The troops of the 20th Infantry Battalion The Black Scorpions, with missions in the Antica Babilonia operation, were visited, at the end of this week, in Camp Mittica by a delegation headed by Brigadier General Roberto Ranucci, commander of Italian Brigade Ariete.

The Romanian Battalion is the first unit of the brigade to be visited by General Ranucci.
The Italian General who took over, several days ago, the command of the ITJTF, is fully aware of the conditions of the mission in Iraq, as last year he was acting as deputy commander of the same Brigade Ariete in Iraq.

During his briefing, the commander of The Black Scorpions, lieutenant colonel Nicolae Ioan, presented the capabilities of the detachment in his command and the missions accomplished up to date by the Romanian troops. They also talked about the risks and threats in the area of responsibility and possible ways of improving performance.

General Ranucci was informed on the training program the troops had in Romania. He said he was convinced that even if this is The Black Scorpions' first mission in a theater of operations, they will perform up to the expectations and have an excellent cooperation with their Italian colleagues. During last year's mission in Iraq we had an extraordinary experience, when we could see first hand, in the field, the abilities, enthusiasm and professionalism of the Romanian troops. I am sure this time it will equally well, added Ranucci.

At the end, the Italian guests, accompanied by the battalion staff command joined the Romanian troops to see their equipment, the infirmery and military chapel within the camp.

MoND Press Office