ROME, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The first group of soldiers went on duty in Italian cities Monday as part of a controversial government scheme to deploy 3,000 troops to help police fight crimes.

Under the plan coordinated by the Ministry of Interior and Defense, 2,000 troops will guard "sensitive sites" such as embassies and government buildings, while another 1,000 will join police on mixed street patrols of large cities.

Italian soldiers guard a metro train station with a police officer (L) in suburban Rome August 4, 2008.

"This isn't a magic wand, but without a doubt it's an important measure for which all Italians, and especially those living in the cities involved, should be grateful," Interior Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano said while launching the first mixed patrols in the southern city of Bari.

Defense Minister Ignazio la Russa echoed Mantovano as he watched troops assume duty in Milan, saying the scheme was "a step in the right direction."

Italian soldiers check the documents of sidewalk vendors outside a metro rail station in suburban Rome August 4, 2008.