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French Foreign Legion
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Foreign Legion, French
Foreign Legion, French Soldiers of the French Foreign Legion in a parade celebrating Bastille Day in Paris.

French Foreign Legion

military organization
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Also known as: Légion étrangère
Written by
Douglas Porch
Professor and chair, Department of National Security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. Author of The French Foreign Legion: A Complete History of the Legendary Fighting Force...
Douglas Porch
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated: • Article History
Quick Facts
French:
Légion étrangère
Date:
March 9, 1831 - present
Areas Of Involvement:
land warfare

French Foreign Legion, an elite military force originally consisting of foreign volunteers in the pay of France but now comprising volunteer soldiers from any nation, including France, for service in France and abroad. Created as a temporary expedient in a French army that otherwise barred foreigners from serving in its ranks, the French Foreign Legion eventually gained a reputation as the world’s premier mercenary corps. For most of its history, the legion also maintained the exceptional status of being a voluntary unit in a conscript army. It lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the early 21st century, but ...(100 of 3535 words)

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