The Italian Folgore Airborne Brigade in Livorno welcomes an exchange officer to its plans section, where the staff organizes and plans operations and multinational exercises.
Maj. Louis Frketic is the first U.S. military officer to occupy this position at the brigade, and he said his mission is challenging and an interesting learning experience.
"In light of the new theater security cooperation, the U.S. realized there is an increasing need for a diplomatic line of operation and that building a strong cooperation within the European theater is essential," said Frketic. "There is nothing we should be doing that we shouldn't do together."
According to Frketic, Folgore Brigade has incredible training capabilities, and even though he is already proficient in Italian, he said it would take 10 months to a year to learn both the language and the different regulations.
"It takes an every-day relationship to be able to incorporate an atmosphere where everyone brings different capabilities to the group," said Frketic. "Sometimes people think they already know something, and then they don't learn. (I make sure to) stand back and learn (rather) than automatically imposing American solutions.
"The figure of an exchange officer will be very beneficial to the militaries, bringing a better coordination of army warfighting, but also becoming more confident and familiar with the Italian army," he said.
Frketic works in the Italian Follgore Brigade Caserne, but receives logistical and administrative support from the Darby Military Community, and receives direct orders from the Italian brigade commander.
"I am very impressed with the Italian Army," said Frketic. "Not only by their professional expertise, but also by the great friendship we share. (To my way of thinking), our values are very similar, and I am faithful and honorable to the Italians."
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