The Carabinieri is the national gendarmerie of Italy, founded on 13 July 1814 as the police force of the Kingdom of Sardinia. The Carabinieri served as the "first force" of the new national military organization of the Kingdom of Italy, and it was used by Benito Mussolini's fascist regime to suppress opposition, although it also played a role in his downfall in 1943. Large numbers of Carabinieri joined the Italian Resistance after being disbanded by Nazi Germany following the Italian armistice during World War II. The Carabinieri were always "on duty" throughout the national territory, and members were permitted to carry their assigned weapon and personal equipment during leave and whilst on vacation. By 2018, it had 110,400 members.