Italian Armed Forces
| Military of Italy | |
|---|---|
| Military manpower | |
| Military age | 18 years of age |
| Availability | males age 15–49: 14,315,634 (2000 est.) |
| Fit for military service | males age 15–49: 12,331,306 (2000 est.) |
| Reaching military age annually | males: 311,160 (2000 est.) |
| Military expenditures | |
| Dollar figure | $23.294 billion (FY99) |
| Percent of GDP | 1.7% (FY99) |
Military branches
- Esercito Italiano (Army)
- Marina Militare Italiana (Navy)
- Aeronautica Militare (Air Force)
- Carabinieri (Military police)
The Guardia di Finanza (a specialised police for tax and financial crimes) is also a military corps, but it is going to be transformed, expectedly in a short time, into a civil administration, as previously happened for the State Police, Forestry Police and Prisons Police.
Italy has worked closely with the United States and others on such issues as NATO and UN operations as well as with assistance to Russia and the other CIS nations, Middle East peace process, multilateral talks, Somalia and Mozambique peacekeeping, and combating drug trafficking, trafficking in women and children, and terrorism.
Under longstanding bilateral agreements flowing from NATO membership, Italy hosts important U.S. military forces at Vicenza - home of 173d Airborne Brigade - and Livorno (army); Aviano (air force); and Sigonella, Naples, and Gaeta – home port for the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet. The United States has about 16,000 military personnel stationed in Italy. Italy hosts the NATO War College in Rome.
Due to a recent decision, starting January 1 2005, the Italian Army has become a fully-volunteer profession, open both to men and women.
Italy is the third nation of the world concerning the number or military forces operating in peace keeping and peace enforcing scenaries (Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq, Balcans, Libano, Israel). 1st nation= USA; 2nd=UK.
New aircraft carrier Conte Cavour is in construction in Liguria region.