The Italian CIL are getting a flexible new Command Card pack.
However, this is not just generic support filler. Instead, the preview shows artillery upgrades, partisans, warriors, and formation tweaks. For Flames of War players, that means real list-building personality. This is a summary of the community article found here.
CIL Command Card Preview Shows Off Partisans, Motorcycles, and Useful Warriors
The CIL Command Card Preview starts with familiar utility cards like Softskin Transport and Lucky, but the real meat comes from cards that change how a force behaves. First, the 105/28 Gun Battery upgrades a 100mm Howitzer Battery, costing +1 point for two guns or +2 points for four guns. In return, the unit gains longer range for direct and indirect fire. That sounds simple, but in Flames of War, range bands can decide whether artillery supports the whole table or just one flank.
Meanwhile, the Maiella Partisan Brigade Captured P26/40 Tank Platoon adds a single P26/40 tank for 3 points. Since it has an AT10 gun and is ignored for Victory Points, it becomes a cheeky little harassment piece. However, it is also a Title card, so it normally limits other Title choices unless paired with Maiella Partisan options.
Better yet, the Maiella Partisan Company card creates an entire partisan formation with Already Here, Mountaineer, and Fearless. That gives the CIL a very different texture from standard rifle formations, and it feels perfect for the Italian campaign’s messy local fighting. The preview then shifts into Gruppi di Combattimento Rifle Company rating cards.
Veterans improves Skill to Veteran 3+, costing +2 points per Rifle Platoon and +1 point for other listed units. Reluctant drops Motivation to Reluctant 5+, but each listed unit costs 1 point less. Fearless upgrades Motivation to Fearless 3+ while downgrading Skill to Green 5+, at no cost. Therefore, players can shape the same formation into trained regulars, cheaper reluctant troops, or stubborn but rough-edged fighters.
The Motociclisti card is especially fun, turning Infantry Teams into Unarmoured Tank Teams for +2 points per unit. Also, it works on the Rifle Company HQ, Rifle Platoon, and Scout Platoon. The Scout Platoon feels like the standout, since a 16-inch move can make Spearhead plays much nastier.
Finally, the CIL get four warriors, with two previewed here. Luigi Giorgi costs 3 points and lets the Formation Commander use either a Sten SMG or PIAT while helping nearby Unit Leaders Counterattack on 3+. Ettore de Corti costs only 1 point and pushes enemy ambushes from 4 inches to 8 inches against a Maiella Partisan Platoon. That is a subtle but nasty control piece.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Overall, this pack looks like a strong toolbox for Italian CIL players. It adds range, mobility, partisan flavor, rating flexibility, and warrior tricks. However, the best part is how many different playstyles it supports.
