Alpini

The Alpini are a specialist mountain warfare infantry corps of the Italian Army. They are the oldest active mountain infantry in the world. Formed in 1872 to protect Italy's mountainous northern borders, the Alpini are distinguished by their distinctive Cappello Alpino, a felt hat adorned with a black raven feather.

Traditionally recruited from the alpine regions of Italy, the Alpini are highly trained and equipped for combat in mountainous terrain, including extreme weather conditions. They have a long and distinguished history, having fought in both World Wars, the Italo-Ethiopian War, and various peacekeeping missions.

The Alpini are organized into regiments and brigades, and each battalion is typically named after a specific mountain or valley in the Alps. Their motto is "Di qui non si passa!" ("They shall not pass!"). They are a highly respected and iconic unit within the Italian Armed Forces, symbolizing resilience, courage, and dedication to duty. Key equipment includes, but is not limited to, specialized skis, climbing gear, and mountain-specific transportation. Their training focuses on mountaineering, survival skills, and combat tactics adapted for high-altitude environments.