Cuirassiers Regiment (Italy)

Origins The first examples of a division of Archers and Esquires for the security of members of House of Savoy are dated back to the 15th century, but only during the dukedom of Emmanuel Philibert (1553–1580) a "Guard of Honor of the Prince" (''Guardia d'Onore del Principe'') was established with about fifty army-men led by a captain. This guard made its first appearance during the battle of St. Quentin in 1557. The division was subsequently expanded until in 1630 it had about 400 men, divided into 4 companies. Reforms of Charles Albert (1834–1849) reduced the personnel and competences of Body Guards while giving a greater relevance to the Carabinieri, who were also designated to form a mounted squadron of honour for the wedding of the Crown Prince Victor Emmanuel II with the Archduchess Adelaide of Austria in 1842. The Body Guards took part to the First Italian War of Independence alongside the Carabinieri in order to protect the King. Kingdom of Italy On their basis the Cuirassier Unit was established on 7 February 1868 in Florence (the Italian capital at the time). It was formed by carabinieri on horseback reassigned to the force from Carabinieri Legions assigned in Florence, Milan and Bologna. The brand new unit had one captain commanding, 4 officers, 9 NCOs and 69 troopers alongside a trumpeter comprising it. In 1961 the squadron was reflagged into a larger "Squadrons Group" (Gruppo squadroni) and it was renamed "Carabineer Command of the Guards of the President of the Republic" (Comando Carabinieri Guardie del Presidente della Repubblica) in 1965. In 1990, the Group was transformed anew into the "Carabineer Regiment of the Guards of the Republic" (Reggimento Carabinieri Guardie della Repubblica) and on 24 December 1992, with a decree of the 9th President of Italy Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, the name "Cuirassiers Regiment" (Reggimento Corazzieri) was officially reinstated. == Members ==

Recruitment requirements The members of the Regiment, which are a specialized force of the Carabinieri, are distinguished by their uniforms and strict requirements needed to join the Regiment. A Cuirassier has to be at least 190 cm tall, with a "harmonious" body, a strong resistance and athletic preparation, important qualities for the long shifts during which he must stand with austere immobility in every condition. Moreover, candidates have to have an undisputed personal and familiar morality and it is necessary to have excellent disciplinary and service records, demonstrated by at least six months of territorial service and as many months of traineeship in the Regiment (with a final exam). Lance corporals and brigadiers wear single-breasted tunics, while warrant officers and officers have a double-breasted version. On special occasions such as guard mounting ceremonies or ceremonies within the Quirinal, helmets with chinstraps and horse hair crests are worn. During particular honour services, such as the Italian Republic Day on 2 June, the distinctive cuirasses of the regiment are issued. A plainer service uniform without breast plates and helmet is reserved for other occasions == Coat of arms ==

A decree of the President of the Republic of 24 December 1986 granted arms to the Cuirassiers. The shield is divided vertically party per pale: on the dexter side, an escutcheon Gules bearing the letters "RI" (for Repubblica Italiana) on the breast of an eagle displayed Sable (emblem of the Royal House of Savoy) on a field party per pall of Azure (for Turin), Argent (for Florence) and Gules (for Rome), representing the capital cities in which the regiment had served; on the sinister side, the arms of the Corps of Caribineers to which the regiment belongs. The shield is surmounted by an eight-turreted mural crown (five turrets are visible) and supported by two lions Or, bearing the flag of Italy (dexter) and presidential standard (sinister). The Latin motto Virtus in periculis firmior means “Courage becomes stronger in danger”. Minor changes were made in 1990 and in 1992, following changes to the Presidential standard. In 2002, the coat of arms was modified to reflect the restoration of elements of the 1935 arms of the Caribinieri on its becoming a separate branch of the Italian Armed Forces. ==Gallery==

File:2june2006 374.jpg|Mounted Cuirassiers during the parade of 2 June 2006. File:2june2006 059.jpg|Cuirassiers on Guzzi California cruisers during the parade of 2 June 2006. File:Comando Carabinieri, Reggimento Corazzieri - building 2.jpg|The barrack of Via XX Settembre 12, in Rome. File:Quirinale corazziere di guardia al Quirinale Roma.jpg|A Cuirassier on guard at the entrance of Quirinal. ==See also==