as the the main attack force, deceiving
the "enemy" to move some of its forces to counteract the assault.
At the same time, elements of the actual main attack force is deployed by Chinook helicopters
in co-ordination with a land force supported by army vehicles and prepositioned forces
awaiting on top of a mountain ridge who will conduct a vertical attack using abseiling
techniques.
In addition, attacking forces will receive fire support provided by artillery pieces,
deployed by Chinook "heavy lift" helicopters.
Leading the exercise are the Alpini of the Julia Brigade belonging to the 8th Regiment
of Venzone (Provence of Udine) a regiment of the Italian Army's mountain infantry speciality.
They are supported with AB-205 Huey and CH-47F Chinook helicopters of the Army Aviation Brigade,
of the 1st Antares Regiment and the 4th Altair of Bolzano, and the specialists of the Transmission
and Tactical Information Brigades.
The exercise primarily took place at over 2,500m of altitude for about two weeks, the
Alpine Troops of the Italian Army aimed to verify the military's ability to fight in
a hostile environment characterized by a strong vertical development,
with both italian and Amercian soldiers employing fast paced abseiling skills, descending down
steep slopes onto enemy positions and rapid helicopter troop deployments either using
direct landing deployment or fast-roping deployment where the helicopters cannot touch down.
Third Phase footage shows all elements of the striking force at play, the synchronising
of the attack is seen as the most complex and technical phase, employing multiple units
to confuse and neutralize the opposing force
Phase Four are Helicopter medical evacuations and steep slope wounded soldier recovery
Its been incredible ive been very fortunate to be able to work with the Alpini specifically
for the past year.
I couldn't ask for a better job in the army.
Its very interesting the Italian army is err, alot older, err i'd say alot more mature than
normal American Soldiers are, but, we kinda come in with more fitness and more tactical
knowledge.
Its a good conglomeration of experience and youth and knowledge.