Italian Army 1392092 226003592 2008-07-16T12:01:16Z Robert Fleming 1926532 infobox {{Infobox Military Unit |unit_name= Italian Army |image= [[Image:CoA Esercito Italiano.svg|centre|150px]] |caption= Coat of Arms of the Italian Army; the text in [[Latin]] reads: ''The safeguard of the republic shall be the supreme law''. |dates= [[27 March]], [[1861]] - today |country= [[Italy]] |allegiance=[[Italian Republic]] |branch= |type= [[army]] |size= 112,000 |command_structure= Italian Supreme Defense Council |garrison=[[Rome]] |garrison_label= |nickname= |patron= |motto=''Salus Rei Publicae Suprema Lex Esto'' |colors= |colors_labels= |march= |mascot= |equipment= |equipment_label= |battles=[[Italian unification|Risorgimento]]<br>[[World War I]]<BR>[[Second Italo-Abyssinian War]]<br>[[Spanish Civil War]]<br>[[Italian invasion of Albania]]<br>[[Greco-Italian War]]<br>[[World War II]]<br>[[Iraq War]]<BR>[[War in Afghanistan]]<BR>[[War on Terrorism]] |anniversaries= |decorations= |battle_honours= <!-- Commanders --> |commander1= [[Giorgio Napolitano]] |commander1_label= [[President of the Italian Republic]] |commander2= [[General|Generale]] [[Fabrizio Castagnetti]] |commander2_label= Stato Maggiore dell’Esercito<br>(Chief of the Army General Staff) |commander3= |commander3_label= |notable_commanders=[[Giuseppe Garibaldi]], [[Armando Diaz]], [[Luigi Cadorna]], [[Emanuele Filiberto, 2nd Duke of Aosta]], [[Enrico Caviglia]], [[Ettore Bastico]], [[Emilio De Bono]], [[Ugo Cavallero]], [[Pietro Badoglio]], [[Rodolfo Graziani]]<br>[[Giovanni Messe]] <!-- Insignia --> |identification_symbol= |identification_symbol_label= |identification_symbol_2= |identification_symbol_2_label= |identification_symbol_3= |identification_symbol_3_label= |identification_symbol_4= |identification_symbol_4_label= <!-- Aircraft --> |aircraft_attack= |aircraft_bomber= |aircraft_electronic= |aircraft_fighter= |aircraft_helicopter= |aircraft_interceptor= |aircraft_patrol= |aircraft_recon= |aircraft_trainer= |aircraft_transport= }} [[Image:Dardo 2.jpg|thumb|220px|[[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] [[IFV]] on exercise in Capo Teulada]] [[Image:Italian Soldiers on Parade.png|thumb|220px|Soldiers of the 33rd Field Artillery Regiment "Acqui" on parade]] The '''Italian Army''' (Esercito Italiano) is the ground defense force of the [[Military of Italy]]. On [[July 29]] [[2004]] it became a professional all-volunteer force of 112,000 [[active duty]] personnel. The headquarters of the Army General Staff are in [[Rome]], opposite the [[Quirinal Palace|Presidential Palace]]. ==History== The Italian Army originates in the [[Regio Esercito]] (literally: "Royal Army") which dates from the proclamation of the [[Kingdom of Italy]] following the ''[[Risorgimento]]'', or unification of Italy in 1861 after the [[Papal states]] were seized. Under the leadership of [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]], the [[House of Savoy]], then represented by [[Victor Emmanuel II of Italy|Victor Emmanuel II]], was invited to take the throne of a new independent kingdom in 1861. The army's first real taste of modern warfare was in [[World War One]] and was fought mostly in [[Italian Campaign (World War I)|northern Italy]] during which it suffered millions of casualties including over 700,000 dead. During the Interwar Years the army participated in the [[Second Italo-Abyssinian War|Invasion of Ethiopia]], provided troops for the [[Corpo Truppe Volontarie]] to fight in the [[Spanish Civil War]] and in the [[Italian invasion of Albania]]. The [[Regio Esercito (World War II)|Royal Army]] was one of the [[Military history of Italy during World War II|largest ground forces]] in World War Two during which it was one of the pioneers of the use of [[Paracadutisti|paratroopers]]. Many Italian divisions were reinforced by a [[Blackshirts|MVSN]] ''Gruppo di Assalto'' of two battalions due to the small size of the divisions. In 1943 Italy surrendered and split into the [[Salo Republic]], which fielded its own army, and the [[Italian Co-Belligerent Army]] (Esercito Cobelligerante del Sud) the army of the Italian royalist forces fighting on the side of the Allies in southern Italy after the Allied armistice with Italy in September 1943. The Italians soldiers fighting in this army no longer fought for [[Benito Mussolini]] as their allegiance was to King [[Victor Emmanuel]] and to [[Marshal of Italy]] (Maresciallo d'Italia) [[Pietro Badoglio]], the men who ousted Mussolini. The kingdom was replaced by a [[Republic of Italy|Republic]] in 1946 and the Royal Army changed its name to become the Esercito Italiano. After WWII, the Army has participated in operations to aid to populations hit by natural disasters. It has, moreover, supplied a remarkable contribution to the forces of police for the control of the territory of the [[Alto Adige]] (1967), in [[Sardinia]] (“Paris“ 1992), in [[Sicily]] (“Vespri Siciliani“1992) and in [[Calabria]] (1994). Currently, it protects sensitive objects and places throughout the national territory (“Operazione Domino") since the tragedy of [[11 September 2001]]. The army is also engaged in Missions abroad under the aegis of the [[UN]], the [[NATO]], and of Multinational forces, such as [[Beirut]] in [[Lebanon]] (1982), [[Namibia]] (1989), [[Albania]] (1991), [[Kurdistan]] (1991), [[Somalia]] (1992), [[Mozambique]] (1993), [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]] (1995), [[East Timor]] and [[Kosovo]] (both in 1999), the [[Congo]] (2001), [[Darfur]] (2003), [[Afghanistan]] (2002), [[Iraq]] (2003) and Lebanon again (2006). The [[Carabinieri]], once the senior corps of the Army, is now an autonomous armed force (alongside the Army, Navy and Air Force). The Carabinieri provides [[military police]] services to all the Italian armed force. === World War II === {{seealso|Military history of Italy during World War II}} During WWI 5 million Italians served in the army with 1.5 million being wounded and over 700,000 being killed in action. Another million or so died from disease. Reports of Italian military prowess in the Second World War were, almost always, dismissive. This being the result of disastrous Italian offensives against [[Western Desert Campaign|Egypt]] and [[Greco-Italian War|Greece]] in 1940. Both campaigns were ill-prepared and executed amateurishly. I.e. The Italian [[Tenth Army (Italy)|Italian 10th Army]] advancing into Egypt surrendered after a brief campaign (see [[Operation Compass]]) to a British force one fifth its size. The incompetent military leadership of the first war year was aggravated by the Italian military's equipment, which was not up to the standard of either the Allied or the German armies.<ref>Bierman & Smith (2002), pp.13-14</ref> More crucially, Italy lacked suitable quantities of equipment of all kinds and high command did not take necessary steps to plan for possible setbacks on the battlefield or proper logistic support of its field armies. There were too few anti-aircraft weapons, obsolete anti-tank guns, too few trucks and the Italian 'medium' M11, M13 and M14 tanks were at a marked disadvantage against the comparatively heavily armed American Sherman 'light' tanks. The [[Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia]] fought bravely under General [[Giovanni Messe]], who acknowledged the limitations of his Corps in material and equipment and thus was relieved of his command on November 1st, 1942. When the Soviet offensive [[Operation Saturn]] began on December 12th, 1942 the [[Italian participation in the Eastern Front#The Italian 8th Army or Italian Army in Russia|the Italian 8th Army]] was quickly crushed and only about a third of its troops managed to escape the Soviet cauldron; notably the three Alpini Divisions [[2 Alpine Division Tridentina|Tridentina]], [[3 Alpine Division Julia|Julia]] and [[4 Alpine Division Cuneense|Cuneense]] fought stubbornly and to almost their total annihilation to escape the Soviet encirclement (see: [[Battle of Nikolayevka]]). The Italian [[Italian 132nd Armored Division Ariete|Armored Division Ariete]] and the [[Folgore Parachute Brigade|Parachute Division Folgore]] fought to total annihilation at the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]]. Also determined resistance of the Italian soldiers at the [[Battle of Keren]] in East Africa is still commemorated today by the Italian military. After the Axis defeat in Tunisia the morale of the Italian troops dipped and when the [[Allied invasion of Sicily|Allies landed in Sicily]] on July 10th, 1943 most Italian Coastal divisions simply dissolved. The sagging moral led to the overthrow of Italian dictator [[Benito Mussolini]] by King [[Victor Emmanuel III of Italy]] 15 days later. ==Command structure== The Armed Forces of Italy are under the command of the Italian Supreme Defense Council, presided over by the [[President of the Italian Republic]]. The Italian Army is commanded by the SME or “Stato Maggiore dell’Esercito” (Chief of the Army General Staff) in Rome. The Chief of staff has direct control of all support and logistics operations in Italy (i.e. military clinics, repair facilities, acquisitions,…), but no direct control of the operational forces, which are all assigned to and commanded by COMFOTER: “Comando delle Forze Operative Terrestri” (Command of Operational Land Forces). ==Operational forces== {{seealso|List of active units of the Italian Army}} COMFOTER has direct command on a [[NATO]] rapid reaction Corps Command (NRDC-IT), of four support brigades (Artillery, Air Defense, Logistics, Engineering), as well as command of the Army Aviation, the Army Communication and Transmission command and of three commands called COMFOD 1, COMFOD 2 and COMALP, which between them command the actual 11 Italian combat Brigades. The attached units are in detail: [[Image:Italian Army.png|thumb|right|500px|Structure of the Italian Army (click to enlarge).]] ===[[Image:CoA mil ITA brg NRDC IT.png|25px]] NRDC-IT=== The NRDC or "NATO Rapid Deployable Corps" is located in Solbiate Olona and has a support brigade at its dependency, formed by: * [[Image:CoA mil ITA brg NRDC IT.png|25px]] Support Brigade in [[Solbiate Olona]] ([[Lombardy]]) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt trasmissioni 01.png|20px]] 1° Signal Regiment in [[Milan]] (Lombardy) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt logistico 33.png|20px]] (33°) Logistic Support Regiment in Solbiate Olona (Lombardy) ===[[Image:CoA mil ITA cdo Comalp.jpg|25px]] COMALP=== [[Image:Br tau fotohome.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Alpini from the [[Alpine Brigade Taurinense|Taurinense Brigade]].]] “Comando Truppe Alpine” (Alpine Troops Command) or [[COMALP]] has command over the professional Mountain Troops of the Italian Army, called "[[Alpine]]s", in Italian ''[[Alpini]]''. It is located in [[Bolzano]] and consist of the following units: * [[Image:CoA mil ITA cdo Comalp.jpg|20px]] COMALP Support Battalion in [[Bolzano]] * [[Image:CoA of Centro di Alpinismo.png|20px]] [[Alpini]] Training Center "Btg Aosta" in [[Aosta]] * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt alpini 004.png|20px]] [[4 Alpini Regiment|4° Alpini Paracadutisti regiment]] (Alpini Parachute Regiment) "btg Monte Cervino" in [[Bolzano]] ([[Province of Bolzano-Bozen|Bolzano-Bozen]]) with 21 [[Bv206S]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] ([[Special forces|Forces for Special Operations]]) * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt alpini 006.png|20px]] [[6 Alpini Regiment|6° Alpini Regiment]] "Btg Bassano" (high altitude training areas) in [[Innichen]] (Bolzano-Bozen) with 21 [[Bv206S]] * [[Image:CoA mil ITA brg Tridentina.jpg|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade Tridentina|Tridentina Division Command]] (without fixed units) in Bolzano (Bolzano-Bozen) * [[Image:CoA mil ITA brg Taurinense.jpg|25px]] '''[[Alpine Brigade Taurinense]] in [[Turin]] ([[Piedmont]])''' ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg log taurinense.png|20px]] "Taurinense" Combat Service Support Battalion in Turin ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt cavalleria 01.png|20px]] 1° Cavalry Regiment "[[Nizza]] Cavalleria" in [[Pinerolo]] (Piedmont) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt alpini 002.png|20px]] [[2 Alpini Regiment|2° Alpini Regiment]] "Btg Saluzzo" in [[Cuneo]] (Piedmont) with 21 [[Bv206S]] and 26 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt alpini 003.png|20px]] [[3 Alpini Regiment|3° Alpini Regiment]] "Btg Susa" in Pinerolo (Piedmont) with 21 [[Bv206S]] and 26 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt alpini 009.png|20px]] [[9 Alpini Regiment|9° Alpini Regiment]] "Btg l'Aquila" in [[L'Aquila]] ([[Abruzzi]]) with 21 [[Bv206S]] and 26 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]] ** [[Image:CoA 1 Artimon Rgt.svg|20px]] [[1 Mountain Artillery Regiment (Italy)|1° Mountain Artillery Regiment]] (alpini) "Grp Aosta" in [[Fossano]] (Piedmont) with 24 [[FH-70]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt genio 32.png|20px]] [[32 Alpine Engineer Regiment|32° Alpine Engineer Regiment]] in Turin (Piedmont) * [[Image:CoA mil ITA brg Julia.jpg|25px]] '''[[Alpine Brigade Julia]] in [[Udine]] ([[Friuli]])''' ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg log julia.png|20px]] "Julia" Combat Service Support Battalion in Udine ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt alpini 005.png|20px]] [[5 Alpini Regiment|5° Alpini Regiment]] "Btg Morbegno" in [[Sterzing]] (South Tyrol Italy) with 21 [[Bv206S]] and 26 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt alpini 007.png|20px]] [[7 Alpini Regiment|7° Alpini Regiment]] "Btg Feltre" in [[Belluno]] (Veneto) with 21 [[Bv206S]] and 26 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt alpini 008.png|20px]] [[8 Alpini Regiment|8° Alpini Regiment]] "Btg Tolmezzo" in [[Cividale]] (Friuli) with 21 [[Bv206S]] and 26 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]] ** [[Image:CoA 3 Artimon Rgt.png|20px]] [[3 Mountain Artillery Regiment (Italy)|3° Mountain Artillery Regiment]] (alpini) "Grp Conegliano" in [[Tolmezzo]] (Friuli) with 24 [[FH-70]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt genio 02.png|20px]] [[2 Alpine Engineer Regiment|2° Alpine Engineer Regiment]] "Btg Iseo" in [[Trento]] (Trentino) ** 1° [[Military of Hungary#Current military|Hungarian]] Light Infantry Battalion (for out of area NATO peacekeeping deployment) ** 10° [[Military of Slovenia|Slovenian]] Motorised Infantry Battalion (for out of area NATO peacekeeping deployment) ===[[Image:CoA mil ITA cdo Comfod 1.jpg|25px]] COMFOD 1=== [[Image:Esercito NH90.jpg|thumb|220px|NH90 Helicopter of the Italian Army]] “Comando Forze di Difesa 1” or COMFOD 1 resides in the north-eastern city of [[Vittorio Veneto]] ([[Veneto]]) and commands the most specialized brigades of the Italian Army: * [[Image:CoA mil ITA div Mantova.jpg|25px]] “[[Mantova]]” Infantry Division Command (without fixed units) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg logistico mantova.png|20px]] "Mantova" Combat Service Support Battalion in [[Vittorio Veneto]] * [[Image:CoA mil ITA b cor Ariete.jpg|25px]] “[[Italian 132nd Armored Division Ariete|Ariete]]” Armored Brigade in Pordenone (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt carri 004.png|20px]] 4° Tank Regiment in Bellinzago Novarese (Piedmont) with 54 [[Ariete]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt carri 032.png|20px]] 32° Tank Regiment in Tauriano (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 54 [[Ariete]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt carri 132.png|20px]] 132° Tank Regiment in Cordenons (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 54 [[Ariete]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt bersaglieri 03.png|20px]] 3° [[Bersaglieri]] mechanized Infantry Regiment in Milan (Lombardy) with 59 VCC ([[M113]] improved) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt bersaglieri 11.png|20px]] 11° [[Bersaglieri]] mechanized Infantry Regiment in Orcenigo Superiore (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 59 [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria 132.png|20px]] 132° Self Propelled Artillery Rgt. “Ariete” in Maniago (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 32 [[M109 howitzer|M109/L]], which will be replaced within 2008 by the [[PzH 2000]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt genio 10.png|20px]] 10° Engineer Regiment in Cremona (Lombardy) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg logistico ariete.png|20px]] "Ariete" Combat Service Support Battalion in Pordenone * [[Image:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|25px]] “[[Folgore Parachute Brigade]] in [[Livorno]] (Tuscany) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA centro paracadutismo.png|20px]] Parachutist Training Center in [[Pisa]] ([[Tuscany]]) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 009.png|20px]] [[9th Parachute Assault Regiment|9° Parachutist Assault Regiment]] “Col Moschin” in Livorno (Tuscany) ([[Special forces]]) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 183.png|20px]] 183° Parachutist Regiment “Nembo” in Pistoia (Tuscany) with 26 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 186.png|20px]] 186° Parachutist Regiment “Folgore” in Siena (Tuscany) with 26 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 187.png|20px]] 187° Parachutist Regiment “Folgore” in Livorno ([[Tuscany]]) with 26 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria 185.png|20px]] 185° Parachutist Reconnaissance Regiment “Folgore” in Livorno (Tuscany) ([[Special forces|Forces for Special Operations]]) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt genio 08.png|20px]] 8° Parachutist Engineer Regiment in Legnago (Veneto) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg logistico folgore.png|20px]] "Folgore" Combat Service Support Battalion in [[Livorno]] * [[Image:CoA mil ITA b amb Friuli.jpg|25px]] “[[Friuli]]” Air Assault Brigade in [[Bologna]] (Emilia) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt cavalleria 03.png|20px]] 3 °Cavalry Regiment “[[Savoy|Savoia]] Cavalleria” in [[Grosseto]] (Tuscany) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt fanteria 066.png|20px]] 66° Air Assault Infantry Regiment “Trieste” in Forlì (Romagna) with 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt aves 5.png|20px]] 5° Army Aviation Regiment “[[Rigel]]” in [[Casarsa]] (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with *** 36 [[Agusta A129 Mangusta|A129 "Mangusta" Attack Helicopters]] *** 12 [[Agusta A109|AB 109EOA "Hirundo"]] Observation helicopters *** 24 [[AB 206|AB 206C/1]] Battlefield Surveillance helicopter ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt aves 7.png|20px]] 7° Army Aviation Regiment “[[Vega]]” in Rimini (Romagna) with *** 24 [[Agusta A129 Mangusta|A129 "Mangusta" Attack Helicopters]] *** 12 [[Agusta A109|AB 109EOA "Hirundo"]] Observation helicopters *** 24 [[AB 412]] Support helicopters ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg logistico friuli.png|20px]] "Friuli" Combat Service Support Battalion in [[Bologna]] * [[Image:CoA mil ITA b cav Pozzuolo.jpg|25px]] “Pozzuolo del Friuli” Cavalry Brigade in [[Gorizia]] ([[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]]) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt cavalleria 02.png|20px]] 2° Cavalry Regiment “[[Piemonte]] Cavalleria” in [[Trieste]] ([[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]]) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt cavalleria 04.png|20px]] 4° Cavalry Regiment “[[Genova]] Cavalleria” in Palmanova (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt cavalleria 05.png|20px]] 5 °Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri di [[Novara]]” in Codroipo (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt Lagunari.png|20px]] Lagunari (Marine Infantry) Regiment “[[Serenissima Regiment|Serenissima]]” in [[Venice]] (Veneto) with 13 [[Amphibious Assault Vehicle|AAV7-A1]] and 41 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria cav.png|20px]] Horse Artillery Regiment "Volòire" in Milan ([[Lombardy]]) with 24 [[FH-70]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt genio 03.png|20px]] 3° Engineer Regiment in Udine (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg logistico pozzuolo.png|20px]] "Pozzuolo del Friuli" Combat Service Support Battalion in [[Gorizia]] ===[[Image:CoA mil ITA cdo Comfod 2.jpg|25px]] COMFOD 2=== “Comando Forze di Difesa 2” or COMFOD 2 resides in S. Giorgio a Cremano near [[Naples]] and commands 5 brigades. Three of those, the brigades “Aosta”, “Pinerolo” and “Granatieri di Sardegna” are made up of one year volunteers and therefore intended for use mainly on Italian soil. The COMFOD 2 commands: * “Acqui” Division Command (without fixed units) * [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg logistico acqui.png|20px]] "Acqui" Combat Service Support Battalion in [[Naples]] * [[Image:CoA mil ITA b ber Garibaldi.jpg|25px]] “[[Garibaldi]]” [[Bersaglieri]] Mechanized Brigade in [[Caserta]] (Campania) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt carri 131.png|20px]] 131° Tank Regiment in Persano (Campania) with 54 [[Leopard 1]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt cavalleria 19.png|20px]] 19 °Cavalry Regiment “Cavalleggeri Guide” in Salerno (Campania) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt bersaglieri 01.png|20px]] 1° Bersaglieri Regiment in Cosenza (Calabria) with 59 [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt bersaglieri 08.png|20px]] 8° Bersaglieri Regiment in Caserta (Campania) with 59 [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria 008.png|20px]] 8° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “[[Pasubio]]” in Persano (Campania) with few [[PzH 2000]], 21 at the and of 2008 ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt genio 21.png|20px]] 21° Engineer Regiment in Caserta (Campania) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg logistico garibaldi.png|20px]] "Garibaldi" Combat Service Support Battalion in Caserta [[Image:8° Reggimento Lancieri di Montebello.png|thumb|220px|Soldiers of the 8° Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri di Montebello”]] [[Image:Lancieri di Aosta Training.jpg|thumb|220px|Soldiers of the 6° Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri di Aosta”]] [[Image:Brigata Sassari.png|thumb|220px|Soldiers of the Sassari Brigade]] * [[Image:CoA mil ITA b mec Granatieri.jpg|25px]] “Granatieri di [[Sardegna]]” Mechanized Brigade in [[Rome]] (Lazio) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt granatieri 1.png|20px]] 1° “Granatieri di Sardegna” Mechanized Infantry Regiment in Rome (Lazio) with 41 Puma 6x6 ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt cavalleria 08.png|20px]] 8° Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri di Montebello” in Rome (Lazio) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria 033.png|20px]] 33° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Acqui” in l'Aquila (Abruzzi) with 24 [[M109 howitzer|M109/L]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg logistico granatieri.png|20px]] "Granatieri di Sardegna" Combat Service Support Battalion in [[Rome]] * [[Image:CoA of the Pinerolo Brigade.svg|25px]] “Pinerolo” Mechanized Brigade in [[Bari]] (Apulia) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt carri 031.png|20px]] 31° Tank Regiment (Battle lab) in [[Altamura]] (Apulia) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt bersaglieri 07.png|20px]] 7° Bersaglieri Regiment in Bari (Apulia) with 59 VCC (M113 improved) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt fanteria 009.png|20px]] 9° Infantry Regiment “Bari” in Trani (Apulia) with 59 VCC (M113 improved) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt fanteria 082.png|20px]] 82° Infantry Regiment “Torino” in Barletta (Apulia) with 59 VCC (M113 improved) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria 021.png|20px]] 21° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Trieste” in Foggia (Apulia) with 24 [[M109 howitzer|M109/L]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt genio 11.png|20px]] 11° Engineer Regiment in Foggia (Apulia) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg logistico pinerolo.png|20px]] "Pinerolo" Combat Service Support Battalion in Bari * [[Image:CoA of the Aosta Battalion.svg|25px]] “[[Aosta]]” Mechanized Brigade [[Messina]] ([[Sicily]]) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt cavalleria 06.png|20px]] 6° Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri d’Aosta” in [[Palermo]] (Sicily) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt bersaglieri 06.png|20px]] 6° Bersaglieri Regiment in [[Trapani]] (Sicily) with 59 VCC (M113 improved) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt fanteria 005.png|20px]] 5° Infantry Regiment “Aosta” in Messina (Sicily) with 59 VCC (M113 improved) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt fanteria 062.png|20px]] 62° Infantry Regiment “Sicilia” in [[Catania]] (Sicily) with 59 VCC (M113 improved) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria 024.png|20px]] 24° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Peloritani” in Messina (Sicily) with 24 [[M109 howitzer|M109/L]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt genio 04.png|20px]] 4° Engineer Regiment in Palermo (Sicily) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg logistico aosta.png|20px]] "Aosta" Combat Service Support Battalion in Messina * [[Image:CoA mil ITA b mec Sassari.jpg|25px]] “[[Sassari]]” Mechanized Brigade in [[Sassari]] ([[Sardinia]]) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt fanteria 151.png|20px]] 151° Infantry Regiment “Sassari” in Cagliari (Sardinia) with 59 VCC (M113 improved) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt fanteria 152.png|20px]] 152° Infantry Regiment “Sassari” in Sassari (Sardinia) with 59 VCC (M113 improved) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt genio 05.png|20px]] 5° Engineer Regiment in Macomer (Sardinia) ===[[Image:CoA mil ITA cdo Cotie.jpg|25px]] CoTIE=== “Comando Trasmissioni e ed Informazioni dell’Esercito” or CoTIE is the Italian Army’s Signal and Information Command, it resides in [[Anzio]] (Lazio) and consists of the following units: * Signal Brigade for Maneuver Support ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt trasmissioni 02.png|20px]] [[2 Signal Regiment (Italy)|2° Signal Regiment]] ([[Alpini]]) in [[Bolzano]] with the Battalions: *** "[[Gardena]]" *** "[[Pordoi]]" ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt trasmissioni 07.png|20px]] 7° Signal Regiment in Sacile with the Battalions: *** "Rolle" *** "Predil" ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt trasmissioni 11.png|20px]] 11° Signal Regiment in Civitavecchia (Lazio) with the Battalions: *** "Leonessa" *** "Tonale" ** 232° Signal Regiment in Avellino (Campania) with the Battalion: *** "Fadalto". * Signal Brigade for National Support ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt trasmissioni 03.png|20px]] 3° Signal Regiment in [[Rome]] (Lazio) with the Battalions: *** "Lanciano" *** "Abetone" *** "Gennargentu". ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt trasmissioni 32.png|20px]] 32° Signal Regiment in Padova (Veneto) with the Battalions : *** "Valles" *** "Frejus". ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt trasmissioni 46.png|20px]] 46° Signal Regiment in Palermo (Sicily) with the Battalions: *** "Mongibello" *** "Vulture". * RISTA-IEW [[ISTAR]] & [[Electronic Warfare]] Brigade ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt guelt 33.png|20px]] 33° EW Regiment “Falzarego” in Treviso (Veneto) ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt cotie 041.png|20px]] 41° Surveillance Regiment “Cordenons” in Sora (Lazio) with [[International Battlefield UAVs (2)|Mirach 20]], [[US Battlefield UAVs (1)|Pointer]], [[RQ-11 Raven|Raven UAVs]] and [[AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder radar|AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder]], [[Elta|Elta SCB 2130]], [[Thales Group|Thales Ranger]], [[ARTHUR (military)|ARTHUR Radars]] ** 13° Intelligence Battalion “Aquileia” in Anzio (Lazio) with [[Iveco LMV|Lince VTML]] * C4-IEW ISTAR/C4 development and integration Brigade ** RSISC4 regiment in Treviso (Veneto) ===[[Image:CoA mil ITA AVES.jpg|25px]] Army Aviation Command=== The Army Aviation Command resides in Viterbo and includes the non combat flying formations of the Army (i.e. Transport Planes, support helicopters,…) * [[Image:CoA mil ITA centro aves.png|25px]] Army Aviation Instruction Center in Viterbo ** 1° Squadron “[[Auriga (constellation)|Auriga]]” in Viterbo with 6 A129, 6 AB205, 6 AB 212, 6 AB412 and 47 AB 206 ** 2° Squadron “[[Sextans|Sestante]]” ** 21° Squadron “[[Ursa Major|Orsa Maggiore]]” in Elmas (Cagliari) with 12 [[AB 205]] * Army Aviation Brigade ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt aves 1.png|20px]] 1° Army Aviation Regiment “[[Antares]]” in Viterbo (Lazio) with 36 [[CH-47 Chinook|CH-47C "Chinook"]] and 6 AB412 ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt aves 2.png|20px]] 2° Army Aviation Regiment “[[Sirius|Sirio]]” in Lamezia Terme (Calabria) with 12 AB 212 and 6 AB205 ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt aves 4.png|20px]] 4° Army Aviation Regiment “[[Altair]]” in Venaria (Piedmont) and Bolzano with 18 [[AB 205]] ** 28° Army Aviation Squadron “[[Tucana|Tucano]]” in Viterbo (Lazio) with 3 [[Dornier Do 228|Dornier DO-228]] and 3 [[Piaggio P-180 Avanti|Piaggio P-180]] ** ITALAIR Squadron in [[UNIFIL|Naqoura]] (Lebanon) with 4 [[AB 205]] ===[[Image:CoA mil ITA b aca.jpg|25px]] Air Defense Brigade=== * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria c a 004.png|20px]] 4° Air Defense Regiment “Peschiera” in Mantova with 30 [[MIM-23 Hawk|Hawk]] surface-to-air missile systems * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria c a 005.png|20px]] 5° Air Defense Regiment “Pescara” in Rovigo with 30 [[MIM-23 Hawk|Hawk]] surface-to-air missile systems * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria c a 017.png|20px]] 17° Air Defense Regiment “Sforzesca” in Sabaudia with [[AIM-7 Sparrow|Skyguard "Aspide"]], [[SIDAM 25]] and [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]] (2 Battalions) * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria c a 121.png|20px]] 121° Air Defense Regiment “Ravenna” in Bologna with [[AIM-7 Sparrow|Skyguard "Aspide"]], [[SIDAM 25]] and [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]] ===[[Image:CoA mil ITA brg Artiglieria.jpg|25px]] Field Artillery Brigade=== * [[Image:CoA 2 Artimon Rgt.png|20px]] [[2 Mountain Artillery Regiment (Italy)|2° Mountain Artillery Regiment]] ([[Alpini]]) "Grp [[Vicenza]]” in [[Trento]] (Trentino) with 24 [[FH-70]] * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria 005.png|20px]] 5° Rocket Artillery Regiment “Superga” in Portogruaro (Veneto) with 22 [[M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System|MLRS]] * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt NBC 007.png|20px]] 7° NBC Defense Regiment “Cremona” in Civitavecchia (Lazio) with [[VAB (armoured personnel carrier)|VAB]] in the NBC configuration * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt fanteria 028.png|20px|Coat of Arms of the 28° Infantry Regiment]] 28° [[Psychological Warfare]] Regiment “Pavia” in Pesaro (Marche) * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria 052.png|20px]] 52° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Torino” in Vercelli (Piedmont) with 32 [[M109 howitzer|M109/L]], soon to be replaced by [[PzH-2000]] ===[[Image:CoA mil ITA brg Genio.jpg|25px]] Engineering Brigade=== * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt genio pontieri.png|20px]] 2° Bridge Engineers Regiment in Piacenza * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt genio 06.png|20px]] 6° Pioneer Engineers Regiment in Rome * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt genio ferrovieri.png|20px]] Railway Engineers Regiment in [[Castel Maggiore]] (near [[Bologna]]; 2 Battalions) ===[[Image:CoA mil ITA b log.jpg|25px]] Logistics Brigade=== * [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg trasporti 01.png|20px]] 1° Maneuver Logistics Regiment in Rivoli * [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg logistico folgore.png|20px]] 6° Maneuver Logistics Regiment in Pisa (Tuscany) * 10° Maneuver Logistics Regiment in Persano (Campania) * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt logistico 24.png|20px]] [[24 Maneuver Logistics Regiment (Italy)|24° Maneuver Logistics Regiment]] ([[Alpini]]) “btg [[Dolomites|Dolomiti]]” in [[Merano]] (South Tyrol) * 1° Transport Regiment in Bellinzago Novarese * [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt trasporti 06.png|20px]] 6° Transport Regiment in Budrio * 8° Transport Regiment in Orzano * 10° Transport Regiment in Bari (Apulia) ===Support units=== The following support units are not under the command of COMFOTER and their role is exclusively the support of units on Italian soil. They are commanded by various sub staffs of the SME- Army General Staff in Rome. * [[Image:CoA mil ITA scuola applicazione.png|25px]] Training Brigade in [[Capua]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt fanteria 017.png|20px]] 17° Infantry Regiment “Acqui” in Capua ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg fanteria 047.png|20px]] 47° Infantry Regiment “Ferrara” in Capua ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg fanteria 057.png|20px]] 57° Infantry Battalion “Abruzzi” in [[Sora]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt fanteria 080.png|20px]] 80° Infantry Regiment “Roma” in [[Cassino]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt fanteria 085.png|20px]] 85° Infantry Regiment “Verona” in Montorio Veronese ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg fanteria 091.png|20px]] 91° Training Battalion “Lucania” in [[Potenza]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg fanteria 123.png|20px]] 123° Infantry Regiment “Chieti” in [[Chieti]] ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt fanteria 235.png|20px]] 235° Infantry Regiment “Piceno” in [[Ascoli Piceno]] * other Training units: ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt carri 001.png|20px]] 1° Tank Regiment in Capo Teulada (Sardinia) * Technical Support and Logistics units: ** Military Region North *** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt trasmissioni 184.png|20px]] 184° Signal Support Regiment in [[Treviso]] *** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt sost aves 2.png|20px]] 2° Army Aviation Support Regiment “[[Orion (constellation)|Orione]]” in [[Bologna]] *** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt sost aves 3.png|20px]] 3° Army Aviation Support Regiment “[[Aquila (constellation)|Aquila]]” in [[Orio al Serio]] ** Military Region South *** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt trasmissioni 44.png|20px]] 44° Signal Support Regiment in [[Rome]] *** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt sost aves 1.png|20px]] 1° Army Aviation Support Regiment “[[Hydra (constellation)|Idra]]” in Bracciano *** [[Image:CoA mil ITA rgt sost aves 4.png|20px]] 4° Army Aviation Support Regiment “[[Scorpius|Scorpione]]” in [[Viterbo]] * Others ** 8° Transport Regiment “Casilina” ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA autogr manovra 11.png|20px]] 11° Transport Battalion “Flaminia” ** [[Image:CoA mil ITA btg fanteria 057.png|20px]] 57° Infantry Battalion “Abruzzi” in [[Rome]] ==Effective operational capability== [[Image:Italian Army Collar Patches.png|thumb|360px|Collar patches worn by soldiers of the Italian Army.]] All brigades may be deployed outside Italy and are often involved in peace-keeping operations on foreign soil. The brigades are combat brigades, numbering between 3-7,000 troops each. These units are the pride of the Italian Army and are a front-line well-equipped force capable of dealing with most emergency situations. They are characterised by quality, efficiency, motivation and mobility. In total numbers the Italian Army can field about 85,000 ground troops out of a total Army strength of 112,000 men and women. Units designated as regiments are large battalions which consist of a large Command, Logistics, and Support Company plus a combat battalion, which, in the case of the infantry (Alpini, Bersaglieri, Granatieri, [[Lagunari]], Infantry) units, consists of: : 3 or 4 Infantry Companies : 1 Mortar/Weapons Company : 1 Antitank Company The naming has historical reasons. Most regiments are deployed singularly, especially the support brigades' regiments as adjuncts to combat units, formed for the task ahead. ==Equipment== ===Weapons=== * [[Beretta AR70/90]] - [[5.56 mm NATO|5.56 mm]] [[assault rifle]] (also in SC version) * [[M4 Carbine]] - [[5.56 mm NATO|5.56 mm]] [[assault rifle]] (special forces) * [[Beretta Model 12]] - [[9 mm Luger Parabellum]] [[Submachine gun]] * [[Beretta 92FS]] - [[9 x 19 mm]] [[pistol]] * [[Heckler & Koch MP5]] - [[9 mm Luger Parabellum]] [[Submachine gun]] * [[FN Minimi|Minimi]] - [[5.56 mm]] [[light machine gun]] * [[Rheinmetall MG3|MG42/59 - MG3]] - [[7.62 mm]] [[machine gun]] * [[M2 Browning]] - [[12.7 mm]] machine gun * [[Franchi]] [[SPAS 15]] - [[Shotgun]] * [[Sako]] [[Sako TRG|TGR-42]] - [[.338 Lapua]] [[sniper rifle]] * [[Barrett M82|Barrett M82A1]] - [[.50 BMG]] sniper rifle * [[Panzerfaust 3]] - [[Rocket propelled grenade]] * [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW II]] - [[Anti-tank guided missile]] * [[MILAN|MILAN 2T]] - Anti-tank guided missile * [[Spike (missile)|Spike MR/LR]] - Anti-tank guided missile * [[FIM-92 Stinger]] - [[Man-portable air-defense systems]] * [[Hirtenberger]] [[M6-111]] - [[Mortar]] ===Combat vehicles=== [[Image:Ariete.jpg|thumb|220px|Ariete]] [[Image:2june 2007 352.jpg|thumb|220px|Freccia]] * [[Ariete]] - [[Main Battle Tank]] (200) * [[Leopard 1]] - Main Battle Tank (120) * [[Centauro]] - Armour fire Support Vehicle/[[Tank destroyer]] (400 purchased, 300 in service) * [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] - [[Infantry fighting vehicle]] (200) * [[B1 Centauro|VBM Freccia]] - Infantry fighting vehicle (249 ordered, delivery in 2008) * [[M113|M113/M113 A1]] - [[Armoured personnel carrier]] (3000+ purchased) * [[M113 Armored Personnel Carrier variants#Italy|VCC-1/VCC-2]] - Armoured personnel carrier (1638 purchased, 700 in service) * [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]] - Wheeled armoured personnel carrier (250) * [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] - Wheeled armoured recon vehicle (330) * [[Bv206S]] - Armoured personnel carrier (189) * [[Iveco|VM90/Armored VM90]] - [[Infantry Mobility Vehicle]] (1000+) * [[Iveco LMV|VTLM Lince]] - Infantry Mobility Vehicle (1260, delivery 2007-2010) * [[Amphibious Assault Vehicle|AAV7-A1]] - Amphibious assault vehicle (35 LVPT7, 25 upgraded to AAV-7A1 standard) * [[SIDAM 25]] - [[Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon]] * [[Leopard 1|Bergeleopard/biber/pionier]] - Armoured engineering vehicle (120+) ===Artillery=== * [[M109 howitzer|M109L]] [[Self-propelled howitzer]] (192) * [[PzH 2000]] Self-propelled howitzer (70) * [[FH-70]] [[Howitzer|Towed howitzer]] (120) * [[MLRS]] Multiple Launch Rocket System (22) * [[Mortier 120mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1|120mm F1]] [[Mortar]] === Aircraft inventory === [[Image:PzH2000 houwitser.png|thumb|220px|PzH 2000]] [[Image:Multiple Launch Rocket System.jpg|thumb|220px|MLRS]] [[Image:AgustaA129 03.jpg|thumb|220px|A129 Mangusta]] The Italian Army operates 484 aircraft, including 471 helicopters. {{Standard table|0}} ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Aircraft ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Origin ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Type ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Versions ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|In service<ref name="awst_20070115">"World Military Aircraft Inventory", Aerospace Source Book 2007, ''[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]'', [[January 15]] [[2007]].</ref> ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Notes |----- | [[Agusta A129 Mangusta]] || {{ITA}} || attack helicopter || CBT || 60 || |----- | [[Agusta A109]] || {{ITA}} || utility helicopter || A109EOA ||25 || |----- | [[UH-1 Iroquois|Bell 205]] || {{USA}} || utility helicopter || AB 205A || 89 || built by Agusta |----- | [[UH-1 Iroquois|Bell 206]] || {{USA}} || utility helicopter || AB 206A<hr>AB 206B || <hr>56 || built by Agusta |----- | [[Bell 212]] || {{USA}} || transport helicopter || AB 212 || 12 || built by Agusta |----- | [[Bell 412]] || {{USA}} || transport helicopter || AB 412 || 23 || built by Agusta |----- | [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook]] || {{USA}} || transport helicopter || CH-47C || 36 || built by Agusta |----- | [[NHI NH90]] || {{EU}} || transport helicopter || TTH || 60 || |----- | [[Dornier Do 228]] || {{GER}} || utility transport || Do 228-200 || 3 || |----- | [[Piaggio P180 Avanti]] || {{ITA}} || utility transport || P.180 M || 3 || |} ==Operations== A post-[[World War II]] [[peace treaty]] signed by Italy prevented the country from deploying military forces in overseas operations as well as possessing fixed-wing vessel-based aircraft for twenty-five years following the end of the war. This treaty expired in 1970, but it would not be until 1982 that Italy first deployed troops on foreign soil, with a peacekeeping contingent being dispatched to Beirut following a [[United Nations]] request for troops. Since the 1980s, Italian troops have participated with other Western countries in peacekeeping operations across the world, especially in [[Africa]], [[Balkan Peninsula]] and the [[Middle East]]. As of yet, the Italian Army has not engaged in major combat operations since World War II; though Italian Special Forces have taken part in anti-Taliban operations in Afghanistan as part of Task Force 'Nibbio'. Italy was not yet a member of the United Nations in 1950, when that organization went to [[Korean War|war with North Korea]]. Italy did take part in the 1990-91 [[First Gulf War|Gulf War]] but solely through the deployment of eight Italian Air Force Panavia Tornado IDS bomber jets to [[Saudi Arabia]]; Italian Army troops were subsequently deployed to assist [[Kurdish people|Kurdish]] refugees in northern [[Iraq]] following the conflict. As part of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] in response to the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], Italy contributed to the international operation in [[Afghanistan]]. Italian forces have contributed to [[ISAF]], the NATO force in [[Afghanistan]], and a [[Provincial reconstruction team]] and 5 Italian soldiers have died under ISAF. Italy has sent 411 troops, based on one infantry company from the [[2 Alpini Regiment|2nd Alpini Regiment]] tasked to protect the ISAF HQ, one engineer company, one NBC platoon, one logistic unit, as well as liaison and staff elements integrated into the operation chain of command. Italian forces also command a multinational engineer task force and have deployed a platoon of Italian [[military police]]. Three [[Bell 212|AB 212]] helicopters also were deployed to Kabul. The Italian Army did not take part in combat operations of the 2003 [[Iraq War|Second Gulf War]], dispatching troops only after May 1, 2003 - when major combat operations were declared over by the [[President of the United States|U.S. President]] [[George W. Bush]]. Subsequently Italian troops arrived in the late summer of 2003, and began patrolling [[Nasiriyah]] and the surrounding area. On 26 May, 2006, Italian foreign minister [[Massimo d'Alema]] announced that the Italian forces would be reduced to 1,600 by June. As of June 2006 32 Italian troops have been killed in Iraq - with the greatest single loss of life coming on November 12, [[2003]] - a suicide car bombing of the Italian [[Carabinieri]] Corps HQ left a dozen Carabinieri, five Army soldiers, two Italian civilians, and eight Iraqi civilians dead. As of 2006, Italy ranks third in the world in number of military forces operating in peacekeeping and peace-enforcing scenarios [[International Security Assistance Force|Afghanistan]], [[Kosovo Force|Kosovo]], [[European Union Force|Bosnia and Herzegovina]], and [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|Lebanon]] following only the United States and United Kingdom. A recent law promotes membership of the Italian Army guaranteeing volunteers post-Army careers in the [[Carabinieri]], [[Polizia di Stato|Italian State Police]], [[Guardia di Finanza|Customs Police]], [[Corpo Forestale dello Stato|State Forestry Department]], [[Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco|Fire Department]] and other state bodies. ==See also== * [[Regio Esercito (World War II)]] * [[Army aviation]] ==References== {{Reflist}} ==Sources== * {{cite book|first=John |last=Bierman |coauthors=Smith, Colin| title=War without hate : the desert campaign of 1940-1943| publisher=Penguin Books |location=New York| origdate=2002|edition=New edition| date=2003| isbn=978-0142003947}} * {{cite book| first=Eddy| last=Bauer| coauthors=Young, Peter (general editor)| title=The History of World War II| location=London, UK| publisher=Orbis Publishing| origdate=1979| edition=Revised edition| date=2000| isbn=1-85605-552-3}} * Garibaldi, Luciano; foreword by Blitzer, Wolf ''Century of War''. Friedman/Fairfax Publishers. New York, 2001 ISBN 1-58663-342-2 * Paolo Valpolini, 'Restructure aims to meet changing roles,' [[Jane's Defence Weekly]], 11 February 1998, p.22-25 * {{cite book| first=Ian W.| last=Walker| title=Iron Hulls, Iron Hearts; Mussolini's Elite Armoured Divisions in North Africa| publisher=The Crowood Press| location=Ramsbury| date=2003| isbn=1-86126-646-4}} ==External links== *[http://collections.civilisations.ca/warclip/objects/common/webmedia.php?irn=5000808 The German High Command on 28 October 1941, reporting the repulse of desperate Russian counterattacks in the Donets Basin, credited Italian troops today with throwing back the attackers] *[http://collections.civilisations.ca/warclip/objects/common/webmedia.php?irn=5001262 Berlin, credited on 10 November 1942 to Italian troops a repulse of a Russian attempt to cross the Don River] *[http://collections.civilisations.ca/warclip/objects/common/webmedia.php?irn=5001297 The Italian High Command report the capture of 300 British parachute soldiers by part of the Bersaglieri] * [http://www.esercito.difesa.it/ Official Homepage of the Italian Army] {{it icon}} * [http://www.comandosupremo.com/Campaigns.html "Commando Supremo: Italy at War" ] {{Italian Military}} [[Category:Military of Italy]] [[Category:Armies by country]] [[Category:Army aviation]] [[de:Esercito Italiano]] [[es:Ejército italiano]] [[fr:Armée de terre italienne]] [[it:Esercito Italiano]] [[ja:イタリア陸軍]] [[no:Esercito Italiano]] [[ru:Сухопутные войска Италии]]