ITALIAN REPUBLIC

CURRENT AIR FORCE APPOINTMENT & RANK FLAGS

The contemporary Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) descends from the Royal Air Force (Regia Aeronautica) of the Kingdom of Italy, which was established as an independent service branch in 1923. It received its current title in 1946, when the monarchy was abolished and Italy became a republic. Aeronautica Militare units entitled to bear a color have one of the same pattern used by the Italian Army: a square silk version of the national tricolor. This color is the same for all units, with no inscriptions or battle honors permitted. Dimensions are 40cm x 40cm and the color is carried on a staff covered with blue cloth; the finial is a hollow gilt spear point enclosing the arms of the Italian Republic. Cords and tassels are silver. Also attached to the staff is a plain blue cravat with silver fringe; on this may be pinned any decorations to which the unit is entitled. Rank flags are similar to those used by the Regia Aeronautica but there are fewer of them. The highest substantive commissioned rank is General of Air Corps (Generale di Squadra Aerea), whose flag bears three stars. An officer of this rank appointed as Chief of Staff of the Air Force or Undersecretary of Defense is titled General of Air Corps with Special Appointment (Generale di Squadra Aerea con Incarichi Speciali) and is entitled to display a flag with four stars within a frame. If appointed as Chief of the Defense Staff, an officer of this rank bears the title General (Generale) and displays a dark blue flag with four white stars within a double frame. This flag is used by the CoDS regardless of branch of service. Command pennants for field-grade officers are the same as those used by the Regia Aeronautica. Flag Proportions: All rank flags of the Aeronautica Militare had 2:3 proportions. The ceremonial color is square.

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