Difference between revisions of "Italian Army"

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[[Image:Ariete 2.jpg|thumb|[[Ariete]] Tanks of the Italian Ariete Tank Brigade on exercise]]
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[[Image:Ariete 2.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Ariete]] Tanks of the Italian Ariete Armored Brigade on exercise]]
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[[Image:Dardo.jpg|thumb|Three [[Bersaglieri]] ride in a [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] ]]
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[[Image:Dardo.jpg|thumb|300px|Three [[Bersaglieri]] ride in a [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] ]]
  
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The '''Italian Army''' is the ground defense force of the [[Italy|Italian Republic]] . It has recently become a professional all-volunteer force of 112,000 [[active duty]] personnel. The headquarters of the Army General Staff is in [[Rome]], opposite the [[Quirinal Palace|Presidential Palace]].
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The '''[[Italy|Italian]] Army''' has recently become a professional all-volunteer force of 112,000 [[active duty]] personnel. A recent law promotes membership of the Italian Army guaranteing volunteers post-Army careers in the [[Carabinieri]] Corps, [[Polizia di Stato|Italian State Police]], Italian Finance Guard and Italian State Forestry Corps, amongst other state bodies. The headquarter of the Army General Staff is in Rome opposite to the [[Quirinal Palace|Presidential Palace]].
 
  
 
==Command Structure==
 
==Command Structure==
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The Italian [[Military]] is under the command of the Italian Supreme Defense Council, presided by the [[List_of_Presidents_of_Italy|President of the Italian Republic]]. The Italian Army is commanded by the SME or “Stato Maggiore dell’Esercito” (Chief of the Army General Staff) in Rome.
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The Italian [[Military]] is under the command of the Italian Supreme Defense Council, presided over by the [[List of Presidents of the Italian Republic|President of the Italian Republic]]. The Italian Army is commanded by the SME or “Stato Maggiore dell’Esercito” (Chief of the Army General Staff) in Rome.
 
The Chief of staff has direct control of all support and logistics operations in Italy (i.e. military clinics, repair facilities, acquisitions,…), but no direct control of the operational forces, which are all assigned to and commanded by COMFOTER: “Comando delle Forze Operative Terrestri” (Command of Operational Terrestrial Forces).
 
The Chief of staff has direct control of all support and logistics operations in Italy (i.e. military clinics, repair facilities, acquisitions,…), but no direct control of the operational forces, which are all assigned to and commanded by COMFOTER: “Comando delle Forze Operative Terrestri” (Command of Operational Terrestrial Forces).
  
 
==Operational Forces==
 
==Operational Forces==
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COMFOTER has direct command on a [[NATO]] rapid reaction Corps Command (NRDC-IT), of four support brigades (Artillery, Air Defense, Logistics, Engineering), as well as command of the Army Aviation, the Army Communication and Transmission command and of three commands called COMFOD 1, COMFOD 2 and COMALP, which between them command the actual 11 Italian combat Brigades. The attached units are in detail:
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COMFOTER has direct command on a [[NATO]] rapid reaction Corps Command (NRDC-IT), of four support brigades (Artillery, Air Defense, Logistics, Engineering), as well as command of the Army Aviation, the Army Communication and Transmission command and of three commands called COMFOD 1, COMFOD 2 and COMALP, which between them command the actual 11 Italian combat Brigades. The attached units are in detail:
  
 
===NRDC-IT===
 
===NRDC-IT===
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===COMALP===
 
===COMALP===
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“Comando Truppe [[Alpini Corps|Alpini]]” or COMALP has command over the light Mountain Troops - called [[Alpini Corps|Alpini]]- of the Italian Army. It is located in [[Bolzano]] ([[South Tyrol]]) and consist of the following units:
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“Comando Truppe [[Alpini Corps|Alpini]]” or COMALP has command over the light Mountain Troops - called [[Alpini Corps|Alpini]]- of the Italian Army. It is located in [[Bozen-Bolzano]] ([[South Tyrol]]) and consist of the following units:
  
 
: [[Alpini Corps|Alpini]] Training Center in [[Aosta]]
 
: [[Alpini Corps|Alpini]] Training Center in [[Aosta]]
 
: 6° Alpini Regiment (high altitude training areas) in [[San Candido]] (South Tyrol) with 21 [[Bv206]]
 
: 6° Alpini Regiment (high altitude training areas) in [[San Candido]] (South Tyrol) with 21 [[Bv206]]
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: 4° Alpini Paracadutisti (Parachutist) Regiment “Monte Cervino” in Bolzano (South Tyrol) with 21 [[Bv206]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] ([[Special forces|Forces for Special Operations]])
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: 4° Alpini Paracadutisti (Parachutist) Regiment “Monte Cervino” in Bozen-Bolzano (South Tyrol) with 21 [[Bv206]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]] ([[Special forces|Forces for Special Operations]])
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: “Tridentina” [[Alpini Corps|Alpini]] Division Command (without fixed units) in [[Bressanone]] (South Tyrol)
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: “Tridentina” Division Command (without fixed units) in [[Brixen-Bressanone]] (South Tyrol)
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[[Image:COMALP.jpg|thumb|COMALP comand structure]]
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[[Image:COMALP.jpg|thumb|COMALP command structure]]
 
: “Taurinense” Alpini Brigade in [[Turin]] (Piedmont)
 
: “Taurinense” Alpini Brigade in [[Turin]] (Piedmont)
 
:: 2° Alpini Regiment in Cuneo (Piedmont) with 21 [[Bv206]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
 
:: 2° Alpini Regiment in Cuneo (Piedmont) with 21 [[Bv206]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
 
:: 3° Alpini Regiment in Pinerolo (Piedmont) with 21 [[Bv206]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
 
:: 3° Alpini Regiment in Pinerolo (Piedmont) with 21 [[Bv206]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
 
:: 9° Alpini Regiment in l'Aquila (Abruzzi) with 21 [[Bv206]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
 
:: 9° Alpini Regiment in l'Aquila (Abruzzi) with 21 [[Bv206]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
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:: 1° Cavalry Regiment “[[Nizza]] Cavalleria” in [[Pinerolo]] (Piedmont) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
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:: 1 °Cavalry Regiment “[[Nizza]] Cavalleria” in [[Pinerolo]] (Piedmont) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
 
:: 1° Mountain Artillery Regiment in Fossano (Piedmont) with 24 [[FH-70]]
 
:: 1° Mountain Artillery Regiment in Fossano (Piedmont) with 24 [[FH-70]]
 
:: 32° Alpini Engineer Regiment in [[Turin]] (Piedmont)
 
:: 32° Alpini Engineer Regiment in [[Turin]] (Piedmont)
  
 
: “Julia” Alpini Brigade in Udine (Friuli)
 
: “Julia” Alpini Brigade in Udine (Friuli)
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:: 5° Alpini Regiment in [[Vipiteno]] (South Tyrol) with 21 [[Bv206]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
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:: 5° Alpini Regiment in [[Sterzing-Vipiteno]] (South Tyrol) with 21 [[Bv206]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
 
:: 7° Alpini Regiment in Belluno (Veneto) with 21 [[Bv206]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
 
:: 7° Alpini Regiment in Belluno (Veneto) with 21 [[Bv206]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
 
:: 8° Alpini Regiment in Cividale e Venzone (Friuli) with 21 [[Bv206]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
 
:: 8° Alpini Regiment in Cividale e Venzone (Friuli) with 21 [[Bv206]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
 
:: 3° Mountain Artillery Regiment in Tolmezzo (Friuli) with 24 [[FH-70]]
 
:: 3° Mountain Artillery Regiment in Tolmezzo (Friuli) with 24 [[FH-70]]
 
:: 2° Alpini Engineer Regiment in Trento (Trentino)
 
:: 2° Alpini Engineer Regiment in Trento (Trentino)
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:: 1° Hungarian Mechanized Battalion (for out of area NATO peacekeeping deployment)  
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:: 1° Hungarian Mechanized Battalion (for out of area NATO peacekeeping deployment)
 
:: 182. Slovenian Infantry Battalion (for out of area NATO peacekeeping deployment)
 
:: 182. Slovenian Infantry Battalion (for out of area NATO peacekeeping deployment)
  
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“Comando Forze di Difesa 1” or COMFOD 1 resides in the north-eastern city of [[Vittorio Veneto]] ([[Veneto]]) and commands the most specialized brigades of the Italian Army:
 
“Comando Forze di Difesa 1” or COMFOD 1 resides in the north-eastern city of [[Vittorio Veneto]] ([[Veneto]]) and commands the most specialized brigades of the Italian Army:
  
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: “[[Mantova]]” Mechanized Infantry Division Command (without fixed units)
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: “[[Mantova]]” Infantry Division Command (without fixed units)
  
 
: “Folgore” [[Paratrooper|Parachutist]] Brigade in Livorno (Tuscany)
 
: “Folgore” [[Paratrooper|Parachutist]] Brigade in Livorno (Tuscany)
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: “[[Friuli]]” Air Assault Brigade in [[Bologna]] (Emilia)
 
: “[[Friuli]]” Air Assault Brigade in [[Bologna]] (Emilia)
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:: 3° Cavalry Regiment “[[Savoy|Savoia]] Cavalleria” in Grosseto (Tuscany) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
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:: 3 °Cavalry Regiment “[[Savoy|Savoia]] Cavalleria” in Grosseto (Tuscany) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
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:: 66° Air Assault Infantry Regiment “Trieste” in Forlì (Romagna) with 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
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:: 66° Air Assault Infantry Regiment “Trieste” in Forlì (Romagna) with 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
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:: 5° Army Aviation Regiment “[[Rigel]]” in Casarsa (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with
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:: 5° Army Aviation Regiment “[[Rigel]]” in [[Casarsa]] (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with
 
::: 36 [[Agusta A129 Mangusta|A129 "Mangusta" Attack Helicopters]]
 
::: 36 [[Agusta A129 Mangusta|A129 "Mangusta" Attack Helicopters]]
 
::: 12 [[Agusta A109|AB 109EOA "Hirundo"]] Observation helicopters
 
::: 12 [[Agusta A109|AB 109EOA "Hirundo"]] Observation helicopters
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::: 24 [[Agusta A129 Mangusta|A129 "Mangusta" Attack Helicopters]]
 
::: 24 [[Agusta A129 Mangusta|A129 "Mangusta" Attack Helicopters]]
 
::: 12 [[Agusta A109|AB 109EOA "Hirundo"]] Observation helicopters
 
::: 12 [[Agusta A109|AB 109EOA "Hirundo"]] Observation helicopters
−
::: 24 [[AB 412]] Support helicopters and
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::: 24 [[AB 412]] Support helicopters
−
::: 48 [[AB 206|AB 206C/1]] Battlefield Surveillance helicopter
 
  
 
: “Pozzuolo del Friuli” Cavalry Brigade in Gorizia ([[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]])
 
: “Pozzuolo del Friuli” Cavalry Brigade in Gorizia ([[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]])
−
:: 2° Cavalry Regiment “[[Piemonte]] Cavalleria” in Trieste ([[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]]) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
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:: 2 °Cavalry Regiment “[[Piemonte]] Cavalleria” in Trieste ([[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]]) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
−
:: 4° Cavalry Regiment “[[Genova]] Cavalleria” in Palmanova (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
+
:: 4 °Cavalry Regiment “[[Genova]] Cavalleria” in Palmanova (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
−
:: 5° Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri di [[Novara]]” in Codroipo (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
+
:: 5 °Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri di [[Novara]]” in Codroipo (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
 
:: Lagunari (Marine Infantry) Regiment “[[Serenissima Regiment|Serenissima ]]” in Venice (Veneto) with 25 [[Amphibious Assault Vehicle|AAV7-A1]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
 
:: Lagunari (Marine Infantry) Regiment “[[Serenissima Regiment|Serenissima ]]” in Venice (Veneto) with 25 [[Amphibious Assault Vehicle|AAV7-A1]] and [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 6x6]]
 
:: Artillery Regiment “a cavallo” in Milan ([[Lombardy]]) with 24 [[FH-70]]
 
:: Artillery Regiment “a cavallo” in Milan ([[Lombardy]]) with 24 [[FH-70]]
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:: 132° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Ariete” in Maniago (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 32 [[M109 howitzer|M109/L]]
 
:: 132° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Ariete” in Maniago (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 32 [[M109 howitzer|M109/L]]
 
:: 10° Engineer Regiment in Cremona (Lombardy)
 
:: 10° Engineer Regiment in Cremona (Lombardy)
−
:: Logistic Battalion “Ariete” in Maniago (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
 
  
 
===COMFOD 2===
 
===COMFOD 2===
 
“Comando Forze di Difesa 2” or COMFOD 2 resides in S. Giorgio a Cremano near [[Naples]] and commands 5 brigades. Three of those, the brigades “Aosta”, “Pinerolo” and “Granatieri di Sardegna” are made up of one year volunteers and therefore are supposed to be used only on Italian soil. COMFOD 2 commands:
 
“Comando Forze di Difesa 2” or COMFOD 2 resides in S. Giorgio a Cremano near [[Naples]] and commands 5 brigades. Three of those, the brigades “Aosta”, “Pinerolo” and “Granatieri di Sardegna” are made up of one year volunteers and therefore are supposed to be used only on Italian soil. COMFOD 2 commands:
  
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: “Acqui” Infantry Division Command (without fixed units)
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: “Acqui” Division Command (without fixed units)
−
: 60° Training Battalion “[[Col di Lana]]”
 
 
: 91° Training Battalion “Lucania”
 
: 91° Training Battalion “Lucania”
  
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: “[[Garibaldi]]” [[Bersaglieri]] Mechanized Brigade in Caserta (Campania)
 
: “[[Garibaldi]]” [[Bersaglieri]] Mechanized Brigade in Caserta (Campania)
 
:: 131° Tank Regiment in Persano (Campania) with 54 [[Leopard 1]]
 
:: 131° Tank Regiment in Persano (Campania) with 54 [[Leopard 1]]
−
:: 19° Cavalry Regiment “Cavalleggeri Guide” in Salerno (Campania) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
+
:: 19 °Cavalry Regiment “Cavalleggeri Guide” in Salerno (Campania) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
 
:: 1° Bersaglieri Regiment in Cosenza (Calabria) with 50 [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]]
 
:: 1° Bersaglieri Regiment in Cosenza (Calabria) with 50 [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]]
 
:: 8° Bersaglieri Regiment in Caserta (Campania) with 50 [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]]
 
:: 8° Bersaglieri Regiment in Caserta (Campania) with 50 [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]]
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: “[[Aosta]]” Mechanized Brigade Messina (Sicily)
 
: “[[Aosta]]” Mechanized Brigade Messina (Sicily)
−
:: 6° Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri d’Aosta” in Palermo (Sicily) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
+
:: 6 °Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri d’Aosta” in Palermo (Sicily) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
 
:: 6° Bersaglieri Regiment in Trapani (Sicily) with VCC (M113 improved)
 
:: 6° Bersaglieri Regiment in Trapani (Sicily) with VCC (M113 improved)
 
:: 5° Infantry Regiment “Aosta” in Messina (Sicily) with VCC (M113 improved)
 
:: 5° Infantry Regiment “Aosta” in Messina (Sicily) with VCC (M113 improved)
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:: 1° “Granatieri di Sardegna” Mechanized Infantry Regiment in Rome (Lazio) with VCC (M113 improved)
 
:: 1° “Granatieri di Sardegna” Mechanized Infantry Regiment in Rome (Lazio) with VCC (M113 improved)
 
:: 2° “Granatieri di Sardegna” Mechanized Infantry Regiment in Spoleto (Umbria) with VCC (M113 improved)
 
:: 2° “Granatieri di Sardegna” Mechanized Infantry Regiment in Spoleto (Umbria) with VCC (M113 improved)
−
:: 8° Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri di Montebello” in Rome (Lazio) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
+
:: 8 °Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri di Montebello” in Rome (Lazio) with 50 [[Centauro]] and 33 [[Puma (AFV)|Puma 4x4]]
 
:: 33° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Acqui” in l'Aquila (Abruzzi) with 32 [[M109 howitzer|M109/L]]
 
:: 33° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Acqui” in l'Aquila (Abruzzi) with 32 [[M109 howitzer|M109/L]]
  
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: Signal Brigade for Maneuver Support
 
: Signal Brigade for Maneuver Support
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:: 2° Alpini Signal Regiment in [[Bolzano]] (South Tyrol)
+
:: 2° Alpini Signal Regiment in [[Bozen-Bolzano]] (South Tyrol)
 
:: 7° Signal Regiment in Sacile
 
:: 7° Signal Regiment in Sacile
 
:: 11° Signal Regiment in Civitavecchia (Lazio)
 
:: 11° Signal Regiment in Civitavecchia (Lazio)
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:: 1° Army Aviation Regiment “[[Antares]]” in Viterbo (Lazio) with 36 [[CH-47 Chinook|CH-47C "Chinook"]] and 24 [[AB 205|AB 205A]]
 
:: 1° Army Aviation Regiment “[[Antares]]” in Viterbo (Lazio) with 36 [[CH-47 Chinook|CH-47C "Chinook"]] and 24 [[AB 205|AB 205A]]
 
:: 2° Army Aviation Regiment “[[Sirius|Sirio]]” in Lamezia Terme (Calabria) with 24 [[AB 206|AB 206C/1]]
 
:: 2° Army Aviation Regiment “[[Sirius|Sirio]]” in Lamezia Terme (Calabria) with 24 [[AB 206|AB 206C/1]]
−
:: 4° AVES Regiment “[[Altair]]” in Venaria (Piedmont) and Bolzano (South Tyrol) with 24 [[AB 205|AB 205A]] and 24 [[AB 206|AB 206C/1]]
+
:: 4° AVES Regiment “[[Altair]]” in Venaria (Piedmont) and Bozen-Bolzano (South Tyrol) with 24 [[AB 205|AB 205A]] and 24 [[AB 206|AB 206C/1]]
 
:: 28° Army Aviation Squadron “[[Tucana|Tucano]]” in Viterbo (Lazio) with 3 [[Dornier Do 228|Dornier DO-228]] and 3 [[Piaggio P-180 Avanti|Piaggio P-180]]
 
:: 28° Army Aviation Squadron “[[Tucana|Tucano]]” in Viterbo (Lazio) with 3 [[Dornier Do 228|Dornier DO-228]] and 3 [[Piaggio P-180 Avanti|Piaggio P-180]]
 
:: ITALAIR Squadron in [[UNIFIL|Naqoura]] (Lebanon) with 4 [[AB 205]]
 
:: ITALAIR Squadron in [[UNIFIL|Naqoura]] (Lebanon) with 4 [[AB 205]]
  
 
===Air Defense Brigade===
 
===Air Defense Brigade===
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[[Image:SIDAM.JPG|thumb|SIDAM Air Defense System]]
+
<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:SIDAM.JPG|thumb|SIDAM Air Defense System]] -->
 
: 4° Air Defense Regiment “Peschiera” in Mantova with 30 [[MIM-23 Hawk|Hawk]] surface-to-air missile systems
 
: 4° Air Defense Regiment “Peschiera” in Mantova with 30 [[MIM-23 Hawk|Hawk]] surface-to-air missile systems
 
: 5° Air Defense Regiment “Pescara” in Rovigo with 30 [[MIM-23 Hawk|Hawk]] surface-to-air missile systems
 
: 5° Air Defense Regiment “Pescara” in Rovigo with 30 [[MIM-23 Hawk|Hawk]] surface-to-air missile systems
 
: 17° Air Defense Regiment “Sforzesca” in Sabaudia with 16 [[AIM-7 Sparrow|Skyguard "Aspide"]], 104 SIDAM and 56 [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]]
 
: 17° Air Defense Regiment “Sforzesca” in Sabaudia with 16 [[AIM-7 Sparrow|Skyguard "Aspide"]], 104 SIDAM and 56 [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]]
−
: 121° Air Defense Regiment “Ravenna” in Bologna 16 [[AIM-7 Sparrow|Skyguard "Aspide"]], 104 SIDAM and 56 [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]]
+
: 121° Air Defense Regiment “Ravenna” in Bologna 16 [[AIM-7 Sparrow|Skyguard "Aspide"]], 104 [[SIDAM 25]] and 56 [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]]
  
 
===Field Artillery Brigade===
 
===Field Artillery Brigade===
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: 6° Maneuver Logistics Regiment in Pisa (Tuscany)
 
: 6° Maneuver Logistics Regiment in Pisa (Tuscany)
 
: 10° Maneuver Logistics Regiment in Persano (Campania)
 
: 10° Maneuver Logistics Regiment in Persano (Campania)
−
: 24° Maneuver Logistics Regiment “[[Dolomites|Dolomiti]]” in [[Merano]] (South Tyrol)
+
: 24° Maneuver Logistics Regiment “[[Dolomites|Dolomiti]]” in [[Meran-Merano]] (South Tyrol)
 
: 1° Transport Regiment
 
: 1° Transport Regiment
 
: 6° Transport Regiment in Budrio
 
: 6° Transport Regiment in Budrio
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:: 235° Infantry Regiment “Piceno” in Ascoli Piceno
 
:: 235° Infantry Regiment “Piceno” in Ascoli Piceno
  
−
: other Training and Formation units
+
: other Training units:
  
 
:: 1° Tank Regiment in Capo Teulada (Sardinia)
 
:: 1° Tank Regiment in Capo Teulada (Sardinia)
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:: 157° Infantry Regiment “Liguria” in Albenga
 
:: 157° Infantry Regiment “Liguria” in Albenga
  
−
: Technical Support and Repair units
+
: Technical Support and Logistics units:
  
 
:: Military Region North
 
:: Military Region North
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::: 4° Army Aviation Support Regiment “[[Scorpius|Scorpione]]” in [[Viterbo]]
 
::: 4° Army Aviation Support Regiment “[[Scorpius|Scorpione]]” in [[Viterbo]]
  
−
: others
+
: Others
  
 
:: 8° Transport Regiment “Casilina”
 
:: 8° Transport Regiment “Casilina”
Line 234: Line 230:
 
==Effective Operational Capability==
 
==Effective Operational Capability==
 
All the brigades- with the exception of the home service Brigades “Aosta”, “Pinerolo” and “Granatieri di Sardegna” may be deployed outside Italy and are often involved in either war-fighting or peace-keeping operations on foreign soil. The three home service brigades have a role of 'presence and surveillance' of key Italian institutions, i.e. the “Granatieri di Sardegna” Brigade guards the capital city Rome and the [[Quirinal Palace|Presidential Palace]]. They are not destined for extra-territorial missions and members expect to remain in Italy throughout their service years.
 
All the brigades- with the exception of the home service Brigades “Aosta”, “Pinerolo” and “Granatieri di Sardegna” may be deployed outside Italy and are often involved in either war-fighting or peace-keeping operations on foreign soil. The three home service brigades have a role of 'presence and surveillance' of key Italian institutions, i.e. the “Granatieri di Sardegna” Brigade guards the capital city Rome and the [[Quirinal Palace|Presidential Palace]]. They are not destined for extra-territorial missions and members expect to remain in Italy throughout their service years.
−
The remaining eight brigades are combat brigades, numbering between 3-7,000 troops each. These units are the pride of the Italian Army and are a front-line well-equipped force capable of dealing with most emergency situations. They are characterised by quality, efficiency, motivation and mobility.
+
The remaining eight brigades are combat brigades, numbering between 3-7,000 troops each. These units are the pride of the Italian Army and are a front-line well-equipped force capable of dealing with most emergency situations. They are characterised by quality, efficiency, motivation and mobility.
 
In total numbers the Italian Army can field about 85,000 ground troops out of a total Army strength of 112,000 men and women. But although most units are designated as regiments they consist of one expanded Logistics, Support and Command company and a combat battalion, which- in the case of the infantry (Alpini, Bersaglieri, Granatieri, Lagunari, Fanti) units- consists of:
 
In total numbers the Italian Army can field about 85,000 ground troops out of a total Army strength of 112,000 men and women. But although most units are designated as regiments they consist of one expanded Logistics, Support and Command company and a combat battalion, which- in the case of the infantry (Alpini, Bersaglieri, Granatieri, Lagunari, Fanti) units- consists of:
  
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: 1 Mortar Company
 
: 1 Mortar Company
 
: 1 Antitank Company
 
: 1 Antitank Company
−
 
  
 
The naming has historical reasons. Most regiments are deployed singularly, especially the support brigades' regiments as adjuncts to combat units, formed for the task ahead.
 
The naming has historical reasons. Most regiments are deployed singularly, especially the support brigades' regiments as adjuncts to combat units, formed for the task ahead.
  
 
==Weapons==
 
==Weapons==
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* [[Beretta AR 70/90]] - [[5.56mm NATO|5.56mm]] [[assault rifle]]
+
* [[Beretta AR70/90]] - [[5.56 mm NATO|5.56 mm]] [[assault rifle]]
−
* [[Minimi]] - [[5.56mm]] light machine gun  
+
* [[Minimi]] - [[5.56 mm]] light machine gun
−
* [[MG3|MG 59/42]] - 7.62mm machine gun
+
* [[MG3|MG 59/42]] - 7.62 mm machine gun
  
 
==Combat vehicles==
 
==Combat vehicles==
−
* [[Ariete]] - Main Battle Tanks
+
* [[Ariete]] - Main Battle Tanks ( 200 )
−
* [[Leopard 1]] - Main Battle Tanks
+
* [[Leopard 1]] - Main Battle Tanks ( 98 )
−
* [[Centauro]] - Light Tank
+
* [[Centauro]] - Light Tank ( 400 )
−
* [[Dardo_IFV|Dardo]] - Infantry fighting vehicle
+
* [[Dardo IFV|Dardo]] - Infantry fighting vehicle ( 500 )
−
* [[VCC]] - Armoured personnel carrier (Highly modified [[M113]])
+
* [[VCC]] - Armoured personnel carrier (Highly modified [[M113]]) ( 1638 )
 +
* [[M113/A1]] ( 882 )
  
 
==Artillery==
 
==Artillery==
−
* [[M 109]]L self-propelled howitzer  
+
* [[M109 howitzer|M109]]L self-propelled howitzer ( 192 )
−
* [[FH-70]] towed howitzer
+
* [[FH-70]] towed howitzer ( 70 )
 +
* [[PzH-2000]] self-propelled howitzer ( 70 )
  
 
==Helicopters==
 
==Helicopters==
−
* [[Agusta A129 Mangusta]] - attack  
+
* [[Agusta A129 Mangusta]] - attack ( 65 )
−
* [[Bell 212|AB 212]] - tactical transport
+
* [[Bell 212|AB 212]] - tactical transport ( 14 )
 +
* [[AB 412]] - tactical transport ( 20 )
 +
* [[NH-90]] - tactical transport
  
 
==Operations==
 
==Operations==
−
A post-WWII 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-[[WWII]] [[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 despatched to Beirut in that year following a UN request for troops. Since the 1980s, Italian troops have participated with other Western countries in peacekeeping operations across the world, especially in Africa, the Balkans 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 organisation went to war with North Korea, the 1964-73 Vietnam War was a 'police action' on the part of the United States with neither a formal declaration of war, neither was NATO involved (as the Gulf of Tonkin incident and the entire war itself took place outside NATO jurisdiction).
+
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 despatched 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]].
−
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. The Italian Army did not take part in combat operations of the 2003 Iraq War; despatching troops only after May 1, 2003 - when major combat operations were declared over by the US president, George W Bush aboard the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.  
+
 
−
Subsequently Italian troops arrived in the late summer of 2003, and have been scheduled to begin leaving their southern Iraqi base near Nasiriyah by September 2005. Some twenty Italian troops have been killed in Iraq in the past two years - with the greatest single loss of life coming on November 12, 2004 - a suicide car bombing of the Italian Carabinieri Corps HQ left a dozen Carabinieri, five Army soldiers, two Italian civilians and eight Iraqi bystanders dead.
+
As of yet, the Italian Army has not engaged in major combat operations since World War II; though Italian Special Forces have taken part in anti-Taliban operations in Afghanistan as part of Task Force 'Nibbio'. Italy was not yet a member of the United Nations in 1950, when that organisation went to 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. The Italian Army did not take part in combat operations of the 2003 [[Iraq War|Second Gulf War]], despatching 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, 2004 - a suicide car bombing of the Italian Carabinieri Corps HQ left a dozen Carabinieri, five Army soldiers, two Italian civilians, and eight Iraqi civilians dead.
 +
 
 +
A recent law promotes membership of the Italian Army guaranteeing volunteers post-Army careers in the [[Carabinieri]], [[Polizia di Stato|Italian State Police]], Italian Finance Guard and Italian State Forestry Corps, amongst other state bodies.
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
−
* [http://www.esercito.difesa.it/ Official Homepage of the Italian Army]
+
* {{it icon}} [http://www.esercito.difesa.it/ Official Homepage of the Italian Army]
  
 
[[Category:Military of Italy]]
 
[[Category:Military of Italy]]
 
[[Category:Armies]]
 
[[Category:Armies]]

Revision as of 22:09, 10 December 2006

File:Ariete 2.jpg
Ariete Tanks of the Italian Ariete Armored Brigade on exercise
Three Bersaglieri ride in a Dardo

The Italian Army is the ground defense force of the Italian Republic . It has recently become a professional all-volunteer force of 112,000 active duty personnel. The headquarters of the Army General Staff is in Rome, opposite the Presidential Palace.

Command Structure

The Italian Military is under the command of the Italian Supreme Defense Council, presided over by the President of the Italian Republic. The Italian Army is commanded by the SME or “Stato Maggiore dell’Esercito” (Chief of the Army General Staff) in Rome. The Chief of staff has direct control of all support and logistics operations in Italy (i.e. military clinics, repair facilities, acquisitions,…), but no direct control of the operational forces, which are all assigned to and commanded by COMFOTER: “Comando delle Forze Operative Terrestri” (Command of Operational Terrestrial Forces).

Operational Forces

COMFOTER has direct command on a NATO rapid reaction Corps Command (NRDC-IT), of four support brigades (Artillery, Air Defense, Logistics, Engineering), as well as command of the Army Aviation, the Army Communication and Transmission command and of three commands called COMFOD 1, COMFOD 2 and COMALP, which between them command the actual 11 Italian combat Brigades. The attached units are in detail:

NRDC-IT

NRDC is located in Solbiate Olona (Lombardy) and has only one regiment at its dependency:

1° Signal Regiment in Milan (Lombardy)

COMALP

“Comando Truppe Alpini” or COMALP has command over the light Mountain Troops - called Alpini- of the Italian Army. It is located in Bozen-Bolzano (South Tyrol) and consist of the following units:

Alpini Training Center in Aosta
6° Alpini Regiment (high altitude training areas) in San Candido (South Tyrol) with 21 Bv206
4° Alpini Paracadutisti (Parachutist) Regiment “Monte Cervino” in Bozen-Bolzano (South Tyrol) with 21 Bv206 and 33 Puma 4x4 (Forces for Special Operations)
“Tridentina” Division Command (without fixed units) in Brixen-Bressanone (South Tyrol)
File:COMALP.jpg
COMALP command structure
“Taurinense” Alpini Brigade in Turin (Piedmont)
2° Alpini Regiment in Cuneo (Piedmont) with 21 Bv206 and Puma 6x6
3° Alpini Regiment in Pinerolo (Piedmont) with 21 Bv206 and Puma 6x6
9° Alpini Regiment in l'Aquila (Abruzzi) with 21 Bv206 and Puma 6x6
1 °Cavalry Regiment “Nizza Cavalleria” in Pinerolo (Piedmont) with 50 Centauro and 33 Puma 4x4
1° Mountain Artillery Regiment in Fossano (Piedmont) with 24 FH-70
32° Alpini Engineer Regiment in Turin (Piedmont)
“Julia” Alpini Brigade in Udine (Friuli)
5° Alpini Regiment in Sterzing-Vipiteno (South Tyrol) with 21 Bv206 and Puma 6x6
7° Alpini Regiment in Belluno (Veneto) with 21 Bv206 and Puma 6x6
8° Alpini Regiment in Cividale e Venzone (Friuli) with 21 Bv206 and Puma 6x6
3° Mountain Artillery Regiment in Tolmezzo (Friuli) with 24 FH-70
2° Alpini Engineer Regiment in Trento (Trentino)
1° Hungarian Mechanized Battalion (for out of area NATO peacekeeping deployment)
182. Slovenian Infantry Battalion (for out of area NATO peacekeeping deployment)

COMFOD 1

“Comando Forze di Difesa 1” or COMFOD 1 resides in the north-eastern city of Vittorio Veneto (Veneto) and commands the most specialized brigades of the Italian Army:

“Mantova” Infantry Division Command (without fixed units)
“Folgore” Parachutist Brigade in Livorno (Tuscany)
Parachutist Training Center in Pisa (Tuscany)
9° Parachutist Assault Regiment “Col Moschin” in Livorno (Tuscany) (Special forces)
183° Parachutist Regiment “Nembo” in Pistoia (Tuscany) with Puma 6x6
186° Parachutist Regiment “Folgore” in Siena (Tuscany) with Puma 6x6
187° Parachutist Regiment “Folgore” in Livorno (Tuscany) with Puma 6x6
185° Parachutist Reconnaissance Regiment “Folgore” in Livorno (Tuscany) (Forces for Special Operations)
8° Parachutist Engineer Regiment in Legnago (Veneto)
“Friuli” Air Assault Brigade in Bologna (Emilia)
3 °Cavalry Regiment “Savoia Cavalleria” in Grosseto (Tuscany) with 50 Centauro and 33 Puma 4x4
66° Air Assault Infantry Regiment “Trieste” in Forlì (Romagna) with 33 Puma 6x6
5° Army Aviation Regiment “Rigel” in Casarsa (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with
36 A129 "Mangusta" Attack Helicopters
12 AB 109EOA "Hirundo" Observation helicopters
24 AB 206C/1 Battlefield Surveillance helicopter
7° Army Aviation Regiment “Vega” in Rimini (Romagna) with
24 A129 "Mangusta" Attack Helicopters
12 AB 109EOA "Hirundo" Observation helicopters
24 AB 412 Support helicopters
“Pozzuolo del Friuli” Cavalry Brigade in Gorizia (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
2 °Cavalry Regiment “Piemonte Cavalleria” in Trieste (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 50 Centauro and 33 Puma 4x4
4 °Cavalry Regiment “Genova Cavalleria” in Palmanova (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 50 Centauro and 33 Puma 4x4
5 °Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri di Novara” in Codroipo (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 50 Centauro and 33 Puma 4x4
Lagunari (Marine Infantry) Regiment “Serenissima ” in Venice (Veneto) with 25 AAV7-A1 and Puma 6x6
Artillery Regiment “a cavallo” in Milan (Lombardy) with 24 FH-70
3° Engineer Regiment in Udine (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
“Ariete” Armored Brigade in Pordenone (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
4° Tank Regiment in Bellinzago Novarese (Piedmont) with 54 Ariete
32° Tank Regiment in Tauriano (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 54 Ariete
132° Tank Regiment in Cordenons (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 54 Ariete
3° Bersaglieri mechanized Infantry Regiment in Milan (Lombardy) with 50 VCC (M113 improved)
11° Bersaglieri mechanized Infantry Regiment in Orcenigo Superiore (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 50 Dardo
132° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Ariete” in Maniago (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with 32 M109/L
10° Engineer Regiment in Cremona (Lombardy)

COMFOD 2

“Comando Forze di Difesa 2” or COMFOD 2 resides in S. Giorgio a Cremano near Naples and commands 5 brigades. Three of those, the brigades “Aosta”, “Pinerolo” and “Granatieri di Sardegna” are made up of one year volunteers and therefore are supposed to be used only on Italian soil. COMFOD 2 commands:

“Acqui” Division Command (without fixed units)
91° Training Battalion “Lucania”
“Sassari” Mechanized Brigade in Sassari (Sardinia)
151° Infantry Regiment “Sassari” in Cagliari (Sardinia) with VCC (M113 improved)
152° Infantry Regiment “Sassari” in Sassari (Sardinia) with VCC (M113 improved)
5° Engineer Regiment in Macomer (Sardinia)
“Garibaldi” Bersaglieri Mechanized Brigade in Caserta (Campania)
131° Tank Regiment in Persano (Campania) with 54 Leopard 1
19 °Cavalry Regiment “Cavalleggeri Guide” in Salerno (Campania) with 50 Centauro and 33 Puma 4x4
1° Bersaglieri Regiment in Cosenza (Calabria) with 50 Dardo
8° Bersaglieri Regiment in Caserta (Campania) with 50 Dardo
8° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Pasubio” in Persano (Campania) with 32 M109/L
21° Engineer Regiment in Caserta (Campania)
“Pinerolo” Mechanized Brigade in Bari (Apulia)
31° Tank Regiment in Altamura (Apulia) with 54 Leopard 1
7° Bersaglieri Regiment in Bari (Apulia) with VCC (M113 improved)
9° Infantry Regiment “Bari” in Trani (Apulia) with VCC (M113 improved)
82° Infantry Regiment “Torino” in Barletta (Apulia) with VCC (M113 improved)
21° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Trieste” in Foggia (Apulia) with 32 M109/L
11° Engineer Regiment in Foggia (Apulia)
“Aosta” Mechanized Brigade Messina (Sicily)
6 °Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri d’Aosta” in Palermo (Sicily) with 50 Centauro and 33 Puma 4x4
6° Bersaglieri Regiment in Trapani (Sicily) with VCC (M113 improved)
5° Infantry Regiment “Aosta” in Messina (Sicily) with VCC (M113 improved)
62° Infantry Regiment “Sicilia” in Catania (Sicily) with VCC (M113 improved)
24° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Peloritani” in Messina (Sicily) with 32 M109/L
4° Engineer Regiment in Palermo (Sicily)
“Granatieri di Sardegna” Mechanized Brigade in Rome (Lazio)
1° “Granatieri di Sardegna” Mechanized Infantry Regiment in Rome (Lazio) with VCC (M113 improved)
2° “Granatieri di Sardegna” Mechanized Infantry Regiment in Spoleto (Umbria) with VCC (M113 improved)
8 °Cavalry Regiment “Lancieri di Montebello” in Rome (Lazio) with 50 Centauro and 33 Puma 4x4
33° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Acqui” in l'Aquila (Abruzzi) with 32 M109/L

CoTIE

“Comando Trasmissioni e ed Informazioni dell’Esercito” or CoTIE is the Italian Army’s Signal and Information Command, it resides in Anzio (Lazio) and consists of the following units:

Signal Brigade for Maneuver Support
2° Alpini Signal Regiment in Bozen-Bolzano (South Tyrol)
7° Signal Regiment in Sacile
11° Signal Regiment in Civitavecchia (Lazio)
232° Signal Regiment in Avellino (Campania)
Signal Brigade for National Support
3° Signal Regiment in Rome (Lazio)
32° Signal Regiment in Padova (Veneto)
46° Signal Regiment in Palermo (Sicily)
RISTA EW Brigade
33° IEW Regiment “Falzarego” in Treviso (Veneto)
41° Regiment “Cordenons” in Casarsa (Friuli)
13° Battalion “Aquileia” in Anzio (Lazio)

Army Aviation Command

The Army Aviation Command resides in Viterbo and includes the non combat flying formations of the Army (i.e. Transport Planes, support helicopters,…)

Army Aviation Instruction Center in Viterbo
1° Squadron “Auriga” in Viterbo
2° Squadron “Sestante”
21° Squadron “Orsa Maggiore” in Elmas (Cagliari) with 12 AB 205A
Army Aviation Brigade
1° Army Aviation Regiment “Antares” in Viterbo (Lazio) with 36 CH-47C "Chinook" and 24 AB 205A
2° Army Aviation Regiment “Sirio” in Lamezia Terme (Calabria) with 24 AB 206C/1
4° AVES Regiment “Altair” in Venaria (Piedmont) and Bozen-Bolzano (South Tyrol) with 24 AB 205A and 24 AB 206C/1
28° Army Aviation Squadron “Tucano” in Viterbo (Lazio) with 3 Dornier DO-228 and 3 Piaggio P-180
ITALAIR Squadron in Naqoura (Lebanon) with 4 AB 205

Air Defense Brigade

4° Air Defense Regiment “Peschiera” in Mantova with 30 Hawk surface-to-air missile systems
5° Air Defense Regiment “Pescara” in Rovigo with 30 Hawk surface-to-air missile systems
17° Air Defense Regiment “Sforzesca” in Sabaudia with 16 Skyguard "Aspide", 104 SIDAM and 56 Stinger
121° Air Defense Regiment “Ravenna” in Bologna 16 Skyguard "Aspide", 104 SIDAM 25 and 56 Stinger

Field Artillery Brigade

2° Mountain Artillery Regiment “Vicenza” in Trento (Trentino) with 24 FH-70
5° Rocket Artillery Regiment “Superga” in Portogruaro (Veneto) with 22 MLRS
7° NBC Defense Regiment “Cremona” in Civitavecchia (Lazio) with VAB in the NBC configuration
28° Public Relations Regiment “Pavia” in Pesaro (Marche)
52° Self propelled Artillery Regiment “Torino” in Vercelli (Piedmont) with 32 M109/L

Engineering Brigade

2° Bridge Engineers Regiment in Piacenza
6° Pioneer Engineers Regiment in Rome
Railway Engineers Regiment in Bologna

Logistics Brigade

1° Maneuver Logistics Regiment in Rivoli
6° Maneuver Logistics Regiment in Pisa (Tuscany)
10° Maneuver Logistics Regiment in Persano (Campania)
24° Maneuver Logistics Regiment “Dolomiti” in Meran-Merano (South Tyrol)
1° Transport Regiment
6° Transport Regiment in Budrio
8° Transport Regiment in Orzano
10° Transport Regiment in Bari (Apulia)

Support units

The following support units are not under the command of COMFOTER and their role is exclusively the support of units on Italian soil. They are commanded by various sub staffs of the SME- Army General Staff in Rome.

Training Brigade in Capua
17° Infantry Regiment “Acqui” in Capua
47° Infantry Regiment “Ferrara” in Capua
80° Infantry Regiment “Roma” in Cassino
85° Infantry Regiment “Verona” in Montorio Veronese
235° Infantry Regiment “Piceno” in Ascoli Piceno
other Training units:
1° Tank Regiment in Capo Teulada (Sardinia)
1° Infantry Regiment “San Giusto” in Trieste
78° Infantry Regiment “Lupi di Toscana” in Florence
123° Infantry Regiment “Chieti” in Chieti
157° Infantry Regiment “Liguria” in Albenga
Technical Support and Logistics units:
Military Region North
184° Signal Support Regiment in Treviso
2° Army Aviation Support Regiment “Orione” in Bologna
3° Army Aviation Support Regiment “Aquila” in Orio al Serio
Military Region South
44° Signal Support Regiment in Rome
1° Army Aviation Support Regiment “Idra” in Bracciano
4° Army Aviation Support Regiment “Scorpione” in Viterbo
Others
8° Transport Regiment “Casilina”
11° Transport Battalion “Flaminia”
57° Infantry Battalion “Abruzzi” in Rome

Effective Operational Capability

All the brigades- with the exception of the home service Brigades “Aosta”, “Pinerolo” and “Granatieri di Sardegna” may be deployed outside Italy and are often involved in either war-fighting or peace-keeping operations on foreign soil. The three home service brigades have a role of 'presence and surveillance' of key Italian institutions, i.e. the “Granatieri di Sardegna” Brigade guards the capital city Rome and the Presidential Palace. They are not destined for extra-territorial missions and members expect to remain in Italy throughout their service years. The remaining eight brigades are combat brigades, numbering between 3-7,000 troops each. These units are the pride of the Italian Army and are a front-line well-equipped force capable of dealing with most emergency situations. They are characterised by quality, efficiency, motivation and mobility. In total numbers the Italian Army can field about 85,000 ground troops out of a total Army strength of 112,000 men and women. But although most units are designated as regiments they consist of one expanded Logistics, Support and Command company and a combat battalion, which- in the case of the infantry (Alpini, Bersaglieri, Granatieri, Lagunari, Fanti) units- consists of:

3 Infantry Companies
1 Mortar Company
1 Antitank Company

The naming has historical reasons. Most regiments are deployed singularly, especially the support brigades' regiments as adjuncts to combat units, formed for the task ahead.

Weapons

Combat vehicles

  • Ariete - Main Battle Tanks ( 200 )
  • Leopard 1 - Main Battle Tanks ( 98 )
  • Centauro - Light Tank ( 400 )
  • Dardo - Infantry fighting vehicle ( 500 )
  • VCC - Armoured personnel carrier (Highly modified M113) ( 1638 )
  • M113/A1 ( 882 )

Artillery

  • M109L self-propelled howitzer ( 192 )
  • FH-70 towed howitzer ( 70 )
  • PzH-2000 self-propelled howitzer ( 70 )

Helicopters

Operations

A post-WWII 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 despatched to Beirut following a United Nations request for troops. Since the 1980s, Italian troops have participated with other Western countries in peacekeeping operations across the world, especially in Africa, Balkan Peninsula and the Middle East.

As of yet, the Italian Army has not engaged in major combat operations since World War II; though Italian Special Forces have taken part in anti-Taliban operations in Afghanistan as part of Task Force 'Nibbio'. Italy was not yet a member of the United Nations in 1950, when that organisation went to 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. The Italian Army did not take part in combat operations of the 2003 Second Gulf War, despatching 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, 2004 - a suicide car bombing of the Italian Carabinieri Corps HQ left a dozen Carabinieri, five Army soldiers, two Italian civilians, and eight Iraqi civilians dead.

A recent law promotes membership of the Italian Army guaranteeing volunteers post-Army careers in the Carabinieri, Italian State Police, Italian Finance Guard and Italian State Forestry Corps, amongst other state bodies.

External links

Retrieved from "http://woiweb.com/wiki/index.php?title=Italian_Army&oldid=22103"