On Friday 31 March 2023, the closing ceremony of the 1st PEDD (Patrol Explosive Detector Dog) course addressed to the Italian Navy personnel took place at the “E. Carlotto” Barracks in Brindisi, in the presence of the Commander of the San Marco Marine Brigade, Rear Admiral Massimiliano Grazioso and the Commander of the Carabinieri Cinofili Center, Colonel Stefano Fedele.
Five members of the San Marco Marine Brigade and two representatives of the Raiders Operational Group successfully completed the training course.
The course, lasting 48 weeks, was divided into two parts. The first, focused on operational activities in an urban context, took place at the headquarters of the Centro Carabinieri Cinofili in Florence, simulating plausible scenarios. The second took place in the training facilities of the San Marco Marine Brigade, in Brindisi, and saw the implementation of amphibious operations, with the support of surface carriers (LPD, GIS, AAV7, amphibious assault boats) and helicopters.
During the course, the staff had the opportunity to deepen specific issues of the dog sector, such as, for example, the harmony between man and dog and exercises of obedience to commands. Today’s ceremony marks a fundamental step for the development of capabilities within the operational and tactical departments of the Italian Navy. The San Marco Marine Brigade and the Raiders Operational Group have, in fact, acquired new skills that will allow them to operate with greater versatility and flexibility. Admiral Grazioso and Colonel Fedele, underlining the importance of professional growth also based on inter-force dialogue, expressed mutual appreciation and the desire to continue, in the future, to collaborate with the aim of enhancing the knowledge and skills available to members of the Armed Forces.
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