July 10 – “We’ve been there for so long and we know the area so well that one of us could become mayor of Herat.” With a camouflage outfit, a reassuring look, an athletic body and a sweet smile, one of the many Italian soldiers in Afghanistan, who already did “five or maybe six tours” in the country calls the experience an important part of his life. From Viterbo, where yesterday the final phase of the “Tuscia 2013” exercise came to an end. The preparatory activity is mandatory to the Italian Air Force. “Going on missions is like a calling – said the pilot – at the beginning it’s hard, then it all becomes easier.” The soldiers leaving for Afghanistan are the most prepared and skilled in the army. “The precision of our pilots is the result of serious training,” explains the Division General Giangiacomo Calligaris. The Chief of Staff of the Army, General Claudio Graziano, also spoke of the importance of training: “on military training, especially to those destined for overseas missions, you cannot be stingy – safety cannot come at a discounted price. For the success of a mission, training is essential, and it follows that you can’t be parsimonious.” Mario Mauro, Minister of Defense, was also present yesterday for the end of helicopter pilots’ training, which took place in the Viterbo area, where the Air Force is stationed. The Minister was accompanied by the Chief of Defense, Admiral Luigi Binelli Mantelli, and by the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Graziano. “We need to contribute to peace,” said the Minister, who defined the missions as “a driving force for peace. These missions are an obstacle to war. We cannot ignore the numerous conflicts taking place in the world. It is our duty to get involved,” added Mauro confirming he had no doubt that Parliament would understand “the need to refinance the Italian military missions abroad.” To illustrate the final phase of the “Tuscia 2013” exercise, Colonel Massimo Meola declared, “the purpose of the exercises is to discover the physical and psychological needs of our military, bringing to light limitations and capabilities ” The Heliport “D. Chelotti “in Viterbo – home of Air Force’s training center – was used as a flight simulator for war helicopter A 129 “Mangusta” for advanced pilot training, tactical navigation and use of on-board systems. While in the training facility of Monteromano a typical Afghanistan scenario was simulated, including the recovery of an aircraft with a CH-47 helicopter.