Extreme Patrol 2026 exercise: 300 soldiers engaged between Bolzano and Belluno

Over 300 soldiers from the Alpine Troops of the Army and allied countries participated in the "Extreme Patrol 2026" exercise, conducted between the provinces of Bolzano and Belluno to test tactical, physical and mental readiness in a mountain environment.

The 72-hour continuous training, carried out in complete logistical autonomy, saw the patrols cover over 60 kilometers with more than 1,000 meters of altitude difference on rough terrain, facing rocky walls, bodies of water and evacuating the wounded under the stress of simulated enemy units.

The exercise saw - a note informs - a high use of advanced technology, including reconnaissance drones, satellite radio networks, simulation systems and the R-Neuroplus platform for monitoring cognitive stress. Units from France, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Spain operated alongside the Alpine troops, as well as the support of the 7th Carabinieri Regiment "Trentino-Alto Adige" and the Military Corps of the Red Cross.

The final ceremony in San Candido saw the presence of the deputy commander for the Combat Forces, General Francesco Bruno, the commander of the Alpine Troops, General Alberto Vezzoli, and the mayor Klaus Rainer. The first classified patrol, of the 7th Alpine Regiment, was awarded the trophy named after Marshal Sara Roba, non-commissioned officer of the Alpine Troops who recently died in a road accident.