Blackshirts

The Blackshirts were Fascist, paramilitary Italians who united and served before World War II. They remained in service until the end of the war. Formally the Blackshirts are known as the Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale, or National Security Volunteer Militia. Formed by the dictator Benito Mussolini, the main objective of the Blackshirts was to remove any threats to the Fascist empire. The group's role evolved and they became a paramilitary force that soon operated in Africa. Members helped fight in the invasion of Ethiopia, Italy's rival at this time, and helped topple Ethiopia's government. The group soon fought alongside Italian regulars after they proved their military worth in the African campaigns.