Military Factbook of Terracielo

[Terracielo]

Official Factbook of the Bersaglieri - Defense Force of Terracielo

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1. History
2. Organization
3. Uniforms, Ranks and Decorations
4. Small Arms and Equipment

[Terracielo]

History



When the Principality of Terracielo was formed in 1888, the pennisula nation faced few outside threats because of its isolated location. However, as part of the Constitution, a formal guard was to be raised to protect the Royal Family and maintain order in the streets.

Two companies of guards were officially formed on March 29th, 1888, and immediately pressed into service by the Prince. They were called the Bersaglieri, or "marksmen," because they would be trained extensively in the use of their first issued weapon, the Vetterli-Vitali rifle.

As time went on, the companies expanded into regiments and eventually became a formidable fighting force.

On August 11th, 1892, the Bersaglieri would prove their worth by defending the coastal town of Viecelta from a vicious pirate attack, prevailing against overwhelming odds. Despite being outnumbered nearly three to one, the Bersaglieri repelled enemy waves multiple times before routing the pirates in hand-to-hand clashes on the docks. This battle, not only a crushing victory, became a symbol of the Bersaglieri's fierce fighting style and bravery. Perhaps most importantly, the citizens of the Principality now felt they could rely on the "men in white with feathers in their hats" who guarded their towns and homes.

As a result of Viecelta, seventeen soldiers were awarded the Gold Medal of Valor, the highest military honor in Terracielo. Prince D'Acquisto III personally awarded the medals and knighted several officers who had led the gallant defense.

In the 1930's and 40's, the Bersaglieri began to realize that they were ill-suited to civil policing and should focus more on military matters. With the creation of the Polizia in 1945, the Bersaglieri became responsible only for the defense of the Principality from outside attack.

In the 1960's and 70's, the Bersaglieri underwent an overhaul of equipment and uniforms to stay competitive in the modern age. The Galil rifle was adopted and flak vests were issued to troops. A new fleet of vehicles and vessels was procured as well.

Currently, the Bersaglieri is participating in peacekeeping missions worldwide and protecting the interests of Terracielo abroad. Other duties of the organziation include providing anti-terrorism, coast guard, border guard and search-and-rescue duties throughout the nation.

[Terracielo]

Organization

The minimal bureaucracy and efficient organization of the Bersaglieri make it the envy of less efficient militaries worldwide. At a total size of roughly 225,000 personnel, the strength of this organization is its ability to remain rigid in its methods yet continue to adapt to changing battlefield requirements. By most modern standards, the Bersaglieri appears an outdated and simplistic institution. But resistance to unnecessary change and a dedication to simplicity is part of its strength.

The basic organizational unit is the Combat Brigade (approx. 3,000-5,000 men). The seventy-five Combat Brigades of the Bersaglieri are further divided into Battalions (300 men), Companies (60 men) and Platoons (30 men).

Headquarters Command Staff

• Infantry Command . . . . . . . .(10 Brigades)
• Cavalry Command . . . . . . . . (5 Brigades)
• Air Assault Command . . . . . . (5 Brigades)
• Armor Command . . . . . . . . . (3 Brigades)
• Airmobile Command . . . . . . . (10 Brigades)
• Air Defense Command . . . . . .(7 Brigades)
• Field Artillery Command . . . . .(5 Brigades)
• Logistics & Support Command .(25 Brigades)
• ISTAR/Signals Command . . . . (5 Brigades)

[Terracielo]

Uniforms



The most distinctive feature of Bersaglieri uniforms is the presence of the Capercallie feather -- a tradition that emerged from the earliest days of the unit. In order to prove their marksmanship, recruits once had to bring down a Capercallie bird with their rifle. Once they put the feather of their kill in the band of their helmet, it was proof that they were a true soldier.

While the tradition has long since faded away, the spirit still remains and recruits are only awarded the black feather when they pass the weapons qualification at basic training. Originally chosen because it was visible and suited to the Terracielian sunshine, the color white is an integral part of the Bersaglieri uniform, especially the dress uniform.

Despite its high visibility, white is still worn even in combat zones, as a homage to the heroes and ancestors that came before.

Field Uniforms

Bersaglieri combat uniforms (shown above at right) are simple -- depending on the theatre, khaki or olive-drab fatigues are worn. Insignia is minimal, usually only collar stars and epaulette rank slides. A web belt/harness and fiberglass flak jacket are worn with white steel helmet. "India"-Pattern boots, with built-in gaiters, are worn with the trouser leg tucked in. Soldiers and officers carry a pistol holster attached to the web-belt; the lanyard cord is worn around the neck.

Dress Uniforms

The dress uniform (shown above at left) consists of a white shirt and trousers, white gloves, leather belt and sun helmet. A red undershirt, epualettes and aiguillette are worn in addition to unit insignia (worn on upper sleeve) and Bersaglieri insignia (worn on collar tabs). Polished dress shoes are worn.

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Ranks

General
Lieutenant General
Divisional General
Brigadier General
Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
Major

First Captain
Captain
First Lieutenant
Lieutenant

Chief Sergeant-Major
Sergeant-Major
First Sergeant
Sergeant

Chief Corporal-Major
Corporal-Major
First Corporal
Corporal
Private

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Decorations

The highest honor available to soldiers of the Principality is the Gold Medal of Valor. It is awarded only for the "most exceptional acts of bravery, endurance, sacrifice and honor on the field of battle."



The Merit of War Cross is awarded to soldiers who have been greviously wounded or have fallen as a direct result of enemy action.



Other decorations include:



Combat Action Citation (top left) - Awarded for directly participating in combat against the enemy.
Royal Guard Citation (top right) - Awarded after serving in the Royal Guard contingent
Lifesaving Citation (middle left) - Awarded for saving another's life
Sea Service Citation (middle right) - Awarded after serving in a unit based at sea
Patriot's Citation (bottom left) - Awarded after completion of basic training/graduation of a service academy
Long Service Citation (bottom right) - Ribbon awarded after 4 years. Gold stars awarded for every 4 years afterward.

[Terracielo]

Small Arms and Equipment

Weapons

• IMI Galil (5.56mm assault rifle)
• IMI Galil "Sniper" (7.62mm designated marksman's rifle)
• Beretta 92FS (9x19mm pistol)
• Beretta Model 12 (9x19mm submachine gun)
• Benelli M4 (12 ga. combat shotgun)
• M40A3 (7.62mm sniper rifle)
• FN Minimi (5.56mm light machine gun)
• Rheinmetall MG 3 (7.62mm machine gun)
• M2 Browing (12.7mm heavy machine gun)
• M203 (40mm grenade launcher)
• RPG-32 (105mm rocket propelled grenade launcher)
• FIM-92 Stinger (MANPADS)
• Breda Folgore (80mm recoiless anti-tank gun)

Vehicles

• C1 Ariete (MBT)
• Dardo (IFV)
• B1 Centauro (Tank Destroyer)
• VBM Freccia (IFV)
• MIM-72 Chaparral (Mobile SAM Platform)
• Puma 4x4 (AFV/Scout Car)

Artillery

• M224 mortar (60mm mortar)
• M120 mortar (120mm mortar)
• Panzerhaubitze 2000 (Self-Propelled Howitzer)
• MLRS (Multiple Rocket Launch System)

Aircraft

• Boeing AH-64 Apache (Attack Helicopter)
• Panavia Tornado GR4 (Fighter/Bomber)
• Eurofighter Typhoon F2 (Multirole Fighter)
• AMX International AMX (CAS Fighter)
• Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk (Utility Helicopter)
• Eurocopter EC725 (Transport Helicopter)
• General Atomics RQ-1A Predator (UAV)
• Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante (Transport Plane/Recon/Maritime Patrol)