Gruppo Di Intervento Speciale - Organization and Recruitment

Organization and Recruitment

The 100-man GIS has 3 operational sections and 1 sniper/reconnaissance team. Every section is divided into detachment of four men. In every moment there's a section ready to leave the base in 30 min. Sniper team is usually formed by two snipers, equipped with Mauser 86SR, and by a scout, usually with a semi-automatic H&K PSG/1. During action men alternate in the scout role.
Every GIS soldier is a volunteer from the 1st Carabinieri Airborne Regiment "Tuscania". As first selection, all candidates go to an interview with a GIS high officer to verify their motivation, which is a key element. The soldiers who pass the first selections go to a basic course which last 5 months. A great amount of time is devolved to martial arts (Wushu and Thai boxing), explosives, tactics, English language, topography, terrorist ideology and photography as well as combat shooting. They use FATS (Fire Arms Training System), a laser-system which project on a screen interactive images and can record all students' reactions. Usually during this first course 50% retires. From those who pass, only the best ones are selected to progress to a six-month long Specialization Course, after which they become operative members. They are trained in combat driving too (reportedly held at Ferrari's famed factory and speed roadway).