Today in History

March 10 , 1831

Founding of the French Foreign Legion

King Louis-Phillippe needed troops for the French colony of Algeria, but foreign soldiers were not permitted to join the French army. The King solved the problem by forming a new military unit on March 10, 1831. The recruits were a mixed bunch: soldiers from other countries, adventurers, and criminals. Forced to work together, the troops from different lands were bound by a strong esprit d'corp and hard training. Algeria became the Legionnaires' home.

Since their formation, Legionnaires have fought in almost every conflict in which France was involved, including both World Wars, Vietnam, and the first Gulf War. Today, the Legion has recruits from all over the world, and the only Frenchmen in the Legion are officers. For 131 years the Legion remained in Algeria until the country's independence from France forced them to move to France. Each year some 500 men apply to the Legion, but only 50 or so are accepted.

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