Napoleonic history continues to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts from all over the world. Napoleon Bonaparte, the man who elevated France to its greatest glory in the military field, is still today one of the most beloved (and hated) characters in history. The Imperial Era, from 1805 to 1815, has many followers in the world of reenactors, but above all, it is particularly … [Read more...] about Napoleon sat here: Rare relics still much desired among collectors
Paolo Palumbo Articles
Op-Ed: The Sea-Watch 3 affair and her lady captain—hero or criminal?
These days, the front pages of European newspapers are telling the story of the Sea-Watch 3 and its captain, a 31-year-old German woman, Carola Rackete. After two weeks off the island of Lampedusa, the non-governmental organization (NGO) rescue ship, flying the Dutch flag, forced through the blockade imposed by Italian authorities, causing an accident – fortunately without … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: The Sea-Watch 3 affair and her lady captain—hero or criminal?
Watch: Col Moschin Raiders demolish Morandi Bridge
August 14, 2018 is a date that can never fade from the collective memory of all Italians. It was a terrible day, one foreshadowed by a severe storm in Genoa. Suddenly, a lightning strike illuminated the sky, followed by an impressive roar. In a few seconds, one of Italy's most famous bridges crumbled into the abyss below, condemning 43 people to death as their cars plummeted … [Read more...] about Watch: Col Moschin Raiders demolish Morandi Bridge
Op-Ed: Will Italy’s Matteo Salvini cater Trump’s favor for political gain?
It's possible that in the next few days, Matteo Salvini—Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior—will land in the United States to achieve Donald Trump’s favor. For his election campaign, the leader of the Italian League was inspired by the American president motto “America First”, replacing it with “Italy First.” But who is Matteo Salvini? Currently, the … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Will Italy’s Matteo Salvini cater Trump’s favor for political gain?
Op-Ed: Where does the Italian Army go?
In recent years, we've witnessed a slow breakdown of Italian military institutions. It's a crisis that affects the whole of Europe but in Italy, has consequences that reflect on the dignity of the army environment. The most worrying data related to the investment which, with Italian Defense Minister Elisabetta Trenta, has reached an all-time low. All these problems stir up … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Where does the Italian Army go?
Spain 1808: The birth of guerrilla warfare
The recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan forced most modern and technologically advanced armies to revise their strategies by adapting to the new contingencies of asymmetric warfare. The U.S. military occupation of Iraq was an excellent example of how a top-level military force could crumble in the face of an uncontrollable popular uprising. After a triumphant march to … [Read more...] about Spain 1808: The birth of guerrilla warfare
Honoring their roots: Italian Army Special Forces 9th Regiment changes beret design
The 9th paratroopers assault regiment, Col Moschin, took another step toward the recovery of those traditions that founded the history of one of the most prestigious units of the Italian Army. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Army Special Intervention Unit's formation, the "Ninth" will soon change the color of its glorious maroon beret to replace it with the … [Read more...] about Honoring their roots: Italian Army Special Forces 9th Regiment changes beret design
Historians, analysts, journalists and storytellers
Before the 9/11 the studies on "terrorism" remained confined among a small group of academics who mostly investigated motives and connections with the superpowers ideology and the Cold War. Already in the 1970s there were few University or private institutes operating in the sector, both at the service of some government or independent, who addressed the issue "political … [Read more...] about Historians, analysts, journalists and storytellers
SOF Pic of the Day: Italian Army Special Forces HAHO/HALO Jump
In the early 80's the 9th Parachute Assault Batallion "Col Moschin" began the first trainings for the HAHO / HALO jump technique. Some italians Raiders had already experimented the new jump technique thanks to exchanges to pratical experiences with the Green Berets. In 1980 an American instructors Team reached Pisa, hosted by the Folgore Parachutists Division, where Colonel … [Read more...] about SOF Pic of the Day: Italian Army Special Forces HAHO/HALO Jump
Individual terrorism: Al-Qaeda’s strategist Abu Musab al-Suri
The recent assaults that have struck the European cities show a strategic change in Islamist terrorism. Young Muslims, in some cases already known to the authorities, have acted in unexpected ways, using light weapons and improvised resources to maximize terror in public spaces. While some analysts have discovered a lessening degree in the severity of these attacks, the … [Read more...] about Individual terrorism: Al-Qaeda’s strategist Abu Musab al-Suri
SOF Pic of the Day: Italian Special Forces in training
9th Col Moschin Parachute Assault Regiment's operators in an armored vehicle during a "marksman" training mission. Tuscany 2015. Photo: Viviana Cariola … [Read more...] about SOF Pic of the Day: Italian Special Forces in training
Italy’s first police counter terrorism response team
The terror threat in Italy is very high, although it is a different kind of danger, one that's not necessarily tied to direct actions against the population. In recent years, we noticed how our country has become a transit point rather than a real target. Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel - the Nice promenade attacker - and Anis Amri, perpetrator of the Berlin attack, passed into Italy … [Read more...] about Italy’s first police counter terrorism response team