Special Operations.Com

Italy

Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza (NOCS)

Unit Profile

In the 1974 the Chief of Antiterrorism Bureau of the Polizia de Stato (State Police), Emilio Santillo, announced the necessity to establish a tactical unit with the capability to arrest known terrorists and to support the local field office of the Anti-Terrorist Bureau.   Personnel were selected from Police Sports Group "Gold Flames" particularly trained in martial arts. The 35-man team was named "Countercommando Unit" and commanded by Maj. Andrea Scandurra, an officer with Counter Insurgency experiences, an a skilled proponent of hand-to-hand combat skills. After one year of training (driving, pistol, submachine, sniper rifle an a Tactical Assault Course) in 1975 the unit became operational and immediately started mission against the left wing terrorist organization "NAP" (Proletarian Armed Nucleus). Later they operated against the right wing group "New Order", which resulted in the arrests of well-known terrorists Gentile Schiavone and Pierluigi Concutelli.  In 1978, the Italian Government decided to modify the structure of the Anti-Terrorist Bureau to improve its capabilities.   This change resulted in the formation of  Mil Intelligence (SISMI), Civilian Intelligence Agency (SISDE) and Police AT new Bureau (UCIGOS - Central Office for General Investigations and Special Operations). This office was the unique responsible for It AT. The UCIGOS's tactical unit became the NOCS (Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza - Central Operational Security Nucleus).  This new unit was in reality the "Countercommando" with more operatives and more responsibilities.  During its 22 years of existence, NOCS has effected more than 4,500 missions and 205 arrests.  The 25-42 operatives studied terrorist methodology and created innovative tactics procedures.

In 1982 under the tactical command of Capt. Edoardo a 12-man section freed Brigadier General James Dozier, who had been held hostage by Red Brigades terrorists.  In the following years NOCS expanded in size and capabilities and under new CO, then Maj. Maurizio Genolini, the unit became a full fledged CT unit, with capabilities of  operations against aircraft, train, bus, Embassy and Soccer Stadium and established very good relations with several CT units in the western world,

Recently, NOCS has undergone another change and become the Special Operations Division of Antiterrorism. The unit improved capabilities in C3I and a Computer and Video section was added. NOCS was innovative regarding the incorporation of computers in training formalizing this with the addition of a separate Video section.  NOCS also expanded its training in VIP protection and driving, augmented by training with the well-established US Secret Service.  This relationship sparked the creation of a unit similar  in form and function to the USSS CAT team as well.  It should be noted that while VIP protection is not a main mission for NOCS, but they are responsible for this duty when high risk personalities come to Italy.

Today, SOD/NOCS have 3 CT teams and 1 Protection Detail.  All operatives have HALO training and several have SCUBA training, EOD, sniper and combat shooting.  SOD has a Logistics Branch with specialized personnel in support of operatives. NOCS has several specialized vehicles, operated by specially trained drivers.  The basic training last 6 months and is followed by an advance training program lasting  an additional six months.

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