It is considered unique in modern Italian military history, with its reputation matched only by the pre-unification paramilitary forces Redshirts.
[2] Its organization was based on the "action squads" he introduced in 1919 to counter communists and quash his enemies within the National Fascist Party.
[2] The militia organization had special branches that performed police functions covering infrastructure, postal services, and borders.
[3] The colonial militia units involved in this campaign consisted seven legions[2] (legioni): Units from Italian East Africa were formed into the Africa Division, which was a light infantry division and was later destroyed in combat during the East African campaign.
[3] All remaining legions were destroyed during the Western Desert campaign during World War II.