8th Alpini Regiment
The 8th Alpini Regiment (Italian: 8° Reggimento Alpini) is a light Infantry regiment of the Italian Army, specializing in Mountain Combat. The Alpini are a mountain infantry corps of the Italian Army, that distinguished itself in combat during World War I and World War II.
World War I
During World War I the regiment consisted of 10 battalions and saw heavy fighting in the Alps against Austria’s Kaiserjäger and Germany’s Alpenkorps. The battalions of the regiment in these days were (pre-war raised units in bold, followed by their first and second line reserve battalions):
- Tolmezzo, Val Tagliamento, Monte Arvenis
- Gemona, Val Fella, Monte Canin
- Cividale, Val Natisone, Monte Matajur, Monte Nero
Current Structure
The regiment is part of the Alpine Brigade Julia and based in the city of Cividale del Friuli.
- Regimental Command
- Command and Logistic Support Company
- Alpini Battalion Tolmezzo
- 6th Alpini Company "La Bella"
- 12th Alpini Company "La Terribile"
- 69th Alpini Company "La Fulmine"
- 115th Mortar Company "La Tormenta"
- 216th Anti-Tank Company "La Potente"
Equipment
The Alpini companies are equipped with Bv 206S tracked all-terrain carriers, Puma 6x6 wheeled armored personnel carriers and Lince light multirole vehicles. The mortar company is equipped with 120mm mortars, while the anti-tank company fields Spike anti-tank guided missile systems.