The Italian military rank of ''maresciallo'' (;

marshal Marshal is a term used in several official titles in various branches of society. As marshals became trusted members of the courts of Middle Ages, Medieval Europe, the title grew in reputation. During the last few centuries, it has been used fo ...

) is classified as a " sub-officer" and is the highest rank of non-commissioned officer in the

Italian Armed Forces The Italian Armed Forces (, ) encompass the Italian Army, the Italian Navy and the Italian Air Force. A fourth Military branch, branch of the armed forces, known as the Carabinieri, take on the role as the nation's Gendarmerie, military police an ...

. It is higher than the rank of

sergeant Sergeant (Sgt) is a Military rank, rank in use by the armed forces of many countries. It is also a police rank in some police services. The alternative spelling, ''serjeant'', is used in The Rifles and in other units that draw their heritage f ...

but lower than that of

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/ second lieutenant. There are from three to five grades within the rank, according to the different branches of the armed forces. The rank is achieved through merit or attending the ''Scuola Allievi Marescialli'' (School of Student Marshals). Marshal is an intermediate rank of the armed forces which is currently granted to NCOs with the training and technical competence to carry out specialised executive roles, and to command smaller and technically complex units. The rank of maresciallo also exists in the Corps of Gendarmerie of San Marino.

History

The rank of marshal in Italy was initially provided only as the ''marescialli d'alloggio'' (lodging marshals) of the Royal Carabinieri. In 1902 the rank was established for the Royal Army. The rank was unique and higher than that of '' furiere maggiore'' (senior quartermaster). Subsequently in 1907 the ranks of quartermaster and quartermaster were abolished and the rank of marshal was divided into three classes: 1st, 2nd and 3rd class marshal who were then renamed ''Maresciallo maggiore'', and ''Maresciallo ordinario'' , respectively. The badges of rank were regulated only on January 22, 1907 by a circular. In the ''Regia Marina'' (Royal Navy), the equivalent ranks were those of ''capo di 1ª, 2ª e 3ª classe''. At the entrance of Italy in World War One, the ranks of ''maresciallo ordinario'', ''maresciallo capo'' and ''maresciallo Maggiore'' existed and were retitled as ''Maresciallo di Compagnia'', ''Maresciallo di Battaglione'', and ''Maresciallo di Reggimento'', In 1916 the degree of ''Aiutanti di Battaglia'' (Battalion Adjutant) was established, reachable from both the non-commissioned officers and troops solely for war merits, regardless of the previously covered degree. Until 1972 the marshals were framed in three hierarchical levels: ''maresciallo ordinario'', ''maresciallo capo'' and ''maresciallo maggiore'' and had a distinctive respectively one, two or three mottled golden stripes of black placed vertically on the shoulder straps. In 1972, ''maresciallo maggiore aiutante'' was added, above the other degrees, but always subordinate to the degree of ''aiutante di battaglia''. This degree was distinguished as it was reachable by promotion to choice and not for seniority, and had the same distinctive of ''Marshal Maggiore'', but with the mottled rods of red. After 1972 for all marshal ranks were reoriented horizontally.

Modern ranks

Notes

References

{{reflist Military ranks of Italy

History

Modern ranks

See also

Notes

References