Birth and evolution of the Special Forces, an all-Italian story

Italy was the first country in the world to experiment with elite military units, pioneering innovative assault tactics and means, both by land with the Arditiboth by sea with the daring MAS flotillas of the Regia Marina. Since their origins, these units have embodied courage and the ability to anticipate new modes of operation, creating a tradition that would inspired by modern Special Forces from all over the world.

L'roman army employed special units, such as the Exploratores and the Speculatores, for scouting and reconnaissance missions. They were highly trained soldiers for advanced operations, similar to those of modern reconnaissance forces. However, to find formations that used a strategic footprint oriented towards daring and surprise, we must arrive at the beginning of the 20th century with the Arditi.

An all-Italian story that will trace a path destined to transform forever the way of dealing with conflicts, with a modus operandi aimed at consciously opening up asymmetric scenarios e unconventional fighting techniques.

The first Incursors in history: the Arditis

In the early 20th century, the military felt the need to innovate assault tactics to cope with modern and increasingly complex warfare. The first Italian special forces officially came into being in 1917, at the height of the First World War, as assault units of the Royal Army.

These units, specially formed for actions to break through enemy lines, represented a strategic novelty: they were not simple infantrymen, but elite soldiers, characterised by specific training and light equipment that made them extremely mobile and suitable for hand-to-hand combat.

They were the legendary Arditi, an infantry weapon speciality of the Royal Army, formed into autonomous assault units. Their 'asymmetrical' nature allowed them to influence battles through targeted and often invisible interventions, exploiting discretion and training superiority instead of conventional force.

The Arditis were trained to penetrate enemy lines and carry out acts of sabotage with great speed and coordination, using surprise as the main element of their raids. Equipped with daggers, firecrackers and light machine guns, these soldiers were considered the elite of the army and were employed in extremely risky operations, often with very high casualties. Unlike traditional infantry units, their tasks were not limited to conquering positions but aimed at inflicting significant damage and destabilising enemy forces, thus contributing to the advancement of the Italian lines.

Their first training centre was in Sdricca of Manzanonear Udine, where they were trained in hand-to-hand combat and rapid assault techniques. Intensive training was held here to prepare them not only physically but also psychologically for missions that required absolute courage and determination.

In parallel, the Regia Marina also developed raiding units, the so-called maritime raiding groups, consisting of specialists in underwater attacks and sabotage. These men used light vessels, such as the MAS (Silent Armed Motorboats) and the so-called 'pigs,' modified torpedoes piloted by trained operators, for attacks at sea against enemy naval units. Their actions were characterised by uncommon audacity, as they required getting dangerously close to targets and performing missions in total isolation.

The maritime incursors included famous episodes involving brave men and innovative means, marking the debut of the first underwater assault missions in Italian history. Thanks to these actions, the Regia Marina's incursors laid the foundations for future Italian naval special forces units.

Experiments before 1917

Even before the official birth of the Arditi, there were attempts to develop special units within the Royal Army. In 1914, for example, Explorer Groups were formed, soldiers trained to act behind enemy lines and sabotage defences, dressed entirely in black to aid camouflage. These precursors were deployed for exploratory missions, such as cutting through enemy fences.

Another anticipation of the Arditi were the so-called Companies of Deathformed by special infantry and engineer patrols. These soldiers were equipped with body armour and helmets, often of the 'Farina' type, and trained for missions of cutting fences and blasting.

In 1916, the Supreme Command stipulated that the title of 'daring soldier' was to be awarded to those who distinguished themselves through courage and determination, but with the explicit prohibition to create specialinactive units assigned was the royal monogram 'VE', to be worn on the left arm, conceived as a sign of honour and symbol of example for other soldiers. However, this sign was the genesis of the term 'Ardito' in the collective imagination.

The birth of the Arditi, therefore, was not an isolated event but the result of a progressive evolution of tactics and operational requirements.

First deployment in the Battle of Gorizia

he first deployment of 'special platoons' dates back toAugust 1916during the Battle of Goriziain the clashes between the Lambro Brigade and the Austro-Hungarian army at altitude 188 and the Dosso del Bosniaco. However, due to the imprecision of the official reports and the difficulties of the terrain - characterised by barbed wire and heavily beaten by Austrian artillery - it is impossible to determine exactly how effective these units were on the outcome of the battle. However, it is assumed that they were employed as breakout units at the positions mentioned and as scouting units once they had passed Gorizia.

Other significant actions by these platoons occurred on11 February 1917when two platoons recaptured the trench of the salient of House of Pineslost two days earlier by the 206th Battalion of the Lambro Brigade, and the 26 Februarywhen a platoon broke into a trench near Belpoggiomanaging to win her over.

Major Giuseppe Bassi's innovations

In 1917, following the proposals and studies of some generals aware of the need to overcome the traditional strategy of the frontal assault supported by artillery and of some young officers dissatisfied with the useless stasis and massacre of trench warfare, aspecial unit at the 48th Division of the VIII Army Corps. This unit was commanded by Major Giuseppe Bassisupported by the Sergeant Giuseppe Longoni.

Bassi drafted an innovative note on the use of Fiat Mod. 15 / OVP machine guns (Officine Villar Perosa)He proposed technical improvements such as the removal of the shield, the introduction of a lightweight bipod and the adoption of a guide to facilitate magazine changes in the dark and under battle conditions. His proposal also included a new employment doctrine, which optimised the machine gun sections and specified unit-specific equipment, including the use of daggers and firecrackers alongside muskets and revolversto accentuate the aggressiveness of the troops.

Forwarded to the General Gaetano Giardino in November 1916, the note met with his approval; Giardino, however, forwarded it to the General Grazioli for a higher-ranking opinion. Grazioli, commander of the Lambro Brigadeprobably adapted the new notes to his earlier thoughts on special platoons, and the 7 March 1917 issued a directive to regimental commanders to create attack divisions specialised in surprise raids, sudden counterattacks and other operations outside the remit of conventional infantry.

14 March 1917, the Italian Supreme Command became aware of the creation of special units in the Austro-Hungarian army, whereas the German army had already adopted the concept of elite troops, the Stoßtruppenon average better trained than normal departments. However, the Arditi Italians were not a simple imitation of the German and Austrian assault troops; Unlike their German counterparts, the Arditi formed true autonomous units, without limiting themselves to the role of supporting the infantry.The experiments of the Royal Army in this direction preceded the information on the German units and served mainly to accelerate the project of establishing the Italian special units.

After attending an exercise led by Bassi, the General Cadorna gave the go-ahead for the establishment of the Arditi, issuing a circular to set up special departments according to precise guidelines. On 29 July 1917, King Victor Emmanuel III formalised the creation of the Assault Units.

Thanks to this innovative approach, the Arditis were successfully deployed during battles on the Italian front, becoming known for their courage and ability to penetrate deep into enemy lines.

The baptism of fire and Mount San Gabriele

The new Units received their Baptism of Fire during the Eleventh Battle of the Isonzo in August 1917when they were employed to break through the Austro-Hungarian positions on the Bainsizza plateau. These men distinguished themselves through daring actions and the ability to infiltrate between enemy lines, managing to break through the adversary's defences and conquer strategic positions such as the Monte San Gabriele.

The Monte San Gabrieleheavily fortified, was the scene of one of the most famous operations. At the dawn of 4 September 1917the Arditis launched themselves to assault the summit, conquering it after an intense battle against an enemy initially unaware of their arrival. With hand grenades and flame throwers, they routed the enemy defences and opened the way for the Italian forces. This success earned them fame and recognition, consolidating the Arditis' role as the army's elite force.

The conquest of the Col Moschin

In the late spring of 1918, the impending summer brought with it a new, desperate attempt by the Austro-Hungarian forces to break through the Italian defences on the Grappa massif, attempting to penetrate the Brenta and Piave valleys and thus outflank the Italian line-up running along the course of the Piave. The Austrian plan envisaged a strategic offensive to circumvent Cima Grappa, located in the centre of the massif, aiming to break through on the western and eastern sides of the mountain complex, close to the Brenta and Piave rivers. The attack was entrusted to the 11th Army, commanded by General Scheuschenstuelreinforced by reinforcements and supported by heavy artillery.

At 3 o'clock on 15 June began a violent bombardment, immediately countered by Italian artillery, which succeeded in weakening the Austrian forces on the eastern side. At 8 a.m., the Austrian infantry launched the assault; the greatest successes occurred on the western flank, where the peaks that guarded the Brenta flank gave way one after the other, including the fortified points of the Col Moschin and neighbouring peaks: Col del Miglio, Col Fenilon and Col Fagheron. Within hours, the Italian defences on the Grappa were on the verge of collapse, leaving the Austrians with potential access to the Venetian plain.

The Austrians, now close to victory, would need to renew the offensive immediately to consolidate their gains. However, their reserves were now almost exhausted and the Italian reaction was not long in coming. Intense artillery fire hit the positions just occupied by the Austro-Hungarians, making it difficult for reinforcements to arrive. The Italian counter-offensive was swift: in the early afternoon, thehe IX Assault Division (just over 600 men), already alerted in anticipation of the attack, recaptured Col Fagheron and, at 10 p.m., also retook Col Fenilon, supported by two battalions of the 91st Infantry Regiment.

The most important position remained: the Col Moschin.

At dawn on 16 June, the IX Assault Division launched a lightning attack and in just ten minutes wrested control of Col Moschin from the Austrians, capturing 300 prisoners, including 17 officers, and 25 machine guns. In just 24 hours, the Austrian offensive had been neutralised. In honour of this victory, the city of Rome erected a monument on the Col Moschin, made from an ancient Roman column.

The 9th Assault Division's success was complete, with relatively low casualties thanks to a manoeuvre conducted under optimal conditions: the enemy, exhausted and exhausted by Italian artillery fire, was decisively hit by a motivated and highly trained unit.

However, a few days later, on 24 June, the IX Department was again sent to recapture an Austrian stronghold on the Asolone. In this case, the preparatory artillery fire was less effective and the recapture of the Asolone cost the IX Corps a very high tribute of blood. The conquest was temporary, as an immediate enemy counterattack managed to overwhelm the exhausted Italian forces. In this action, the IX Reparto lost almost 50% of its men (19 officers and 305 d'arditi), demonstrating that the Italian high command had not yet fully understood how to effectively exploit the extraordinary fighting capabilities of the assault units.

Subsequently, between 24 October and 4 November 1918, the Arditi were among the architects of the breakthrough of the Piave Line which enabled the final victory over the Austro-Hungarian armies.

Organisation of the Assault Units (First World War)

735 soldiers divided into three companies (about 200 soldiers each):

• I Attack Platoon
  • I Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each)
  • II Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each plus a Villar Perosa Calibre 9 Glisenti machine gun known as 'Pernacchia' with 10 000 cartridges)
  • III Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each plus a Villar Perosa Calibre 9 Glisenti machine gun known as 'Pernacchia' with 10 000 cartridges)
  • IV Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each)
  • Ammunition Pair (two soldiers with four saddlebags holding 150 hand grenades each)
• II Attack Platoon
  • I Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each)
  • II Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each plus a Villar Perosa Calibre 9 Glisenti machine gun known as 'Pernacchia' with 10 000 cartridges)
  • III Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each plus a Villar Perosa Calibre 9 Glisenti machine gun known as 'Pernacchia' with 10 000 cartridges)
  • IV Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each)
  • Ammunition Pair (two soldiers with four saddlebags holding 150 hand grenades each)
• III Attack Platoon
  • I Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each)
  • II Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each plus a Villar Perosa Calibre 9 Glisenti machine gun known as 'Pernacchia' with 10 000 cartridges)
  • III Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each plus a Villar Perosa Calibre 9 Glisenti machine gun known as 'Pernacchia' with 10 000 cartridges)
  • IV Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each)
  • Ammunition Pair (two soldiers with four saddlebags holding 150 hand grenades each)
• IV Attack Platoon
  • I Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each)
  • II Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each plus a Villar Perosa Calibre 9 Glisenti machine gun known as 'Pernacchia' with 10 000 cartridges)
  • III Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each plus a Villar Perosa Calibre 9 Glisenti machine gun known as 'Pernacchia' with 10 000 cartridges)
  • IV Strike Team (one dagger and twenty hand grenades each)
  • Ammunition Pair (two soldiers with four saddlebags holding 150 hand grenades each)
• V Specialist Platoon
  • I Machine Gun Squad (two heavy machine guns with 20 000 cartridges)
  • II Guastatorial Squad
  • III Signal Team
• VI Flamethrower Platoon
  • Complements Company (approximately 135 soldiers armed with a dagger, four hand grenades and a musket with 71 cartridges each)
• Platoon Specialists
  • I Machine Gun Squad (two heavy machine guns with 20 000 cartridges)
  • II Cannonier Squadi (two 65/17 guns)

Each attack or assault team was divided into five to six pairs, with staffing levels similar to those of today's modern special forces detachments (about 12 men).

The first military parachutist in history: Lieutenant Alessandro Tandura

A historic moment for the Italian special forces, and for military history in general, was the Lieutenant Alessandro Tandurawhich was the world's first parachutist to perform a jump in wartime action. The mission took place in the night between the8 and 9 August 1918. Tandura launched himself from a Savoia-Pomilio SP.4 aircraft from the Italian sky over enemy lines, a feat made possible thanks to the support of pilots William George Barker and William Wedgwood Benn of the Royal Air Force. This action not only represented a pioneering event in the use of paratroopers in military operations but also laid the foundation for the development of airborne units in Italy.

For this gesture, Lieutenant Tandura was decorated at Gold Medal for Military Valour on the following grounds:

Animated by the most ardent love of his country, he volunteered to carry out an extremely risky mission: from an aeroplane in flight, he had himself parachuted beyond the enemy lines into the invaded Veneto region, where, with alacrity and indomitable disregard for all dangers, he gathered together groups of scattered officers and soldiers and, animating them with his courage and faith, he set up an information service with them, which was of invaluable help to the operations. Twice arrested and twice escaped, after three months of legendary daring, he completed his shrewd and fruitful work, boldly placing himself at the head of his rebel ranks and with them rising up in the movement in which the enemy was retreating, thus facilitating the victorious advance of our troops. A shining example of self-sacrifice, conscious courage and generous dedication of his entire self to his homeland

Piave - Vittorio Veneto, August - October 1918

A few days later, the second launch was also carried out by Pier Arrigo Barnaba, Lieutenant of the Green Flames, the Arditi of the Alpini. He was the first Alpine Parachutist in history.

In the future, parachuting and special forces would be symbiotic terms, united by a common vocation for rapid and incisive action, with each operator at the heart of critical, high-risk missions. In Italy, on 24 March 1938, the parachuting school known as the 'Libya Parachute School Camp' was established at Castel Benito, by decree of Governor Italo Balbo and under the command of Major Goffredo Tonini. On 15 October 1939, the Regia Scuola Paracadutisti dell'Aeronautica (Royal Air Force Parachute School) was founded in Tarquinia, which began training the first Royal Army instructors in June 1940, with the first courses for recruits starting the following month.

The first units were formed in Tarquinia in July 1940: the 1st and 2nd Parachute Infantry Battalions and the 3rd Parachute Carabinier Battalion (later renamed II, III and I). On 30 April 1941, the 2nd Parachute Battalion performed the first airdrop of the war on the island of Cephalonia. In the spring of 1941, the 1st Parachute Regiment was formed, and in the same year the Royal Navy's Parachute Swimmer Company experimented with sea jumping for the first time. On 1 September 1941, the 1st Parachute Division was established, which was given the name 'Folgore' in June 1942which later became the 185th Parachute Division 'Folgore.

In the epic battle of El-Alamein, i Parachutists of the FolgoreDue in part to their numerical inferiority, they found themselves acting in an asymmetrical scenario, typical of special forces. Thanks to their high level of training, they conducted lightning-fast attacks with improvised bombs against the British forces, thus managing to hold out beyond all optimistic expectations.

In the post-war period, the armed forces of many countries have established parachute units, and the parachutist licence is now a prerequisite for special forces raiders.

The Rijeka enterprise

Numerous former Arditis actively participated to the Fiuman enterprise under the leadership of Gabriele D'Annunzio.

In a report by the 13 March 1921presented at the congress of theNational Arditi Association of Italy (ANAI) and published in the brochure "Two Years of Passion Ardita"Gino Coletti, secretary and promoter of the ANAI, stated: "I should pause to say how much the Arditi Association did for the Rijeka enterprise. It gave the best legionnaires, many of whom fell during the five days. Over two thousand legionnaires passed through and were subsidised for the Milan headquarters, for which the sum of 60,000 lire was spent. At Fiume, the Association gave everything: money, blood, immense sacrifices. We all offered ourselves, facing and suffering insult, hatred, jail and persecution. We elected D'Annunzio our Supreme Leader and always awaited his orders, ready at any moment to march with him."

After the occupation of Rijeka, the "Carnaro Regency and promulgated the Carnaro Charter as the constitution of the new state, whose inspirers included the revolutionary trade unionist Alceste de Ambris, also former Ardito.

The 25 December 1920, known as 'Christmas of Blood'regular troops of the Italian Army, led by the General CavigliaThey ended the brief experience of the Carnar Republic with brief but intense clashes.

During Fascism

In the inter-war period, many former Arditis reunited in theNational Arditi Association of Italy (ANAI)founded by Captain Mario Carlia prominent figure in 'early fascism'. Among the supporters of the fascist cause, several Arditi took part in the March on Rome and were active players in the nascent regime, also becoming important hierarchs, including Giuseppe Bottai e Italo Balbo. However, adherence to the movement was not universal: many Arditi members refused to align themselves with fascism and were marginalised by it.

In 1922, Mussolini dissolved the ANAIconsidered not fully reliable for the new regime, and founded the National Arditi Federation of Italy (FNAI)into which many former members of the previous association converged. The FNAI thus became the point of reference for Arditis loyal to fascism, also receiving important honours, such as the Tower of Counts in Rome, granted in 1937 and transformed in 1938 into a mausoleum for Alessandro Parisipresident of the federation and a figure celebrated by the fascist Arditis.

In the Second World War

At the beginning of the war, Italy dusted off the tradition of the Arditis, re-establishing their presence on various fronts and adapting them to the new requirements of the conflict.

In May 1942, the Formation Group 'Acomposed of Italian-Arab personnel, and the I Special Battalion Arditiestablished on 15 May with three companies, each specialising in one mode of infiltration into enemy territory: the 101st Company Arditi Parachutists, the 102nd Company Arditi Swimmers (later landing), and the 103rd Trucker Company (then terrestrial).

With Circular No. 40900 of 20 July 1942, the SMRE established the Regiment Arditibased in Santa Severa, near Rome. On 1 August, the 1st Special Armed Forces Battalion was integrated as the first operational unit. On 11 August, the training of the II Battalion and, on 15 September, the unit assumed the name of X Regiment Arditiunder the command of the Colonel Renzo Gazzanigarecipient of the Military Order of Savoy and decorated with one silver and two bronze medals for military valour.

Some departments of Arditi, such as those of the 'daring skiers'were employed in the French campaign, including the Alpini 'Duca degli Abruzzi' Battalion and the 'Mont Blanc'while in Africa, Saharan companies carried out special operations in the desert.

The 10th Regiment Arditi operated behind enemy lines, especially in North Africa and Sicilyuntil its dissolution after the armistice.

The fate of the Arditi changed dramatically on 8 September 1943. The 1st Special Battalion Arditideployed in Sardinia, sided with the Southern Kingdom, becoming in March 1944 the 9th Assault Department of the cobelligerent army and, shortly afterwards, the III Battalion 'Col Moschin' within the 68th Infantry Regiment 'Legnano'continuing to fight alongside the allied forces.

Also the Royal Air Force developed special units, such as the ADRA Battalion (Arditi Destroyers of the Regia Aeronautica), established in 1942 to conduct sabotage operations against enemy positions and prepare the territory for invasion. After 8 September, during the Italian Social Republic, the ADRA continued to operate under the name of ADAR (Arditi Republican Air Force Destroyers)based in Tradate.

In 1944, the National Republican Air Force was established, the 1st Parachute Armed Regiment 'Folgore' (former Parachute Regiment 'Folgore') and the 2nd Parachute Armed Regiment 'Nembo' (only active with two battalions).

The MAS Flotilla

The MAS Flotillas were the forerunners of the Italian Navy's special forces. Framed in the Italian Regia Marina, they have an operational history rooted in the First World War and extending into the Second World War. These units consisted of Torpedo Armed Motorboats (MAS)designed for fast and lightning-fast attacks against the enemy navy. The MAS began to distinguish themselves already in the Great War, inflicting heavy losses on the Austro-Hungarian fleet. In the Second World War, their operations were expanded with the support of raiding parties and, with the birth of the Italian Social Republic, also naval infantry units.

Origins

The first MAS were developed during the initial phase of the First World War, starting with the design by the Venetian shipyard SVAN (Società Veneziana Automobili Navali)who built the prototypes MAS 1 and MAS 2 in June 1915. The Regia Marina had already shown an interest in armed speedboats from 1906, but it was only with the outbreak of war that they moved from designs to mass production. These craft, designed for quick attacks and to exploit the surprise effect, were used to launch torpedoes against enemy ships.

World War I and the successes of the MAS

With the start of the First World War, MAS were deployed in surveillance and attack operationsproving their effectiveness in missions against Austro-Hungarian forces. These motorboats, small, manoeuvrable and with high speedThey represented a strategic shift for the Regia Marina, which relied more on quantity and agility than the power of large battleships. The assaults conducted by the MAS were crowned with spectacular successes, such as the missions of Luigi Rizzo, which in 1917 sank the battleship Wien off Trieste, and in 1918 destroyed the Santo Stefano, also of the Austro-Hungarian navy.

The sinking of the Szent István and the Viribus Unitis

On 10 June 1918, the the historic feat of Premuda, in which Lieutenant Luigi Rizzo and Ensign Giuseppe Aonzo, aboard MAS 15 and 21, dealt a decisive blow to the Austrian fleet. In the middle of the First World War, the two MAS, under the orders of section chief Rizzo and respectively commanded by Armando Gori and Giuseppe Aonzo, set off from the port of Ancona and, with daring and precision, managed to infiltrate enemy units heading for the Otranto Channel.

At dawn, the MAS managed to torpedo and sink the Austrian battleship SMS Szent István (Santo Stefano), marking a decisive success for the Royal Italian Navy. This heroic act is still celebrated every 10 June with the Festa della Marina.

On 1 November 1918, Major Raffaele Rossetti and Lieutenant Doctor Raffaele Paolucci sank the battleship SMS Viribus Unitis with a 'mignatta' during the Pola enterprise.

On the evening of 31 October, two armed torpedo motorboats (MAS), escorted by as many torpedo boats, left Venice without any official act ratifying the operation on the Italian side. Once they reached Istrian waters, a few miles from the entrance to the port of Pula, the torpedo boats withdrew, allowing one of the MAS to tow the 'mignatta' - a self-propelled torpedo boat - to a few hundred metres from the harbour breakwater. At 22:18, the two Italian officers, Raffaele Rossetti and Raffaele Paolucci, headed towards the harbour aboard the mignatta, as the MAS pulled away to return to the predetermined recovery point after the action.

The approach to the target proved to be complex and risky: Rossetti and Paolucci dragged the mignatta with the engine off past the obstructions (an outer barrage and three orders of nets) and managed to evade the intense Austrian vigilance. They passed sentries on the dam, patrol boats and even a submarine in the roadstead unnoticed. At 3am they found themselves in the vicinity of the anchored ships. It was not until 4.45 a.m. on 1 November, after more than six hours in the water, that the two fighters finally managed to position themselves near the hull of the Viribus Unitis. Rossetti detached himself from the mignatta and, approaching the battleship, stared at it a 200 kg explosive charge set to detonate at 6.30 a.m.. When he returned to the craft, a searchlight illuminated them, and they were soon discovered. Before being caught, Paolucci still managed to activate the second explosive charge, while Rossetti sank the mignatta, which ran aground near the steamer Wien.

Brought on board the Viribus Unitis as prisoners, the two Italians learned that, during the night, the Austrian command had surrendered the Pula fleet to the Yugoslavs and that the ship was no longer flying the Austrian flag. At 06:00, they warned Captain Vuković that the battleship could explode at any moment; he immediately ordered the evacuation and transfer of the prisoners to the sister ship Tegetthoff. However, as there was no explosion, the crew returned on board, now sceptical about the warning of the two Italian officers. Finally, at 6.44 a.m., the explosive charge detonated, tilting the battleship to one side and causing it to sink rapidly. The action ended tragically with numerous casualties and missing crew members, including Commander Vuković, who, in an attempt to save himself by swimming, was fatally struck by a falling ship's mast.

La Viribus Unitisbuilt in 1912 in Trieste, was the flagship of the Austro-Hungarian Navy. As the first battleship of the TegetthoffIt was equipped with impressive armament and advanced technology for the time, embodying the strength and pride of the Austro-Hungarian fleet in the Mediterranean.

It was silenced forever by the heroism of the two Italians Rossetti and Paolucci.

D'Annunzio and the support of the Incursors

Among the biggest supporters of MAS was Gabriele D'Annunziowho was on board the MAS during the famous Buccari mockery and helped to spread the motto "Memento Audere Semper' (Remember to always dare). Thanks to D'Annunzio's support, the employment of MAS became a symbol of the courage and daring of the Italian forces, earning the esteem of the nation. At the end of the conflict, the Regia Marina had 419 MAS, a sign of the success of this combat strategy based on surprise and agility.

Between the Two Wars: Technical and Strategic Developments

In the years following the First World War, MAS and other assault craft were not the focus of the Navy's investments, given the peaceful order established in the Mediterranean. However, the conception and design of new raiding units resumed with the Ethiopian War, starting in 1935, which rekindled tensions with Britain and France. It was in this context that the principles of MAS were extended to new designs, such as the explosive barges and the innovative slow running torpedoes (SLC). The SLC, designed by Teseo Tesei and Elios Toschiwere underwater raiding craft capable of carrying operators and explosive warheads below sea level, allowing close attacks against enemy ships moored in ports.

The Second World War: The Stormtroopers are born

By the time Italy entered World War II, the Italian Navy had established several MAS flotillas, including the 10th MAS Flotillathe elite unit that would become a symbol of the Italian incursion. Initially named 1st MAS Flotilla, the 10th was then given the speciality of 'assault men'.which included divers trained to swim under enemy ships and place explosives directly on the hulls. These raiders operated on slow-running torpedoes, or 'pigs', and were responsible for memorable actions against Allied naval units.

10th MAS Flotilla: the terror of the Mediterranean

Had the 10th MAS been fully operational in June 1940, when the British still had neither Ultra nor good surveillance systems in the ports of Alexandria, Gibraltar and Valletta, the war would probably have had a very different outcome.

Jack Greene, English writer

The first successful action for the 10th MAS Flotilla took place 25 March 1941: six explosive boats targeted several enemy units in Suda Bay, Crete, causing irreparable damage, including to the cruiser Yorkwhich was later stranded and used as a floating battery.

The raid, under the command of the Lieutenant Luigi Faggioniwas conducted with six MTMs (Modified Tourist Motorboats), which forced the obstructions of the bay at night and waited until first light, when they could clearly see the silhouettes of the anchored targets. One of the boats directly hit the Yorkcausing enough damage to prevent its participation in further warlike events; a second, piloted by the Gunnery Sergeant Emilio Barberi (who was awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valour for this action), hit the tanker Pericleswhile a third boat, missing its intended target, crashed into a pier.

The other units were unable to reach their targets due to mechanical failures and the difficult operating conditions, so the pilots sank their vehicles to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.

The operational theatres of the 10th MAS Flotilla: not only the Mediterranean, but also the Black Sea

Among the most famous missions was theattack on the port of Alexandria in 1941, in which raiders sank British battleships Queen Elizabeth e Valiant. With these actions, the 10th MAS Flotilla demonstrated the destructive potential of the strategy based on small means and targeted attacks.

In 1942, the 10th MAS Flotilla extended its range of action with the deployment of special units in the Black Seawhere it operated with a land-based MAS squadron. Here, the Italian units took on the Soviet fleet, achieving significant victories, including the sinking of Soviet submarines and transport ships. In the Mediterranean, moreover, the Italian MAS participated in the famous Battle of Mid-August 1942inflicting significant losses on a British convoy bound for Malta.

In the Italian Social Republic

After the armistice of 8 September 1943, the 10th MAS Flotilla split up. Some of the units chose to continue the fight alongside the Italian Social Republic (RSI)operating under the command of Prince Junius Valerius Borghese. This group mainly dedicated itself to attacks against Anglo-American forces, operating both on the open sea and along the Italian coast. Other members of the flotilla opted for the Italian Cobelligerent Navymaintaining their assault specialty and collaborating with the Allied forces until the end of the conflict.

In short, the MAS represented a tactical revolution for the Regia Marina, demonstrating that the strategy of small assault units could confront even the most powerful fleets. Their actions remained etched in the history of the Italian navy, and the legacy of courage and innovation of the MAS flotillas continues to this day in today's raiding forces.

The post-World War II period and reorganisation

After the Second World WarItaly began a profound reorganisation of its military units, laying the foundations for the establishment of today's special forces. In 1954, within the Italian Army, the Parachute Saboteurs Departmentbased in Pisa, the first nucleus of the future 9th Parachute Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin'. This unit represented a new type of military force, trained for operations that went beyond the boundaries of conventional warfare and introduced Italy into the modern dimension of special operations.

In 1952, the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Corso Pecori Giraldi, entrusted Lieutenant Aldo Massarini, with the task of studying the possible reconstitution of an underwater raid unit, integrating the experience of the guastatori swimmers and paratrooper swimmers. Thus, with the lifting of the constraints imposed by the Treaty of Paris, the Group Arditi Incursors at Varignano, formalised by the Order Sheet No. 44 of 30 May 1952 and placed under the direction of Maricentrosub La Spezia.

On the initiative of Admiral Gino Birindelli, commander of Maricentrosub, a reorganisation of the department was initiated, which in 1956 it took the name of MariSubArdIn. In addition to operations at sea, its members also began to be trained in mountain combat and airdrop activities. since 1962.

In 1964, the Light Aircraft Section (S.A.L.) at the airport of Alghero-Fertiliaemployed by the Special Units Grouping (S.U.R.). This department provided air support, creating a synergy between ground and air assets that enhanced the mobility and responsiveness of Italian special units.

In the 1970s, the growing risk of terrorist threats led the Italian government to set up specialised units. On the orders of Interior Minister Francesco Cossiga, theUN.I.S. (Special Intervention Unit) with training aimed at hostage rescue and the fight against terrorism. From a detachment of the 1st Carabinieri Parachute Battalion was born, in February 1978, the Special Intervention Group (GIS)which became the first Italian department dedicated exclusively to military counter-terrorism operations.

The fundamental turning point for the Italian special forces came on 30 December 1985when, at the behest of Defence Minister Giovanni Spadolini, the Special Operations Groups (GOS)marking the beginning of the formation of the current Special Forces of the Italian Republic. In this project, selected elements of the 9th Army Col Moschin Battalion and the Navy COMSUBINtwo units designed to support SISMI's intelligence operations. This represented a paradigm shift for Italy: the GOS were an exclusive force aimed at covert operations, capable of acting in hostile territories and contexts in support of national strategic interests.

Over time, highly specialised support units also emerged. In 1992, the 39th Air Cavalry 'Dragon' Squadron Group became the first Italian unit to use advanced night vision technology, allowing for greater night-time operations. The expertise and experience of the personnel were essential to the success of international missions, expanding Italy's range of operations. During the same period, the 26th 'Jupiter' Squadron Group, framed in the Parachute Brigade 'Folgore, was distinguished by specific training with paratroopers and raiders, later turning into the 26th Special Operations Helicopter Unit (REOS)an autonomous strategic air component.

These innovations enabled Italy to deploy special forces with advanced operational capabilities, placing it at the forefront of international special operations.

The 2000s, expansion of the Italian special forces and the birth of the C.O.F.S.

At the beginning of the new millennium, Italy intensified the development of its special forces to face new global threats and to strengthen its rapid intervention capability in international contexts. In March 2003, the Aeronautica Militare created the Reparto Incursori A.M.I. (RIAM)destined to become the 17th Incursor Wingan essential component in airborne special operations, trained for sabotage missions, hostage rescue and tactical support in highly critical situations.

The following year, in 2004Italy took another decisive step with the foundation of the C.O.F.S. (Joint Special Forces Operations Command)a central command for the coordination and planning of special operations. The creation of the C.O.F.S. represented a turning point in inter-force management, improving the operational synergy between Army, Navy, Air Force and Carabinieri. In that year, the Carabinieri GIS  was recognised as a special force, consolidating its role in counter-terrorism missions and high-risk operations.

Officially established the 1 December 2004 under the guidance of General Parachutist Raider (Italian Army) Marco Bertolini already in 2008 was recognised as planning command and in 2021 was validated by NATO as Special Operations Component Command (SOCC) within the NATO Response Force (NRF).

In 2006Italian special forces were deployed in Afghanistan as part of the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) mission. For the occasion, the Task Force 45 (TF-45)a special unit intended for counter-terrorist threat operations. The TF-45 represents the largest deployment of special forces ever deployed by Italy since the post-war period.

In 2013a detachment of Italian special forces was positioned at the Italian base in Djibouti, named after Amedeo Guillet, where they operate on a rotating basis to ensure a strategic garrison and control of the Horn of Africa area.

An important regulatory innovation came in 2015, when theArticle 7-bis of Law No. 198 of 11 December 2015it was stipulated that the Italian intelligence services, such as theAISE (Agency for Information and External Security)could use special forces for specific missions abroad. This rule filled a legislative vacuum and brought Italy into line with operational models already present in other countries, strengthening cooperation between intelligence and special forces to deal with growing global threats.

2013, COMFOSE, the 'Special Forces Brigade' is born

In 2013, in Pisa, the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE) of the Italian Army, a brigade-level command with the objective of coordinating all the special forces units of the armed forces, special operations forces and operational support units assigned to special operations. This initiative is part of the broader 2012 Reform of the Military Instrument, initiated by the then Minister of Defence, Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola.

COMFOSE coordinates the following departments:

• 9th Parachute Assault Regiment 'Col Moschin' - Special Forces unit based in Livorno.
• 185th Parachute Reconnaissance Objective Acquisition Regiment 'Folgore - Special Forces unit based in Livorno.
• 4th Alpine Parachute Regiment - Special Forces unit based in Verona.
• Special Operations Training Centre
• Special Operations Support Department

Although not formally part of COMFOSE, a department of the Army Aviation Command was assigned as an operational support unit for special operations. For this purpose, the 3rd Special Operations Helicopter Regiment 'Aldebaran' was created and is trained for specific operational needs of special forces.

2017, a major leap forward

In 2017, in view of the increasingly frequent deployment of Italian special forces in NATO operations, it was decided to further strengthen the operational structure by expanding the number of units qualified as TIER 1 special forces. Also included in the new configuration were the 4th Alpine Parachute Regiment and the 185th Parachute Regiment Goal Acquisition Reconnaissance (RAO) Folgoretwo units with consolidated experience in the Italian Army's Special Operations Forces (FOS).

The official validation of these units within the Italian special forces took place in October 2018during the exercise 'Dark Night 2018' which tested the operational capabilities of troops in complex, high-intensity scenarios.

The Departments

Le Italian Special Forces comprise seven highly trained departments, each with a specific operational vocation:

• 9th Parachute Assault Regiment “Col Moschin” (Army – TIER 1)
• 4th Paratrooper Regiment Alpini “Ranger” (Army – TIER 1 from October 2018)
• 185th Parachute Regiment Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition “Folgore” (Army – Tier 1 from October 2018)
• Raiders Operational Group (Navy – TIER 1)
• 17th Raider Wing (Italian Air Force – TIER 1)
• Special Intervention Group (Carabinieri – TIER 1)
• 1st Carabinieri Paratroopers Regiment “Tuscania” (Carabinieri – Tier 2 from June 2024)

Support forces

In addition to the main Special Forces units, Italy also has operational support unit and of crowning units for special operationswhich provide essential support in high-level missions and complex operational contexts. These units are distinguished by their high specialisation, especially in the fields of air support, communications and exploratory operations.

Special Operations Support Unit

The Special Operations Operations Support (SOOS) requires specialised flight units, both fixed-wing and rotary-wing, to ensure tactical transport, and also makes use of departments dedicated to operational communications and transmissions:

• 3rd REOS – Special Operations Helicopter Regiment “Aldebaran” (Italian Army)
• 21st Flight Group of the 9th Wing “Francesco Baracca” (Italian Air Force)
• Helicopter Assault Unit of the 1st Helicopter Group (Navy)
• 11th Transmission Regiment (Italian Army)
• 28th Communications Regiment “Pavia” (Italian Army)

Crowning units for special operations

In its mission planning, the COFS may also deploy crowning units, consisting of scouting and support units, drawn according to the level of operation and degree of training required for each specific theatre of operations.

Among the Italian Special Operations Coronation Unit (COS) fall within:

• Paratrooper scout platoon of the 183rd Paratrooper Regiment “Nembo” (Italian Army)
• Paratrooper scout platoon of the 186th Paratrooper Regiment “Folgore” (Italian Army)
• Paratrooper scout platoon of the 187th Paratrooper Regiment “Folgore” (Italian Army)
• 1st Paratrooper Scout Squadron of the “Savoia Cavalleria” Regiment 3rd (Italian Army)
• Amphibious scout platoon of the lagoon regiment “Serenissima” (Italian Army)
• Combat Support Company of the 1st Regiment “San Marco” (Navy)
• Air Rifle Group from the 9th Wing "F.Baracca" (Italian Air Force)
• Stos Company Air Riflemen of the 16th Wing "Force Protection" (Italian Air Force)

These departments extend the Special Forces' intervention capabilities, allowing strategic operational flexibility in both national and international mission scenarios.

Italian special forces operators

The specialities of Special Forces operators of the Italian Armed Forces differ according to the operational environment and vocation of each department. In the Italian Army, training is divided into two main phases:

1. Common initial phasewhich includes:
   • Special Operations Combat Techniques Course: only for VFIs coming out of RAVs
   • Physical selection: Assessment of the candidate's physical capabilities (at the CE.ADD.OS. of COMFOSE)
   • Aptitude selection: Practical training to verify psychological and motivational suitability (2 weeks at the CE.ADD.OS. of COMFOSE)
   • Military Parachuting Course: Training in aviation techniques with automatic opening parachutes for non-air force personnel (4 weeks at CAPAR in Pisa).
   • OBOS course: Special Operations Basic Operator (approximately 12 weeks at the CE.ADD.OS. of COMFOSE).
2. Specialised training phasewith advanced training according to the assignment:
   • IncursorOver 50 weeks at the 9th Assault Regiment Col Moschin
   • PurchaserOver 50 weeks at the 185th RAO Regiment 'Folgore'
   • RangerOver 40 weeks at the 4th Alpine Parachute Regiment

There are also specialities for the support forces:

• Special operations gunner
• STOS operator (Tactical Special Operations Support)

The Incursor Patent

The military 'Incursor' patent, the Special Forces operator par excellence, was established by Ministerial Decree of 2 May 1984. Obtaining the patent entails a matricular change for the military and, if associated with membership of a Special Forces unit, entitles the recipient to significant economic benefits. These include the additional allowance for Incursors, equal to 180% of the basic operational allowance (provided for by Law 78/1983), and an additional allowance for Special Forces of 120 Euros gross per month.

Courses for obtaining the patent are organised by the main Italian Armed Forces:

•  Italian ArmyAs seen above, like thePurchaser and the Rangercourse directed by Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE)
• Navy Incursor School at Varignano, with a one-year course, divided into three training phases and a final phase.
• Air Force: Basic Incursor AM (BIAM) course in Furbara lasting about 4 months and then Special Forces Combat Course (PC-FS) lasting about 6 months.
• Carabinieri CorpsCourse divided into two phases, with a total duration of approximately one year. Candidates for the GIS must come from the 1st Carabinieri Parachute Regiment 'Tuscaniaand have completed at least two years of service. The maximum age for entry is 32.

These training courses provide intensive and targeted training, preparing each operator for high-risk, high-complexity operations.

The tasks of the Italian special forces

The main tasks of the Italian special forces include:

• Direct Actionssabotage, incursions into enemy environments and against strategic targets, search and rescue of hostages in war zones, removal of obstacles and preparation of territory for the deployment of conventional forces;
• Military Assistance of various kinds;
• Special reconnaissance.

To these are added further functions:

• Anti-terrorist operations;
• Evacuation of compatriots from countries at risk;
• Counter-proliferation of CNBR material (chemical, nuclear, biological and radiological).

Commands

In 2001, the Carabinieri established the 2nd Mobile Carabinieri Brigadea unit that frames all forces deployed in operations abroad, including the GIS.

In 2007, the Air Force established the 1st Airborne Brigade 'Special Operations to manage the activities of Special Forces and Protection Forces.

In 2013, the Italian Army established the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE) to standardise the procedures and training methods of their special forces.

The Operational Group Incursors (GOI)Instead, he reports directly to the Chief of Naval Staff.

For operations, ALL THESE DEPARTMENTS, of every armed force, remain under the COFSunder the command of the Defence General Staff.

Conclusions

The Italian Arditis and the Regia Marina's MAS Flotillas were pioneers of modern special forces, anticipating some of the techniques and operations that would later be adopted by armed forces around the world.

The tactics and training of the Arditi and the Tenth MAS laid the foundation for the creation of special units in many countries. The British, for example, were very impressed by the successes of the Tenth MAS and were inspired by it for the creation of dive units and the use of unconventional assault techniques.

In summary, the Arditi and MAS Flotillas were the first examples of modern special forces in Europe and the world.