ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some critical aspects that characterised the behaviour of men in battle. It explores the data available on the losses, an exercise that is an interesting indicator of the fighting power and effectiveness of the combatants. The chapter analyses the question of training and military preparation, one of fundamental importance. The archival records, the “official history,” and scholarly works all agree that the Italian combatants entered the world war with a highly inappropriate level of training and military preparation. It is a widely shared view that training is a central element in determining the level of fighting power of an army. The immediate consequences of inadequate training appeared rapidly, almost as a surprise for those in command. After the Second World War, it became almost normal to depict the Italian combatants as afflicted by poor morale, always keen to lay down their weapons, and enjoy captivity.
