Italy

摘要

The Italian armed forces currently total some 278,000 active personnel. Due to budgetary concerns, the number will be cut to 150,000 by 2024. In 2004, Italy completed the move to an all-professional force. All conscripts were discharged by the end of December 2004. The Carabinieri represent a fourth arm of the Italian security structure and operate under the purview of the Ministry of Defense. They serve as a separate force within the military, as well as an internal security force with police-like missions and judicial competence.