Legion Field Guide

Structure | Operations | Roster | Authenticity | Manual of Arms

The recreated 30ª CC.NN «Montebello» is an assault legion for the purposes of attacking and counter-attacking the enemy and supporting other Italian troops in their operations when a hard-hitting blow was required.  The legion strives to those ends at battle reenactments and to do so, demands high expectations of its legionaries who don the black shirt and collar flames.  This section will cover topics such as the structure of the group itself, the organization of the legion, commands, requirements, and authenticity issues.

It should be noted that this unit was deployed first against France, then against the Greeks, and then in Russia.  This gives us flexibility at attending western and eastern front events.  Hence the saying "Molti Nemici, Molto Onore."

STRUCTURE & ORGANIZATION The legion is established in such a way that the unit is flexible.  Legionaries are free to attend welcoming events and displays, though they should make a particular effort to attend those listed on the "News and Events" page for maximum legion presence.  The legion may be amalgamated with other units or subordinated to another command structure at an event.  In that case, the legion will follow the cue of its host.  Rank and file are referred to as "legionaries" (legionari) or "blackshirts" (camicie nere) but never as "soldiers."  The same is true of Alpini, Bersaglieri, Granatieri, etc.  Iinfantry (fanteria) regiments of the Royal Army are referred to as "soldiers." Membership in other WWII groups is acceptable, however, an NCO or officer must exclusively be a part of 30ª CC.NN «Montebello» for the good of the unit and to prevent conflicts of interest.  An NCO or officer who fails to meet a minimum of 3 events per calendar year will be considered inactive or reduced to the rank of camicia nera.  Legionaries are expected to meet at least 2 battle events per calendar year or be considered inactive.  This is, again, for the good of the unit.  There are no attendance demands for the Fasci Femminili but we hope to see them as often as possible. No legionary shall wear any device, ribbon, award, medal, or other decoration not typically part of the uniform unless in the very rare event it is bestowed upon him by the legion itself.  No legionary will ever wear a foreign device of recognition of any kind. Legionaries should acquaint themselves and become familiar with the Manual of Arms and marching.  While most events are loose-formation combat situations, knowing the drill will make better disciplined legionaries and not only improve performance, but also versatility and authenticity. New legionaries who join will have one year to assemble their basic uniform, kit, and armament.  Each legionary is responsible for looking after his own things.  Loaner uniform parts and equipment are available for up to three events, after which time he will have had to have acquired his own.  Assembling an Italian uniform, fortunately, is not very difficult.  New recruits would do well to visit the vendors on the Links page and contact the legion itself with any questions when putting the impression together. Every legionary will carry on his tunic pocket a small medical card of heavy paper with any allergies, medications, or other concerns listed in legible print in case of an emergency.  NCOs have the authority to inspect this card at any time.  It may be worthwhile to laminate it.  Reenactment is physically demanding and there are some risks involved.  We always strive for an observe the highest safety measures, but should a legionary need real medical attention for any reason, whether heat exhaustion or injury, then this card could be useful to paramedics.  The card will be provided to new legionaries as part of their recruitment package.

OPERATIONS

All legionaries will obey the commands of their officer or NCO.  A squadra of less than 10 will be commanded by an NCO.   If the squadra is greater than 10, it will be commanded by an officer and an NCO.  No further ranks will be present, though a designated Camicia Nera Scelta (senior blackshirt) must be prepared to assume any roles assigned by his officer or the NCO. 

The squadra is a team.  The squadra functions together, your fellow legionaries are your brothers in arms.  In battle, the squadra will always perform quickly, effectively, and fairly.  The Blackshirt is an offensive combatant who keeps the spirit of the attack foremost in his heart.  

Legionaries must be in decent shape--physically fit enough so as to meet the objectives set by their superiors without placing themselves at risk.  A legion honored with the red "M" is no place for the armchair general!  If at any time a legionary feels ill or overly-fatigued, he will immediately report it to his superior and take steps to take himself out of the action and to proper treatment.

Legionaries will follow all safety regulations at all events and displays and take pro-active common sense steps to ensure the well-being of himself, his comrades, and those around him.  If he sees a potential issue, he will take the initiative to fix it before a problem arises.  All concerns will be reported to the squadra NCO or officer in a timely manner.

Public should never handle edged weapons.  If a legionary wants to demonstrate the heft of a rifle to a visitor, he must keep one hand on it, perhaps by the sling, and maintain control at all times.

All campfires must be made with the approval of the event organizers or their designated safety representatives and the squadra's commander.  Any open fires must must have a full bucket of water nearby and a fire extinguisher is advisable as well.

If there are any questions or concerns, it is the legionary's duty to ask and find out.  Shyness is not a Blackshirt virtue and the answer you recieve or the issue you address may enlighten others.

COMPOSIZIONE DELLA CENTURIA

L'Inverno 2009 - Anno LXXXVII

The wearing of ribbons on the uniform is permitted to those legionaries who have shown strong commitment and been actively constructive towards the betterment of the legion and Italian reenactment.  Ribbons are authorized to be worn by the unit commander and are not mandatory if a legionary wishes to decline.  The FERT patch, however, is part of the uniform and required once earned.  Campaign ribbon credits are accumulated by attending sanctioned events as a Montebello Blackshirt.

• Ardito Patch - Worn after completing the first satisfactory combat event on the upper left sleeve

• Campagnia di Francia - 4 western front events

• Campagnia d'Albania -  2 early/mid war (1940, 1941, 1942) events

• Campagnia di Grecia - 3 combat events where there are no American or Russian opponents

• Fronte Russo - 6 Russian front events

• Africa Settentrionale -  2 North Africa or Sicily events

• MVSN Long Service - 3 years of meritorious and constructive membership in Montebello

• March on Rome - 12 events, 3 years of meritorious and constructive membership, & at least 35 years of age

• Spanish Civil War - 3 non-combat living history displays either for the general public, school, or organization

MVSN Organization

Centurione	Captain		Primo Capo Squadra	Sergeant
Capo Manipolo	Lieutenant		Capo Squadra	Corporal
Sotto Capo Manipolo	2nd Lieut.		Vice Capo Squadra	L. Corporal
Aiutante Primo	W.O. I		Camicia Nera Scelta	Sr. Blackshirt
Aiutante	W.O. II		Camicia Nera	Blackshirt

Ragruppamento 3 Genniao	Division	Coorte 30	Battalion	Squadra	Squad
Gruppo Montebello	Brigade	Centuria	Company	Sezione	Section
Legione XXX	Regiment	Manipolo	Platoon

AUTHENTICITY

All legionaries and NCOs must appear as authentic to the impression as possible.  Refer to the Uniform and Kit page for more detailed information, but it is a locked, sealed pattern which must be complied with.  «Montebello» is a high quality unit portraying a Blackshirt assault legion, so we maintain strong but reasonable standards.  NCOs will note any major authenticity infractions and legionaries will follow their recommendations to make improvements for the next event.

Grooming - the Italian forces were not overly concerned with uniform hair, but hair should be in a simple 1940's style, off of the collar and off the ears.  Italian Regulations permit the wearing of mustaches, goatees, or beards so long as they are kept neat and trim.  The Santa Claus/Mountain Man/ZZ Top look is not permitted.

Maintenance - all legionaries will maintain their uniforms and kit to ensure their weaponry is free of rust and function safely and properly.  Damage to uniforms must be repaired or replaced in a timely manner.  NCOs must always demonstrate the best example for the unit.

Italian for Italians - the Legion is an Italian combat unit, only original or reproduction Italian items may be worn or used.  Do not "fill in the gaps" of your impression by augmenting it with German material.  In some cases, Italians in North Africa used picked up British items, boots, shirts, etc. but our impression is an Eastern Front unit.  The Germans frequently stole the scant Italian supplies, vehicles, and stores on the withdrawal, so it is more likely a German would have something Italian than an Italian would have something German.

Language - commands will be given in Italian and an emphasis will be made to use Italian terminology.  Fluency in the language is not required, though it is handy to know and properly pronounce some phrases.

BASIC POSITIONS & MOVEMENTS

Without Arms

Position of Attention - Posizione di attenti

Command: "At-TENTI" - On the command, the legionary quickly assumes the position of attention. Looking straight ahead and, if possible, the eyes are fixed on the person who gave the command, maintaining no movement and silent. (The command is executed in as short a time as possible.)

Position of Rest (Ease) - Posizione di riposo

Command: "RIPOSO" - The legionary will step to the left with his right foot stationary, feet about shoulder's width apart.  At the same time, the hands will be thrown smartly behind the back, the left hand in a fist, the right hand clutching the left wrist.

During reviews, parades, and ceremonies absolute silence is maintained.

Assembly (Fall-In) - Adunata

Command: "ADUNATA" - Assemble at a fast pace and in silence, in a single line facing the unit commander.

Alignment - Allineamento

Every legionary must acquire the habit of aligning himself with the soldier on the right, and to the one in front of him, without the need of a command or order.

If the unit commander needs to facilitate the alignment of the troops, the following command is given.

Command: "DESTRA (Right) - RIGA" - The first man on the right of line remains immovable; all the others turn their head quickly to the right, and dress their alignment accordingly.  The head does not move.

Upon completing the dressing and alignment of the line, the unit commander gives the following command.

Command: "FISSI" - The soldiers return their heads to the forward looking position, this is the equivalent command to the American "Front".

To the Front March - Marcia al passo

Command: "Avanti - MARC - Marching always starts off with the left foot, it is continued with a determined step and spirit, with the lively movement of the arms bending at the elbow; chest held out, and head held high. The normal cadence for marching is 75 steps per minute.

For Bersaglieri and Alpini, marching may begin at the "RUN" or the "Corsa Veloce" pace. To accomplish this from the stop or from the position of attention the following command is given.

Command: "Corsa Veloce - MARC" - The normal length of the Double Time step is 9/10ths of a meter (about three feet) at the cadence of 170 steps per minute.

To Stop Marching - Fermare la marcia

Command: "Squadra ALT" (or "Plotone ALT" or "ALT") - The soldier completes the step of the foot that is in the air and re-unites the other foot with it.

To Change Cadence - Cambiare andtura
From the Single Time to Double Time: "di - CORSA"
From the Double Time to the Single Time: "di - PASSO"
From the Single or Double Time to the Run: "Corsa - VELOCE"

To Mark Step - Segnare il passo

Command: "Segnate il - PASSO" - This order suspends the marching momentarily without loss of the cadence. The legionaries suspend their forward movement and march in place, alternatively raising their feet until the tip of the foot to approximately 20 cm (eight inches) from earth, while maintaining the same cadence that they had in march.

In order to resume the march the following command is given.

Command: "Avanti - MARC"

In order to stop the Mark Step command in the same place, the following command is given.

Command: "ALT"

Right or Left Face - Movimento di fianco

Command: "Fianco - DESTRA (Right)" ("Fianco - SINISTRA (Left)")

--From Attention: It is completed with a quarter turn to right (or left), on the heel right (or left) and on the toes of the other foot.
--While Marching: It is completed with a quarter of turn to right (or the left) on the tip of the toes

Still under construction, more to come...