4th Bersaglieri reenactment unit
Drill and Commands
This page contains photos and translated instructions from the "Addestramento della Fanteria" or literally "Training of the infantry" dated 1939. I have listed here an extremely abridged version of the commands and drills most likely to be used during reenactments. The photographs here and their accompanying commands were translated and copyrighted by Jeffrey W.S. Lesser. His translated copy of the Italian infantry training manual can be seen in its entirety in PDF form at the following link: http://comandosupremo.com/italian-drill-manual.html
Ten commandments of the Bersaglieri
- Obedience
- Respect
- Absolute knowledge of your weapon
- Marksmanship
- Gymnastics
- Camaraderie
- Family
- Honor the law and heads of state
- Honor the Motherland
- Confidence
"Addestramento della Fanteria"
volume 1 instruzione formale, 1939
volume 1 instruzione formale, 1939
The formal training is not a purpose unto itself, but through it, has the potential to instill order and discipline in the individuals and masses. When it is energetically applied for this purpose, the drill is not reduced to simple sets of presentations, but its true substance is transferred into "Action".
The commands, when stationary, are always given while in the position of attention.
The commands, positions, and the movements that are part of the formal education of the infantry, are those described in this manual of instruction. All variations or additions are prohibited. You are only allowed to state in advance the unit or part of the unit that is to perform the command, when it is useful to get their attention. For example: "Plotone" can be added before the command.
All commands must be pronounced in clear tone, knowing well that only an energetic command will generate a corresponding energetic execution.
When stationary, every command (excluding attention) is to be given after having assumed the position of attention.
The commands which demand not only simultaneity but also precision of execution, are divided into two parts: the first part (printed in italics and which denote warning) has to be above all clear. Therefore, you pronounce the entire warning with normal tonality. The second part of a command (printed in CAPITAL letters denoting execution) you must pronounce stronger, with high, truncated and sharp tone of voice.
Between the command of warning and execution, a brief pause is inserted.
To annul, cancel or resend a partially given command, the command is: "al....TEMPO".
The individual formal military instruction must be animated by the same dynamism that gives life to the gymnastics exercises of the soldier. It is therefore necessary that its execution proceed at an equal pace and be fused with gymnastic and sporting exercises.
A good method of instruction to keep in mind is: rather than teach the criterion one exercise at a time and through repetition, it is preferred to gradually get the soldier to perfection through a series of varied and interesting exercises so as to maintain the soldier's attention. Alternate exercises with pauses of rest or sport.
A soldier easily retains what he sees and what he is required to do to survive. Consequently, a good officer should accustom his soldiers to learn from imitation by seeing the complete positions and the movements and adding what brief explanations are necessary, expressed with simple words, so it is easily understood and stays ingrained in the mind of the soldier. Also, separate all exercises into varied phases when possible and teach these phases progressively.
Make every soldier completely perform the exercise, checking, correcting, and devoting great attention to the soldiers that are showing less ability to learn.
Command:
The Commander of the unit has to be an example in the observance of the prescribed uniform, of a reserved and martial behavior, and be persuasive and energetic in his words.The commands, when stationary, are always given while in the position of attention.
The commands, positions, and the movements that are part of the formal education of the infantry, are those described in this manual of instruction. All variations or additions are prohibited. You are only allowed to state in advance the unit or part of the unit that is to perform the command, when it is useful to get their attention. For example: "Plotone" can be added before the command.
All commands must be pronounced in clear tone, knowing well that only an energetic command will generate a corresponding energetic execution.
When stationary, every command (excluding attention) is to be given after having assumed the position of attention.
The commands which demand not only simultaneity but also precision of execution, are divided into two parts: the first part (printed in italics and which denote warning) has to be above all clear. Therefore, you pronounce the entire warning with normal tonality. The second part of a command (printed in CAPITAL letters denoting execution) you must pronounce stronger, with high, truncated and sharp tone of voice.
Between the command of warning and execution, a brief pause is inserted.
To annul, cancel or resend a partially given command, the command is: "al....TEMPO".
The individual formal military instruction must be animated by the same dynamism that gives life to the gymnastics exercises of the soldier. It is therefore necessary that its execution proceed at an equal pace and be fused with gymnastic and sporting exercises.
A good method of instruction to keep in mind is: rather than teach the criterion one exercise at a time and through repetition, it is preferred to gradually get the soldier to perfection through a series of varied and interesting exercises so as to maintain the soldier's attention. Alternate exercises with pauses of rest or sport.
A soldier easily retains what he sees and what he is required to do to survive. Consequently, a good officer should accustom his soldiers to learn from imitation by seeing the complete positions and the movements and adding what brief explanations are necessary, expressed with simple words, so it is easily understood and stays ingrained in the mind of the soldier. Also, separate all exercises into varied phases when possible and teach these phases progressively.
Make every soldier completely perform the exercise, checking, correcting, and devoting great attention to the soldiers that are showing less ability to learn.
DRILL:
Assembly: "( unit type ie: Plotone' ).......ADUNATA"
During Assembly the soldiers move at a fast paced run to the officer giving the order's position while keeping silent, face the officer and form a line. Dress is always to the right.
Attention: "at......TENTI"
During the call to attention look straight ahead, fixing your eyes on those in command if possible. Exhibit absolute immobility and silence while tightly holding your position.
Alignment: (Dress right) "destro.......RIGA"
Every soldier has to acquire the habit of aligning himself with his companions to the right. All soldiers quickly turn their head to the right, make small side steps to correct the intervals between men and the straightness of the overall line, then wait for orders. Each soldier's elbows should be touching. When alignment is completed the officer will give the command for the soldiers to face front.
Front: "FISSI"
All soldiers turn their heads so that they are facing their front.
Position of rest: (ie: at ease) "ri......POSO"
This command is given to return the soldier from the position of attention. The soldier assumes a somewhat leisurely position with hands behind back when unarmed or with rifle by side and slightly forward if armed, and in both cases the left foot should be placed slightly forward of the right.
Salute: (at the halt and with head covered) "SALUTO"
The salute is started when the superior reaches three paces from the soldier. The soldier assumes the position of attention and energetically brings the right hand to the visor or brim of the headgear with the ends of the fingers above the right eye, and the hand in line with the forearm and palm facing down, the index finger in contact with the edge of the brim, horizontal upper arm, forearm naturally tilted. When reporting to a superior, the soldier stops three paces away, assumes attention, salutes and returns to attention until told to "ri....POSO". When dismissed, the soldier takes a step backwards, salutes again, goes to attention, performs an about face and marches off.
When saluting with arms, the soldier may either bend the left arm across chest touching left finger tips to the rifle being held by the right arm, or he may extend left arm out in front with hand open and fingers together as shown below.
Break ranks: (dismissed) "rompete le righe.........MARC"
Both from halt and while marching, soldiers automatically go into ri poso and are free to leave the line and rest or do as they wish, but must be ready to quickly follow future commands.
Present arms: (for inspections and salutes) "Presentat..........ARM"
With the right hand move the rifle so it is aligned with the right eye, barrel to the rear, with the rear sight 10cm from the body. Energetically and resolutely grasp the rifle with the left hand with the thumb along the sling and the fingers united and around the stock, the left forearm is horizontal with the elbow held against the body. Rotate the right hand holding the weapon on the neck of the stock, thumb behind the bolt and the other fingers in front, fingers together and slightly bent, keeping the rifle vertical extending the arms naturally.
Shoulder Arms: "spall.........ARM"
With rifle in three counts; snap weapon, lifting it so the left hand grabs it, then the right as in photo below. next, support the weapon to the right shoulder making it to flow from the left hand to the position of attention.
Carry Arms: "fianc..........ARM"
While still grasping the weapon with the right hand, bring the left hand in front of the body grasping the top third of the weapon and lifting it along the right side of the body until the muzzle is just above the right shoulder, grasping the stock of the weapon with the right hand just below the trigger, then bringing the left arm back across the front of the body in the left direction, finally snapping the left arm firmly in place on the left side.
Common field commands:
Attention: "at........TENTI"
Dress right: "destro........RIGA"
Front: "FISSI"
Salute: "SALUTO"
Present arms: "presentat........ARM"
Carry arms: "fianc........ARM"
Shoulder arms: "spall........ARM"
Break ranks: "rompete le righe........MARC"
Forward: "Avanti"
March: "Marc"
Double time: "di corsa...........MARC"
Fast run: "corsa veloce.........MARC"
Fast/hurry/quickly: " Rapido, Pronto"
Right: "Destro"
Left: " Sinistro"
Flank: "Fianco"
At: " a"
Fire/shoot: "Sparare, sparo"
Quiet: "Silenzio"
Retreat: "Ritirata"
Stay/ stop: "Arresto, firmata"
Kneel: "Inginocchiarsi" (ingeeno-kiarsi)
Rise: "Aumento" (ow-mento)
Lay prone: "Prono"
Attack: "Assalto"
Shoot at left flank: "Sperare a fianco sinistro"
Shoot at right flank: "Sperare a fianco Destro"
Rest: "ri..........POSO"
Good: "Bene"
Bad: " Malvagio, Mal"
Yes: "Si"
No: "Non"
Front: "Davanti"
Behind: "Dietro"
Turn around/behind: "Svoltate dietro"
Enemy: "Nemico"
Americans: "Americano"
Partisans: "Partigiano, resitenza"
Troops: "Truppa"
Soldiers: "Soldato"
Form up/ Assemble: "Adunata"
Form a line: " Fare una linea"
Platoon: " Plotone'
Boldness: " Arditi"
For the honor: "per L'onore' "
Death to our enemies: "Ai nostri nemici morte' "
Applicants must be well versed in proper Italian drill and be able to competantly give commands in Italian. Applicants must pass both a written test as well as successfully perform basic drill in the field. Applicants also can not have missed "ANY" unit events that year. If more than one private qualifies for the rank of Corporale, all members of the unit will vote by secret ballot to determine the winner of the rank.
In the event that the unit ever reaches 15 or more active members, the unit commander may take the rank of Lieutenant, thus causing the then current Corporale to become the new Sergeant and another private to become the Corporale.
During Assembly the soldiers move at a fast paced run to the officer giving the order's position while keeping silent, face the officer and form a line. Dress is always to the right.
Attention: "at......TENTI"
During the call to attention look straight ahead, fixing your eyes on those in command if possible. Exhibit absolute immobility and silence while tightly holding your position.
Alignment: (Dress right) "destro.......RIGA"
Every soldier has to acquire the habit of aligning himself with his companions to the right. All soldiers quickly turn their head to the right, make small side steps to correct the intervals between men and the straightness of the overall line, then wait for orders. Each soldier's elbows should be touching. When alignment is completed the officer will give the command for the soldiers to face front.
Front: "FISSI"
All soldiers turn their heads so that they are facing their front.
Position of rest: (ie: at ease) "ri......POSO"
This command is given to return the soldier from the position of attention. The soldier assumes a somewhat leisurely position with hands behind back when unarmed or with rifle by side and slightly forward if armed, and in both cases the left foot should be placed slightly forward of the right.
Salute: (at the halt and with head covered) "SALUTO"
The salute is started when the superior reaches three paces from the soldier. The soldier assumes the position of attention and energetically brings the right hand to the visor or brim of the headgear with the ends of the fingers above the right eye, and the hand in line with the forearm and palm facing down, the index finger in contact with the edge of the brim, horizontal upper arm, forearm naturally tilted. When reporting to a superior, the soldier stops three paces away, assumes attention, salutes and returns to attention until told to "ri....POSO". When dismissed, the soldier takes a step backwards, salutes again, goes to attention, performs an about face and marches off.
When saluting with arms, the soldier may either bend the left arm across chest touching left finger tips to the rifle being held by the right arm, or he may extend left arm out in front with hand open and fingers together as shown below.
Break ranks: (dismissed) "rompete le righe.........MARC"
Both from halt and while marching, soldiers automatically go into ri poso and are free to leave the line and rest or do as they wish, but must be ready to quickly follow future commands.
Present arms: (for inspections and salutes) "Presentat..........ARM"
With the right hand move the rifle so it is aligned with the right eye, barrel to the rear, with the rear sight 10cm from the body. Energetically and resolutely grasp the rifle with the left hand with the thumb along the sling and the fingers united and around the stock, the left forearm is horizontal with the elbow held against the body. Rotate the right hand holding the weapon on the neck of the stock, thumb behind the bolt and the other fingers in front, fingers together and slightly bent, keeping the rifle vertical extending the arms naturally.
Shoulder Arms: "spall.........ARM"
With rifle in three counts; snap weapon, lifting it so the left hand grabs it, then the right as in photo below. next, support the weapon to the right shoulder making it to flow from the left hand to the position of attention.
Carry Arms: "fianc..........ARM"
While still grasping the weapon with the right hand, bring the left hand in front of the body grasping the top third of the weapon and lifting it along the right side of the body until the muzzle is just above the right shoulder, grasping the stock of the weapon with the right hand just below the trigger, then bringing the left arm back across the front of the body in the left direction, finally snapping the left arm firmly in place on the left side.
Common field commands:
Attention: "at........TENTI"
Dress right: "destro........RIGA"
Front: "FISSI"
Salute: "SALUTO"
Present arms: "presentat........ARM"
Carry arms: "fianc........ARM"
Shoulder arms: "spall........ARM"
Break ranks: "rompete le righe........MARC"
Forward: "Avanti"
March: "Marc"
Double time: "di corsa...........MARC"
Fast run: "corsa veloce.........MARC"
Fast/hurry/quickly: " Rapido, Pronto"
Right: "Destro"
Left: " Sinistro"
Flank: "Fianco"
At: " a"
Fire/shoot: "Sparare, sparo"
Quiet: "Silenzio"
Retreat: "Ritirata"
Stay/ stop: "Arresto, firmata"
Kneel: "Inginocchiarsi" (ingeeno-kiarsi)
Rise: "Aumento" (ow-mento)
Lay prone: "Prono"
Attack: "Assalto"
Shoot at left flank: "Sperare a fianco sinistro"
Shoot at right flank: "Sperare a fianco Destro"
Rest: "ri..........POSO"
Good: "Bene"
Bad: " Malvagio, Mal"
Yes: "Si"
No: "Non"
Front: "Davanti"
Behind: "Dietro"
Turn around/behind: "Svoltate dietro"
Enemy: "Nemico"
Americans: "Americano"
Partisans: "Partigiano, resitenza"
Troops: "Truppa"
Soldiers: "Soldato"
Form up/ Assemble: "Adunata"
Form a line: " Fare una linea"
Platoon: " Plotone'
Boldness: " Arditi"
For the honor: "per L'onore' "
Death to our enemies: "Ai nostri nemici morte' "
Rank Insignias:
Rank
Currently, the commander of the unit carries the rank of Corporale Maggiore (Corporal Major). This will continue to be the highest ranking Bersagliere until such time when there are at least ten active members that can routinely join the field. When there are ten or more active members, interested privates may apply for the rank of Corporale, upon a private's successful promotion to Corporale, the current Corporale will then automatically be promoted to Sergeant. Applicants must be well versed in proper Italian drill and be able to competantly give commands in Italian. Applicants must pass both a written test as well as successfully perform basic drill in the field. Applicants also can not have missed "ANY" unit events that year. If more than one private qualifies for the rank of Corporale, all members of the unit will vote by secret ballot to determine the winner of the rank.
In the event that the unit ever reaches 15 or more active members, the unit commander may take the rank of Lieutenant, thus causing the then current Corporale to become the new Sergeant and another private to become the Corporale.
Medals/Ribbons/Awards
No unit member may wear medals, ribbons or awards of any type without being given permission by the unit Commander. Permission to wear these awards will be given according to merit and dedication to the unit. Likewise, permission to wear awards can be taken away by the unit Commander for demeritorious or disgraceful behavior. Only Italian badges, medals, or awards will be allowed........NO German insignias or awards please.
Medal or ribbon commemorating the invasion of France: Attained after your first tactical event.
Badge for service on the Russian front (CSIR, AMIR) : Must attend at least four Russian/Ost front events.
Italo-German Afrika campaign medal: Attained after member's first North African Tactical.
Italian Anti-Partisan medal: Must attend twelve unit events.
War merit cross or cross of valor: Only after twenty unit events.
Criteria for the right to wear medals or awards are as follows:
Medal or ribbon commemorating the invasion of France: Attained after your first tactical event.
Badge for service on the Russian front (CSIR, AMIR) : Must attend at least four Russian/Ost front events.
Italo-German Afrika campaign medal: Attained after member's first North African Tactical.
Italian Anti-Partisan medal: Must attend twelve unit events.
War merit cross or cross of valor: Only after twenty unit events.
