21 November, 1930; Talia deploys additional forces to Africa.
-Today, the Talian government's first additional shipment of troops and equipment arrived in Eritrea as reinforcement against what the government has called "Ethiopian Agression." Among the new forces deployed are 2 mechanized companies, 6 colonial infantry divisions, 3 infantry divisions, and a cavalry regiment. The buildup is mostly targeted at Eritrea, where the Ethiopians are most expected to strike. The combined power of better organization and supply and superior weapons will surely secure Talian domination of the continent of Africa...
-As can be seen from the image above, our forces are much better-equipped and organized for modern combat than the primitive levies of the African states! Seen here is the organization and equipment of the 13th. Mechanized Company, which has been attached to the
Pasubio Infantry Division in preparation for war. It includes 3 tank groups equipped with our best tanks for infantry support, the Fiat 3000. These weapons will surely overwhelm the warriors of Emperor Selassie! Organized into the Fire Support Platoon are 3 x Autoblinda AB 611 cars, equipped with 37-mm guns for supporting the infantry of the motorized
Bersaglieri sections. Each company has a sizeable reconnaissance capacity, with 6 x Lancia armored cars, whose high speed and heavy armament of machine guns make them well-suited to the task. The company has a large logistic detachment as well, with 4 x supply trucks carrying fuel, ammunition, food, water, and other supplies. A field mechanic and towing section also services the 12 tanks under the command of the company. In total, the 8 x trucks carrying transport up to 128 men, who are supported by 6 heavy machine guns and 24 automatic rifles (LMG's) as well as each soldier carrying a short-barrel carbine and their officer's being armed with Beretta submachine guns. 2 heavy and 6 light mortars can also be carried, but aren't always. The structure of the unit isn't finalized yet, and the army has plans to re-organize the battalions, including the addition of at least 4 more trucks for the infantry, as well as an increase in the the size of the fire-support platoon. Also included in the expansion plan is a motorized mortar squad with 4 heavy (81-mm) mortars. An increase in the logistic capacity of the battalion has also been discussed.The re-organization will affect all formations in Africa, with the intention of being ready for war by 1934, but supply issues may push that back a few weeks or even a few months.
-The navy program has been kicked off with orders placed for 8 destroyers, 4 minesweepers, and an improved class of 6 colonial gunboats. Plans for the capital ship fleet are still being discussed by Commando Supermo. Viva l'Impero!