Italian Armed Forces

The Italian Armed Forces are the groups that protect and represent Italy. They include the Italian Army, the Italian Navy, and the Italian Air Force. There is also a special group called the Carabinieri that works like military police and can fight in battles far from home. Another group, the Guardia di Finanza, is organized like the military even though it is not one of the main branches.

Together, these forces have 340,885 men and women who serve as active military members. The biggest groups are the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The President of Italy leads all the armed forces as the head of the High Council of Defence. The Parliament has the power to decide when to go to war and gives the Government the job of leading during wartime.

History

Main article: Military history of Italy

See also: List of wars involving Italy

Giuseppe Garibaldi leading the Expedition of the Thousand (1860–1861)

The military history of Italy covers many years, starting from the time of the ancient peoples of Italy, especially the ancient Romans, through the growth of city-states and maritime republics in the medieval period. Italy was also part of many battles during the Italian Wars, the wars of succession, and the Napoleonic period. Later, Italy united in the 19th century during the Italian unification, fought in the colonial empire, and took part in two world wars. Today, Italy helps keep peace around the world with NATO, the EU, and the UN. Because of its important location, Italy has a long history of being involved in military events.

Italian cavalry in Trento on 3 November 1918, after the victorious Battle of Vittorio Veneto. The Italian victory in this battle marked the end of the war on the Italian Front, secured the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and contributed to the end of World War I just one week later.

The movement to unite Italy, called the Risorgimento, happened in the 1800s. The Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia led several wars to free Italy from other countries' control. After three Wars of Italian Independence against the Habsburgs in the north, the Expedition of the Thousand in the south, and the Capture of Rome, Italy became one country in 1871, with Rome as its capital.

The presidential standard of Italy is a special flag used when the President of Italy is present. It is one of the National symbols of Italy. The flag uses the colors of the flag of Italy and has a square shape with a savoy blue border. This blue border represents the four Italian Armed Forces, which the President commands. In heraldry, blue can also stand for leadership.

Organization

The Italian Armed Forces are led by the Chief of Defence. The structure of this leadership is shown below.

Position	Italian title	Rank	Incumbent
Chief of the Defence Staff	Il Capo di Stato Maggiore della Difesa	Generale	Luciano Portolano
Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff	Sottocapo di Stato Maggiore della Difesa	Ammiraglio di Squadra	Giacinto Ottaviani
Chief of Joint Operations	Il Comandante del Comando Operativo di Vertice Interforze	Generale di corpo d'armata con incarichi speciali	Francesco Paolo Figliuolo

The four branches of Italian Armed Forces

Italian Army

Main article: Italian Army

Lagunari reconnaissance member in a security patrol

The Italian Army is the land force of the Italian Armed Forces. It has a long history, dating back to the 1850s and 1860s when Italy was forming a single country. The army has fought in many places, including China, Libya, and during World War I and II. It helped keep peace in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, it has modern weapons and vehicles and works to protect Italy and help other countries.

Italian Navy

Main article: Italian Navy

8th Alpini Regiment snipers in winter ghillie suits

The Italian Navy was created in 1946 after World War II. It has ships and aircraft to protect Italy’s waters and has taken part in many international missions. The navy includes many types of ships, such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines. It works with other countries to keep the seas safe.

Italian Air Force

Main article: Italian Air Force

The Italian Air Force began in the early 1900s and has been important in Italy’s military history. It has taken part in many conflicts and helps keep peace around the world. The Air Force has modern airplanes and helicopters and works with other countries to protect the skies.

Carabinieri

Main article: Carabinieri

The Carabinieri are Italy’s national police force and also part of the Italian Armed Forces. They help keep order in Italy and work on missions around the world. They were created in 1814 and have a long history of helping people and keeping peace. The Carabinieri are trusted by many in Italy and are known for their work both at home and abroad.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Main article: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Italy)

The Tomb of the Italian Unknown Soldier is a special war memorial in Rome. It is found under a big statue of the goddess Roma at a place called the Altare della Patria. This tomb honors all the Italian soldiers who were killed or went missing in wars.

Each year, important people in Italy, like the President of the Italian Republic, visit this tomb on special days. These days include Italian Liberation Day on April 25, Italian Republic Day on June 2, and National Unity and Armed Forces Day on November 4. During these visits, they lay down a special wreath to remember those who fought for their country.

The tomb has two always-burning flames next to it. These flames are a very old symbol from ancient times. They represent the lasting memory of the soldier’s sacrifice and love for his country. A plaque nearby reminds us that people from Italy who live far away also helped build this important memorial.

International stance

Italy has been part of many international operations with the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union. These operations include helping with peace efforts, supporting other countries, and fighting against illegal activities like drug trade, human trafficking, piracy, and terrorism.

Italy was involved in several important past operations. In 1982, it joined the Multinational Force in Lebanon with troops from the United States, France, and Britain. Italy also took part in the Gulf War in 1990–91, sending bomber jets and later helping Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq. Italian forces helped in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and the NATO force there. In Iraq, Italy sent troops after major fighting had stopped in 2003 and stayed until 2006, helping with security and training. Italy also played a big role in training Iraqi security forces from 2004 to 2011.

Since the end of World War II, Italy has been very active in international peace operations, mostly under the United Nations and the European Union. Currently, Italian forces are involved in 17 different missions around the world.