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The Italian Army was formed on, and celebrates its birthday since then, on 4 May 1861
 
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{{Short description|Land warfare branch of Italy's military forces}}
{{Short description|Land warfare branch of Italy's military forces}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2013}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Italian Army
| unit_name = Italian Army
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| image = [[File:Coat_of_arms_of_the_Esercito_Italiano.svg|centre|180px]]
| image = [[File:Coat_of_arms_of_the_Esercito_Italiano.svg|centre|180px]]
| caption = Coat of arms of the Italian Army
| caption = Coat of arms of the Italian Army
| start_date = 27 March 1861
| start_date = 4 May 1861<br />({{Age in years and months|1861|3|27}})
| country = {{flagu|Italy}}
| country = {{flagu|Italy}}
| allegiance =
| allegiance =
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| nickname =
| nickname =
| patron =
| patron =
| motto = {{lang-la|Salus Rei Publicae Suprema Lex Esto}}<br />"The safeguard of the republic shall be the supreme law"
| motto = {{langx|la|Salus Rei Publicae Suprema Lex Esto}}<br />"The safeguard of the republic shall be the supreme law"
| colors =
| colors =
| colors_labels =
| colors_labels =
| march = ''Parata d'Eroi'' ("Heroes's parade") by Francesco Pellegrino,<br /> ''4 Maggio'' (May 4) by Fulvio Creux
| march = ''4 Maggio'' (May 4) by Fulvio Creux
| mascot =
| mascot =
| equipment =
| equipment =
| equipment_label =
| equipment_label =
| battles = [[Italian unification|Risorgimento]]<br />[[War of 1866]]<br />[[First Italo-Abyssinian War]]<br />[[Italo-Turkish War]]<br />[[World War I]]<br />[[Second Italo-Abyssinian War]]<br />[[Spanish Civil War]]<br />[[Italian invasion of Albania]]<br />[[World War II]]<br />[[Kosovo War]]<br />[[1999 East Timorese crisis]]<br />[[War on Terror|Global War on Terrorism]]
| battles = [[Italian unification|Risorgimento]]<br />[[War of 1866]]<br />[[Italo-Ethiopian War of 1887–1889]]<br />[[Mahdist War]]<br />[[First Italo-Abyssinian War]]<br />[[Boxer Rebellion]]<br />[[Italo-Turkish War]]<br />[[World War I]]<br />[[Second Italo-Abyssinian War]]<br />[[Spanish Civil War]]<br />[[Italian invasion of Albania]]<br />[[World War II]]<br />[[Gulf War]]<br />[[Kosovo War]]<br />[[1999 East Timorese crisis]]<br />[[War on Terror|Global War on Terrorism]]
*[[Iraq War]]
*[[Iraq War]]
*[[War in Afghanistan (2001–14)|War in Afghanistan]]
*[[War in Afghanistan (2001–14)|War in Afghanistan]]
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| commander1 = [[Sergio Mattarella]]
| commander1 = [[Sergio Mattarella]]
| commander1_label = [[President of Italy]]
| commander1_label = [[President of Italy]]
| commander2 = Generale di Corpo d'Armata<br /> [[Pietro Serino (soldier)|Pietro Serino
| commander2 = Generale di Corpo d'Armata<br /> [[Carmine Masiello]]
| commander2_label = [[Chief of Staff of the Italian Army|Chief of Staff]]
]]
| commander2_label = Capo di Stato Maggiore dell’Esercito<br />([[Chief of Staff of the Italian Army|Chief of Staff]])
| commander3 =
| commander3 =
| commander3_label =
| commander3_label =
| notable_commanders = [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]]<br />[[Luigi Cadorna]]<br />[[Armando Diaz]]<br />[[Emanuele Filiberto, 2nd Duke of Aosta]]<br />[[Enrico Caviglia]]<br />[[Pietro Badoglio]]<br />[[Giovanni Messe]]
| notable_commanders = [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]]<br />[[Luigi Cadorna]]<br />[[Armando Diaz]]<br />[[Emanuele Filiberto, 2nd Duke of Aosta]]<br />[[Enrico Caviglia]]<br />[[Pietro Badoglio]]<br />[[Giovanni Messe]]
<!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol = [[File:Logo of the Italian Army.png|85px]]
<!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol = [[File:Logo of the Italian Army.svg|85px]]
| identification_symbol_label = Logo
| identification_symbol_label = Logo
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:Wordmark of the Italian Army.svg|155px]]
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:Wordmark of the Italian Army.svg|155px]]
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}}
}}
[[File:Dardo 2.jpg|thumb|[[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] [[IFV]]s on an exercise in Capo Teulada]]
[[File:Dardo 2.jpg|thumb|[[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] [[IFV]]s on an exercise in Capo Teulada]]
The '''Italian Army''' ({{Lang-it|Esercito Italiano}} [{{Lang|it|EI}}]) is the [[Army|land-based]] component of the [[Italian Armed Forces]]. The army's history dates back to the [[Italian unification]] in the 1850s and 1860s. The army fought in colonial engagements in China, [[Italo-Turkish War|Libya]], [[Northern Italy]] against the [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]] during [[World War I]], Abyssinia before World War II and in World War II in Albania, Balkans, North Africa, the Soviet Union, and Italy itself. During the [[Cold War]], the army prepared itself to defend against a [[Warsaw Pact]] invasion from the east. Since the end of the Cold War, the army has seen extensive peacekeeping service and combat in [[Afghanistan]] and [[Iraq]]. Its best-known [[combat vehicle]]s are the [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]], the [[B1 Centauro|Centauro]] [[tank destroyer]] and the [[Ariete]] [[tank]] and among its aircraft the [[Agusta A129 Mangusta|Mangusta]] [[attack helicopter]], recently deployed in UN missions. The headquarters of the Army General Staff are located in [[Rome]] opposite the [[Quirinal Palace]], where the [[president of Italy]] resides. The army is an all-volunteer force of [[active duty|active-duty]] personnel.
The '''Italian Army''' ({{Langx|it|Esercito Italiano}} [{{Lang|it|EI}}]) is the [[Army|land force]] branch of the [[Italian Armed Forces]]. The army's history dates back to the [[Italian unification]] in the 1850s and 1860s. The army fought in colonial engagements in China, [[Italo-Turkish War|Libya]], [[Northern Italy]] against the [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]] during [[World War I]], Abyssinia before World War II and in World War II in Albania, Balkans, North Africa, the Soviet Union, and Italy itself. During the [[Cold War]], the army prepared itself to defend against a [[Warsaw Pact]] invasion from the east. Since the end of the Cold War, the army has seen extensive peacekeeping service and combat in [[Afghanistan]] and [[Iraq]]. Its best-known [[combat vehicle]]s are the [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]], the [[B1 Centauro|Centauro]] [[tank destroyer]] and the [[Ariete]] [[tank]] and among its aircraft the [[Agusta A129 Mangusta|Mangusta]] [[attack helicopter]], recently deployed in UN missions. The headquarters of the Army General Staff are located in [[Rome]] opposite the [[Quirinal Palace]], where the [[president of Italy]] resides. The army is an all-volunteer force of [[active duty|active-duty]] personnel.


== History ==
== History ==
The Italian Army originated as the [[Royal Italian Army|Royal Army]] (''[[Regio Esercito]]'') which dates from the [[proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy]] following the seizure of the [[Papal States]] and the unification of Italy (''[[Risorgimento]]''). In 1861, under the leadership of [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]], [[Victor Emmanuel II of Italy|Victor Emmanuel II]] of the [[House of Savoy]] was invited to take the throne and of the newly created kingdom.
The Italian Army originated as the [[Royal Italian Army|Royal Army]] (''[[Regio Esercito]]''), which dates from the [[proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy]] following the seizure of the [[Papal States]] and the unification of Italy (''[[Risorgimento]]''). In 1861, under the leadership of [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]], [[Victor Emmanuel II of Italy|Victor Emmanuel II]] of the [[House of Savoy]] was invited to take the throne and of the newly created kingdom.


Italian expeditions were dispatched to China during the [[Boxer Rebellion]] of 1900 and to Libya during the [[Italo-Turkish War]] of 1911–1912.
Italian expeditions were dispatched to China during the [[Boxer Rebellion]] of 1900 and to Libya during the [[Italo-Turkish War]] of 1911–1912.


=== World War I ===
=== World War I ===
{{See also|Italy in World War I|Italian Campaign (World War I)}}
{{See also|Italian Campaign (World War I)|Military history of Italy during World War I}}
The Italian Royal Army's first real taste of modern warfare was during [[World War I]]. Most of the actions were fought in [[Italian Campaign (World War I)|northern Italy]], and the Royal Army suffered many casualties. This included over 700,000 dead. In particular, the frequency of the offensives in which Italian soldiers participated between May 1915 and August 1917, one every three months, was higher than demanded by the armies on the Western Front. Italian discipline was also harsher, with punishments for infractions of duty of a severity not known in the German, French, and British armies.<ref>{{cite book |last=Keegan |first=John |author-link=John Keegan |title=The first World War; An Illustrated History |publisher=Hutchinson

The Italian Royal Army's first real taste of modern warfare was during [[World War I]]. Most of the actions were fought in [[Italian Campaign (World War I)|northern Italy]] and the Royal Army suffered many casualties. This included over 700,000 dead. In particular, the frequency of the offensives in which Italian soldiers participated between May 1915 and August 1917, one every three months, was higher than demanded by the armies on the Western Front. Italian discipline was also harsher, with punishments for infractions of duty of a severity not known in the German, French, and British armies.<ref>{{cite book |last=Keegan |first=John |author-link=John Keegan |title=The first World War; An Illustrated History |publisher=Hutchinson
|location=London |year=2001 |isbn=0-09-179392-0}}, p.319</ref>
|location=London |year=2001 |isbn=0-09-179392-0}}, p.319</ref>


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{{See also|Military history of Italy during World War II|Royal Italian Army during World War II}}
{{See also|Military history of Italy during World War II|Royal Italian Army during World War II}}


On paper, 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 II]], though in reality it could not field the numbers claimed, and it was one of the pioneers in the use of [[Paracadutisti|paratroopers]]. Due to their generally smaller size, many Italian divisions were reinforced by an Assault Group (''Gruppo d'Assalto'') of two battalions of [[Blackshirts]] ([[Blackshirts|MVSN]]).
On paper, 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 II]], and it was one of the pioneers in using [[Paracadutisti|paratroopers]]. In reality, it could not field the numbers claimed. Due to their generally smaller size, many Italian divisions were reinforced by an Assault Group (''Gruppo d'Assalto'') of two battalions of [[Blackshirts]] ([[Blackshirts|MVSN]]).


Reports of Italian military prowess in the Second World War were, almost always, dismissive. This perception was the result of disastrous Italian offensives against [[Western Desert Campaign|Egypt]] and the performance of the army in the [[Greco-Italian War]]. Both campaigns were ill-prepared and executed inadequately. The [[Tenth Army (Italy)|Italian 10th Army]] [[Italian invasion of Egypt|initially advanced into Egypt]] but surrendered after being pushed back into central Libya and almost all destroyed by a force one fifth its size in the British three-month campaign of [[Operation Compass]].
Reports of Italian military prowess in the Second World War were almost always dismissive. This perception was the result of disastrous Italian offensives against [[Western Desert Campaign|Egypt]] and the performance of the army in the [[Greco-Italian War]]. Both campaigns were ill-prepared and executed inadequately. The [[Tenth Army (Italy)|Italian 10th Army]] [[Italian invasion of Egypt|initially advanced into Egypt]] but surrendered after being pushed back into central Libya and almost all destroyed by British forces a fifth its size during the three-month [[Operation Compass]].


Incompetent military leadership was aggravated by the Italian military's equipment, which predominantly dated back to the First World War and was not up to the standard of either the Allied or the German armies.<ref>{{cite book|first=John |last=Bierman |author2=Smith, Colin |title=War without Hate: The Desert Campaign of 1940–1943 |publisher=Penguin Books |location=New York |orig-year=2002|edition=New |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-14-200394-7}} pp.13–14</ref> Italian 'medium' [[Fiat M11/39|M11]], [[Fiat M13/40|M13]], [[Fiat M14/41|M14]] and [[M15/42 tank|M15]] tanks were at a marked disadvantage against the comparatively heavily armed American [[M4 Sherman|Sherman]] tanks, for example. More crucially, Italy lacked suitable quantities of equipment of all kinds and the [[Comando Supremo|Italian high command]] did not take necessary steps to plan for possible setbacks on the battlefield, or for proper logistical support to its field armies.<ref>{{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 |year=2003 |isbn=1-86126-646-4}}, pp.9–29</ref> There were too few anti-aircraft weapons, obsolete anti-tank guns, and too few trucks.
The incompetent military leadership was aggravated by the Italian military's equipment, which predominantly dated back to the First World War and was not up to the standard of either the Allied or the German armies.<ref>{{cite book|first=John |last=Bierman |author2=Smith, Colin |title=War without Hate: The Desert Campaign of 1940–1943 |publisher=Penguin Books |location=New York |orig-year=2002|edition=New |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-14-200394-7}} pp.13–14</ref> Italian 'medium' [[Fiat M11/39|M11]], [[Fiat M13/40|M13]], [[Fiat M14/41|M14]] and [[M15/42 tank|M15]] tanks were at a marked disadvantage against the comparatively heavily armed American [[M4 Sherman|Sherman]] tanks, for example. More crucially, Italy lacked suitable quantities of equipment of all kinds, and the [[Comando Supremo|Italian high command]] did not take the necessary steps to plan for possible battlefield setbacks or proper logistical support to its field armies.<ref>{{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 |year=2003 |isbn=1-86126-646-4}}, pp.9–29</ref> There were too few anti-aircraft weapons, obsolete anti-tank guns, and too few trucks.


The [[Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia]] fought under General [[Giovanni Messe]], who acknowledged the limitations of his Corps in material and equipment and thus was relieved of his command on November 1, 1942. When the Soviet offensive [[Operation Saturn]] began on December 12, 1942 [[Italian participation in the Eastern Front#The Italian 8th Army or Italian Army in Russia|the Italian 8th Army]] was quickly crushed. Only about a third of its troops managed to escape the Soviet cauldron, including from the three Alpini Divisions [[2 Alpine Division Tridentina|Tridentina]], [[3 Alpine Division Julia|Julia]] and [[4 Alpine Division Cuneense|Cuneense]].
The [[Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia]] fought under General [[Giovanni Messe]], who acknowledged the limitations of his Corps in material and equipment and thus was relieved of his command on November 1, 1942. When the Soviet offensive [[Operation Saturn]] began on December 12, 1942 [[Italian participation in the Eastern Front#The Italian 8th Army or Italian Army in Russia|the Italian 8th Army]] was quickly crushed. Only about a third of its troops managed to escape the Soviet cauldron, including from the three Alpini Divisions [[2 Alpine Division Tridentina|Tridentina]], [[3 Alpine Division Julia|Julia]] and [[4 Alpine Division Cuneense|Cuneense]].


In North Africa, the Italian [[132 Armored Division Ariete]] and the [[185 Airborne Division Folgore]] fought to total annihilation at the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]]. Although the battle was lost, the determined resistance of the Italian soldiers at the [[Battle of Keren]] in East Africa is still commemorated today by the Italian military.
In North Africa, the Italian [[132nd Armored Division "Ariete"]] and the [[185th Infantry Division "Folgore"]] fought to total annihilation at the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]]. Although the battle was lost, the 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 dropped and when the [[Allied invasion of Sicily|Allies landed in Sicily]] on July 10, 1943 most Italian Coastal divisions simply dissolved. The sagging morale led to the overthrow of Italian dictator [[Benito Mussolini]] by King [[Victor Emmanuel III of Italy]] 15 days later.
After the Axis defeat in Tunisia, the morale of the Italian troops dropped. Once the [[Allied invasion of Sicily|Allies landed in Sicily]] on July 10, 1943, most Italian Coastal divisions simply dissolved. The sagging morale led to the overthrow of Italian dictator [[Benito Mussolini]] by King [[Victor Emmanuel III of Italy]] 15 days later.


In September 1943, [[Armistice between Italy and Allied armed forces|Italy made an armistice with the Allies]] and split into the [[Italian Social Republic]] – effectively a puppet state of Germany – in the north and that of the Badoglio government in the south. The [[Italian Co-Belligerent Army]] (''Esercito Cobelligerante Italiano'') was 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 Italian soldiers fighting in this army no longer fought for [[Benito Mussolini]] as their allegiance was to King [[Victor Emmanuel III of Italy|Victor Emmanuel]] and to [[Marshal of Italy]] (Maresciallo d'Italia) [[Pietro Badoglio]], the men who ousted Mussolini.
In September 1943, [[Armistice between Italy and Allied armed forces|Italy made an armistice with the Allies]] and split into the [[Italian Social Republic]] – effectively a puppet state of Germany – in the north and that of the Badoglio government in the south. The [[Italian Co-Belligerent Army]] (''Esercito Cobelligerante Italiano'') was 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 Italian soldiers fighting in this army no longer fought for [[Benito Mussolini]] as their allegiance was to King [[Victor Emmanuel III of Italy|Victor Emmanuel]] and to [[Marshal of Italy]] (Maresciallo d'Italia) [[Pietro Badoglio]], the men who ousted Mussolini.


=== Cold War ===
=== Cold War ===
The kingdom was replaced by a [[Republic of Italy|Republic]] in June 1946 and the Royal Army changed its name to become the Italian Army ("Esercito Italiano"). Initially the army fielded five infantry divisions, created from the five combat groups of the [[Italian Co-belligerent Army]], and equipped with British materiel. Additionally the army fielded three internal security divisions without heavy equipment to garrison the country's two major islands:
Following the [[1946 Italian institutional referendum|2 June 1946 Italian institutional referendum]], on 10 June the kingdom was replaced by a [[Republic of Italy|Republic]], and the Royal Army changed its name to become the Italian Army ("Esercito Italiano"). Initially, the army fielded five infantry divisions, created from the five combat groups of the [[Italian Co-belligerent Army]] and equipped with British material. Additionally the army fielded three internal security divisions without heavy equipment to garrison the country's two major islands:
* [[Cremona Motorized Brigade|Infantry Division "Cremona"]], in [[Turin]] (formerly part of [[V Corps (United Kingdom)|British V Corps]])
* [[Folgore Mechanized Division|Infantry Division "Folgore"]], [[Florence]] (formerly part of [[XIII Corps (United Kingdom)|British XIII Corps]])
* [[20th Infantry Division Friuli|Infantry Division "Friuli"]], in [[Bolzano]] (formerly part of [[II Corps (Poland)|Polish II Corps]])
* [[Legnano Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Division "Legnano"]], in [[Bergamo]] (formerly part of Polish II Corps)
* [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Division "Mantova"]], in [[Varazze]] (formerly part of [[Eighth Army (United Kingdom)|British Eighth Army]])
* [[28th Infantry Division Aosta|Internal Security Division "Aosta"]], in [[Palermo]] on [[Sicily]]
* [[30th Infantry Division Sabauda|Internal Security Division "Sabauda"]], in [[Enna]] on Sicily
* [[31st Infantry Division Calabria|Internal Security Division "Calabria"]], in [[Sassari]] on [[Sardinia]]


* [[Infantry Division "Cremona"]], in [[Turin]] (formerly part of [[V Corps (United Kingdom)|British V Corps]])
As the status of the city of [[Free Territory of Trieste]] was disputed by the [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]] the Italian army moved the [[Folgore Mechanized Division|"Folgore"]] to [[Treviso]] and the [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|"Mantova"]] to [[Gorizia]] in 1947. At the same time the army began the process of raising an additional seven divisions, and five [[Alpini]] brigades.
* [[Aosta Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Division "Aosta"]], in [[Messina]] (activated 1 February 1948)
* [[Infantry Division "Folgore"]], [[Florence]] (formerly part of [[XIII Corps (United Kingdom)|British XIII Corps]])
* [[Granatieri di Sardegna Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Division "Granatieri di Sardegna"]], in [[Civitavecchia]] (activated 1 April 1948)
* [[Infantry Division "Friuli"]], in [[Bolzano]] (formerly part of [[II Corps (Poland)|Polish II Corps]])
* [[Infantry Division "Legnano"]], in [[Bergamo]] (formerly part of Polish II Corps)
* [[Infantry Division "Mantova"]], in [[Varazze]] (formerly part of [[Eighth Army (United Kingdom)|British Eighth Army]])
* [[Internal Security Division "Aosta"]], in [[Palermo]] on [[Sicily]]
* [[Internal Security Division "Sabauda"]], in [[Enna]] on Sicily
* [[Internal Security Division "Calabria"]], in [[Sassari]] on [[Sardinia]]

As the status of the city of [[Free Territory of Trieste]] was disputed by the [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]] the Italian army moved the [[Infantry Division "Folgore"]] to [[Treviso]] and the [[Infantry Division "Mantova"]] to [[Gorizia]] in 1947. At the same time, the army began training an additional seven divisions and five [[Alpini]] brigades.

* [[Infantry Division "Aosta"]], in [[Messina]] (activated 1 February 1948)
* [[Infantry Division "Granatieri di Sardegna"]], in [[Civitavecchia]] (activated 1 April 1948)
* Infantry Division "Avellino", in [[Salerno]] (at reduced strength) (activated 1 September 1949)
* Infantry Division "Avellino", in [[Salerno]] (at reduced strength) (activated 1 September 1949)
* [[Alpine Brigade Julia|Alpine Brigade "Julia"]], in [[Cividale del Friuli]] (activated 15 October 1949)
* [[Alpine Brigade "Julia"]], in [[Cividale del Friuli]] (activated 15 October 1949)
* [[Trieste Mechanized Brigade|Motorized Infantry Division "Trieste"]], in [[Bologna]] (activated 1 June 1950)
* [[Infantry Division "Trieste"]], in [[Bologna]] (activated 1 June 1950)
* [[Alpine Brigade Tridentina|Alpine Brigade "Tridentina"]], in [[Bressanone]] (activated 1 May 1951)
* [[Alpine Brigade "Tridentina"]], in [[Bressanone]] (activated 1 May 1951)
* [[Pinerolo Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Division "Pinerolo"]], in [[Bari]] (at reduced strength) (activated 15 April 1952)
* [[Infantry Division "Pinerolo"]], in [[Bari]] (at reduced strength) (activated 15 April 1952)
* [[Alpine Brigade Taurinense|Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]], in [[Turin]] (activated 15 April 1952)
* [[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]], in [[Turin]] (activated 15 April 1952)
* [[132nd Armoured Division Ariete|Armored Division "Ariete"]], in [[Pordenone]] (activated 1 October 1952)
* [[Armored Division "Ariete"]], in [[Pordenone]] (activated 1 October 1952)
* [[131st Armoured Division Centauro|Armored Division "Centauro"]], in [[Verona]] (activated 1 November 1952)
* [[Armored Division "Centauro"]], in [[Verona]] (activated 1 November 1952)
* [[Alpine Brigade Orobica|Alpine Brigade "Orobica"]], in [[Merano]] (activated 1 January 1953)
* [[Alpine Brigade "Orobica"]], in [[Merano]] (activated 1 January 1953)
* [[Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade|Armored Division "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]], in [[Rome]] (activated 1 January 1953)
* [[Armored Division "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]], in [[Rome]] (activated 1 January 1953)
* [[Alpine Brigade Cadore|Alpine Brigade "Cadore"]], in [[Belluno]] (activated 1 July 1953)
* [[Alpine Brigade "Cadore"]], in [[Belluno]] (activated 1 July 1953)


Following the creation of [[NATO]], the Italian Army was integrated into NATO's [[Allied Forces Southern Europe]] and prepared for a feared invasion from the east, possibly via [[Yugoslavia]]. [[Allied Land Forces Southern Europe]] (LANDSOUTH), was activated on 10 July 1951 to defend northeastern Italy. The command was headquartered at [[Verona]], and placed under Lieutenant General Maurizio Lazzaro De Castiglioni.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://93.63.251.100/jfc/documents/history_birth_AFSOUTH.html |title=Archived copy |website=93.63.251.100 |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331180952/http://93.63.251.100/jfc/documents/history_birth_AFSOUTH.html |archive-date=31 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Some three infantry divisions and three brigades were the only forces initially available to this command to defend northeastern Italy. The divisions in question were the [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Division "Mantova"]] in [[Gorizia]], the [[Folgore Mechanized Division|Motorized Infantry Division "Folgore"]] in [[Treviso]], the [[Trieste Mechanized Brigade|Motorized Infantry Division "Trieste"]] in Bologna. Two of the three brigades were [[Alpini]] mountain infantry brigades – the [[Alpine Brigade Julia|Alpine Brigade "Julia"]] in [[Cividale del Friuli]] and [[Alpine Brigade Tridentina|Alpine Brigade "Tridentina"]] in [[Brixen]], while the third brigade was the [[132nd Armoured Division Ariete|Armored Brigade "Ariete"]] in [[Pordenone]]. Exercise "Italic Weld", a combined air-naval-ground exercise in [[northern Italy]] involving the United States, Italy, Turkey, and Greece, appears to have been one of the first exercises in which the new Italian Army orientation was tested.<ref name="Chapter 9">{{cite web |url=http://www.nato.int/archives/1st5years/chapters/9.htm |title=Chapter 9 |access-date=2008-11-03 |work=NATO the first five years 1949–1954 |publisher=[[NATO]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081110131358/http://www.nato.int/archives/1st5years/chapters/9.htm |archive-date=2008-11-10 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Following the creation of [[NATO]], the Italian Army was integrated into NATO's [[Allied Forces Southern Europe]] and prepared for a feared invasion from the east, possibly via [[Yugoslavia]]. [[Allied Land Forces Southern Europe]] (LANDSOUTH), was activated on 10 July 1951 to defend northeastern Italy. The command was headquartered at [[Verona]], and placed under Lieutenant General [[Maurizio Lazzaro De Castiglioni]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://93.63.251.100/jfc/documents/history_birth_AFSOUTH.html |title=The Birth of AFSOUTH |website=93.63.251.100 |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331180952/http://93.63.251.100/jfc/documents/history_birth_AFSOUTH.html |archive-date=31 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Some three infantry divisions and three brigades were the only forces initially available to this command to defend northeastern Italy. The divisions in question were the [[Infantry Division "Mantova"]] in [[Gorizia]], the [[Infantry Division "Folgore"]] in [[Treviso]], the [[Infantry Division "Trieste"]] in Bologna. Two of the three brigades were [[Alpini]] mountain infantry brigades – the [[Alpine Brigade "Julia"]] in [[Cividale del Friuli]] and [[Alpine Brigade "Tridentina"]] in [[Brixen]], while the third brigade was the [[Armored Brigade "Ariete"]] in [[Pordenone]]. Exercise "Italic Weld", a combined air-naval-ground exercise in [[northern Italy]] involving the United States, Italy, Turkey, and Greece, appears to have been one of the first exercises in which the new Italian Army orientation was tested.<ref name="Chapter 9">{{cite web |url=http://www.nato.int/archives/1st5years/chapters/9.htm |title=Chapter 9 |access-date=2008-11-03 |work=NATO the first five years 1949–1954 |publisher=[[NATO]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081110131358/http://www.nato.int/archives/1st5years/chapters/9.htm |archive-date=2008-11-10 |url-status=live }}</ref>


On 1 May 1952 the army activated one [[Field army|army command]] and two [[corps]] commands, the [[Third Army (Italy)|Third Army]] in [[Padua]], and the [[COMALP|IV Army Corps]] in [[Bolzano]] and [[5th Army Corps (Italy)|V Army Corps]] in [[Vittorio Veneto]], to be able to circumvent [[NATO]]'s [[command hierarchy|chain of command]] in case a war should break out between Italy and [[Yugoslavia]] for the [[Free Territory of Trieste]].<ref>{{cite web|title=31 marzo 1972. Riordino degli Alti Comandi Militari|url=http://legislature.camera.it/_dati/leg13/lavori/doc/xxiii/064v01t03_RS/00000012.pdf|publisher=Italian Parliament|access-date=23 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223102239/http://legislature.camera.it/_dati/leg13/lavori/doc/xxiii/064v01t03_RS/00000012.pdf|archive-date=2017-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Later in 1952 the army also raised the [[6th Army Corps (Italy)|VI Army Corps]] in [[Bologna]], followed by the [[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|III Army Corps]] in [[Milan]] in 1957, both of which were also assigned to the Third Army.
On 1 May 1952 the army activated one [[Field army|army command]] and two [[corps]] commands, the [[Third Army (Italy)|Third Army]] in [[Padua]], and the [[COMALP|IV Army Corps]] in [[Bolzano]] and [[5th Army Corps (Italy)|V Army Corps]] in [[Vittorio Veneto]], to be able to circumvent [[NATO]]'s [[command hierarchy|chain of command]] in case a war should break out between Italy and [[Yugoslavia]] for the [[Free Territory of Trieste]].<ref>{{cite web|title=31 marzo 1972. Riordino degli Alti Comandi Militari|url=http://legislature.camera.it/_dati/leg13/lavori/doc/xxiii/064v01t03_RS/00000012.pdf|publisher=Italian Parliament|access-date=23 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223102239/http://legislature.camera.it/_dati/leg13/lavori/doc/xxiii/064v01t03_RS/00000012.pdf|archive-date=2017-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Later in 1952 the army also raised the [[6th Army Corps (Italy)|VI Army Corps]] in [[Bologna]], followed by the [[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|III Army Corps]] in [[Milan]] in 1957, both of which were also assigned to the Third Army.


During the early 1960s the army reduced the "Trieste", "Friuli", "Pozzuolo del Friuli", "Pinerolo", "Avellino" and "Aosta" divisions to brigades and raised the I Paratroopers Brigade in [[Pisa]]. On 1 October 1965 the Infantry Brigade "Avellino" was disbanded and on 10 June 1967 the I Paratroopers Brigade was allowed to add "[[185th Paratroopers Division Folgore|Folgore]]" to its name and was now named [[Paratroopers Brigade Folgore|Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"]]. With the easing of tensions between Italy and Yugoslavia the Third Army, along with VI Army Corps, was disbanded on 1 April 1972 and its functions taken over by [[NATO]]'s [[Allied Forces Southern Europe]] in [[Verona]]. Before the disbanding of Third Army the army's structure was as follows:
During the early 1960s the army reduced the "Trieste", "Friuli", "Pozzuolo del Friuli", "Pinerolo", "Avellino", and "Aosta" divisions to brigades and raised the I Paratroopers Brigade in [[Pisa]]. On 1 October 1965, the Infantry Brigade "Avellino" was disbanded and, on 10 June 1967, the 1st Paratroopers Brigade was allowed to add "[[185th Infantry Division "Folgore"|Folgore]]" to its name. It was now named [[Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"]]. With the easing of tensions between Italy and Yugoslavia, the Third Army, along with VI Army Corps, was disbanded on 1 April 1972, and its functions were taken over by [[NATO]]'s [[Allied Forces Southern Europe]] in [[Verona]]. Before the disbanding of Third Army the army's structure was as follows:


* '''[[Third Army (Italy)|Third Army]]''', in [[Padua]]
* '''[[Third Army (Italy)|Third Army]]''', in [[Padua]]
** '''Anti-aircraft Artillery Command''', in Padua
** '''Anti-aircraft Artillery Command''', in Padua
** '''[[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|III Army Corps]]''', in [[Milan]]
** '''[[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|III Army Corps]]''', in [[Milan]]
*** [[131st Armoured Division Centauro|Armored Division "Centauro"]], in [[Novara]]
*** [[Armored Division "Centauro"]], in [[Novara]]
*** [[Legnano Mechanized Brigade|Motorized Infantry Division "Legnano"]], in [[Bergamo]]
*** [[Infantry Division "Legnano"]], in [[Bergamo]]
*** [[Cremona Motorized Brigade|Infantry Division "Cremona"]], in [[Cuneo]]
*** [[Infantry Division "Cremona"]], in [[Cuneo]]
*** [[Alpine Brigade Taurinense|Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]], in [[Turin]] (transferred to IV Army Corps in 1972)
*** [[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]], in [[Turin]] (transferred to IV Army Corps in 1972)
** '''[[COMALP|IV Army Corps]]''', in [[Bolzano]] (renamed IV Alpine Army Corps on 1 January 1973)
** '''[[COMALP|IV Army Corps]]''', in [[Bolzano]] (renamed IV Alpine Army Corps on 1 January 1973)
*** [[Alpine Brigade Orobica|Alpine Brigade "Orobica"]], in [[Merano]]
*** [[Alpine Brigade "Orobica"]], in [[Merano]]
*** [[Alpine Brigade Tridentina|Alpine Brigade "Tridentina"]], in [[Bressanone]]
*** [[Alpine Brigade "Tridentina"]], in [[Bressanone]]
*** [[Carnia]]-[[Cadore]] Troops Command, in [[Belluno]]
*** [[Carnia]]-[[Cadore]] Troops Command, in [[Belluno]]
**** [[Alpine Brigade Cadore|Alpine Brigade "Cadore"]], in [[Belluno]]
**** [[Alpine Brigade "Cadore"]], in [[Belluno]]
**** [[Alpine Brigade Julia|Alpine Brigade "Julia"]], in [[Cividale del Friuli]]
**** [[Alpine Brigade "Julia"]], in [[Cividale del Friuli]]
** '''[[5th Army Corps (Italy)|V Army Corps]]''', in [[Vittorio Veneto]]
** '''[[5th Army Corps (Italy)|V Army Corps]]''', in [[Vittorio Veneto]]
*** [[132nd Armoured Division Ariete|Armored Division "Ariete"]], in [[Pordenone]]
*** [[Armored Division "Ariete"]], in [[Pordenone]]
*** [[Folgore Mechanized Division|Motorized Infantry Division "Folgore"]], in [[Treviso]]
*** [[Infantry Division "Folgore"]], in [[Treviso]]
*** [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Division "Mantova"]], in [[Udine]]
*** [[Infantry Division "Mantova"]], in [[Udine]]
*** [[Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade|Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]], in [[Gorizia]] (a division-sized, armored formation)
*** [[Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]], in [[Gorizia]] (a division-sized, armored formation)
*** [[3rd Missile Brigade "Aquileia"|III Missile Brigade]], in [[Portogruaro]] (armed with nuclear [[MGR-1 Honest John|Honest John]] missiles)
*** [[III Missile Brigade]], in [[Portogruaro]] (armed with nuclear [[MGR-1 Honest John|Honest John]] missiles)
*** [[Trieste]] Troops Command, in [[Trieste]]
*** [[Trieste Troops Command]], in [[Trieste]]
*** [[Lagunari]] Regiment "Serenissima", in [[Venice]] (a brigade-sized formation)
*** [[Lagunari Regiment "Serenissima"]], in [[Venice]] (a brigade-sized formation)
** '''[[6th Army Corps (Italy)|VI Army Corps]]''', in [[Bologna]]
** '''[[6th Army Corps (Italy)|VI Army Corps]]''', in [[Bologna]]
*** [[20th Infantry Division Friuli|Infantry Brigade "Friuli"]], in [[Firenze]]
*** [[Infantry Brigade "Friuli"]], in [[Firenze]]
*** [[Trieste Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Brigade "Trieste"]], in [[Bologna]]
*** [[Infantry Brigade "Trieste"]], in [[Bologna]]
*** [[Paratroopers Brigade Folgore|Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"]], in [[Pisa]]
*** [[Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"]], in [[Pisa]]
* '''Army General Staff''', in [[Rome]]
* '''Army General Staff''', in [[Rome]]
** '''I Military Territorial Command''', in Turin
** '''I Military Territorial Command''', in Turin
Line 149: Line 148:
** '''VII Military Territorial Command''', in Florence
** '''VII Military Territorial Command''', in Florence
** '''VIII Military Territorial Command''', Rome
** '''VIII Military Territorial Command''', Rome
*** [[Granatieri di Sardegna Mechanized Brigade|Motorized Infantry Division "Granatieri di Sardegna"]], in Rome
*** [[Infantry Division "Granatieri di Sardegna"]], in Rome
*** [[Sardinia]] Military Command, in [[Cagliari]]
*** [[Sardinia]] Military Command, in [[Cagliari]]
** '''X Military Territorial Command''', in Naples
** '''X Military Territorial Command''', in Naples
*** [[Pinerolo Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Brigade "Pinerolo"]], in [[Bari]]
*** [[Infantry Brigade "Pinerolo"]], in [[Bari]]
** '''XI Military Territorial Command''', in Palermo
** '''XI Military Territorial Command''', in Palermo
*** [[Aosta Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Brigade "Aosta"]], in [[Messina]]
*** [[Infantry Brigade "Aosta"]], in [[Messina]]


==== 1975 reform ====
==== 1975 reform ====
{{see also|Structure of the Italian Army in 1974|Italian Army 1975 reform|Structure of the Italian Army in 1977}}
{{see also|Structure of the Italian Army in 1974|Italian Army 1975 reform|Structure of the Italian Army in 1977}}


The most significant reorganization of the Italian Army took place in 1975, when the regimental level was abolished and battalions came under direct command of newly formed multi-arms brigades. At the same time the reduction of the [[military service]] from 15 to 12 months for the army and air force and from 24 to 18 months for the navy, forced the army to reduce its forces by nearly 45,000 troops. Therefore, while in the existing brigades "Orobica", "Tridentina", "Cadore", "Julia", "Taurinense", "Friuli", "Trieste", "Folgore", "Pinerolo", "Aosta" and "III Missile Brigade" only the regimental level was abolished, the divisions and "Pozzuolo del Friuli" brigade were subjected to major changes:
The most significant reorganization of the Italian Army took place in 1975, when the regimental level was abolished and battalions came under direct command of newly formed multi-arms brigades. At the same time, the reduction of the [[military service]] from 15 to 12 months for the army and air force and from 24 to 18 months for the navy forced the army to reduce its forces by nearly 45,000 troops. Therefore, while in the existing brigades "Orobica", "Tridentina", "Cadore", "Julia", "Taurinense", "Friuli", "Trieste", "Folgore", "Pinerolo", "Aosta" and "III Missile Brigade" only the regimental level was abolished, the divisions and "Pozzuolo del Friuli" brigade were subjected to major changes:


While the [[Cremona Motorized Brigade|"Cremona"]] division was reduced to a brigade, the [[Granatieri di Sardegna Mechanized Brigade|"Granatieri di Sardegna"]] and [[Legnano Mechanized Brigade|"Legnano"]] divisions, and the [[Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade|"Pozzuolo del Friuli"]] brigade were split to create two new brigades each. Afterwards the three divisions ceased to exist.
While the [[Infantry Division "Cremona"]] was reduced to a brigade, the [[Infantry Division "Granatieri di Sardegna"]] and [[Infantry Division "Legnano"]] and the [[Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]] were split to create two new brigades each. Afterwards, the three units ceased to exist.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 167: Line 166:
! Before 1975 !! After 1975 !! Notes
! Before 1975 !! After 1975 !! Notes
|-
|-
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Cremona Motorized Brigade|Infantry Division "Cremona"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Infantry Division "Cremona"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Cremona Motorized Brigade|Motorized Brigade "Cremona"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Motorized Brigade "Cremona"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | under [[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|3rd Army Corps]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | assigned to [[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|3rd Army Corps]]
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Granatieri di Sardegna Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Division "Granatieri di Sardegna"]]
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Infantry Division "Granatieri di Sardegna"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Granatieri di Sardegna Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | under Central Military Region
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | assigned to Central Military Region
|-
|-
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Motorized Brigade "Acqui"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Motorized Brigade "Acqui"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | under Central Military Region
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | assigned to Central Military Region
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Legnano Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Division "Legnano"]]
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Infantry Division "Legnano"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Legnano Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Legnano"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Mechanized Brigade "Legnano"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | joined the [[131st Armoured Division Centauro|Armored Division "Centauro"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | joined the [[Armored Division "Centauro"]]
|-
|-
| [[Brescia Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Brescia"]]
| [[Mechanized Brigade "Brescia"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | joined the [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Division "Mantova"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | joined the [[Mechanized Division "Mantova"]]
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade|Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]]
| rowspan="2" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade|Armored Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Armored Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | joined the [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Division "Mantova"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | joined the [[Mechanized Division "Mantova"]]
|-
|-
| [[Vittorio Veneto Armored Brigade|Armored Brigade "Vittorio Veneto"]]
| [[Armored Brigade "Vittorio Veneto"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | joined the [[Folgore Mechanized Division|Mechanized Division "Folgore"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | joined the [[Mechanized Division "Folgore"]]
|-
|-
|}
|}


The remaining four divisions were also subjected to major changes and reductions, however, unlike the above three divisions, they remained in service after the reform. The units of the [[Folgore Mechanized Division|"Folgore"]] and [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|"Mantova"]] divisions were mostly disbanded and the remnants used to create one brigade each; then the two divisions were augmented by two brigades each to bring them back up to strength. The [[131st Armoured Division Centauro|"Centauro"]] division was split into two brigades and then brought back to full strength by adding the [[Legnano Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Legnano"]]. Only the [[132nd Armoured Division Ariete|"Ariete"]] division saw no reduction of its ranks and its three regiments were used to create three brigades.
The remaining four divisions were also subjected to major changes and reductions, however, unlike the above three divisions, they remained in service after the reform. The units of the [[Infantry Division "Folgore"]] and [[Infantry Division "Mantova"]] were mostly disbanded, and the remnants used to create one brigade each; then each of the two divisions was augmented with two brigades to bring them back up to strength. The [[131st Armored Division "Centauro"]] was split into two brigades and then brought back to full strength by adding the [[Mechanized Brigade "Legnano"]]. Only the [[132nd Armored Division "Ariete"]] saw no reduction in its ranks, and its three regiments were used to create three brigades for the division.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 200: Line 199:
! Name before 1975 !! Brigades created from divisional assets in 1975 !! Name after 1975 || Assigned brigades after 1975 || Notes
! Name before 1975 !! Brigades created from divisional assets in 1975 !! Name after 1975 || Assigned brigades after 1975 || Notes
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Folgore Mechanized Division|Infantry Division "Folgore"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Infantry Division "Folgore"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Gorizia Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Folgore Mechanized Division|Mechanized Division "Folgore"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Mechanized Division "Folgore"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Gorizia Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
|-
|-
| [[Trieste Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Trieste"]]
| [[Mechanized Brigade "Trieste"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | from the [[Tuscany|Tuscan]]-[[Emilia-Romagna|Emilian]] Military Region
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | from the [[Tuscany|Tuscan]]-[[Emilia-Romagna|Emilian]] Military Region
|-
|-
| [[Vittorio Veneto Armored Brigade|Armored Brigade "Vittorio Veneto"]]
| [[Armored Brigade "Vittorio Veneto"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | split from the [[Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade|"Pozzuolo del Friuli"]] brigade
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | split from the [[Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]]
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|Infantry Division "Mantova"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Infantry Division "Mantova"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Isonzo Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Isonzo"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Mechanized Brigade "Isonzo"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Division "Mantova"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Mechanized Division "Mantova"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Isonzo Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Isonzo"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Mechanized Brigade "Isonzo"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
|-
|-
| [[Brescia Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Brescia"]]
| [[Mechanized Brigade "Brescia"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | split from the [[Legnano Mechanized Brigade|"Legnano"]] division
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | split from the [[Infantry Division "Legnano"]]
|-
|-
| [[Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade|Armored Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]]
| [[Armored Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | joined from the [[5th Army Corps (Italy)|5th Army Corps]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | from the [[5th Army Corps (Italy)|5th Army Corps]]
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[131st Armoured Division Centauro|Armored Division "Centauro"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Armored Division "Centauro"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Curtatone Armored Brigade|31st Armored Brigade "Curtatone"]]<br />[[Goito Mechanized Brigade|3rd Mechanized Brigade "Goito"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[31st Armored Brigade "Curtatone"]]<br />[[3rd Mechanized Brigade "Goito"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[131st Armoured Division Centauro|Armored Division "Centauro"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Armored Division "Centauro"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Curtatone Armored Brigade|31st Armored Brigade "Curtatone"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[31st Armored Brigade "Curtatone"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
|-
|-
| [[Goito Mechanized Brigade|3rd Mechanized Brigade "Goito"]]
| [[3rd Mechanized Brigade "Goito"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
|-
|-
| [[Legnano Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Legnano"]]
| [[Mechanized Brigade "Legnano"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | former [[Legnano Mechanized Brigade|"Legnano"]] division
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | former [[Infantry Division "Legnano"]]
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[132nd Armoured Division Ariete|Armored Division "Ariete"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Armored Division "Ariete"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Garibaldi Bersaglieri Brigade|8th Mechanized Brigade "Garibaldi"]]<br />[[Mameli Armored Brigade|32nd Armored Brigade "Mameli"]]<br />[[Armored Brigade "Manin"|132nd Armored Brigade "Manin"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[8th Mechanized Brigade "Garibaldi"]]<br />[[32nd Armored Brigade "Mameli"]]<br />[[132nd Armored Brigade "Manin"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[132nd Armoured Division Ariete|Armored Division "Ariete"]]
| rowspan="3" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Armored Division "Ariete"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[Garibaldi Bersaglieri Brigade|8th Mechanized Brigade "Garibaldi"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | [[8th Mechanized Brigade "Garibaldi"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
|-
|-
| [[Mameli Armored Brigade|32nd Armored Brigade "Mameli"]]
| [[32nd Armored Brigade "Mameli"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
|-
|-
| [[Armored Brigade "Manin"|132nd Armored Brigade "Manin"]]
| [[132nd Armored Brigade "Manin"]]
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
| rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="text-align: left;" |
|-
|-
|}
|}


After the reform the structure of the army was:
After the reform the organization of the army was:


* '''[[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|3rd Army Corps]]''' ([[Milan]]):
* [[File:Distintivo 3° Corpo d'Armata di Milano.jpg|thumb|Badge of the 3rd Army Corps (IT)]][[File:Distintivo 4° Corpo d'Armata di Bolzano.jpg|thumb|Badge of the 4th Army Corps (IT)]]'''[[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|3rd Army Corps]]''' ([[Milan]]):
** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde centauro.png|25px]] '''[[131st Armoured Division Centauro|Armored Division "Centauro"]]''' ([[Novara]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde centauro.png|25px]] '''[[Armored Division "Centauro"]]''' ([[Novara]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde goito 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Goito Mechanized Brigade|3rd Mechanized Brigade "Goito"]] ([[Milan]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde goito 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[3rd Mechanized Brigade "Goito"]] ([[Milan]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Legnano 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Legnano Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Legnano"]] ([[Bergamo]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Legnano 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Legnano"]] ([[Bergamo]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde curtatone.png|25px]] [[Curtatone Armored Brigade|31st Armored Brigade "Curtatone"]] ([[Bellinzago Novarese]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde curtatone.png|25px]] [[31st Armored Brigade "Curtatone"]] ([[Bellinzago Novarese]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Cremona.png|25px]] [[Cremona Motorized Brigade|Motorized Brigade "Cremona"]] ([[Turin]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Cremona.png|25px]] [[Motorized Brigade "Cremona"]] ([[Turin]])
* '''[[COMALP|4th Alpine Army Corps]]''' ([[Bolzano]]):
* '''[[COMALP|4th Alpine Army Corps]]''' ([[Bolzano]]):
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Cadore.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade Cadore|Alpine Brigade "Cadore"]] ([[Belluno]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Cadore.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Cadore"]] ([[Belluno]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Julia.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade Julia|Alpine Brigade "Julia"]] ([[Udine]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Julia.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Julia"]] ([[Udine]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Orobica.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade Orobica|Alpine Brigade "Orobica"]] ([[Merano]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Orobica.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Orobica"]] ([[Merano]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Taurinense.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade Taurinense|Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]] ([[Turin]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Taurinense.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]] ([[Turin]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Tridentina.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade Tridentina|Alpine Brigade "Tridentina"]] ([[Brixen]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Tridentina.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Tridentina"]] ([[Brixen]])
* '''[[5th Army Corps (Italy)|5th Army Corps]]''' ([[Vittorio Veneto]]):
* '''[[5th Army Corps (Italy)|5th Army Corps]]''' ([[Vittorio Veneto]]):
** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde ariete.png|25px]] '''[[132nd Armoured Division Ariete|Armored Division "Ariete"]]''' ([[Pordenone]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde ariete.png|25px]] '''[[Armored Division "Ariete"]]''' ([[Pordenone]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Garibaldi 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Garibaldi Bersaglieri Brigade|8th Mechanized Brigade "Garibaldi"]] ([[Pordenone]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Garibaldi 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[8th Mechanized Brigade "Garibaldi"]] ([[Pordenone]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde Mameli 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Mameli Armored Brigade|32nd Armored Brigade "Mameli"]] ([[Spilimbergo|Tauriano]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde Mameli 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[32nd Armored Brigade "Mameli"]] ([[Spilimbergo|Tauriano]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde manin.png|25px]] [[Armored Brigade "Manin"|132nd Armored Brigade "Manin"]] ([[Aviano]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde manin.png|25px]] [[132nd Armored Brigade "Manin"]] ([[Aviano]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec div Folgore.png|25px]] '''[[Folgore Mechanized Division|Mechanized Division "Folgore"]]''' ([[Treviso]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec div Folgore.png|25px]] '''[[Mechanized Division "Folgore"]]''' ([[Treviso]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde trieste 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Trieste Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Trieste"]] ([[Bologna]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde trieste 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Trieste"]] ([[Bologna]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Gorizia 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Gorizia Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia"]] ([[Gorizia]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Gorizia 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia"]] ([[Gorizia]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA cor bde Vittorio Veneto 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Vittorio Veneto Armored Brigade|Armored Brigade "Vittorio Veneto"]] ([[Villa Opicina]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA cor bde Vittorio Veneto 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Armored Brigade "Vittorio Veneto"]] ([[Villa Opicina]])
*** Amphibious Troops Command ([[Venice]], a regiment-sized formation, tasked with the defence of the [[Venetian Lagoon]])
*** Amphibious Troops Command ([[Venice]], a regiment-sized formation, tasked with the defence of the [[Venetian Lagoon]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Mantova.png|25px]] '''[[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Division "Mantova"]]''' ([[Udine]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Mantova.png|25px]] '''[[Mechanized Division "Mantova"]]''' ([[Udine]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Brescia 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Brescia Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Brescia"]] ([[Brescia]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Brescia 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Brescia"]] ([[Brescia]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Isonzo 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Isonzo Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Isonzo"]] ([[Cividale del Friuli]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Isonzo 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Isonzo"]] ([[Cividale del Friuli]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA cor bde Pozzuolo del Friuli 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade|Armored Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]] ([[Palmanova]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA cor bde Pozzuolo del Friuli 1975-1986.png|25px]] [[Armored Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]] ([[Palmanova]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA III bde missili Aquileia.png|25px]] [[3rd Missile Brigade "Aquileia"]] ([[Portogruaro]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA III bde missili Aquileia.png|25px]] [[3rd Missile Brigade "Aquileia"]] ([[Portogruaro]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA cdo truppe di Trieste.png|25px]] [[Trieste Troops Command]], ([[Trieste]], a brigade-sized formation consisting mostly of reserve units)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA cdo truppe di Trieste.png|25px]] [[Trieste Troops Command]], ([[Trieste]], a brigade-sized formation consisting mostly of reserve units)
[[File:Distintivo 5° Corpo d'Armata di Vittorio Veneto.jpg|thumb|Badge of the 5th Army Corps (IT)]]The brigades under operational control of the Military Regions were:

The brigades under operational control of the Military Regions were:
* '''VII Territorial Military Command''' ([[Florence]])
* '''VII Territorial Military Command''' ([[Florence]])
** [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|27px]] [[Folgore Parachute Brigade|Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"]] ([[Livorno]])
** [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|27px]] [[Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"]] ([[Livorno]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Friuli.png|25px]] [[Friuli Air Assault Brigade|Motorized Brigade "Friuli"]] (Florence)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Friuli.png|25px]] [[Motorized Brigade "Friuli"]] (Florence)
* '''VIII Territorial Military Command''' ([[Rome]])
* '''VIII Territorial Military Command''' ([[Rome]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Acqui.png|25px]] [[Motorized Brigade "Acqui"]] ([[L'Aquila]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Acqui.png|25px]] [[Motorized Brigade "Acqui"]] ([[L'Aquila]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec Bde Granatieri di Sardegna.png|25px]] [[Granatieri di Sardegna Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"]] (Rome)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec Bde Granatieri di Sardegna.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"]] (Rome)
* '''X Territorial Military Command''' ([[Naples]])
* '''X Territorial Military Command''' ([[Naples]])
** [[File:CoA of the Pinerolo Brigade.svg|27px]] [[Pinerolo Mechanized Brigade|Motorized Brigade "Pinerolo"]] ([[Bari]])
** [[File:CoA of the Pinerolo Brigade.svg|27px]] [[Motorized Brigade "Pinerolo"]] ([[Bari]])
* '''XI Territorial Military Command''' ([[Palermo]])
* '''XI Territorial Military Command''' ([[Palermo]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Aosta.png|25px]] [[Aosta Mechanized Brigade|Motorized Brigade "Aosta"]] ([[Messina]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Aosta.png|25px]] [[Motorized Brigade "Aosta"]] ([[Messina]])


[[File:Italy Army - 1984.png|thumb|center|1100px|Structure of the Italian Army in 1984]]
[[File:Italy Army - 1984.png|thumb|center|1100px|Structure of the Italian Army in 1984]]


==== 1986 reform ====
==== 1986 reform ====
In 1986 the remaining four divisional headquarters were dissolved and all brigades in Northern Italy came under direct command of the Army's three Army Corps, while the brigades in Central and Southern Italy came under operational control of the local administrative Military Regions. With the disappearance of the divisions the army renamed some of the divisional brigades and granted all of them new coat of arms to reflect their new independence. By 1989 the army was structured as depicted in the graphic below:
In 1986 the remaining four divisional headquarters were dissolved and all brigades in Northern Italy came under direct command of the Army's three Army Corps, while the brigades in Central and Southern Italy came under operational control of the local administrative Military Regions. With the disappearance of the divisions the army renamed some of the divisional brigades and granted all of them a new coat of arms to reflect their new independence. By 1989 the army was structured as depicted in the graphic below:


[[File:Italy Army - 1989.png|thumb|center|1100px|Structure of the Italian Army in 1989]]
[[File:Italy Army - 1989.png|thumb|center|1100px|Structure of the Italian Army in 1989]]


=== Post Cold War ===
=== End of the Cold War in 1989 ===
{{Main|Structure of the Italian Army in 1989}}
{{Main|Structure of the Italian Army in 1989}}


Line 309: Line 307:
| places =
| places =
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Pordenone|Ariete<br />Garibaldi]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[132nd Armored Brigade "Ariete"|Ariete]]<br>[[8th Mechanized Brigade "Garibaldi"|Garibaldi]]}}</small>
| position = left
| position = left
| background = white
| background = white
Line 327: Line 325:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Spilimbergo|Mameli]]</small> <small>[[Udine|Julia]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Armored Brigade "Mameli"|Mameli]]}}</small> <small>{{nowrap|[[Alpine Brigade "Julia"|Julia]]}}</small>
| position = top
| position = top
| background = white
| background = white
Line 336: Line 334:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Villa Opicina|Vittorio Veneto]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Armored Brigade "Vittorio Veneto"|Vittorio Veneto]]}}</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
Line 354: Line 352:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = # <br /><small>[[Palmanova|Pozzuolo del Friuli]]</small>
| label = # <br /><small>{{nowrap|[[Armored Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"|Pozzuolo del Friuli]]}}</small>
| position = bottom
| position = bottom
| background = white
| background = white
Line 363: Line 361:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Brescia]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Mechanized Brigade "Brescia"|Brescia]]}}</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
Line 372: Line 370:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Gorizia]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia"|Gorizia]]}}</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
Line 381: Line 379:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Cividale del Friuli|Mantova]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Mechanized Brigade "Mantova"|Mantova]]}}</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
Line 390: Line 388:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Bologna|Trieste]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Mechanized Brigade "Trieste"|Trieste]]}}</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
Line 399: Line 397:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Portogruaro|Aquileia]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[3rd Missile Brigade "Aquileia"|Aquileia]]}}</small>
| position = bottom
| position = bottom
| background = white
| background = white
Line 408: Line 406:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Novara|Centauro]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Armored Brigade "Centauro"|Centauro]]}}</small>
| position = left
| position = left
| background = white
| background = white
Line 417: Line 415:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Milan|Goito]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Mechanized Brigade "Goito"|Goito]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
Line 426: Line 424:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Bergamo|Legnano]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Mechanized Brigade "Legnano"|Legnano]]}}</small>
| position = left
| position = left
| background = white
| background = white
Line 435: Line 433:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Turin|Cremona]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Motorized Brigade "Cremona"|Cremona]]}}</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
Line 444: Line 442:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Turin|Taurinense]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"|Taurinense]]}}</small>
| position = left
| position = left
| background = white
| background = white
Line 462: Line 460:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Brixen|Tridentina]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Alpine Brigade "Tridentina"|Tridentina]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
Line 471: Line 469:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Merano|Orobica]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Alpine Brigade "Orobica"|Orobica]]}}</small>
| position = left
| position = left
| background = white
| background = white
Line 480: Line 478:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Belluno|Cadore]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Alpine Brigade "Cadore"|Cadore]]}}</small>
| position = left
| position = left
| background = white
| background = white
Line 489: Line 487:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Livorno|Folgore]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"|Folgore]]}}</small>
| position = bottom
| position = bottom
| background = white
| background = white
Line 498: Line 496:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Florence|Friuli]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Motorized Brigade "Friuli"|Friuli]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
Line 507: Line 505:
}}
}}
{{Location map~ | Italy
{{Location map~ | Italy
| label = <small>[[L'Aquila|Acqui]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Motorized Brigade "Acqui"|Acqui]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
Line 516: Line 514:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Rome|Granatieri di Sardegna]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"|Granatieri di Sardegna]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
Line 525: Line 523:
}}
}}
{{Location map~ | Italy
{{Location map~ | Italy
| label = <small>[[Messina|Aosta]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Motorized Brigade "Aosta"|Aosta]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
Line 534: Line 532:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Bari|Pinerolo]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo"|Pinerolo]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
Line 543: Line 541:
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = <small>[[Sassari]]</small>
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Motorized Brigade "Sassari"|Sassari]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
Line 553: Line 551:
}}
}}


At the end of the Cold War in 1989 the Italian Army consisted of 26 Combat Brigades: four Armored Brigades, ten Mechanized Infantry Brigades, five Motorized Infantry Brigades, five [[Alpini|Alpine]] Brigades, one Rocket Artillery Brigade and one paratroopers Brigade.
At the end of the Cold War in 1989 the Italian Army consisted of 26 Combat Brigades: four Armored Brigades, ten Mechanized Brigades, five Motorized Brigades, five [[Alpini|Alpine]] Brigades, one paratroopers Brigade and one Rocket Artillery Brigade.


The units were placed as follows under the three Army Corps's:
The units were placed as follows under the three Army Corps's:


* '''[[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|3rd Army Corps]]''' ([[Milan]]):
* '''[[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|3rd Army Corps]]''' ([[Milan]]):
** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde centauro.png|25px]] [[Centauro Armored Brigade|Armored Brigade "Centauro"]] ([[Novara]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde centauro.png|25px]] [[Armored Brigade "Centauro"]] ([[Novara]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA Bersaglieri bde Goito.png|25px]] [[Goito Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Goito"]] (Milan)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA Bersaglieri bde Goito.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Goito"]] (Milan)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde legnano.png|25px]] [[Legnano Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Legnano"]] ([[Bergamo]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde legnano.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Legnano"]] ([[Bergamo]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Brescia.png|25px]] [[Brescia Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Brescia"]] ([[Brescia]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Brescia.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Brescia"]] ([[Brescia]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Trieste.png|25px]] [[Trieste Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Trieste"]] ([[Bologna]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Trieste.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Trieste"]] ([[Bologna]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Cremona.png|25px]] [[Cremona Motorized Brigade|Motorized Brigade "Cremona"]] ([[Turin]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Cremona.png|25px]] [[Motorized Brigade "Cremona"]] ([[Turin]])
* '''[[COMALP|4th Alpine Army Corps]]''' ([[Bolzano]]):
* '''[[COMALP|4th Alpine Army Corps]]''' ([[Bolzano]]):
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Cadore.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade Cadore|Alpine Brigade "Cadore"]] ([[Belluno]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Cadore.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Cadore"]] ([[Belluno]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Julia.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade Julia|Alpine Brigade "Julia"]] ([[Udine]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Julia.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Julia"]] ([[Udine]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Orobica.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade Orobica|Alpine Brigade "Orobica"]] ([[Merano]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Orobica.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Orobica"]] ([[Merano]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Taurinense.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade Taurinense|Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]] ([[Turin]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Taurinense.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]] ([[Turin]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Tridentina.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade Tridentina|Alpine Brigade "Tridentina"]] ([[Brixen]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Tridentina.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Tridentina"]] ([[Brixen]])
* '''[[5th Army Corps (Italy)|5th Army Corps]]''' ([[Vittorio Veneto]]):
* '''[[5th Army Corps (Italy)|5th Army Corps]]''' ([[Vittorio Veneto]]):
** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde ariete.png|25px]] [[Ariete Armored Brigade|Armored Brigade "Ariete"]] ([[Aviano]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde ariete.png|25px]] [[132nd Armored Brigade "Ariete"]] ([[Aviano]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde Mameli.png|25px]] [[Mameli Armored Brigade|Armored Brigade "Mameli"]] ([[Spilimbergo|Tauriano]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde Mameli.png|25px]] [[Armored Brigade "Mameli"]] ([[Spilimbergo|Tauriano]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA cav bde Pozzuolo del Friuli.png|25px]] [[Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade|Armored Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]] ([[Palmanova]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA cav bde Pozzuolo del Friuli.png|25px]] [[Armored Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]] ([[Palmanova]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA Bersaglieri bde Garibaldi.png|25px]] [[Garibaldi Bersaglieri Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Garibaldi"]] ([[Pordenone]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA Bersaglieri bde Garibaldi.png|25px]] [[8th Mechanized Brigade "Garibaldi"]] ([[Pordenone]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA cav bde Vittorio Veneto.png|25px]] [[Vittorio Veneto Armored Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Vittorio Veneto"]] ([[Villa Opicina]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA cav bde Vittorio Veneto.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Vittorio Veneto"]] ([[Villa Opicina]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Gorizia.png|25px]] [[Gorizia Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia"]] ([[Gorizia]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Gorizia.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia"]] ([[Gorizia]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Mantova.png|25px]] [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Mantova"]] ([[Udine]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Mantova.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Mantova"]] ([[Udine]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA III bde missili Aquileia.png|25px]] [[3rd Missile Brigade "Aquileia"]] ([[Portogruaro]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA III bde missili Aquileia.png|25px]] [[3rd Missile Brigade "Aquileia"]] ([[Portogruaro]])


The brigades under operational control of the Military Regions were:
The brigades under operational control of the Military Regions were:
* '''VII Territorial Military Command''' ([[Florence]])
* '''VII Territorial Military Command''' ([[Florence]])
** [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|27px]] [[Folgore Parachute Brigade|Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"]] ([[Livorno]])
** [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|27px]] [[Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"]] ([[Livorno]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Friuli.png|25px]] [[Friuli Air Assault Brigade|Motorized Brigade "Friuli"]] (Florence)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Friuli.png|25px]] [[Motorized Brigade "Friuli"]] (Florence)
* '''VIII Territorial Military Command''' ([[Rome]])
* '''VIII Territorial Military Command''' ([[Rome]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Acqui.png|25px]] [[Motorized Brigade "Acqui"]] ([[L'Aquila]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Acqui.png|25px]] [[Motorized Brigade "Acqui"]] ([[L'Aquila]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec Bde Granatieri di Sardegna.png|25px]] [[Granatieri di Sardegna Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"]] (Rome)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec Bde Granatieri di Sardegna.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"]] (Rome)
* '''X Territorial Military Command''' ([[Naples]])
* '''X Territorial Military Command''' ([[Naples]])
** [[File:CoA of the Pinerolo Brigade.svg|27px]] [[Pinerolo Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo"]] ([[Bari]])
** [[File:CoA of the Pinerolo Brigade.svg|27px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo"]] ([[Bari]])
* '''XI Territorial Military Command''' ([[Palermo]])
* '''XI Territorial Military Command''' ([[Palermo]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Aosta.png|25px]] [[Aosta Mechanized Brigade|Motorized Brigade "Aosta"]] ([[Messina]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Aosta.png|25px]] [[Motorized Brigade "Aosta"]] ([[Messina]])
* '''Autonomous Military Command Sardinia''' ([[Cagliari]])
* '''Autonomous Military Command Sardinia''' ([[Cagliari]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Sassari.png|25px]] [[Sassari Mechanized Brigade|Motorized Brigade "Sassari"]] ([[Sassari]])
** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Sassari.png|25px]] [[Motorized Brigade "Sassari"]] ([[Sassari]])


The Armored Brigades consisted of one Command & Signals Battalion, two or three Tank Battalions with [[Leopard 1]]A2 tanks, one Mechanized Infantry Battalion with [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APCs]], one Self-propelled Field Artillery Group with [[M109 howitzer]]s, one Logistic Battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company.
The armored brigades consisted of one command & signals battalion, two or three tank battalions with [[Leopard 1]]A2 tanks, one mechanized infantry battalion with [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APCs]], one self-propelled field artillery group with [[M109 howitzer]]s, one logistic battalion, an anti-tank company and an engineer company.


The Mechanized Brigades consisted of one Command & Signals Battalion, one Tank Battalion (Leopard 1), three Mechanized Infantry Battalions (M113), one Self-propelled Field Artillery Battalion with M109 howitzers, one Logistic Battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company; however the Pinerolo Mechanized Brigades fielded a Field Artillery Group with [[FH-70]] howitzers. Additionally the [[Gorizia Mechanized Brigade|"Gorizia"]] and [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|"Mantova"]] mechanized brigades fielded two Position Infantry battalions each, which were tasked with manning fortifications and bunkers along the Yugoslav-Italian border.
The Mechanized Brigades consisted of one command & signals battalion, one Tank Battalion (Leopard 1), three mechanized infantry battalions (M113), one Self-propelled Field Artillery Battalion with M109 howitzers, one logistic battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company; however, the Pinerolo Mechanized Brigades fielded a Field Artillery Group with [[FH-70]] howitzers. Additionally, the [[Gorizia Mechanized Brigade|"Gorizia"]] and [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|"Mantova"]] mechanized brigades fielded two Position Infantry battalions each, which were tasked with manning fortifications and bunkers along the Yugoslav-Italian border.


The Motorized Brigades consisted of one Command & Signals Battalion, one Armored Battalion (a mixed unit of tanks and mechanized infantry), three Motorized Infantry Battalions, one Field Artillery Group (FH-70), one Logistic Battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company; however the Sassari Brigade did not contain a field artillery battalion.
The Motorized Brigades consisted of one command & signals battalion, one armored battalion (a mixed unit of tanks and mechanized infantry), three motorized infantry battalions, one Field Artillery Group (FH-70), one logistic battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company; however, the Sassari Brigade did not contain a field artillery battalion.


The Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" did field one Command & Signals Battalion, one [[9th Parachute Assault Regiment|Paratroopers Assault Battalion]] (a [[Special Forces]] Unit), three Paratroopers Battalions, one Airborne Field Artillery Group with [[OTO Melara Mod 56|Mod 56 howitzers]], one Logistic Battalion, one Army Aviation Helicopter Battalion and an Engineer Company.
The Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" did field one command & signals battalion, one [[9th Parachute Assault Regiment|Paratroopers Assault Battalion]] (a [[Special Forces]] Unit), three Paratroopers Battalions, one Airborne Field Artillery Group with [[OTO Melara Mod 56|Mod 56 howitzers]], one logistic battalion, one Army Aviation Helicopter Battalion and an Engineer Company.


Three of the five Alpine Brigades consisted of one Command & Signals Battalion, two Alpini Battalions, one Alpini Training Battalion, two Mountain Artillery Groups (Mod 56), one Logistic Battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company; while the "Tridentina" brigade fielded an Alpini d'Arresto Battalion instead of the Alpini Training Battalion. The exception was the [[Julia Alpine Brigade]] which consisted of one Command & Signals Battalion, four Alpini Battalions, one Alpini d'Arresto Battalion, one Alpini Training Battalion, three Mountain Artillery Battalions, one Logistic Battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company, making the Julia the largest brigade of the Italian Army.
Three of the five Alpine Brigades consisted of one command & signals battalion, two Alpini battalions, one Alpini Training Battalion, two mountain artillery groups (Mod 56), one logistic battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company; In contrast, the "Tridentina" brigade fielded an Alpini d'Arresto Battalion instead of the Alpini Training Battalion. The exception was the [[Julia Alpine Brigade]] which consisted of one command & signals battalion, four Alpini Battalions, one Alpini d'Arresto Battalion, one Alpini Training Battalion, three Mountain Artillery Battalions, one logistic battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company, making the Julia the largest brigade of the Italian Army.
The "d'Arresto" Alpini and Infantry units were designated to hold specific fortified locations directly at the border to slow down an attacking enemy. They were not a maneuver element but attached for training and logistic purposes to brigades stationed closest to the border.
The "d'Arresto" Alpini and Infantry units were designated to hold specific fortified locations directly at the border to slow down an attacking enemy. They were not a maneuver element but attached for training and logistic purposes to brigades stationed close to the border.


The Missile Brigade "Aquileia" fielded a mix of heavy artillery and missile units, both capable of firing tactical nuclear weapons. The main missile weapon of the brigade was the [[MGM-52 Lance]] missile.
The Missile Brigade "Aquileia" fielded a mix of heavy artillery and missile units, both capable of firing tactical nuclear weapons. The main missile weapon of the brigade was the [[MGM-52 Lance]] missile.
Line 622: Line 620:
| Armored Battalions
| Armored Battalions
| [[M47 Patton]]<br />[[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APC]]
| [[M47 Patton]]<br />[[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APC]]
| Armored battalions combined tanks and mechanized infantry and one was assigned to each Motorized Brigade. One battalion was assigned to the 4th Alpine Army Corps, one battalion of the 5th Army Corps, one battalion to the Central Military Region, and two were training battalions of the Armored Cavalry School respectively the 1st Armored Infantry Regiment. Each battalion fielded 33 [[M47 Patton]] tanks and 24 [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113]] [[armored personnel carrier|APCs]].
| Armored battalions combined tanks and mechanized infantry, and one was assigned to each Motorized Brigade. One battalion was assigned to the 4th Alpine Army Corps, one battalion to the 5th Army Corps, one battalion to the Central Military Region, and two were training battalions of the Armored Cavalry School and the 1st Armored Infantry Regiment, respectively. Each battalion fielded 33 [[M47 Patton]] tanks and 24 [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113]] [[armored personnel carrier|APCs]].
|-
|-
| {{center|2}}
| {{center|2}}
| Reconnaissance Squadrons Groups
| Reconnaissance Squadrons Groups
| [[Leopard 1]]A2<br />[[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APC]]
| [[Leopard 1]]A2<br />[[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APC]]
| Originally each division had one reconnaissance squadrons group. With the abolition of the divisional level one squadron was reformed as tank squadrons group and joined the "Brescia" brigade, one was reformed as mechanized squadrons group and joined the "Vittorio Veneto" brigade. The two remaining reconnaissance squadrons groups joined the "Mameli" and "Pozzuolo del Friuli" brigades. Each group fielded three reconnaissance squadrons of ten tanks and eight [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APC]]s, with the battalion commander's tank a group fielded in total of 31 tanks and 24 M113.
| Originally each division had one reconnaissance squadrons group. With the abolition of the divisional level, one squadron was reformed as a tank squadron group and joined the "Brescia" brigade. One was reformed as a mechanized squadron group and joined the "Vittorio Veneto" brigade. The two remaining reconnaissance squadron groups joined the "Mameli" and "Pozzuolo del Friuli" brigades. Each group fielded three reconnaissance squadrons of ten tanks and eight [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APC]]s, with the battalion commander's tank, a group fielded a total of 31 tanks and 24 M113.
|-
|-
| {{center|35}}
| {{center|35}}
| Mechanized Infantry
| Mechanized Infantry
| [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APC]]
| [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APC]]
| One battalion per Armored Brigade, three battalions per mechanized brigade. The twelve [[Bersaglieri]] battalions were without exception mechanized infantry units; the remainder of the mechanized infantry were two [[Granatieri di Sardegna]] battalions, sixteen infantry battalions, and four cavalry squadrons groups. One battalion as training and demonstration unit of the army's Infantry and Cavalry School. Each battalion fielded 68 [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APC]]s and 17 [[M106 mortar carrier]]s.
| One battalion per Armored Brigade, three battalions per mechanized brigade. The twelve [[Bersaglieri]] battalions were, without exception, mechanized infantry units; the remainder of the mechanized infantry were two [[Granatieri di Sardegna]] battalions, sixteen infantry battalions, and four cavalry squadron groups. One battalion was a training and demonstration unit of the army's Infantry and Cavalry School. Each battalion fielded 68 [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APC]]s and 17 [[M106 mortar carrier]]s.
|-
|-
| {{center|12}}
| {{center|12}}
Line 647: Line 645:
| Paratroopers
| Paratroopers
|
|
| One [[Carabinieri]] paratroopers battalion, two paratroopers battalions, and one paratroopers assault (Special Forces) battalion. Additionally the 4th Army Corps fielded an Alpini Paratroopers Company.
| One [[Carabinieri]] paratroopers battalion, two paratroopers battalions, and one paratroopers assault (Special Forces) battalion. Additionally, the 4th Army Corps fielded an Alpini Paratroopers Company.
|-
|-
| {{center|6}}
| {{center|6}}
| Fortification Infantry
| Fortification Infantry
|
|
| One Alpini and 5 infantry battalions, and one Alpini company designated to hold specific fortified sectors of the Eastern and Northern Italian border. The strength of the battalions varied from 10 to 19 companies.
| One Alpini, five infantry battalions, and one Alpini company designated to hold specific fortified sectors of the Eastern and Northern Italian border. The strength of the battalions varied from 10 to 19 companies.
|-
|-
| {{center|2}}
| {{center|2}}
Line 662: Line 660:
| Training Battalions
| Training Battalions
|
|
| The training battalions were tasked with the basic training of recruits: four Alpini, one paratroopers, one Granatieri, and 27 infantry battalions trained.
| The training battalions were tasked with the basic training of recruits: four Alpini, one paratrooper, one Granatieri, and 27 infantry battalions trained.
|-
|-
| {{center|11}}
| {{center|11}}
| [[Self-Propelled Artillery]]
| [[Self-Propelled Artillery]]
| [[M109 howitzer]]s
| [[M109 howitzer]]s
| One group (equivalent to a battalion) per armored and mechanized brigade (with the exception of the "Pinerolo", "Legnano", "Trieste", "Granatieri di Sardegna" and "Brescia" mechanized brigades), two groups in one regiment under 3rd Army Corps, one battery as part of the army's artillery school in Rome and one training battery on Sardinia. Each group fielded three batteries of six [[M109 howitzer]]s.
| One group (equivalent to a battalion) per armored and mechanized brigade (except for the "Pinerolo", "Legnano", "Trieste", "Granatieri di Sardegna" and "Brescia" mechanized brigades), two groups in one regiment under 3rd Army Corps, one battery as part of the army's artillery school in Rome and one training battery on Sardinia. Each group fielded three batteries of six [[M109 howitzer]]s.
|-
|-
| {{center|18}}
| {{center|18}}
| [[Field Artillery]]
| [[Field Artillery]]
| [[M114 155&nbsp;mm howitzer|M114 howitzers]]
| [[M114 155&nbsp;mm howitzer|M114 howitzers]]
| One group per motorized brigade (with the exception of the "Sassari" Motorized Brigade), one group per alpine brigade, one group in "Pinerolo", "Legnano", "Trieste", "Granatieri di Sardegna" and "Brescia" mechanized brigades, one group under 5th Army Corps, one under the Tuscan-Emilian Military Region, two in Southern Italy under the Southern Military Region, and one battery as part of the Army's artillery school in Rome. Each group fielded three batteries of six [[M114 155&nbsp;mm howitzer|M114 howitzers]]s.
| One group per motorized brigade (except the "Sassari" Motorized Brigade), one group per alpine brigade, one group in "Pinerolo", "Legnano", "Trieste", "Granatieri di Sardegna" and "Brescia" mechanized brigades, one group under 5th Army Corps, one under the Tuscan-Emilian Military Region, two in Southern Italy under the Southern Military Region, and one battery as part of the Army's artillery school in Rome. Each group fielded three batteries of six [[M114 155&nbsp;mm howitzer|M114 howitzers]]s.
|-
|-
| {{center|6}}
| {{center|6}}
Line 682: Line 680:
| Airborne Artillery
| Airborne Artillery
| [[OTO Melara Mod 56|Mod 56 howitzers]]
| [[OTO Melara Mod 56|Mod 56 howitzers]]
| One airborne field artillery group as part of the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" with three batteries of 6x [[OTO Melara Mod 56|Mod 56 howitzers]] each.
| One airborne field artillery group as part of the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" with three batteries of 6 × [[OTO Melara Mod 56|Mod 56 howitzers]] each.
|-
|-
| {{center|8}}
| {{center|8}}
| Heavy Field Artillery
| Heavy Field Artillery
| [[FH-70]] howitzers
| [[FH-70]] howitzers
| Heavy Field Artillery groups served as Corps Artillery: two under 3rd Army Corps, two under 4th Alpine Army Corps, four under 5th Army Corps and one battery as part of the army's artillery school in Rome. Each group fielded three batteries of six [[FH-70]] howitzers.
| Heavy Field Artillery groups, served as Corps Artillery: two under 3rd Army Corps, two under 4th Alpine Army Corps, four under 5th Army Corps and one battery as part of the army's artillery school in Rome. Each group fielded three batteries of six [[FH-70]] howitzers.
|-
|-
| {{center|1}}
| {{center|1}}
Line 702: Line 700:
| Missile Artillery
| Missile Artillery
| [[MGM-52 Lance]]
| [[MGM-52 Lance]]
| The only missile artillery group of the army was capable to firing tactical nuclear missiles. The group fielded three batteries of two [[MGM-52 Lance]] launchers.
| The only missile artillery group of the army was capable of firing tactical nuclear missiles. The group fielded three batteries of two [[MGM-52 Lance]] launchers.
|-
|-
| {{center|8}}
| {{center|8}}
Line 715: Line 713:
|-
|-
| {{center|4}}
| {{center|4}}
| Air-defense Missile Artillery
| Anti-aircraft Missile Artillery
| [[MIM-23 Hawk]]
| [[MIM-23 Hawk]]
| Grouped in two regiments under the Anti-aircraft Artillery Command. Each group fielded four batteries with six [[MIM-23 Hawk]] launchers.
| Grouped in two regiments under the Anti-aircraft Artillery Command. Each group fielded four batteries with six [[MIM-23 Hawk]] launchers.
|-
|-
| {{center|17}}
| {{center|17}}
| Engineer Battalions
| Engineer battalions
|
|
| Engineer battalions were under the Army Corps' and the Military Regional Commands and came in various specializations: Eight pioneer battalions tasked with construction duties, two combat engineer battalions supported the Army Corps', two railway construction and two bridge construction battalions were grouped into two regiments under the Army's Engineer Inspectorate, one pioneer battalion served as training and demonstration unit under the Army's engineering school, while two mining battalions were tasked with building and maintaining fortifications in the Alpine border regions of Italy. Additionally 24 Combat Engineer companies supported each of the army's brigades (with the exception of the "Sassari" brigade).
| Engineer battalions were under the Army Corps', and the Military Regional Commands and came in various specializations: Eight pioneer battalions tasked with construction duties, two combat engineer battalions supported the Army Corps', two railway construction and two bridge construction battalions were grouped into two regiments under the Army's Engineer Inspectorate, one pioneer battalion served as training and demonstration unit under the Army's engineering school, while two mining battalions were tasked with building and maintaining fortifications in the Alpine border regions of Italy. Additionally 24 Combat Engineer companies supported each of the army's brigades (with the exception of the "Sassari" brigade).
|-
|-
| {{center|5}}
| {{center|5}}
| Reconnaissance Helicopter
| Reconnaissance helicopter
| [[Bell 206|AB 206]] [[AgustaWestland AW109|A109 EOA]]
| [[Bell 206|AB 206]] [[AgustaWestland AW109|A109 EOA]]
| Four squadrons flying AB 206 and one squadron flying A109 EOA helicopters.
| Four squadrons flying AB 206 and one squadron flying A109 EOA helicopters.
|-
|-
| {{center|5}}
| {{center|5}}
| Transport Helicopter
| Transport helicopter
| [[Bell 206|AB 205]] [[Bell 412|AB 412]] [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|CH-47 Chinook]]
| [[Bell 206|AB 205]] [[Bell 412|AB 412]] [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|CH-47 Chinook]]
| One squadron flying CH-47 Chinook Helicopters in [[Viterbo]] and six squadrons flying AB 412 and AB 205 helicopters.
| One squadron flying CH-47 Chinook Helicopters in [[Viterbo]] and six squadrons flying AB 412 and AB 205 helicopters.
|-
|-
| {{center|9}}
| {{center|9}}
| General Aviation
| General aviation
| [[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey|AB 212]] [[SIAI-Marchetti SM.1019|SM-1019]]
| [[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey|AB 212]] [[SIAI-Marchetti SM.1019|SM-1019]]
| The squadrons were dispersed all over the nation and supported various regional commands.
| The squadrons were dispersed all over the nation and supported various regional commands.
|-
|-
| {{center|17}}
| {{center|17}}
| Signal Battalions
| Signal battalions
| Additionally two independent companies.
| Additionally two independent companies.
|
|
Line 755: Line 753:
|-
|-
| {{center|25}}
| {{center|25}}
| Logistic Battalions
| Logistic battalions
|
|
| One logistic battalion per brigade; with the exception of the "Sassari" brigade.
| One logistic battalion per brigade; with the exception of the "Sassari" brigade.
Line 772: Line 770:
| Command and Signal Units
| Command and Signal Units
|
|
| One command and signals unit per brigade, one for the Army's Air-defense Artillery Command, and a Command and Signals Company for the Amphibious Troop Command.
| One command and signals unit per brigade, one for the Army's Anti-aircraft Artillery Command, and a Command and Signals Company for the Amphibious Troop Command.
|}
|}
Additionally the Army fielded 24 Anti-tank companies, one in each combat brigade with the exception of the "Sassari" brigade.
Additionally the Army fielded 24 Anti-tank companies, one in each combat brigade except the "Sassari" brigade.

=== Post Cold War ===
The [[End of the Cold War (1962-1991)|end of the cold war]] in [[1989]] and the subsequent [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]] in [[1991]] created a new [[Geopolitics|geopolitical]] environment in Europe, which contributed to implementation of significative reductions in the strength of the armed forces of all the NATO countries, in order to obtain the so called "[[peace dividend]]". This was reflected also in the Italian Army, that in the following decades went through several reductions, named "reforms".


=== 1991 reform ===
=== 1991 reform ===
In 1991 the Army began the post-Cold War draw-down of its forces with the disbandment of seven brigades and a large number of smaller units. The brigades disbanded in 1991 were the "Aquileia", "Brescia", "Goito", "Mameli", "Orobica", "Trieste" and "Vittorio Veneto". The units subordinated to these brigades were mostly disbanded, while the "Garibaldi" brigade command was transferred with one of its battalions to [[Campania]].
In 1991, the Army began the post-Cold War draw-down of its forces with the disbandment of seven brigades and a large number of smaller units. The brigades disbanded in 1991 were the "Aquileia", "Brescia", "Goito", "Mameli", "Orobica", "Trieste", and "Vittorio Veneto". The units subordinated to these brigades were mostly disbanded, while the "Garibaldi" brigade command was transferred with one of its battalions to [[Campania]].


=== 1997 reform ===
=== 1997 reform ===
With the relaxing military situation the Italian Army kept drawing down forces and disbanding smaller military units, which necessitated a major reorganization by 1997 to merge the remaining battalions into coherent units and to disband now superfluous brigade commands. Thus a further six brigades were disbanded during the latter half of 1996 and 1997: "Acqui", "Cadore", "Cremona", "Gorizia", "Legnano" and "Mantova". In addition the remaining units were moved to new bases, changed composition, designation and tasks. The three Army Corps's were renamed and their functions expanded: the 3rd Army Corps became the "Projection Forces Command" (COMFOP) commanding the rapid reaction forces of the Army, the 4th Alpine Army Corps became the "Alpine Troops Command" (COMALP) focusing on peace-keeping operations and the 5th Army Corps became the "1st Defense Forces Command" (COMFOD1) tasked with defending Northern Italy. On January 1, 1998 the "2nd Defense Forces Command" (COMFOD2) was activated in Naples and tasked with defending South and Central Italy. During the Cold War the Italian Army units were to be commanded during war by NATO's LANDSOUTH Command in [[Verona]], on October 1, 1997 out of elements of the aforementioned NATO Command the new "Operational Terrestrial Forces Command" (COMFOTER) was activated. The COMFOTER took command of all the combat, combat support, combat service support and CIS units of the Italian Army. Along with the COMFOTER in Verona a Support Command (COMSUP) was raised in [[Treviso]], which gained operational control of all the remaining combat support, combat service support and CIS units of the Army. The COMSUP controlled three division sized formation (Army Aviation Command, Air-Defense Artillery Command, C4-IEW Command) and three brigade sized formations (Field Artillery Brigade, Engineer Brigade, Logistic Support Command).
With the relaxing military situation, the Italian Army kept drawing down forces and disbanding smaller military units, which necessitated a major reorganization by 1997 to merge the remaining battalions into coherent units and disband now superfluous brigade commands. Thus a further six brigades were disbanded during the latter half of 1996 and 1997: "Acqui", "Cadore", "Cremona", "Gorizia", "Legnano", and "Mantova". In addition, the remaining units were moved to new bases and changed in composition, designation, and tasks. The three Army Corps were renamed, and their functions expanded: the 3rd Army Corps became the "Projection Forces Command" (COMFOP), commanding the rapid reaction forces of the Army, the 4th Alpine Army Corps became the "Alpine Troops Command" (COMALP) focusing on peace-keeping operations and the 5th Army Corps became the "1st Defense Forces Command" (COMFOD1) tasked with defending Northern Italy. On January 1, 1998, the "2nd Defense Forces Command" (COMFOD2) was activated in Naples and tasked with defending South and Central Italy. During the Cold War, the Italian Army units were to be commanded in wartime by NATO's LANDSOUTH Command in [[Verona]]; on October 1, 1997, out of elements of the aforementioned NATO Command, the new "Operational Terrestrial Forces Command" (COMFOTER) was activated. The COMFOTER took command of all the combat, combat support, combat service support and CIS units of the Italian Army. Along with the COMFOTER in Verona, a Support Command (COMSUP) was raised in [[Treviso]], which gained operational control of all the remaining combat support, combat service support and CIS units of the Army. The COMSUP controlled three division-sized formations (Army Aviation Command, Anti-aircraft Artillery Command, C4-IEW Command) and three brigade-sized formations (Field Artillery Brigade, Engineer Brigade, Logistic Support Command).


Thus after the 1997 reform the structure of the Italian Army was as follows:
Thus after the 1997 reform the structure of the Italian Army was as follows:
* '''COMFOTER''' ([[Verona]]):
* '''COMFOTER''' ([[Verona]]):
** '''[[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|COMFOP]]''' ([[Milan]]):
** '''[[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|COMFOP]]''' ([[Milan]]):
*** [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|25px]] Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" ([[Livorno]])
*** [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|25px]] [[Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"]] ([[Livorno]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Friuli.png|25px]] Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Friuli" ([[Bologna]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Friuli.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Friuli"]] ([[Bologna]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA Bersaglieri bde Garibaldi.png|25px]] [[Bersaglieri]] Brigade "Garibaldi" ([[Caserta]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA Bersaglieri bde Garibaldi.png|25px]] [[Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi"]] ([[Caserta]])
** '''[[COMALP]]''' ([[Bolzano]]):
** '''[[COMALP]]''' ([[Bolzano]]):
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Julia.png|25px]] Alpine Brigade "Julia" ([[Udine]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Julia.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Julia"]] ([[Udine]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Taurinense.png|25px]] Alpine Brigade "Taurinense" ([[Turin]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Taurinense.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]] ([[Turin]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Tridentina.png|25px]] Alpine Brigade "Tridentina" ([[Brixen]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Tridentina.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Tridentina"]] ([[Brixen]])
** '''[[5th Army Corps (Italy)|COMFOD 1]]''' ([[Vittorio Veneto]]):
** '''[[5th Army Corps (Italy)|COMFOD 1]]''' ([[Vittorio Veneto]]):
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde ariete.png|25px]] Armored Brigade "Ariete" ([[Pordenone]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde ariete.png|25px]] [[Armored Brigade "Ariete"]] ([[Pordenone]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde centauro.png|25px]] Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Centauro" ([[Novara]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde centauro.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Centauro"]] ([[Novara]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA cav bde Pozzuolo del Friuli.png|25px]] Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli" ([[Gorizia]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA cav bde Pozzuolo del Friuli.png|25px]] [[Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]] ([[Gorizia]])
** '''COMFOD 2''' ([[Naples]]):
** '''COMFOD 2''' ([[Naples]]):
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Aosta.png|25px]] Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Aosta" ([[Messina]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Aosta.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Aosta"]] ([[Messina]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec Bde Granatieri di Sardegna.png|25px]] Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna" (Rome)
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec Bde Granatieri di Sardegna.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"]] (Rome)
*** [[File:CoA of the Pinerolo Brigade.svg|25px]] Armored Brigade "Pinerolo" ([[Bari]])
*** [[File:CoA of the Pinerolo Brigade.svg|25px]] [[Armored Brigade "Pinerolo"]] ([[Bari]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Sassari.png|25px]] Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Sassari" ([[Sassari]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Sassari.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Sassari"]] ([[Sassari]])
** '''COMSUP''' ([[Treviso]]):
** '''COMSUP''' ([[Treviso]]):
*** Army Aviation Command ([[Viterbo]])
*** Army Aviation Command ([[Viterbo]])
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[[File:Alpini Btn Feltre - Ex Falzarego 2011 001.jpg|thumb|right|Alpini of the [[7th Alpini Regiment]] during the Falzarego 2011 exercise]]
[[File:Alpini Btn Feltre - Ex Falzarego 2011 001.jpg|thumb|right|Alpini of the [[7th Alpini Regiment]] during the Falzarego 2011 exercise]]


Between 1997 and 2002 the Army continued to tweak the new structure and with the abolition of obligatory military service a further two brigades ("Centauro", "Tridentina") were disbanded in 2002. On December 1, 2000 the COMFOP became the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy (NRDC-IT) and passed its subordinate units to the COMFOD 1 ("Friuli", "Folgore") and COMFOD 2 ("Garibaldi") commands. The "Friuli" Brigade changed composition and became an airmobile brigade with Army Aviation, Cavalry and Infantry units. The COMSUP had already been reorganized and streamlined in 2000.
Between 1997 and 2002 the Army continued to tweak the new structure and with the abolition of obligatory military service a further two brigades ("Centauro", "Tridentina") were disbanded in 2002. On December 1, 2000, the COMFOP became the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy (NRDC-IT) and passed its subordinate units to the COMFOD 1 ("Friuli", "Folgore") and COMFOD 2 ("Garibaldi") commands. The "Friuli" Brigade changed its composition and became an airmobile brigade with Army Aviation, Cavalry and Infantry units. The COMSUP had already been reorganized and streamlined in 2000.


After 2002 the structure of the Italian Army was as follows:
After 2002 the structure of the Italian Army was as follows:
* '''COMFOTER''' ([[Verona]]):
* '''COMFOTER''' ([[Verona]]):
** '''NRDC-IT''' ([[Milan]]):
** '''NRDC-IT''' ([[Milan]]):
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA brg NRDC IT.png|35px]] NRDC-IT Signal Brigade (Milan)
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA brg NRDC IT.png|35px]] [[NRDC-IT Signal Brigade]] (Milan)
** '''[[COMALP]]''' ([[Bolzano]]):
** '''[[COMALP]]''' ([[Bolzano]]):
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Julia.png|25px]] Alpine Brigade "Julia" ([[Udine]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Julia.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Julia"]] ([[Udine]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Taurinense.png|25px]] Alpine Brigade "Taurinense" ([[Turin]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Taurinense.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]] ([[Turin]])
** '''COMFOD 1''' ([[Vittorio Veneto]]):
** '''COMFOD 1''' ([[Vittorio Veneto]]):
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde ariete.png|25px]] Armored Brigade "Ariete" ([[Pordenone]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde ariete.png|25px]] [[Armored Brigade "Ariete"]] ([[Pordenone]])
*** [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|25px]] Parachute Infantry Brigade "Folgore" ([[Livorno]])
*** [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|25px]] [[Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"]] ([[Livorno]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA airmobile bde Friuli.png|25px]] Airmobile Brigade "Friuli" ([[Bologna]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA airmobile bde Friuli.png|25px]] [[Airmobile Brigade "Friuli"]] ([[Bologna]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA cav bde Pozzuolo del Friuli.png|25px]] Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli" ([[Gorizia]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA cav bde Pozzuolo del Friuli.png|25px]] [[Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]] ([[Gorizia]])
** '''COMFOD 2''' ([[Naples]]):
** '''COMFOD 2''' ([[Naples]]):
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Aosta.png|25px]] Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Aosta" ([[Messina]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Aosta.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Aosta"]] ([[Messina]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA Bersaglieri bde Garibaldi.png|25px]] [[Bersaglieri]] Brigade "Garibaldi" ([[Caserta]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA Bersaglieri bde Garibaldi.png|25px]] [[Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi"]] ([[Caserta]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec Bde Granatieri di Sardegna.png|25px]] Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna" (Rome)
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec Bde Granatieri di Sardegna.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"]] (Rome)
*** [[File:CoA of the Pinerolo Brigade.svg|25px]] Armored Brigade "Pinerlo" ([[Bari]])
*** [[File:CoA of the Pinerolo Brigade.svg|25px]] [[Armored Brigade "Pinerolo"]] ([[Bari]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Sassari.png|25px]] Mechanized Infantry Brigade "Sassari" ([[Sassari]])
*** [[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Sassari.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Sassari"]] ([[Sassari]])
** '''C4-IEW Command''' ([[Anzio]])
** '''C4-IEW Command''' ([[Anzio]])
** '''COMSUP''' ([[Treviso]]):
** '''COMSUP''' ([[Treviso]]):
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=== 2011 reform ===
=== 2011 reform ===
During 2011 some small changes regarding the support units of the Army were enacted. The COMSUP took command of the Army's schools and merged them where possible with the support brigades. Minor units were moved South and to the islands to reduce the Army's footprint in the wealthier North of Italy. At the same time the designation of the "Pinerolo" brigade was changed back to Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Afterwards the COMSUP consisted, besides four Army schools of the following commands:
During 2011 some small changes regarding the support units of the Army were enacted. The COMSUP took command of the Army's schools and merged them, where possible, with the support brigades. Minor units were moved South and to the islands to reduce the Army's footprint in the wealthier North of Italy. At the same time, the designation of the "Pinerolo" brigade was changed back to Mechanized Brigade. Afterwards the COMSUP consisted, besides four Army schools of the following commands:
* Anti-aircraft Artillery Command ([[Sabaudia]])
* Anti-aircraft Artillery Command ([[Sabaudia]])
* Artillery Command ([[Bracciano]])
* Artillery Command ([[Bracciano]])
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[[File:Italian Army - 1st Mountain Artillery Regiment exercise.jpg|thumb|right|The [[1st Field Artillery Regiment (Mountain)]] on exercise]]
[[File:Italian Army - 1st Mountain Artillery Regiment exercise.jpg|thumb|right|The [[1st Field Artillery Regiment (Mountain)]] on exercise]]


In 2013 the Army began a major reform. The three corps level commands [[5th Army Corps (Italy)|COMFOD 1]], COMFOD 2 and [[COMALP]] were to disband, while the [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|"Mantova"]] Division Command moved from [[Vittorio Veneto]] to [[Florence]], where it was renamed as [[20th Infantry Division Friuli|Division "Friuli"]], taking the name and traditions of the [[Friuli Air Assault Brigade|Air Assault Brigade "Friuli"]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.esercito.difesa.it/Notizie/Pagine/DIVISIONEFRIULI_130716_65.aspx |title=Notizie, Eventi – Esercito Italiano |website=Esercito.difesa.it |access-date=2016-12-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019223218/http://www.esercito.difesa.it/Notizie/Pagine/DIVISIONEFRIULI_130716_65.aspx |archive-date=2013-10-19 }}</ref> Together with the other two divisions [[Division "Acqui"|Acqui]] and [[Division "Tridentina"|Tridentina]] the Friuli took command of operational brigades of the Italian Army.
In 2013 the Army began a major reform. The three corp-level commands [[5th Army Corps (Italy)|COMFOD 1]], COMFOD 2 and [[COMALP]] were to disband, while the [[Mantova Mechanized Brigade|"Mantova"]] Division Command moved from [[Vittorio Veneto]] to [[Florence]], where it was renamed as [[20th Infantry Division Friuli|Division "Friuli"]], taking the name and traditions of the [[Friuli Air Assault Brigade|Air Assault Brigade "Friuli"]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.esercito.difesa.it/Notizie/Pagine/DIVISIONEFRIULI_130716_65.aspx |title=Notizie, Eventi – Esercito Italiano |website=Esercito.difesa.it |access-date=2016-12-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019223218/http://www.esercito.difesa.it/Notizie/Pagine/DIVISIONEFRIULI_130716_65.aspx |archive-date=2013-10-19 }}</ref> Together with the other two divisions [[Division "Acqui"|Acqui]] and [[Division "Tridentina"|Tridentina]] the Friuli took command of operational brigades of the Italian Army.


The Logistic Projection Command was disbanded and its units attached directly to the brigades. As part of the reform the Army raised the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE) in [[Pisa]], which took command of all Special Operations Forces of the Army. Furthermore, the Operational Terrestrial Forces Command (COMFOTER) in Verona was split on 1 October 2016 into the "Operational Land Forces Command and Army Operational Command" in Rome and the "Operational Land Forces Support Command" in Verona.
The Logistic Projection Command was disbanded, and its units attached directly to the brigades. As part of the reform, the Army raised the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE) in [[Pisa]], which took command of all Special Operations Forces of the Army. Furthermore, the Operational Terrestrial Forces Command (COMFOTER) in Verona was split on 1 October 2016 into the "Operational Land Forces Command and Army Operational Command" in Rome and the "Operational Land Forces Support Command" in Verona.


At the end of the reform the plan envisioned that the Army would consist of:
At the end of the reform the plan envisioned that the Army would consist of:
* 2x '''heavy brigades''' ([[Ariete Armored Brigade|Ariete]], [[Garibaldi Bersaglieri Brigade|Garibaldi]]) armed with, [[B1 Centauro|Centauro]] [[tank destroyer]]s, [[Ariete]] [[Main battle tank|tanks]], [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]]s and [[Panzerhaubitze 2000|PzH2000]] [[Self-propelled artillery|self propelled artillery]]
* 2 × '''heavy brigades''' ([[Armored Brigade "Ariete"|Ariete]], [[Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi"|Garibaldi]]) armed with, [[B1 Centauro|Centauro]] [[tank destroyer]]s, [[Ariete]] [[Main battle tank|tanks]], [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]]s and [[Panzerhaubitze 2000|PzH2000]] [[Self-propelled artillery|self propelled artillery]]
* 2x '''medium brigades''' ([[Aosta Mechanized Brigade|Aosta]], [[Pinerolo Mechanized Brigade|Pinerolo]]) armed with [[B1 Centauro|Centauro]] tank destroyers and [[Freccia (infantry fighting vehicle)|Freccia]] infantry fighting vehicles
* 2 × '''medium brigades''' ([[Mechanized Brigade "Aosta"|Aosta]], [[Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo"|Pinerolo]]) armed with [[B1 Centauro|Centauro]] tank destroyers and [[Freccia (infantry fighting vehicle)|Freccia]] infantry fighting vehicles and [[FH-70]] towed artillery
* 4x '''light brigades''' ([[Folgore Parachute Brigade|Folgore]], [[Alpine Brigade Julia|Julia]], [[Alpine Brigade Taurinense|Taurinense]], [[Sassari Mechanized Brigade|Sassari]]) armed with Centauro tank destroyers, [[Puma (AFV)|Puma]] [[armoured personnel carrier]]s and [[FH-70]] towed artillery
* 4 × '''light brigades''' ([[Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"|Folgore]], [[Alpine Brigade "Julia"|Julia]], [[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"|Taurinense]], [[Mechanized Brigade "Sassari"|Sassari]]) armed with Centauro tank destroyers, [[Puma (AFV)|Puma]] [[armoured personnel carrier]]s and [[FH-70]] towed artillery
* 1x '''air-assault brigade''' ([[Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade|Pozzuolo del Friuli]]) with Pumas, [[Agusta A129 Mangusta|A129 Mangusta]] [[Attack helicopter|attack]] and [[NHIndustries NH90|NH90]] transport helicopters.
* 1 × '''air-assault brigade''' ([[Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"|Pozzuolo del Friuli]]) with Pumas, [[Agusta A129 Mangusta|A129 Mangusta]] [[Attack helicopter|attack]] and [[NHIndustries NH90|NH90]] transport helicopters.


After the reform each maneuver brigade, with the exception of the "Pozzuolo del Friuli" and "Sassari, was planned to field the following units: a command and signal unit with the brigade staff, one cavalry reconnaissance regiment, three combat maneuver regiments, one artillery regiment, one engineer regiment, and one logistic regiment.
After the reform, each maneuver brigade, except the "Pozzuolo del Friuli" and "Sassari", was planned to field the following units: a command and signal unit with the brigade staff, one cavalry reconnaissance regiment, three combat maneuver regiments, one artillery regiment, one engineer regiment, and one logistic regiment.


The "Pozzuolo del Friuli" brigade was planned to merge with the "Friuli" brigade and field a cavalry reconnaissance regiment, an air-assault infantry regiment, an amphibious-assault infantry regiment, a reconnaissance helicopter regiment, an attack helicopter regiment, a field artillery regiment, an engineer regiment, a logistic regiment as well as the standard command and signal unit with the brigade staff.
The "Pozzuolo del Friuli" brigade was planned to merge with the "Friuli" brigade and field a cavalry reconnaissance regiment, an air-assault infantry regiment, an amphibious-assault infantry regiment, a reconnaissance helicopter regiment, an attack helicopter regiment, a field artillery regiment, an engineer regiment, a logistic regiment as well as the standard command and signal unit with the brigade staff.


The "Sassari" brigade would not field a cavalry reconnaissance regiment and an artillery regiment, unless funds were to be found to raise these units on [[Sardinia]]. The "Granatieri di Sardegna" brigade was destined to disband, with its cavalry regiment joining the "Pinerolo" brigade, while the 1st Granatieri di Sardegna Regiment was planned to become a public duties unit under the Capital Military Command in Rome. In 2013 the reform started with the disbanding of the 131st Tank Regiment and the 57th Infantry Battalion "Abruzzi", while the 33rd Field Artillery Regiment "Acqui" was reformed as 185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore". In 2014 the [[2nd Alpine Artillery Regiment|2nd Mountain Artillery Regiment]] was disbanded, followed by the 5th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment "Pescara" and the 47th Infantry Regiment "Ferrara" in 2015.
The "Sassari" brigade would not field a cavalry reconnaissance regiment and an artillery regiment unless funds were to be found to raise these units on [[Sardinia]]. The "Granatieri di Sardegna" brigade was destined to disband, with its cavalry regiment joining the "Pinerolo" brigade. In contrast, the 1st Granatieri di Sardegna Regiment was planned to become a public duties unit under the Capital Military Command in Rome. In 2013 the reform started with the disbanding of the 131st Tank Regiment and the [[57th Infantry Battalion "Abruzzi"]], while the 33rd Field Artillery Regiment "Acqui" was reformed as [[185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore"]]. In 2014 the [[2nd Alpine Artillery Regiment|2nd Mountain Artillery Regiment]] was disbanded, followed by the 5th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment "Pescara" and the 47th Infantry Regiment "Ferrara" in 2015.


As part of the reform all army schools, training regiments and training centres were to be combined into the newly raised Army Formation, Specialisation and Doctrine Command (''Comando per la Formazione, Specializzazione e Dottrina dell’Esercito'' or COMFORDOT) in Rome. However as of July 2019 the Alpine Training Center and the Parachuting Training Center remain with the [[COMALP|Alpine Troops Command]] respectively the [[Paratroopers Brigade Folgore]].
As part of the reform, all army schools, training regiments and training centres were to be combined into the newly raised Army Formation, Specialisation and Doctrine Command (''Comando per la Formazione, Specializzazione e Dottrina dell’Esercito'' or COMFORDOT) in Rome. However, as of July 2019, the Alpine Training Center and the Parachuting Training Center remain with the [[COMALP|Alpine Troops Command]] and the [[Paratroopers Brigade Folgore]], respectively.


=== 2019 changes ===
=== 2019 changes ===
[[File:Italian Army - 8th Alpini Regiment sniper team during exercise Abbey Road 2019.jpg|thumb|Italian [[8th Alpini Regiment]] snipers in winter ghillie suits in 2019]]
[[File:Italian Army - 8th Alpini Regiment sniper team during exercise Abbey Road 2019.jpg|thumb|Italian [[8th Alpini Regiment]] snipers in winter ghillie suits in 2019]]


As the security situation in Europe had changed in 2014 with the Russian [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|annexation of Crimea]] the 2013 reform was paused. Neither were the "Pozzuolo del Friuli" and "Friuli" brigades merged, nor was the "Granatieri di Sardegna" brigade disbanded. On 1 July 2019 the army officially ended the 2013 reform: on that date in Florence the Division "Friuli" was renamed [[Division "Vittorio Veneto"]] and with this the traditions of the name "Friuli" returned to the [[Airmobile Brigade "Friuli"]], whose merger with the "Pozzuolo del Friuli" brigade was canceled.<ref>{{cite web |title=La Friuli diventa Vittorio Veneto |url=http://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/La-Friuli-diventa-Vittorio-Veneto_190703.aspx |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=12 August 2019}}</ref> Likewise the disbanding of the "Granatieri di Sardegna" brigade was canceled and it was decided that the second battalion of the brigade's 1st "Granatieri di Sardegna" "Regiment" would become independent as 2nd Grenadier Battalion "Cengio" and grow to regiment by 2020 as first step to bring the brigade back to full strength.
As the security situation in Europe had changed in 2014 with the Russian [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|annexation of Crimea]] the 2013 reform was paused. Neither were the "Pozzuolo del Friuli", and "Friuli" brigades merged, nor was the "Granatieri di Sardegna" brigade disbanded. On 1 July 2019, the army officially ended the 2013 reform: on that date in Florence, the Division "Friuli" was renamed [[Division "Vittorio Veneto"]]. With this, the traditions of the name "Friuli" returned to the [[Airmobile Brigade "Friuli"]], whose merger with the "Pozzuolo del Friuli" brigade was disbanded.<ref>{{cite web |title=La Friuli diventa Vittorio Veneto |url=http://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/La-Friuli-diventa-Vittorio-Veneto_190703.aspx |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=12 August 2019}}</ref> Likewise the disbanding of the "Granatieri di Sardegna" brigade was disbanded, and it was decided that the second battalion of the brigade's 1st "Granatieri di Sardegna" "Regiment" would become independent as 2nd Grenadier Battalion "Cengio" and grow to regiment by 2020 as first step to bring the brigade back to full strength.


On 10 January 2020 the [[31st Tank Regiment (Italy)|31st Tank Regiment]] was reformed as [[Regiment "Cavalleggeri di Lodi" (15th)]] thus completing the transformation of the [[Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo"]].<ref>{{cite web |title=A Lecce arriva il Reggimento "Cavalleggeri di Lodi" (15°) |url=http://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/Riconfigurazione-31-Carri_200110.aspx |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=10 January 2020}}</ref>
On 10 January 2020 the [[31st Tank Regiment (Italy)|31st Tank Regiment]] was reformed as [[Regiment "Cavalleggeri di Lodi" (15th)]] thus completing the transformation of the [[Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo"]].<ref>{{cite web |title=A Lecce arriva il Reggimento "Cavalleggeri di Lodi" (15°) |url=http://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/Riconfigurazione-31-Carri_200110.aspx |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=10 January 2020}}</ref>

=== 2023 changes ===
In May 2023 the two deployable division commands [[Division "Acqui"|"Acqui"]] and [[Division "Vittorio Veneto"|"Vittorio Veneto"]], as well as the Army Simulation and Validation Center were assigned to the Operational Land Forces Command and Army Operational Command.<ref>{{cite web |title=Comando Operativo delle Forze Terrestri |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=6 July 2023}}</ref> On 1 July 2023 the Capital Military Command was merged into the Operational Land Forces Command and Army Operational Command, which on the same date changed its name to Operational Land Forces Command.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cambio al vertice del COMFOTER |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/Cambio-al-vertice-del-COMFOTER-COE.aspx |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=6 July 2023}}</ref>


==Operations==
==Operations==
The Italian Army has participated in operations to aid 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 [[South Tyrol|province of Bolzano/Bozen]] (1967), in [[Sardinia]] ("Forza 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 [[September 11 attacks]] in the United States. 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 [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] (2001), [[Darfur]] (2003), [[Afghanistan]] (2002), [[Iraq]] (2003) and Lebanon again (2006) (in fact from 1980, Italy was the third major world contributor, after USA and UK, in peacekeeping missions).
The Italian Army has participated in operations to aid 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 [[South Tyrol|province of Bolzano/Bozen]] (1967), in [[Sardinia]] ("Forza Paris" 1992), in [[Sicily]] ("Vespri Siciliani"1992) and in [[Calabria]] (1994). Currently, it protects sensitive objectives and places throughout the national territory ("Operazione Domino") since the [[September 11 attacks]] in the United States.
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 [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] (2001), [[Darfur]] (2003), [[Afghanistan]] (2002), [[Iraq]] (2003) and Lebanon again (2006). (From 1980, Italy was the third major world contributor, after USA and the UK, in peacekeeping missions.){{citation needed|date=February 2024}}


The [[Carabinieri]], once the senior corps of the Army, is now an autonomous armed force (alongside the Army, Navy and Air Force). The Carabinieri provide [[military police]] services to all the Italian armed force.
The [[Carabinieri]], once the senior corps of the Army, is now an autonomous armed force (alongside the Army, Navy and Air Force). The Carabinieri provide [[military police]] services to all the Italian armed forces.


==Command structure==
==Command structure==
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{{see also|Structure of the Italian Army|List of units of the Italian Army}}
{{see also|Structure of the Italian Army|List of units of the Italian Army}}


For the detailed structure of the Italian Army see [[Structure of the Italian Army]].
For the detailed structure of the Italian Army, see [[Structure of the Italian Army]].


{{Location map+ | Italy
{{Location map+ | Italy
| width = 400
| width = 400
| caption = {{center|Combat brigade locations of the Italian Army in 2021}}
| caption = {{center|Italian Army main formations 2024}}
| relief = 1
| relief = 1
| places =
| places =
{{Location map~ | Italy
{{Location map~ | Italy
| label = [[Mechanized Brigade "Aosta"|''Aosta'']]
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Mechanized Brigade "Aosta"|Aosta]]}}</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Green pog.svg
| mark = Green pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 38 | lat_min = 11 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 38 | lat_min = 11 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 15 | lon_min = 31 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 15 | lon_min = 31 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[132nd Armored Brigade "Ariete"|''Ariete'']]
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[132nd Armored Brigade "Ariete"|Ariete]]}}</small>
| position = left
| position = left
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Pink ff0080 pog.svg
| mark = Pink ff0080 pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 45 | lat_min = 58 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 45 | lat_min = 58 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 12 | lon_min = 32 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 12 | lon_min = 32 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"|''Folgore'']]
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"|Folgore]]}}</small>
| position = left
| position = left
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 43 | lat_min = 33 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 43 | lat_min = 33 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 10 | lon_min = 19 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 10 | lon_min = 19 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[Airmobile Brigade "Friuli"|''Friuli'']]
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Airmobile Brigade "Friuli"|Friuli]]}}</small>
| position = left
| position = left
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 44 | lat_min = 30 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 44 | lat_min = 30 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 11 | lon_min = 21 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 11 | lon_min = 21 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi"|''Garibaldi'']]
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi"|Garibaldi]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Dark Red 800000 pog.svg
| mark = Dark Red 800000 pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 41 | lat_min = 04 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 41 | lat_min = 04 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 14 | lon_min = 20 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 14 | lon_min = 20 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"|''Granatieri di Sardegna'']]
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"|Granatieri di Sardegna]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Red ff0000 pog.svg
| mark = Red ff0000 pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 41 | lat_min = 54 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 41 | lat_min = 54 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 12 | lon_min = 30 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 12 | lon_min = 30 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[Alpine Brigade "Julia"|''Julia'']]
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Alpine Brigade "Julia"|Julia]]}}</small>
| position =
| position = top
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Green 008000 pog.svg
| mark = Green 008000 pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 46 | lat_min = 11 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 46 | lat_min = 11 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 13 | lon_min = 22 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 13 | lon_min = 22 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo"|''Pinerolo'']]
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo"|Pinerolo]]}}</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Green pog.svg
| mark = Green pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 41 | lat_min = 07 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 41 | lat_min = 07 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 16 | lon_min = 52 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 16 | lon_min = 52 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"|''Pozzuolo del Friuli'']]
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"|Pozzuolo del Friuli]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Orange pog.svg
| mark = Orange pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 45 | lat_min = 54 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 45 | lat_min = 54 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 13 | lon_min = 37 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 13 | lon_min = 37 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[Mechanized Brigade "Sassari"|''Sassari'']]
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Mechanized Brigade "Sassari"|Sassari]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Green pog.svg
| mark = Green pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 40 | lat_min = 44 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 40 | lat_min = 44 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 8 | lon_min = 34 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 8 | lon_min = 34 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"|''Taurinense'']]
| label = <small>{{nowrap|[[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"|Taurinense]]}}</small>
| position =
| position =
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Green 008000 pog.svg
| mark = Green 008000 pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| marksize = 8
| lat_deg = 45 | lat_min = 04 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 45 | lat_min = 04 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 7 | lon_min = 42 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 7 | lon_min = 42 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[Division "Acqui"|'''Acqui''']]
| label = '''<small>{{nowrap|[[Division "Acqui"|Acqui]]}}</small>'''
| position = left
| position = left
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Red pog.svg
| mark = Green pog.svg
| marksize = 12
| marksize = 10
| lat_deg = 40 | lat_min = 50 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 40 | lat_min = 50 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 14 | lon_min = 20 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 14 | lon_min = 20 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[Division "Vittorio Veneto"|'''Vittorio Veneto''']]
| label = '''<small>{{nowrap|[[Division "Vittorio Veneto"|Vittorio Veneto]]}}</small>'''
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
| mark = Blue pog.svg
| mark = Green pog.svg
| marksize = 12
| marksize = 10
| lat_deg = 43 | lat_min = 51 | lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 43 | lat_min = 51 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 11 | lon_min = 15 | lon_dir = E
| lon_deg = 11 | lon_min = 15 | lon_dir = E
}}
{{Location map~| Italy
| label = [[Division "Tridentina"|'''Tridentina''']]
| position = left
| background = white
| mark = Green pog.svg
| marksize = 12
| lat_deg = 46 | lat_min = 30 | lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 11 | lon_min = 21 | lon_dir = E
}}
}}
}}
}}
[[File:Italian Army organization 2022.png|thumb|right|400px|Structure of the Italian Army in 2022]]
[[File:Italian Army organization 2024.png|thumb|right|400px|Structure of the Italian Army since 25 January 2024]]


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
!Name !! Headquarters !! Subunits
! Corps-level !! Division-level !! Brigades
|-
|-
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando Forze Operative Terrestri e Centro Operativo Esercito.png|25px]] '''[[Operational Land Forces Command|COMFOTER COE]]'''
| rowspan="10" colspan="1" style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Distintivo del Comando Forze Operative Terrestri e Centro Operativo Esercito.png|25px]] '''[[Operational Land Forces Command|COMFOTER]]'''
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando Truppe Alpine.png|25px]] '''[[Comando Truppe Alpine|COMTA]]'''
| [[Rome]]
| [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Julia.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Julia"]]<br>[[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Taurinense.png|25px]] [[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]]
| [[File:Divisione Acqui 2017.png|25px]] '''[[Division "Acqui"]]'''<br />
[[File:Scudetto del Comando Forze Speciali dell'Esercito.png|25px]] '''[[Army Special Forces Command (Italy)|Army Special Forces Command]]'''<br />[[File:Distintivo del Comando Aviazione dell'Esercito.png|25px]] '''Army Aviation Command'''<br />
* [[File:Scudetto della Brigata Aviazione dell'Esercito.png|25px]] '''[[Army Aviation Brigade (Italy)|Army Aviation Brigade]]'''
* [[File:CoA mil ITA airmobile bde Friuli.png|25px]] '''[[Airmobile Brigade "Friuli"]]'''
|-
|-
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando delle Forze Operative Terrestri di Supporto.png|25px]] '''[[Operational Land Forces Support Command|COMFOTER SUPPORT]]'''
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando Forze Operative Nord.png|25px]] '''COMFOP Nord'''
| [[File:CoA mil ITA cav bde Pozzuolo del Friuli.png|25px]] [[Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]]<br>[[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde ariete.png|25px]] [[132nd Armored Brigade "Ariete"]]
| [[Verona]]
| [[File:Scudetto del Comando Artiglieria.png|25px]] '''[[Artillery Command (Italy)|Artillery Command]]'''<br />[[File:Scudetto del Comando Artiglieria Controaerei.png|25px]] '''Air-defense Artillery Command'''<br />[[File:Scudetto del Comando Genio.png|25px]] '''Engineer Command'''<br /> [[File:Scudetto del Comando Trasmissioni.png|25px]] '''[[Army Signal Command (Italy)|Signal Command]]'''<br />[[File:Scudetto della Brigata RISTA - EW.png|25px]] '''[[Tactical Intelligence Brigade (Italy)|Tactical Intelligence Brigade]]'''
|-
|-
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando Forze Operative Sud.png|25px]] '''COMFOP Sud'''
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando Forze Operative Sud.png|25px]] '''COMFOP Sud'''
| [[File:CoA mil ITA mec Bde Granatieri di Sardegna.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"]]<br>[[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Aosta.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Aosta"]]<br>[[File:CoA of the Pinerolo Brigade.svg|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo"]]<br>[[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Sassari.png|25px]] [[Mechanized Brigade "Sassari"]]<br>[[File:CoA mil ITA Bersaglieri bde Garibaldi.png|25px]] [[Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi"]]
| [[Naples]]
| [[File:CoA mil ITA mec Bde Granatieri di Sardegna.png|25px]] '''[[Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"]]'''<br />[[File:CoA mil ITA mot bde Aosta.png|25px]] '''[[Mechanized Brigade "Aosta"]]'''<br />[[File:CoA of the Pinerolo Brigade.svg|25px]] '''[[Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo"]]'''<br />[[File:CoA mil ITA mec bde Sassari.png|25px]] '''[[Mechanized Brigade "Sassari"]]'''<br />[[File:CoA mil ITA Bersaglieri bde Garibaldi.png|25px]] '''[[Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi"]]'''
|-
|-
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando Forze Operative Nord.png|25px]] '''COMFOP Nord'''
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando delle Forze Operative Terrestri di Supporto.png|25px]] '''[[Operational Land Forces Support Command|COMFOTER SUPPORT]]'''
| [[File:Scudetto del Comando Artiglieria.png|25px]] [[Artillery Command (Italy)|Artillery Command]]<br>[[File:Scudetto del Comando Artiglieria Controaerei.png|25px]] Anti-aircraft Artillery Command<br>[[File:Scudetto del Comando Genio.png|25px]] [[Engineer Command (Italy)|Engineer Command]]<br> [[File:Scudetto del Comando Trasmissioni.png|25px]] [[Army Signal Command (Italy)|Signal Command]]<br>[[File:Scudetto della Brigata RISTA - EW.png|23px]] [[Tactical Intelligence Brigade (Italy)|Tactical Intelligence Brigade]]
| [[Padua]]
| [[File:CoA mil ITA cav bde Pozzuolo del Friuli.png|25px]] '''[[Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"]]'''<br />[[File:CoA mil ITA arm bde ariete.png|25px]] '''[[132nd Armored Brigade "Ariete"]]'''<br />[[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|25px]] '''[[Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"]]'''
|-
|-
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando Truppe Alpine.png|25px]] '''[[Comando Truppe Alpine|COMTA]]'''
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando Aviazione dell'Esercito.png|25px]] '''Army Aviation Command'''
| [[File:CoA mil ITA airmobile bde Friuli.png|25px]] [[Airmobile Brigade "Friuli"]]<br>[[File:Scudetto della Brigata Sostegno AVES.png|25px]] Army Aviation Support Brigade
| [[Bolzano]]
|-
| [[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Julia.png|25px]] '''[[Alpine Brigade "Julia"]]'''<br />[[File:CoA mil ITA alp bde Taurinense.png|25px]] '''[[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]]'''
| [[File:Divisione Acqui 2017.png|25px]] '''[[Division "Acqui"]]'''
|
|-
| [[File:Divisione Vittorio Veneto 2019.png|25px]] '''[[Division "Vittorio Veneto"]]'''
|
|-
| [[File:Distintivo del Centro Simulazione e Validazione dell'Esercito.png|25px]] '''Army Simulation & Validation Center'''
|
|-
|
| [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|25px]] [[Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"]]
|-
|
| [[File:Scudetto del Comando Forze Speciali dell'Esercito.png|25px]] [[Army Special Forces Command (Italy)|Army Special Forces Command]]
|-
|-
| [[File:Distintivo del NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy.png|25px]] '''[[NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy|NRDC - Italy]]'''
| [[File:Distintivo del NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy.png|25px]] '''[[NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy|NRDC - Italy]]'''
|
| [[Milan]]
| [[File:Distintivo del NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy.png|25px]] '''[[NRDC-ITA Support Brigade]]'''
| [[File:Distintivo del NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy.png|23px]] [[NRDC-ITA Support Brigade]]
|-
|-
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando Logistico dell'Esercito.png|25px]] '''COMLOG'''
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando Logistico dell'Esercito.png|25px]] '''COMLOG'''
|
| [[Rome]]
| [[File:Scudetto del Comando dei Supporti Logistici.png|25px]] '''Logistic Support Command'''
| [[File:Scudetto del Comando dei Supporti Logistici.png|25px]] Logistic Support Command
|-
| [[File:Distintivo del Comando per la Formazione, Specializzazione e Dottrina dell'Esercito.png|25px]] '''COMFORDOT'''
|
|}
|}


Line 1,066: Line 1,074:
[[File:Italian Army Brigade Organization.png|thumb|480px|Brigade, regiment, and battalion organizations]]
[[File:Italian Army Brigade Organization.png|thumb|480px|Brigade, regiment, and battalion organizations]]


All brigades have been deployed and are continuously deployed in operations outside of Italy. Combat brigades field between 3–5,000 troops each. Brigade maneuver units are designated regiments, but field men and equipment similar to a large battalions, with each consisting of large Command and Logistic Support Company, and a combat battalion. Artillery regiments field and additional Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Tactical Liaison Battery.
All brigades have been deployed and are continuously deployed in operations outside of Italy. Combat brigades field between 3–5,000 troops each. Brigade maneuver units are designated as regiments but field men and equipment similar to large battalions, consisting of large command and logistic support company and a combat battalion. Artillery regiments field an additional Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Tactical Liaison Battery.


Every Italian Army standard brigade fields the following units:
Every complete Italian Army brigade fields the following units:


* '''Brigade Headquarter'''
* '''Brigade headquarters'''
** Command and Tactical Support Battalion
** Command and Tactical Support Battalion
*** Command Company
*** Command company
*** Signal Company
*** Signal company
** '''Cavalry Regiment'''
** '''Cavalry regiment'''
*** Command and Logistic Support Squadron
*** Command and logistic support squadron
*** Armored Squadrons Group
*** Armored Squadrons Group
**** 2x Reconnaissance Squadrons (each with 8x [[B1 Centauro|Centauro]] and 12x [[Iveco LMV|VTLM Lince]] (Centauros to be replaced with 6x [[Freccia IFV|Freccia]] EVO Reconnaissance))
**** 3 × reconnaissance squadrons (each with 6 × [[B1 Centauro|Centauro]] and 12 × [[Puma (Italian AFV)|Puma 4×4]] (Centauros to be replaced with 6 × [[Freccia IFV|Freccia]] EVO Reconnaissance and the Pumas with [[Iveco LMV|VTLM Lince II]]){{Citation needed|reason=|date=November 2022}})
**** Heavy Armored Squadron (14x Centauro, (to be replaced with Centauro II))
**** Heavy armored squadron (14 × Centauro, (to be replaced with Centauro II))
** '''Artillery Regiment'''
** '''Artillery regiment'''
*** Command and Logistic Support Battery
*** Command and logistic support battery
*** Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Tactical Liaison Battery (with [[Counter-battery radar|artillery radars]], [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|drones]], [[Artillery observer|forward observers]])
*** Surveillance, target acquisition and tactical liaison battery (with [[Counter-battery radar|artillery radars]], [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|drones]], [[Artillery observer|forward observers]])
*** Artillery Group
*** Artillery group
**** 3x Howitzer Batteries (each with 6x [[Panzerhaubitze 2000|PzH2000]], [[M109 howitzer|M109L]], or [[FH70]] howitzers)
**** 3 × howitzer batteries (each with 6 × [[Panzerhaubitze 2000|PzH2000]] or [[FH70]] howitzers)
**** Fire and Technical Support Battery ([[Fire Direction Center]])
**** Fire and technical support battery ([[Fire Direction Center|fire direction center]])
** '''Engineer Regiment'''
** '''Engineer regiment'''
*** Command and Logistic Support Company
*** Command and logistic support company
*** Engineer Battalion
*** Engineer battalion
**** 2x [[Sapper]] Companies ([[Combat engineer]]s)
**** 3 × [[sapper]] companies ([[Combat engineer]]s)
**** Deployment Support Company (Construction)
**** Deployment support company (construction, bridging, etc.)
** '''Logistic regiment'''
**** Mobility Support Company (Bridging, [[Route clearance (IEDs)|Route Clearing]], etc.)
*** Command and logistic support company
** '''Logistic Regiment'''
*** Command and Logistic Support Company
*** Logistic battalion
*** Logistic Battalion
**** Supply company
**** Supply Company
**** Maintenance company
**** Maintenance Company
**** Transport company
**** Transport Company


Depending on the type of brigade (light, medium, heavy) each standard brigade also fields three maneuver battalions. Currently the [[Paratroopers Brigade Folgore|Folgore]], [[Alpine Brigade Taurinense|Taurinense]], and [[Alpine Brigade Julia|Julia]] each field three light infantry regiments, the [[Pinerolo Mechanized Brigade|Pinerolo]] and [[Aosta Mechanized Brigade|Aosta]] each field three medium infantry regiments, and the [[Garibaldi Bersaglieri Brigade|Garibaldi]] and [[Ariete Armored Brigade|Ariete]] field two, respectively one heavy infantry regiment, and one, respectively two tank regiments. The [[Airmobile Brigade Friuli|Friuli]], [[Sassari Mechanized Brigade|Sassari]], [[Granatieri di Sardegna Mechanized Brigade|Granatieri di Sardegna]] and [[Pozzuolo del Friuli Cavalry Brigade|Pozzuolo del Friuli]] brigades' regiments are structured like all other army regiments, however these four brigades do not field the full complement of eight units as the army's standard brigades.
Depending on the type of brigade (light, medium, heavy) each brigade fields three maneuver battalions. Currently, the [[Paratroopers Brigade Folgore|Folgore]], [[Alpine Brigade Taurinense|Taurinense]], and [[Alpine Brigade Julia|Julia]] each field three light infantry regiments, the [[Pinerolo Mechanized Brigade|Pinerolo]] and [[Aosta Mechanized Brigade|Aosta]] each field three medium infantry regiments, and the [[Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi"|Garibaldi]] and [[Armored Brigade "Ariete"|Ariete]] field two, respectively one heavy infantry regiment, and one, respectively two tank regiments. The [[Airmobile Brigade "Friuli"|Friuli]], [[Mechanized Brigade "Sassari"|Sassari]], [[Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"|Granatieri di Sardegna]] and [[Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"|Pozzuolo del Friuli]] brigades' regiments are structured like all other army regiments. However, these four brigades do not field the full complement of eight units.


Currently the army's maneuver regiments are organized as follows:
Currently the army's maneuver regiments are organized as follows:
* '''Light Infantry Regiment''' ([[Alpini]], [[Lagunari]], [[Paratroopers]]; and 66th Infantry Regiment)
* '''Light infantry regiment''' ([[Alpini]], [[Lagunari]], [[Paratroopers]]; and 66th Infantry regiment)
** Command and Logistic Support Company
** Command and logistic support company
** Infantry Battalion
** Infantry battalion
*** 3× Rifle Companies (with [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6×6]] or [[Bandvagn 206|Bv206]] (Alpini), Lince; and each company with 3× 81mm mortars and 2× [[Spike (missile)|Spike MR]] launchers)
*** 3 × rifle companies (with [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6×6]], [[Bandvagn 206|Bv206]] (Alpini), and VTLM Lince; each company with 3 × 81&nbsp;mm mortars and 2 × [[Spike (missile)|Spike MR]] launchers)
*** Maneuver Support Company (4× [[Mortier 120mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1|120mm mortars]], 4× Spike MR launchers)
*** Maneuver Support Company (4 × [[Mortier 120mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1|120&nbsp;mm mortars]], 4 × Spike MR launchers)
* '''Medium Infantry Regiment''' (5th, 9th, 62nd, and 82nd infantry regiments; 3rd, 6th, and 7th Bersaglieri regiments)
* '''Medium infantry regiment''' (5th, 9th, 62nd, and 82nd infantry regiments; 3rd, 6th, and 7th Bersaglieri regiments)
** Command and Logistic Support Company
** Command and logistic support company
** Infantry Battalion
** Infantry battalion
*** 3× Rifle Companies (each with 14× [[Freccia (infantry fighting vehicle)|Freccia]] Combat, 3× 81mm mortars, 2× Freccia Combat Anti-tank with [[Spike (missile)|Spike LR]], 2× Spike MR launchers)
*** 3 × rifle companies (each with 14 × [[Freccia (infantry fighting vehicle)|Freccia Combat]], 3 × 81&nbsp;mm mortars, 2 × Freccia Combat Anti-tank with [[Spike (missile)|Spike LR]] and 2 × Spike MR launchers)
*** Maneuver Support Company (2× Freccia Combat, 4× Freccia Mortar Carrier with [[Dragon Fire (mortar)|120mm mortar]], 4× Freccia Combat Anti-tank with Spike LR, 4× Spike MR launchers)
*** Maneuver Support Company (2 × Freccia Combat, 4 × Freccia Mortar Carrier with [[Dragon Fire (mortar)|120&nbsp;mm mortar]], 4 × Freccia Combat Anti-tank with Spike LR and 4 × Spike MR launchers, 12x VTLM Lince reconnaissance role)
* '''Heavy Infantry Regiment''' (1st, 8th, and 11th Bersaglieri regiments; and [[1st Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna"]])
* '''Heavy infantry regiment''' (1st, 8th, and 11th Bersaglieri regiments; 1st and 2nd Grenadier regiments)
** Command and Logistic Support Company
** Command and logistic support company
** Infantry Battalion
** Infantry battalion
*** 3× Rifle Companies (each with 14× [[Dardo IFV]], 3× 81mm mortars, 2× Dardo Spike LR)
*** 3 × rifle companies (each with 14 × [[Dardo IFV]], 3 × 81&nbsp;mm mortars, 2 × Dardo Spike LR)
*** Maneuver Support Company (2× Dardo IFV, 4× [[M106 mortar carrier|M106 120mm mortar carriers]], 4× Dardo Spike LR)
*** Maneuver Support Company (2 × Dardo IFV, 4 × [[M106 mortar carrier|M106 120&nbsp;mm mortar carriers]], 4 × Dardo Spike LR)
* '''Tank Regiment''' (4th, 32nd, and 132nd tank regiments)
* '''Tank regiment''' (4th, 32nd, and 132nd tank regiments)
** Command and Logistic Support Company
** Command and logistic support company
** Tank Battalion
** Tank Battalion
*** 4× Tank Companies (each with 13× [[Ariete]] [[main battle tank]]s)
*** 3 × tank companies (each with 13 × [[Ariete]] [[main battle tank]]s)


Two of the three infantry regiments of the Sassari brigade are still equipped as light regiments, while the brigade's [[3rd Bersaglieri Regiment]] has begun the switch to medium infantry regiment on 6 January 2018.
Two of the three infantry regiments of the Sassari brigade are still equipped as light regiments, while the brigade's [[3rd Bersaglieri Regiment]] has begun the switch to medium infantry regiment on 6 January 2018. The [[2nd Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna"]] was reactivated on 1 September 2022 as a light infantry regiment and will switch to heavy regiment once new tracked infantry fighting vehicles will be acquired by the army.


==Equipment==
==Equipment==
{{Main|List of equipment of the Italian Army}}
{{Main|List of equipment of the Italian Army}}
<gallery mode="packed">
<gallery mode="packed">
Italian Army Engineers ferrying a Centauro tank destroyer across the Po 03.png|[[Regiment "Savoia Cavalleria" (3rd)]] [[Centauro]] tank destroyer
Italian Army Engineers ferrying a Centauro tank destroyer across the Po 03.png|[[Regiment "Savoia Cavalleria" (3rd)]] [[B1 Centauro]] tank destroyer
SETC Italy (26890728102).jpg|[[132nd Tank Regiment (Italy)|132nd Tank Regiment]] [[Ariete]] [[main battle tank]]s
SETC Italy (26890728102).jpg|[[132nd Tank Regiment (Italy)|132nd Tank Regiment]] [[Ariete]] [[main battle tank]]s
1st Bersaglieri Regiment Dardo IFVs in Capo Teulada.jpg|[[1st Bersaglieri Regiment]] [[Dardo IFV]]s
1st Bersaglieri Regiment Dardo IFVs in Capo Teulada.jpg|[[1st Bersaglieri Regiment]] [[Dardo IFV]]s
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==Uniforms==
==Uniforms==
{{Main|Uniforms of the Italian Armed Forces|Italian Army gorget patches}}
{{Main|Uniforms of the Italian Armed Forces|Italian Army gorget patches}}
[[File:Italian Army gorget patches in use 2024.png|thumb|right|400px|[[Italian Army gorget patches]] in use in 2024]]


The Italian Army uses uniforms that can be divided into four different "families", and hold strict rules that apply to the type of textile, color and badge of the uniforms.. These include: the Regular Uniform (the only one that includes seasonal variations), the Service Uniform, the Service Combat Uniform, and the Ceremonial Uniform (only for officials).
The Italian Army uses uniforms that can be divided into four different "families", and hold strict rules that apply to the type of textile, color and badge of the uniforms.. These include: the Regular Uniform (the only one that includes seasonal variations), the Service Uniform, the Service Combat Uniform, and the Ceremonial Uniform (only for officials).


=== The Regular Uniform ===
=== The Regular Uniform ===
The Regular Uniform includes both summer and winter versions, with the textile used being the only difference. A single-breasted jacket with four buttons and four pockets, as well as trousers that come with a classic cut and front pleats which have five pockets. The shirt worn underneath the jacket also has two small pockets. The uniform is completed with a necktie, brown leather gloves, brown shoes, khaki socks and a cap or headdress.
The Regular Uniform comes in summer and winter versions differing exclusively in textiles used. A single-breasted jacket with four buttons and four pockets, and trousers with a classic cut and front pleats with five pockets. The undershirt also has two small pockets. The uniform is completed by a necktie, brown leather gloves, brown shoes, khaki socks, and a cap or headdress.


=== The Service Uniform ===
=== The Service Uniform ===
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=== The Service Combat Uniform ===
=== The Service Combat Uniform ===
The Service Combat Uniform is most commonly used out of the four "families", and is distributed to all soldiers with the same mimetic pattern (paratroopers have a different model with a strengthening on the shoulders). The uniform is composed of a beret, a five button closure jacket with two internal pockets, and trousers with four pockets. Accessories completing the uniform include gloves, special footwear and a t-shirt with short or long sleeves, depending on the season.
The Service Combat Uniform is most commonly used out of the four "families" and is distributed to all soldiers with the same mimetic pattern (paratroopers have a different model with strengthening on the shoulders). The uniform comprises a beret, a five-button closure jacket with two internal pockets, and trousers with four pockets. Accessories completing the uniform include gloves, special footwear and a t-shirt with short or long sleeves, depending on the season.


=== The Ceremonial Uniform ===
=== The Ceremonial Uniform ===
The Ceremonial Uniform includes a double-breasted jacket with six buttons and two pockets on the hips. Trousers come with a classic cut, having the same fabric of the jacket. The winter version can be worn with the blue cape infantry, a black rigid cap, white gloves and black shoes. There are other accessories such as the necktie, a light blue scarf and a sabre that complete the uniform.
The Ceremonial Uniform includes a double-breasted jacket with six buttons and two pockets on the hips. Trousers come with a classic cut, having the same jacket fabric. The winter version can be worn with the blue cape infantry, a black rigid cap, white gloves and black shoes. Other accessories such as the necktie, a light blue scarf and a sabre complete the uniform.


==Operations==
==Operations==
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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.
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]].
This treaty expired in 1970, but it would not be until 1982 that Italy first deployed troops on foreign soil, with a peacekeeping contingent 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 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]].
The Italian Army has not engaged in major combat operations since World War II. However, 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 at the time of the [[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.
Italy did take part in the 1990–91 [[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 [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]], the NATO force in [[Afghanistan]], and a [[Provincial reconstruction team]] and 53 Italian soldiers have died under ISAF. Italy has sent 4200 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]]. Actually, Italy leads the Regional Command West in Afghanistan, and its HQ is located in Herat in the base of Camp Arena. Italian Air Force deployed about 30 aircraft among helicopters and planes; some of them are: four [[AMX International AMX|AMX Ghibli]] and two [[RQ-1 Predator|RQ-1A Predator]] that are used in close air support and intelligence missions, [[Alenia C-27J Spartan]], [[Boeing CH-47|Boeing CH-47C Chinook]], [[NHIndustries NH90|NH90]] and [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]], which are used in transport missions; [[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey]] and [[Agusta A129 Mangusta|Agusta A129CBT Mangusta]] are used in missions of fire support to the troops .
As part of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] in response to the [[September 11 attacks]], Italy contributed to the international operation in [[Afghanistan]]. Italian forces have contributed to [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]], the NATO force in [[Afghanistan]], and a [[Provincial reconstruction team]], and 53 Italian soldiers have died under ISAF. Italy has sent 4200 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]]. Italy leads the Regional Command West in Afghanistan, and its HQ is located in Herat at Camp Arena base. Italian Air Force deployed about 30 aircraft, both helicopters and planes: four [[AMX International AMX|AMX Ghibli]] and two [[RQ-1 Predator|RQ-1A Predator]] that are used in close air support and intelligence missions, [[Alenia C-27J Spartan]], [[Boeing CH-47|Boeing CH-47C Chinook]], [[NHIndustries NH90|NH90]] and [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]], which are used in transport missions; [[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey]] and [[Agusta A129 Mangusta|Agusta A129CBT Mangusta]] are used in missions of fire support to the troops.
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 and eight Iraqi civilians dead.


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 and eight Iraqi civilians dead.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}
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.


As of 2006, Italy ranks third in the world in the number of deployed military forces operating in peacekeeping and peace-enforcing scenarios in [[International Security Assistance Force|Afghanistan]], [[Kosovo Force|Kosovo]], [[European Union Force|Bosnia and Herzegovina]], and [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|Lebanon]], behind the United States and the United Kingdom.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}
A recent law promotes membership of the Italian Army giving volunteers a chance to find post-Army careers in the [[Carabinieri]], [[Polizia di Stato|Italian State Police]], [[Guardia di Finanza|Italian Finance Police]], [[Corpo Forestale dello Stato|State Forestry Department]], [[Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco|Fire Department]] and other state bodies.

A recent{{when|date=February 2024}} law promoted recruitment in the Italian Army, giving volunteers a chance to find post-service careers in the [[Carabinieri]], [[Polizia di Stato|Italian State Police]], [[Guardia di Finanza|Italian Finance Police]], [[Vigili del Fuoco|Fire Department]] and other state bodies.{{cn|date=February 2024}}


==See also==
==See also==
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140406072757/http://www.esercito.difesa.it/en-us/Pages/default.aspx Official Website of the Italian Army]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140406072757/http://www.esercito.difesa.it/en-us/Pages/default.aspx Official Website of the Italian Army]


{{Italy topics}}
{{Italian Military}}
{{Italian Military}}
{{Italian Army}}
{{Italian Army}}
{{Allied Land Command}}
{{Armies in Europe}}
{{Armies in Europe}}
{{Allied Land Command}}


[[Category:1861 establishments in Italy]]
[[Category:1861 establishments in Italy]]

Latest revision as of 06:53, 8 November 2024

Italian Army
Esercito Italiano
Coat of arms of the Italian Army
Founded4 May 1861
(163 years, 9 months)
Country Italy
TypeArmy
RoleLand warfare
Size97,755 (2018)[1]
Part ofItalian Armed Forces
Garrison/HQRome
Motto(s)Latin: Salus Rei Publicae Suprema Lex Esto
"The safeguard of the republic shall be the supreme law"
March4 Maggio (May 4) by Fulvio Creux
Anniversaries4 November, National Unity and Armed Forces Day
4 May, Army Day
EngagementsRisorgimento
War of 1866
Italo-Ethiopian War of 1887–1889
Mahdist War
First Italo-Abyssinian War
Boxer Rebellion
Italo-Turkish War
World War I
Second Italo-Abyssinian War
Spanish Civil War
Italian invasion of Albania
World War II
Gulf War
Kosovo War
1999 East Timorese crisis
Global War on Terrorism
Decorations3 Cavalier Crosses of the Military Order of Italy
1 Gold Medal of Military Valor
2 Gold Medals of Civil Valor
1 Silver Medal of Civil Valor
1 Silver Medal of Civil Merit
Commanders
President of ItalySergio Mattarella
Chief of StaffGenerale di Corpo d'Armata
Carmine Masiello
Notable
commanders		Giuseppe Garibaldi
Luigi Cadorna
Armando Diaz
Emanuele Filiberto, 2nd Duke of Aosta
Enrico Caviglia
Pietro Badoglio
Giovanni Messe
Insignia
Logo
Wordmark
Dardo IFVs on an exercise in Capo Teulada

The Italian Army (Italian: Esercito Italiano [EI]) is the land force branch of the Italian Armed Forces. The army's history dates back to the Italian unification in the 1850s and 1860s. The army fought in colonial engagements in China, Libya, Northern Italy against the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I, Abyssinia before World War II and in World War II in Albania, Balkans, North Africa, the Soviet Union, and Italy itself. During the Cold War, the army prepared itself to defend against a Warsaw Pact invasion from the east. Since the end of the Cold War, the army has seen extensive peacekeeping service and combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. Its best-known combat vehicles are the Dardo infantry fighting vehicle, the Centauro tank destroyer and the Ariete tank and among its aircraft the Mangusta attack helicopter, recently deployed in UN missions. The headquarters of the Army General Staff are located in Rome opposite the Quirinal Palace, where the president of Italy resides. The army is an all-volunteer force of active-duty personnel.

History

[edit]

The Italian Army originated as the Royal Army (Regio Esercito), which dates from the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy following the seizure of the Papal States and the unification of Italy (Risorgimento). In 1861, under the leadership of Giuseppe Garibaldi, Victor Emmanuel II of the House of Savoy was invited to take the throne and of the newly created kingdom.

Italian expeditions were dispatched to China during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900 and to Libya during the Italo-Turkish War of 1911–1912.

World War I

[edit]
See also: Italian Campaign (World War I) and Military history of Italy during World War I

The Italian Royal Army's first real taste of modern warfare was during World War I. Most of the actions were fought in northern Italy, and the Royal Army suffered many casualties. This included over 700,000 dead. In particular, the frequency of the offensives in which Italian soldiers participated between May 1915 and August 1917, one every three months, was higher than demanded by the armies on the Western Front. Italian discipline was also harsher, with punishments for infractions of duty of a severity not known in the German, French, and British armies.[2]

During the Interwar Years the Royal Army participated in the Italian Invasion of Ethiopia, provided men and materials during the Spanish Civil War to fight in the Corps of Volunteer Troops (Corpo Truppe Volontarie), and launched the Italian invasion of Albania.

World War II

[edit]
See also: Military history of Italy during World War II and Royal Italian Army during World War II

On paper, the Royal Army was one of the largest ground forces in World War II, and it was one of the pioneers in using paratroopers. In reality, it could not field the numbers claimed. Due to their generally smaller size, many Italian divisions were reinforced by an Assault Group (Gruppo d'Assalto) of two battalions of Blackshirts (MVSN).

Reports of Italian military prowess in the Second World War were almost always dismissive. This perception was the result of disastrous Italian offensives against Egypt and the performance of the army in the Greco-Italian War. Both campaigns were ill-prepared and executed inadequately. The Italian 10th Army initially advanced into Egypt but surrendered after being pushed back into central Libya and almost all destroyed by British forces a fifth its size during the three-month Operation Compass.

The incompetent military leadership was aggravated by the Italian military's equipment, which predominantly dated back to the First World War and was not up to the standard of either the Allied or the German armies.[3] Italian 'medium' M11, M13, M14 and M15 tanks were at a marked disadvantage against the comparatively heavily armed American Sherman tanks, for example. More crucially, Italy lacked suitable quantities of equipment of all kinds, and the Italian high command did not take the necessary steps to plan for possible battlefield setbacks or proper logistical support to its field armies.[4] There were too few anti-aircraft weapons, obsolete anti-tank guns, and too few trucks.

The Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia fought under General Giovanni Messe, who acknowledged the limitations of his Corps in material and equipment and thus was relieved of his command on November 1, 1942. When the Soviet offensive Operation Saturn began on December 12, 1942 the Italian 8th Army was quickly crushed. Only about a third of its troops managed to escape the Soviet cauldron, including from the three Alpini Divisions Tridentina, Julia and Cuneense.

In North Africa, the Italian 132nd Armored Division "Ariete" and the 185th Infantry Division "Folgore" fought to total annihilation at the Second Battle of El Alamein. Although the battle was lost, the 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 dropped. Once the Allies landed in Sicily on July 10, 1943, most Italian Coastal divisions simply dissolved. The sagging morale led to the overthrow of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini by King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy 15 days later.

In September 1943, Italy made an armistice with the Allies and split into the Italian Social Republic – effectively a puppet state of Germany – in the north and that of the Badoglio government in the south. The Italian Co-Belligerent Army (Esercito Cobelligerante Italiano) was 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 Italian 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.

Cold War

[edit]

Following the 2 June 1946 Italian institutional referendum, on 10 June the kingdom was replaced by a Republic, and the Royal Army changed its name to become the Italian Army ("Esercito Italiano"). Initially, the army fielded five infantry divisions, created from the five combat groups of the Italian Co-belligerent Army and equipped with British material. Additionally the army fielded three internal security divisions without heavy equipment to garrison the country's two major islands:

As the status of the city of Free Territory of Trieste was disputed by the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia the Italian army moved the Infantry Division "Folgore" to Treviso and the Infantry Division "Mantova" to Gorizia in 1947. At the same time, the army began training an additional seven divisions and five Alpini brigades.

Following the creation of NATO, the Italian Army was integrated into NATO's Allied Forces Southern Europe and prepared for a feared invasion from the east, possibly via Yugoslavia. Allied Land Forces Southern Europe (LANDSOUTH), was activated on 10 July 1951 to defend northeastern Italy. The command was headquartered at Verona, and placed under Lieutenant General Maurizio Lazzaro De Castiglioni.[5] Some three infantry divisions and three brigades were the only forces initially available to this command to defend northeastern Italy. The divisions in question were the Infantry Division "Mantova" in Gorizia, the Infantry Division "Folgore" in Treviso, the Infantry Division "Trieste" in Bologna. Two of the three brigades were Alpini mountain infantry brigades – the Alpine Brigade "Julia" in Cividale del Friuli and Alpine Brigade "Tridentina" in Brixen, while the third brigade was the Armored Brigade "Ariete" in Pordenone. Exercise "Italic Weld", a combined air-naval-ground exercise in northern Italy involving the United States, Italy, Turkey, and Greece, appears to have been one of the first exercises in which the new Italian Army orientation was tested.[6]

On 1 May 1952 the army activated one army command and two corps commands, the Third Army in Padua, and the IV Army Corps in Bolzano and V Army Corps in Vittorio Veneto, to be able to circumvent NATO's chain of command in case a war should break out between Italy and Yugoslavia for the Free Territory of Trieste.[7] Later in 1952 the army also raised the VI Army Corps in Bologna, followed by the III Army Corps in Milan in 1957, both of which were also assigned to the Third Army.

During the early 1960s the army reduced the "Trieste", "Friuli", "Pozzuolo del Friuli", "Pinerolo", "Avellino", and "Aosta" divisions to brigades and raised the I Paratroopers Brigade in Pisa. On 1 October 1965, the Infantry Brigade "Avellino" was disbanded and, on 10 June 1967, the 1st Paratroopers Brigade was allowed to add "Folgore" to its name. It was now named Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore". With the easing of tensions between Italy and Yugoslavia, the Third Army, along with VI Army Corps, was disbanded on 1 April 1972, and its functions were taken over by NATO's Allied Forces Southern Europe in Verona. Before the disbanding of Third Army the army's structure was as follows:

1975 reform

[edit]
See also: Structure of the Italian Army in 1974, Italian Army 1975 reform, and Structure of the Italian Army in 1977

The most significant reorganization of the Italian Army took place in 1975, when the regimental level was abolished and battalions came under direct command of newly formed multi-arms brigades. At the same time, the reduction of the military service from 15 to 12 months for the army and air force and from 24 to 18 months for the navy forced the army to reduce its forces by nearly 45,000 troops. Therefore, while in the existing brigades "Orobica", "Tridentina", "Cadore", "Julia", "Taurinense", "Friuli", "Trieste", "Folgore", "Pinerolo", "Aosta" and "III Missile Brigade" only the regimental level was abolished, the divisions and "Pozzuolo del Friuli" brigade were subjected to major changes:

While the Infantry Division "Cremona" was reduced to a brigade, the Infantry Division "Granatieri di Sardegna" and Infantry Division "Legnano" and the Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli" were split to create two new brigades each. Afterwards, the three units ceased to exist.

Before 1975 After 1975 Notes
Infantry Division "Cremona" Motorized Brigade "Cremona" assigned to 3rd Army Corps
Infantry Division "Granatieri di Sardegna" Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna" assigned to Central Military Region
Motorized Brigade "Acqui" assigned to Central Military Region
Infantry Division "Legnano" Mechanized Brigade "Legnano" joined the Armored Division "Centauro"
Mechanized Brigade "Brescia" joined the Mechanized Division "Mantova"
Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli" Armored Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli" joined the Mechanized Division "Mantova"
Armored Brigade "Vittorio Veneto" joined the Mechanized Division "Folgore"

The remaining four divisions were also subjected to major changes and reductions, however, unlike the above three divisions, they remained in service after the reform. The units of the Infantry Division "Folgore" and Infantry Division "Mantova" were mostly disbanded, and the remnants used to create one brigade each; then each of the two divisions was augmented with two brigades to bring them back up to strength. The 131st Armored Division "Centauro" was split into two brigades and then brought back to full strength by adding the Mechanized Brigade "Legnano". Only the 132nd Armored Division "Ariete" saw no reduction in its ranks, and its three regiments were used to create three brigades for the division.

Name before 1975 Brigades created from divisional assets in 1975 Name after 1975 Assigned brigades after 1975 Notes
Infantry Division "Folgore" Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia" Mechanized Division "Folgore" Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia"
Mechanized Brigade "Trieste" from the Tuscan-Emilian Military Region
Armored Brigade "Vittorio Veneto" split from the Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"
Infantry Division "Mantova" Mechanized Brigade "Isonzo" Mechanized Division "Mantova" Mechanized Brigade "Isonzo"
Mechanized Brigade "Brescia" split from the Infantry Division "Legnano"
Armored Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli" from the 5th Army Corps
Armored Division "Centauro" 31st Armored Brigade "Curtatone"
3rd Mechanized Brigade "Goito" 		Armored Division "Centauro" 31st Armored Brigade "Curtatone"
3rd Mechanized Brigade "Goito"
Mechanized Brigade "Legnano" former Infantry Division "Legnano"
Armored Division "Ariete" 8th Mechanized Brigade "Garibaldi"
32nd Armored Brigade "Mameli"
132nd Armored Brigade "Manin" 		Armored Division "Ariete" 8th Mechanized Brigade "Garibaldi"
32nd Armored Brigade "Mameli"
132nd Armored Brigade "Manin"

After the reform the organization of the army was:

Badge of the 5th Army Corps (IT)

The brigades under operational control of the Military Regions were:

Structure of the Italian Army in 1984

1986 reform

[edit]

In 1986 the remaining four divisional headquarters were dissolved and all brigades in Northern Italy came under direct command of the Army's three Army Corps, while the brigades in Central and Southern Italy came under operational control of the local administrative Military Regions. With the disappearance of the divisions the army renamed some of the divisional brigades and granted all of them a new coat of arms to reflect their new independence. By 1989 the army was structured as depicted in the graphic below:

Structure of the Italian Army in 1989

End of the Cold War in 1989

[edit]
Main article: Structure of the Italian Army in 1989
class=notpageimage|
Combat brigade locations of the Italian Army in 1989

At the end of the Cold War in 1989 the Italian Army consisted of 26 Combat Brigades: four Armored Brigades, ten Mechanized Brigades, five Motorized Brigades, five Alpine Brigades, one paratroopers Brigade and one Rocket Artillery Brigade.

The units were placed as follows under the three Army Corps's:

The brigades under operational control of the Military Regions were:

The armored brigades consisted of one command & signals battalion, two or three tank battalions with Leopard 1A2 tanks, one mechanized infantry battalion with M113 APCs, one self-propelled field artillery group with M109 howitzers, one logistic battalion, an anti-tank company and an engineer company.

The Mechanized Brigades consisted of one command & signals battalion, one Tank Battalion (Leopard 1), three mechanized infantry battalions (M113), one Self-propelled Field Artillery Battalion with M109 howitzers, one logistic battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company; however, the Pinerolo Mechanized Brigades fielded a Field Artillery Group with FH-70 howitzers. Additionally, the "Gorizia" and "Mantova" mechanized brigades fielded two Position Infantry battalions each, which were tasked with manning fortifications and bunkers along the Yugoslav-Italian border.

The Motorized Brigades consisted of one command & signals battalion, one armored battalion (a mixed unit of tanks and mechanized infantry), three motorized infantry battalions, one Field Artillery Group (FH-70), one logistic battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company; however, the Sassari Brigade did not contain a field artillery battalion.

The Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" did field one command & signals battalion, one Paratroopers Assault Battalion (a Special Forces Unit), three Paratroopers Battalions, one Airborne Field Artillery Group with Mod 56 howitzers, one logistic battalion, one Army Aviation Helicopter Battalion and an Engineer Company.

Three of the five Alpine Brigades consisted of one command & signals battalion, two Alpini battalions, one Alpini Training Battalion, two mountain artillery groups (Mod 56), one logistic battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company; In contrast, the "Tridentina" brigade fielded an Alpini d'Arresto Battalion instead of the Alpini Training Battalion. The exception was the Julia Alpine Brigade which consisted of one command & signals battalion, four Alpini Battalions, one Alpini d'Arresto Battalion, one Alpini Training Battalion, three Mountain Artillery Battalions, one logistic battalion, an Anti-Tank Company and an Engineer Company, making the Julia the largest brigade of the Italian Army. The "d'Arresto" Alpini and Infantry units were designated to hold specific fortified locations directly at the border to slow down an attacking enemy. They were not a maneuver element but attached for training and logistic purposes to brigades stationed close to the border.

The Missile Brigade "Aquileia" fielded a mix of heavy artillery and missile units, both capable of firing tactical nuclear weapons. The main missile weapon of the brigade was the MGM-52 Lance missile.

Unit Summary

[edit]

In total the Italian Army fielded at the end of the Cold War:

Quantity Unit Type Equipment Notes
19
 Tank Battalions Leopard 1A2
M60A1 		Two battalions per Armored Brigade, one battalion per mechanized brigade, while the "Ariete" brigade fielded three tank battalions. Each tank battalion fielded three tank companies of 16 tanks and one tank for the battalion commander for a total of 49 tanks.
9
 Armored Battalions M47 Patton
M113 APC 		Armored battalions combined tanks and mechanized infantry, and one was assigned to each Motorized Brigade. One battalion was assigned to the 4th Alpine Army Corps, one battalion to the 5th Army Corps, one battalion to the Central Military Region, and two were training battalions of the Armored Cavalry School and the 1st Armored Infantry Regiment, respectively. Each battalion fielded 33 M47 Patton tanks and 24 M113 APCs.
2
 Reconnaissance Squadrons Groups Leopard 1A2
M113 APC 		Originally each division had one reconnaissance squadrons group. With the abolition of the divisional level, one squadron was reformed as a tank squadron group and joined the "Brescia" brigade. One was reformed as a mechanized squadron group and joined the "Vittorio Veneto" brigade. The two remaining reconnaissance squadron groups joined the "Mameli" and "Pozzuolo del Friuli" brigades. Each group fielded three reconnaissance squadrons of ten tanks and eight M113 APCs, with the battalion commander's tank, a group fielded a total of 31 tanks and 24 M113.
35
 Mechanized Infantry M113 APC One battalion per Armored Brigade, three battalions per mechanized brigade. The twelve Bersaglieri battalions were, without exception, mechanized infantry units; the remainder of the mechanized infantry were two Granatieri di Sardegna battalions, sixteen infantry battalions, and four cavalry squadron groups. One battalion was a training and demonstration unit of the army's Infantry and Cavalry School. Each battalion fielded 68 M113 APCs and 17 M106 mortar carriers.
12
 Motorized Infantry Two battalions per motorized brigade, three battalions in the "Aosta" brigade, and one battalion in Triest as part of the "Vittorio Veneto" brigade tasked with defending the city in case of a Yugoslavian attack. The army stored the equipment for five additional motorized battalions.
13
 Alpini Two battalions per Alpine Brigade; with the "Julia" brigade fielding a total of four Alpini battalions, an additional battalion under the Military Alpine School in Aosta.
5
 Paratroopers One Carabinieri paratroopers battalion, two paratroopers battalions, and one paratroopers assault (Special Forces) battalion. Additionally, the 4th Army Corps fielded an Alpini Paratroopers Company.
6
 Fortification Infantry One Alpini, five infantry battalions, and one Alpini company designated to hold specific fortified sectors of the Eastern and Northern Italian border. The strength of the battalions varied from 10 to 19 companies.
2
 Amphibious Infantry LVT-7 One Lagunari battalion, one amphibious vehicles battalion and one training company tasked with defending Venice under the Amphibious Troop Command. The Lagunari battalion was organized like a mechanized infantry battalion.
33
 Training Battalions The training battalions were tasked with the basic training of recruits: four Alpini, one paratrooper, one Granatieri, and 27 infantry battalions trained.
11
 Self-Propelled Artillery M109 howitzers One group (equivalent to a battalion) per armored and mechanized brigade (except for the "Pinerolo", "Legnano", "Trieste", "Granatieri di Sardegna" and "Brescia" mechanized brigades), two groups in one regiment under 3rd Army Corps, one battery as part of the army's artillery school in Rome and one training battery on Sardinia. Each group fielded three batteries of six M109 howitzers.
18
 Field Artillery M114 howitzers One group per motorized brigade (except the "Sassari" Motorized Brigade), one group per alpine brigade, one group in "Pinerolo", "Legnano", "Trieste", "Granatieri di Sardegna" and "Brescia" mechanized brigades, one group under 5th Army Corps, one under the Tuscan-Emilian Military Region, two in Southern Italy under the Southern Military Region, and one battery as part of the Army's artillery school in Rome. Each group fielded three batteries of six M114 howitzerss.
6
 Mountain Artillery Mod 56 howitzers One group per Alpine Brigade, with the "Julia" Alpine Brigade fielding two groups. Each group fielded three batteries of six Mod 56 howitzers.
1
 Airborne Artillery Mod 56 howitzers One airborne field artillery group as part of the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" with three batteries of 6 × Mod 56 howitzers each.
8
 Heavy Field Artillery FH-70 howitzers Heavy Field Artillery groups, served as Corps Artillery: two under 3rd Army Corps, two under 4th Alpine Army Corps, four under 5th Army Corps and one battery as part of the army's artillery school in Rome. Each group fielded three batteries of six FH-70 howitzers.
1
 Heavy Artillery M115 howitzers One group under 5th Army Corps. Originally capable of firing tactical nuclear ammunition and part of the "Aquileia" artillery brigade, the unit lost its nuclear role in 1986. The group fielded three batteries of four M115 howitzers.
1
 Heavy Self-Propelled Artillery M110A2 howitzers One group as part of "Aquileia" brigade capable of firing tactical nuclear ammunition. The group fielded three batteries of six M110A2 howitzers.
1
 Missile Artillery MGM-52 Lance The only missile artillery group of the army was capable of firing tactical nuclear missiles. The group fielded three batteries of two MGM-52 Lance launchers.
8
 Target Acquisition Six Artillery Specialist Groups with artillery radars and drones supporting the army corps, one target acquisition group supporting the Missile Brigade "Aquileia", one reserve group as part of the Horse Artillery Regiment.
7
 Light Anti-aircraft Artillery FIM-92 Stinger
40/70 Anti-air guns 		Five active and two reserve groups under the Anti-aircraft Artillery Command.
4
 Anti-aircraft Missile Artillery MIM-23 Hawk Grouped in two regiments under the Anti-aircraft Artillery Command. Each group fielded four batteries with six MIM-23 Hawk launchers.
17
 Engineer battalions Engineer battalions were under the Army Corps', and the Military Regional Commands and came in various specializations: Eight pioneer battalions tasked with construction duties, two combat engineer battalions supported the Army Corps', two railway construction and two bridge construction battalions were grouped into two regiments under the Army's Engineer Inspectorate, one pioneer battalion served as training and demonstration unit under the Army's engineering school, while two mining battalions were tasked with building and maintaining fortifications in the Alpine border regions of Italy. Additionally 24 Combat Engineer companies supported each of the army's brigades (with the exception of the "Sassari" brigade).
5
 Reconnaissance helicopter AB 206 A109 EOA Four squadrons flying AB 206 and one squadron flying A109 EOA helicopters.
5
 Transport helicopter AB 205 AB 412 CH-47 Chinook One squadron flying CH-47 Chinook Helicopters in Viterbo and six squadrons flying AB 412 and AB 205 helicopters.
9
 General aviation AB 212 SM-1019 The squadrons were dispersed all over the nation and supported various regional commands.
17
 Signal battalions Additionally two independent companies.
3
 Electronic Warfare Battalions
1
 NBC-defense Battalion Part of Engineer corps, but under direct command of the Army's General Staff.
25
 Logistic battalions One logistic battalion per brigade; with the exception of the "Sassari" brigade.
6
 Logistic Maneuver Battalions The logistic maneuver battalions ensured the mobility and logistic support of the Army's three Corps Commands.
9
 Transport Battalions Transport battalions provided mobility and logistic support to Territorial Commands and the Army and Armed Forces General Staffs in Rome.
26
 Command and Signal Units One command and signals unit per brigade, one for the Army's Anti-aircraft Artillery Command, and a Command and Signals Company for the Amphibious Troop Command.

Additionally the Army fielded 24 Anti-tank companies, one in each combat brigade except the "Sassari" brigade.

Post Cold War

[edit]

The end of the cold war in 1989 and the subsequent dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 created a new geopolitical environment in Europe, which contributed to implementation of significative reductions in the strength of the armed forces of all the NATO countries, in order to obtain the so called "peace dividend". This was reflected also in the Italian Army, that in the following decades went through several reductions, named "reforms".

1991 reform

[edit]

In 1991, the Army began the post-Cold War draw-down of its forces with the disbandment of seven brigades and a large number of smaller units. The brigades disbanded in 1991 were the "Aquileia", "Brescia", "Goito", "Mameli", "Orobica", "Trieste", and "Vittorio Veneto". The units subordinated to these brigades were mostly disbanded, while the "Garibaldi" brigade command was transferred with one of its battalions to Campania.

1997 reform

[edit]

With the relaxing military situation, the Italian Army kept drawing down forces and disbanding smaller military units, which necessitated a major reorganization by 1997 to merge the remaining battalions into coherent units and disband now superfluous brigade commands. Thus a further six brigades were disbanded during the latter half of 1996 and 1997: "Acqui", "Cadore", "Cremona", "Gorizia", "Legnano", and "Mantova". In addition, the remaining units were moved to new bases and changed in composition, designation, and tasks. The three Army Corps were renamed, and their functions expanded: the 3rd Army Corps became the "Projection Forces Command" (COMFOP), commanding the rapid reaction forces of the Army, the 4th Alpine Army Corps became the "Alpine Troops Command" (COMALP) focusing on peace-keeping operations and the 5th Army Corps became the "1st Defense Forces Command" (COMFOD1) tasked with defending Northern Italy. On January 1, 1998, the "2nd Defense Forces Command" (COMFOD2) was activated in Naples and tasked with defending South and Central Italy. During the Cold War, the Italian Army units were to be commanded in wartime by NATO's LANDSOUTH Command in Verona; on October 1, 1997, out of elements of the aforementioned NATO Command, the new "Operational Terrestrial Forces Command" (COMFOTER) was activated. The COMFOTER took command of all the combat, combat support, combat service support and CIS units of the Italian Army. Along with the COMFOTER in Verona, a Support Command (COMSUP) was raised in Treviso, which gained operational control of all the remaining combat support, combat service support and CIS units of the Army. The COMSUP controlled three division-sized formations (Army Aviation Command, Anti-aircraft Artillery Command, C4-IEW Command) and three brigade-sized formations (Field Artillery Brigade, Engineer Brigade, Logistic Support Command).

Thus after the 1997 reform the structure of the Italian Army was as follows:

2002 reform

[edit]
Alpini of the 7th Alpini Regiment during the Falzarego 2011 exercise

Between 1997 and 2002 the Army continued to tweak the new structure and with the abolition of obligatory military service a further two brigades ("Centauro", "Tridentina") were disbanded in 2002. On December 1, 2000, the COMFOP became the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy (NRDC-IT) and passed its subordinate units to the COMFOD 1 ("Friuli", "Folgore") and COMFOD 2 ("Garibaldi") commands. The "Friuli" Brigade changed its composition and became an airmobile brigade with Army Aviation, Cavalry and Infantry units. The COMSUP had already been reorganized and streamlined in 2000.

After 2002 the structure of the Italian Army was as follows:

2011 reform

[edit]

During 2011 some small changes regarding the support units of the Army were enacted. The COMSUP took command of the Army's schools and merged them, where possible, with the support brigades. Minor units were moved South and to the islands to reduce the Army's footprint in the wealthier North of Italy. At the same time, the designation of the "Pinerolo" brigade was changed back to Mechanized Brigade. Afterwards the COMSUP consisted, besides four Army schools of the following commands:

  • Anti-aircraft Artillery Command (Sabaudia)
  • Artillery Command (Bracciano)
  • Engineer Command (Rome)
  • Logistic Projection Command (Rome)

2013 reform

[edit]
The 1st Field Artillery Regiment (Mountain) on exercise

In 2013 the Army began a major reform. The three corp-level commands COMFOD 1, COMFOD 2 and COMALP were to disband, while the "Mantova" Division Command moved from Vittorio Veneto to Florence, where it was renamed as Division "Friuli", taking the name and traditions of the Air Assault Brigade "Friuli".[8] Together with the other two divisions Acqui and Tridentina the Friuli took command of operational brigades of the Italian Army.

The Logistic Projection Command was disbanded, and its units attached directly to the brigades. As part of the reform, the Army raised the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE) in Pisa, which took command of all Special Operations Forces of the Army. Furthermore, the Operational Terrestrial Forces Command (COMFOTER) in Verona was split on 1 October 2016 into the "Operational Land Forces Command and Army Operational Command" in Rome and the "Operational Land Forces Support Command" in Verona.

At the end of the reform the plan envisioned that the Army would consist of:

After the reform, each maneuver brigade, except the "Pozzuolo del Friuli" and "Sassari", was planned to field the following units: a command and signal unit with the brigade staff, one cavalry reconnaissance regiment, three combat maneuver regiments, one artillery regiment, one engineer regiment, and one logistic regiment.

The "Pozzuolo del Friuli" brigade was planned to merge with the "Friuli" brigade and field a cavalry reconnaissance regiment, an air-assault infantry regiment, an amphibious-assault infantry regiment, a reconnaissance helicopter regiment, an attack helicopter regiment, a field artillery regiment, an engineer regiment, a logistic regiment as well as the standard command and signal unit with the brigade staff.

The "Sassari" brigade would not field a cavalry reconnaissance regiment and an artillery regiment unless funds were to be found to raise these units on Sardinia. The "Granatieri di Sardegna" brigade was destined to disband, with its cavalry regiment joining the "Pinerolo" brigade. In contrast, the 1st Granatieri di Sardegna Regiment was planned to become a public duties unit under the Capital Military Command in Rome. In 2013 the reform started with the disbanding of the 131st Tank Regiment and the 57th Infantry Battalion "Abruzzi", while the 33rd Field Artillery Regiment "Acqui" was reformed as 185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore". In 2014 the 2nd Mountain Artillery Regiment was disbanded, followed by the 5th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment "Pescara" and the 47th Infantry Regiment "Ferrara" in 2015.

As part of the reform, all army schools, training regiments and training centres were to be combined into the newly raised Army Formation, Specialisation and Doctrine Command (Comando per la Formazione, Specializzazione e Dottrina dell’Esercito or COMFORDOT) in Rome. However, as of July 2019, the Alpine Training Center and the Parachuting Training Center remain with the Alpine Troops Command and the Paratroopers Brigade Folgore, respectively.

2019 changes

[edit]
Italian 8th Alpini Regiment snipers in winter ghillie suits in 2019

As the security situation in Europe had changed in 2014 with the Russian annexation of Crimea the 2013 reform was paused. Neither were the "Pozzuolo del Friuli", and "Friuli" brigades merged, nor was the "Granatieri di Sardegna" brigade disbanded. On 1 July 2019, the army officially ended the 2013 reform: on that date in Florence, the Division "Friuli" was renamed Division "Vittorio Veneto". With this, the traditions of the name "Friuli" returned to the Airmobile Brigade "Friuli", whose merger with the "Pozzuolo del Friuli" brigade was disbanded.[9] Likewise the disbanding of the "Granatieri di Sardegna" brigade was disbanded, and it was decided that the second battalion of the brigade's 1st "Granatieri di Sardegna" "Regiment" would become independent as 2nd Grenadier Battalion "Cengio" and grow to regiment by 2020 as first step to bring the brigade back to full strength.

On 10 January 2020 the 31st Tank Regiment was reformed as Regiment "Cavalleggeri di Lodi" (15th) thus completing the transformation of the Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo".[10]

2023 changes

[edit]

In May 2023 the two deployable division commands "Acqui" and "Vittorio Veneto", as well as the Army Simulation and Validation Center were assigned to the Operational Land Forces Command and Army Operational Command.[11] On 1 July 2023 the Capital Military Command was merged into the Operational Land Forces Command and Army Operational Command, which on the same date changed its name to Operational Land Forces Command.[12]

Operations

[edit]

The Italian Army has participated in operations to aid 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 province of Bolzano/Bozen (1967), in Sardinia ("Forza Paris" 1992), in Sicily ("Vespri Siciliani"1992) and in Calabria (1994). Currently, it protects sensitive objectives and places throughout the national territory ("Operazione Domino") since the September 11 attacks in the United States.

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 (1995), East Timor and Kosovo (both in 1999), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2001), Darfur (2003), Afghanistan (2002), Iraq (2003) and Lebanon again (2006). (From 1980, Italy was the third major world contributor, after USA and the UK, in peacekeeping missions.)[citation needed]

The Carabinieri, once the senior corps of the Army, is now an autonomous armed force (alongside the Army, Navy and Air Force). The Carabinieri provide military police services to all the Italian armed forces.

Command structure

[edit]
7th Army Aviation Regiment "Vega" NH90 helicopter during a night-time mission

The Armed Forces of Italy are under the command of the Italian Supreme Defense Council, presided over by the President of the Italian Republic.

Ranks

[edit]
Main article: Italian Army ranks

Ranks are part of the uniform.

Organisation

[edit]
See also: Structure of the Italian Army and List of units of the Italian Army

For the detailed structure of the Italian Army, see Structure of the Italian Army.

class=notpageimage|
Italian Army main formations 2024
Structure of the Italian Army since 25 January 2024
Corps-level Division-level Brigades
COMFOTER COMTA Alpine Brigade "Julia"
Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"
COMFOP Nord Cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli"
132nd Armored Brigade "Ariete"
COMFOP Sud Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"
Mechanized Brigade "Aosta"
Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo"
Mechanized Brigade "Sassari"
Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi"
COMFOTER SUPPORT Artillery Command
Anti-aircraft Artillery Command
Engineer Command
Signal Command
Tactical Intelligence Brigade
Army Aviation Command Airmobile Brigade "Friuli"
Army Aviation Support Brigade
Division "Acqui"
Division "Vittorio Veneto"
Army Simulation & Validation Center
Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"
Army Special Forces Command
NRDC - Italy NRDC-ITA Support Brigade
COMLOG Logistic Support Command
COMFORDOT

Unit organizations

[edit]
Brigade, regiment, and battalion organizations

All brigades have been deployed and are continuously deployed in operations outside of Italy. Combat brigades field between 3–5,000 troops each. Brigade maneuver units are designated as regiments but field men and equipment similar to large battalions, consisting of large command and logistic support company and a combat battalion. Artillery regiments field an additional Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Tactical Liaison Battery.

Every complete Italian Army brigade fields the following units:

  • Brigade headquarters
    • Command and Tactical Support Battalion
      • Command company
      • Signal company
    • Cavalry regiment
      • Command and logistic support squadron
      • Armored Squadrons Group
        • 3 × reconnaissance squadrons (each with 6 × Centauro and 12 × Puma 4×4 (Centauros to be replaced with 6 × Freccia EVO Reconnaissance and the Pumas with VTLM Lince II)[citation needed])
        • Heavy armored squadron (14 × Centauro, (to be replaced with Centauro II))
    • Artillery regiment
    • Engineer regiment
      • Command and logistic support company
      • Engineer battalion
    • Logistic regiment
      • Command and logistic support company
      • Logistic battalion
        • Supply company
        • Maintenance company
        • Transport company

Depending on the type of brigade (light, medium, heavy) each brigade fields three maneuver battalions. Currently, the Folgore, Taurinense, and Julia each field three light infantry regiments, the Pinerolo and Aosta each field three medium infantry regiments, and the Garibaldi and Ariete field two, respectively one heavy infantry regiment, and one, respectively two tank regiments. The Friuli, Sassari, Granatieri di Sardegna and Pozzuolo del Friuli brigades' regiments are structured like all other army regiments. However, these four brigades do not field the full complement of eight units.

Currently the army's maneuver regiments are organized as follows:

  • Light infantry regiment (Alpini, Lagunari, Paratroopers; and 66th Infantry regiment)
    • Command and logistic support company
    • Infantry battalion
      • 3 × rifle companies (with Puma 6×6, Bv206 (Alpini), and VTLM Lince; each company with 3 × 81 mm mortars and 2 × Spike MR launchers)
      • Maneuver Support Company (4 × 120 mm mortars, 4 × Spike MR launchers)
  • Medium infantry regiment (5th, 9th, 62nd, and 82nd infantry regiments; 3rd, 6th, and 7th Bersaglieri regiments)
    • Command and logistic support company
    • Infantry battalion
      • 3 × rifle companies (each with 14 × Freccia Combat, 3 × 81 mm mortars, 2 × Freccia Combat Anti-tank with Spike LR and 2 × Spike MR launchers)
      • Maneuver Support Company (2 × Freccia Combat, 4 × Freccia Mortar Carrier with 120 mm mortar, 4 × Freccia Combat Anti-tank with Spike LR and 4 × Spike MR launchers, 12x VTLM Lince reconnaissance role)
  • Heavy infantry regiment (1st, 8th, and 11th Bersaglieri regiments; 1st and 2nd Grenadier regiments)
    • Command and logistic support company
    • Infantry battalion
      • 3 × rifle companies (each with 14 × Dardo IFV, 3 × 81 mm mortars, 2 × Dardo Spike LR)
      • Maneuver Support Company (2 × Dardo IFV, 4 × M106 120 mm mortar carriers, 4 × Dardo Spike LR)
  • Tank regiment (4th, 32nd, and 132nd tank regiments)

Two of the three infantry regiments of the Sassari brigade are still equipped as light regiments, while the brigade's 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment has begun the switch to medium infantry regiment on 6 January 2018. The 2nd Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna" was reactivated on 1 September 2022 as a light infantry regiment and will switch to heavy regiment once new tracked infantry fighting vehicles will be acquired by the army.

Equipment

[edit]
Main article: List of equipment of the Italian Army

Uniforms

[edit]
Main articles: Uniforms of the Italian Armed Forces and Italian Army gorget patches
Italian Army gorget patches in use in 2024

The Italian Army uses uniforms that can be divided into four different "families", and hold strict rules that apply to the type of textile, color and badge of the uniforms.. These include: the Regular Uniform (the only one that includes seasonal variations), the Service Uniform, the Service Combat Uniform, and the Ceremonial Uniform (only for officials).

The Regular Uniform

[edit]

The Regular Uniform comes in summer and winter versions differing exclusively in textiles used. A single-breasted jacket with four buttons and four pockets, and trousers with a classic cut and front pleats with five pockets. The undershirt also has two small pockets. The uniform is completed by a necktie, brown leather gloves, brown shoes, khaki socks, and a cap or headdress.

The Service Uniform

[edit]

The summer and winter Service Uniform have identical cuts and colors to the Regular uniform, while active military personnel always utilize a special headdress included with the uniform.

The Service Combat Uniform

[edit]

The Service Combat Uniform is most commonly used out of the four "families" and is distributed to all soldiers with the same mimetic pattern (paratroopers have a different model with strengthening on the shoulders). The uniform comprises a beret, a five-button closure jacket with two internal pockets, and trousers with four pockets. Accessories completing the uniform include gloves, special footwear and a t-shirt with short or long sleeves, depending on the season.

The Ceremonial Uniform

[edit]

The Ceremonial Uniform includes a double-breasted jacket with six buttons and two pockets on the hips. Trousers come with a classic cut, having the same jacket fabric. The winter version can be worn with the blue cape infantry, a black rigid cap, white gloves and black shoes. Other accessories such as the necktie, a light blue scarf and a sabre complete the uniform.

Operations

[edit]
Sassari Mechanized Brigade soldiers on patrol with a VBM Freccia in Afghanistan
3rd Alpini Regiment soldiers near Shindand in Afghanistan

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 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.

The Italian Army has not engaged in major combat operations since World War II. However, 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 at the time of the war with North Korea.

Italy did take part in the 1990–91 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 refugees in northern Iraq following the conflict.

As part of Operation Enduring Freedom in response to the September 11 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 53 Italian soldiers have died under ISAF. Italy has sent 4200 troops, based on one infantry company from the 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. Italy leads the Regional Command West in Afghanistan, and its HQ is located in Herat at Camp Arena base. Italian Air Force deployed about 30 aircraft, both helicopters and planes: four AMX Ghibli and two RQ-1A Predator that are used in close air support and intelligence missions, Alenia C-27J Spartan, Boeing CH-47C Chinook, NH90 and Lockheed C-130 Hercules, which are used in transport missions; Bell UH-1N Twin Huey and Agusta A129CBT Mangusta are used in missions of fire support to the troops.

The Italian Army did not take part in combat operations of the 2003 Second Gulf War, dispatching troops only after May 1, 2003 – when major combat operations were declared over by the 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 and eight Iraqi civilians dead.[citation needed]

As of 2006, Italy ranks third in the world in the number of deployed military forces operating in peacekeeping and peace-enforcing scenarios in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Lebanon, behind the United States and the United Kingdom.[citation needed]

A recent[when?] law promoted recruitment in the Italian Army, giving volunteers a chance to find post-service careers in the Carabinieri, Italian State Police, Italian Finance Police, Fire Department and other state bodies.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Rapporto Esercito 2018" (PDF). Esercito Italiano. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
  2. ^ Keegan, John (2001). The first World War; An Illustrated History. London: Hutchinson. ISBN 0-09-179392-0., p.319
  3. ^ Bierman, John; Smith, Colin (2003) [2002]. War without Hate: The Desert Campaign of 1940–1943 (New ed.). New York: Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-14-200394-7. pp.13–14
  4. ^ Walker, Ian W. (2003). Iron Hulls, Iron Hearts; Mussolini's Elite Armoured Divisions in North Africa. Ramsbury: The Crowood Press. ISBN 1-86126-646-4., pp.9–29
  5. ^ "The Birth of AFSOUTH". 93.63.251.100. Archived from the original on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  6. ^ "Chapter 9". NATO the first five years 1949–1954. NATO. Archived from the original on 2008-11-10. Retrieved 2008-11-03.
  7. ^ "31 marzo 1972. Riordino degli Alti Comandi Militari" (PDF). Italian Parliament. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2017-12-23. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  8. ^ "Notizie, Eventi – Esercito Italiano". Esercito.difesa.it. Archived from the original on 2013-10-19. Retrieved 2016-12-19.
  9. ^ "La Friuli diventa Vittorio Veneto". Italian Army. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
  10. ^ "A Lecce arriva il Reggimento "Cavalleggeri di Lodi" (15°)". Italian Army. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  11. ^ "Comando Operativo delle Forze Terrestri". Italian Army. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  12. ^ "Cambio al vertice del COMFOTER". Italian Army. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
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