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[size=3]The Restructure of the Regio Esercito[/size]

The period 1931-1935 brought about massive changes to the structure and mission of the Regio Esercito, the result of a changed political and economic situation. Most of these reforms were not popular in the higher echelons, but were viewed pleasingly by the Marina and Aeronautica. This chapter will analyse the political and economic events which bought these changes about, then the changes themselves.

Previously (pp.156) the economic situation of Italy in the early 30s was analysed. The gradual decline of Italian industry, in the face of an increasingly powerful Germany and Eastern Europe, not to mention the existing debt from the 1914 war, was compounded by the arrival of El Derretir in SEA. This caused economic crisis in Italy, which in turn lead to the downfall of the Ianucci government (not as popularly believed the fracas with the Cleito Treaty). The actions of the Counsel of Four, tried to rectify the situation in 1932 with the creation of PETA. This created greater markets for Italian goods, and the banking reforms that went hand in hand, made it easier for foreign companies to invest in Italian companies. The newly completed oil refineries in Livorno and Trieste enabled the flow of Libyan oil to mainland europe. This was the greatest factor in the revival that Italian industry was to see during the 30s and 40s. Although economic growth increased to 5-6%, the underlying situation was unstable. The Counsel decided to drastically reduce spending on the military in favour of creating jobs with government schemes (pp.205).

The political situation facing Italy changed considerably from the post-war period. The similar economic situation in France and a government more favourable to Italy created a sense of rapprochement, putting aside old enmities. Most notable were Italy's creation as a third party in the Suez Canal, and the involvement of Italian and French warships in policing Bab el Mandab. France was not perceived as a direct threat, especially on land. The traditional hostility to Germany remained despite the opening of the border due to PETA. The two governments had solved their disagreement over Austria in early 1932 but memories of the 1914 war were still present, especially with Germany rearmed and without Austria in the way. The recently formed PRJ to the east posed a much greater threat. The more open terrain made possible warfare with much greater freedom of movement (later to be termed Blitzkreig) as seen at Caporetto in the previous war. An attack here could strike into the Po Valley where the majority of industry was located. This was seen as the most pressing threat.

Two plans were formed during 1932 to try to resolve the situation, after diplomatic overtures to PRJ had been coldly returned. Plan One for offensive action was rejected, mainly due to cost grounds. Plan Two called for the overhaul of fortifications on the Piave and Isonzo lines, in a similar manner to those in the Alps. Lines of pillboxes and pre-prepared fire positions were to be created, trying to create some depth to the defence and slow down any attack. Trieste, the Pola Peninsula and Dalmatia were thought too costly to defend in this way. Gradual defensive withdrawal and support from naval units being seen as less costly in monetary and personnel.

In a matter of months, the Regio Esercito's mission had been drastically changed into that of a self-defence force. The changes subsequently pushed upon it were more staggering. Balbo, as Counsel member in charge of the military, instituted radical reshaping. The size of the army was to be reduced from 70 divisions to 40 divisions, roughly 400,000men in peacetime. The draft period was cut from 24months to 18months and much higher emphasis was put into recruiting career soldiers, especially in the South. It was hoped at the time to achieve a 50:50 split but this proved impossible until the late 30s. The composition of Infantry divisions as planned for 1933 is listed in Appendix 2.

The ancient assortment of artillery from before the 1914 war was replaced with new construction. To save money and time, 4 models were built. A light 75/18 howitzer, a light artillery 75/34, a standard 149/40 field gun and a 210/22 heavy howitzer. The calibres closely matched the ammunition stockpile that was available. Balbo didn't want an expensive re-equipment. The older artillery was used in the Isonzo and Piave lines instead of being simply discarded. The combination of bunkers, artillery and mobile Celeri to plug holes in the line ensured an inexpensive but effective measure of defence.

The problem that Balbo faced was in trying to create an effective fighting force on less than half of the previous budget. He decided to invest heavily in the automatic weapons, grenades and mortars that had served Italy well in the previous war. The ageing Mod.91 Carcano rifle was gradually phased out of service over the 30s and replaced by the semi-automatic Breda Mod.31 which could fire the same 6.5x52 round. A new spitzer round was put into production with a higher mv and increased accuracy. These rifles were distributed to soldiers alongside the MAB.35 sub machine gun. The older OVP in use since the war was began to look obsolete by 1932. Beretta was approached to manufacture a gas-operated smg chambered for 9x25. The longer cartridge increased the effective range but the gun itself was easier and cheaper to manufacture than the Mod.31. Both weapons became well-liked but their increased weight has not as popular. The increased length of service among the professionals, terms of 10 or 20 years introduced gave rise to much better trained troops than the 24-month conscript army had previously yielded. The increased presence of career soldiers helped to quickly familiarise the draftees in their shorter service. This was the most important factor in maintaining an effective army. The arduous training exercises faced by the Alpini gave them an intimate knowledge of the mountains, in fact a sizeable proportion were veterans of the previous war. This knowledge gleamed during the war was passed on to the fresh intake of men. With the lessening of the draft, a large-scale recruiting program was instigated. The uptake in the South was large, as young men saw it as a chance to escape from unemployment, earn respect and a decent wage.