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.
Subsequently in 1907 [3] 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.
In the Regia Marina (Royal Navy), the equivalent ranks were those of capo di 1ª, 2ª e 3ª classe.
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.