Special forces

: For the .38 Special album, see Special Forces (album).

World War I

During World War I Colonel Bassi of the Italian Army formed "Reparti d'assalto" (Assault Units) called Arditi. They were assigned the tactical role of shock troops, breaching enemy defences in order to prepare the way for a broad infantry advance. The Reparti d'assalto were successful in bringing a degree of movement to what had previously been a war of entrenched positions. The Arditi were not considered infantry troops, but were seen and organized as a separate combat arm. Thus they are some of the modern world's first true Special Forces.

Related Topics:
World War I - Italian Army - Arditi

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