The Holy Army
Map of the Italian Federation and the distribution of its armed forces, January 1936
1 & 2: The Mountain Guard
Of the three countries bordering the Italian Federation, by far the most capable and dangerous was the Commune of France. Accordingly, when it came time to address the organization of the army, Pope Pius XI's first concern was to ensure that the French-Italian border was secured. To that end, he devoted almost all of the Federation's military resources to creating the Mountain Guard, comprised of ten well-equipped units deployed to Grenoble and Nice to serve as the first line of defense against any possible French aggression. Commanded by Generals Guzzoni and di Baldessero, the Mountain Guard represents the most elite of the Federation's forces, and its only substantial standing army unit.
3: The Army of St. John, Mobile HQ
In accordance with the Pope's wishes, each functional army group of the Italian Federation's army is placed under the patronage of a particular great saint. The army forces of northern Italy, under the command of Field Marshall Caviglia, are under the patronage & intercession of St. John the Evangelist.
4 & 5: The Swiss Guard and OSG Papal Guard
A source of some ill feelings and suspicion on both sides, the Pope & the Holy City are jointly guarded by two separate forces. The Swiss Guard, under Col. Dimitri Merian, represents the great tradition of the Pope's Swiss defenders, dating back hundreds of years. The Order of St. Gregory's Papal Guard, commanded by Br. Maximillian, represent the new era of increased Papal authority, direct Vatican leadership, and the authoritarian promptings of Cardinal Innitzer, Prefect of the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office.
6: The Army of St. Dominic, Mobile HQ
Commanded by Field Marshall Badoglio, the Army of St. Dominic has jurisdiction over the presently non-existent armies of southern Italy.
7: First Bomber Wing
The Holy Air Force presently consists of only two squadrons of Fiat BR.20 Cicogna tactical bombers, commanded by Air General Pricolo.
Map of the Italian Federation and the distribution of its armed forces, January 1936
1 & 2: The Mountain Guard
Of the three countries bordering the Italian Federation, by far the most capable and dangerous was the Commune of France. Accordingly, when it came time to address the organization of the army, Pope Pius XI's first concern was to ensure that the French-Italian border was secured. To that end, he devoted almost all of the Federation's military resources to creating the Mountain Guard, comprised of ten well-equipped units deployed to Grenoble and Nice to serve as the first line of defense against any possible French aggression. Commanded by Generals Guzzoni and di Baldessero, the Mountain Guard represents the most elite of the Federation's forces, and its only substantial standing army unit.
3: The Army of St. John, Mobile HQ
In accordance with the Pope's wishes, each functional army group of the Italian Federation's army is placed under the patronage of a particular great saint. The army forces of northern Italy, under the command of Field Marshall Caviglia, are under the patronage & intercession of St. John the Evangelist.
4 & 5: The Swiss Guard and OSG Papal Guard
A source of some ill feelings and suspicion on both sides, the Pope & the Holy City are jointly guarded by two separate forces. The Swiss Guard, under Col. Dimitri Merian, represents the great tradition of the Pope's Swiss defenders, dating back hundreds of years. The Order of St. Gregory's Papal Guard, commanded by Br. Maximillian, represent the new era of increased Papal authority, direct Vatican leadership, and the authoritarian promptings of Cardinal Innitzer, Prefect of the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office.
6: The Army of St. Dominic, Mobile HQ
Commanded by Field Marshall Badoglio, the Army of St. Dominic has jurisdiction over the presently non-existent armies of southern Italy.
7: First Bomber Wing
The Holy Air Force presently consists of only two squadrons of Fiat BR.20 Cicogna tactical bombers, commanded by Air General Pricolo.