How to Create an Italian Impression
So You Want to Join the Italian Armed Forces of WWII.
Italian Impressions
To build an Italian Impression requires focus and patience. There is a wide variety of WWII Italian impressions and many of the items are difficult to aquire, but not impossible. Our primary impression is Bersaglieri. However most members have additional interests in other Italian impressions such as paratrooper, regular "line" infantry, marine, Alpini or even carabinieri. It is the Bersaglieri impression we use at the annual California desert battle. The unit leader will determine the impression for other events.
Why Bersaglieri?
We have settled on a Bersaglieri unit for the core formation, due to the fact that:
1) They fought everywhere and through the entire wartime period (40 to 43 & RSI Period), so this type of unit would fit in anywhere an Italian impression might be appropriate.
2) They were considered Elite Troops and will draw more recognition and interest from potential recruits.
3) Their insignia was generic on all fronts (Same collar insignia for Desert/East Front/Italy) and the appropriate collar tabs can be fairly easily self-made, with the associated Savoi collar stars commonly available.
4) The needed basic field gear is generic to the WW2 Italian Army, with the few needed "Special" items (Cockerel Plumes, FEZ, ect.) still available.
5) They were primarily armed with the commonly available Carcano folding bayonet carbine and the M-38 Beretta SMG (rentals may be available).
6) They primarily wore the standard Italian wool uniform tunic, along with the cotton M40 camiciotto sahariano type II desert tunics in the desert and the M40 "Giubba a Vento" cotton duck wind cheater on the eastern and Italian fronts.
7) The Bersaglieri Regiments wore the Cockerel Feathers on their steal helmet, on their pith helmet in the desert, and they wore the Red FEZ for a soft cap. I know that some think that these Bersaglieri attributes as somewhat old fashioned, or silly looking. In answer to this...the Bersaglieri Regiments were Elite Troops, "As Good As" any other army's Best Troops in quality, training, bravery and established history, and they would no more take off their Plumes and FEZ than a Green Beret would take off his cap! The Bersaglieri were primarily utilized tactically as motorized attack and assault troops, so there was no need to hide from anyone!
Cost Estimates
One of the most useful resources for items is Ebay. You can start building an impression using Ebay as a resource, but you will likely have to use other vendors to complete one. There are some difficulties however. Prices for Italian gear are starting to go up and some items are difficult to acquire. Beware that the market and vendors can produce wide ranges in prices. Due to price fluctuations it is hard to price items currently. We are working on reproducing items with outside vendors. Please see the vendors link for more information.