It’s a similar idea, with a (slightly) more socially respectable veneer to it! La Legion has the reputation of being somewhat of a scoundrel’s last resort, where the Legion beats them into something worth dying for la patrie. I’m given to understand things are a bit stricter anymore, though. The auxiliaries had physical standards for recruitment, but I imagine they were none-too-picky about petty criminals suddenly volunteering. After all, theft or brawling in the military is a much more serious offense…
Reminds me of the “légion étrangère”
It’s a similar idea, with a (slightly) more socially respectable veneer to it! La Legion has the reputation of being somewhat of a scoundrel’s last resort, where the Legion beats them into something worth dying for la patrie. I’m given to understand things are a bit stricter anymore, though. The auxiliaries had physical standards for recruitment, but I imagine they were none-too-picky about petty criminals suddenly volunteering. After all, theft or brawling in the military is a much more serious offense…