1° Reggimento Forze Speciali (Esploratori)
| 1° Reggimento Forze Speciali | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1942 - present |
| Country |  Luminerra |
| Branch | Lumenic Air Force |
| Type | Special operations |
| Role | Pathfinders, air traffic control, forward air control to direct close air support for ground forces. |
| Insignia | |
| Beret badge | |
The 1° Reggimento Forze Speciali (Esploratori) (English: 1st Special Forces Regiment (Pathfinders)), often simply referred to as "Esploratori", are an Lumenic Air Force special operations capable ground force specializing in traditional pathfinder roles while also being specially trained in battlefield air traffic and forward air control to direct close air support in support of ground forces as well as directing airstrikes against point and area targets in both covert and conventional battlefield environments. Esploratori are often work in conjunction with special forces, airborne or air assault forces of the Lumenic Army to provide expert air support coordination and communications capabilities. All members of the Esploratori are certified air traffic controllers and must maintain this certification through their career, and are also trained to direct other types of fire support, including gun and rocket artillery from land or sea based platforms.
Currently there is a single Esploratori regiment, with its constituent battalions providing support to various other Lumenic Army, Air Force, or Armada formations. Often, Esploratori units are deployed as a single Special Tactics Team consisting of members dedicated to combat air control, pararescue, special operations reconnaissance, and combat communication controllers.
History
The first Esploratori company was stood up in 1942
Training
Esploratori training is some of the most rigorous in the entire Lumenic Legion and has one of the highest washout rates of any special forces selection course. All Esploratori initiates must complete a two week selection course that focuses on physical and psychological performance, as well as covering basic FAC and pathfinding skills. Selection courses are conducted at Cetta Royal Air Force Base.
Following selection, initiates undergo a 16 week initial training course, also conducted at Cetta Royal Air Force Base. Training focus on combat and civilian aircraft recognition and familiarization with performance and characteristics, aerial navigation and navigational aides, basic meteorology, communications, approach, and radar procedures. In addition, trainees receive their air traffic control certification during this phase of the course.
Following the conclusion of the initial training course, candidates must complete an abbreviated three-week airborne training course at Imperial Army's Airborne Warfare School at Fort Scalzo in Pasa. Candidates will become familiar with basic parachute and static line insertion techniques.
Following completion of airborne training, candidates will remain at Fort Scalzo to complete an a second three week Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training course. This course focuses on techniques for survival in remote areas, evasion techniques while inside hostile territory and resistance to interrogation and torture if captured by the enemy. It is during this phase of the training that the majority of the drop outs occur.
The last course in the Esploratori training curriculum deals is 10 weeks and confers the final qualifications upon the candidates. Physical training is maintained, and candidates are drilled in small units tactics and land navigation techniques and devices from traditional maps to the use of the handheld Dachaidh satellite navigation systems. Trainees are trained in the methodology and procedures for requesting and direction fire support elements, including strikes from gun and rocket artillery, cruise missiles and fixed or rotary wing aircraft.