The French Foreign Legion-La Légion Étrangére-remains one of the world's most enigmatic military forces. Created in France in 1831 by King Louis Philippe and immediately posted to the scorching deserts of Algeria, the unit went on to become renowned for its strict discipline and its absolute disregard for death in battle. Unlike most military units in the world its ranks are open to foreigners, and traditionally it received many troubled or criminal individuals fleeing their own countries. Today, much has changed. The Legion now numbers just 8900 men, and is far more discriminating about who it recruits. Using an aggressive and arduous training program, it has turned itself into one of the world's true elites, a status it has reinforced in battles of extraordinary courage and bloodshed. History of the French Foreign Legion reveals the facts and reality behind this compelling organization. Its record in combat is described in detail, from the Legion's deployment during the conquest of Algeria in the 1830s to its peacekeeping role in the Balkans during the 1990s.

The ascetic lifestyle of a Legionnaire is explored in depth, including accounts of training, punishments, and the adjustment to becoming a member of the "family" of the Legion. Finally, a section is devoted to the equipment and weaponry of the Legion units, including everything from the famous dress uniform to the AMX 10RC tank. Lavishly illustrated with more than 120 photographs, maps, and artworks. History of the French Foreign Legion is a fascinating journey into the world of a military unit that is unique in the history of men-at-arms. Book jacket.