Spanish Legion

This is coolbert:

Another military unit that distinguished itself during the Spanish Civil War was the Spanish Legion. A military unit modeled upon the French Foreign Legion, but having a distinctive Spanish flair to it.

"Founded as the Tercio de Extranjeros ("Foreigners Regiment"), it was originally intended as a Spanish equivalent of the French Foreign Legion, but in practice it recruited almost exclusively Spaniards."

Did not necessarily recruit "foreigners". For the most part recruited Spaniards to the ranks. The term "foreign" more correctly describes a Spanish military unit specifically designated to engage in combat on foreign shores, NOT a military unit consisting of non-Spaniards.

The Regulares [Berber tribesmen] and the Spanish Legion, when combined, formed a Spanish unit known as the Spanish Army of Africa.

"Together with the Regulares (Moorish colonial troops), the Legion made up the Spanish Army of Africa."

The Army of Africa did form an elite force, commanded by the most capable officers of the highest caliber, marked professional troops of ability.

"the Regulares and the Spanish Legion ("Tercio") emerged as the elite corps of the Spanish Army - long serving professionals on more or less continual active service, attracting the best officers."

Again, the Army of Africa was absolutely INSTRUMENTAL to the victory of the Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War. Politically reliable, well-led, professional, devoted and inspired military units that more than pulled their weight.

"Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Juan Yagüe the Army of Africa played an important part in the Spanish Civil War on the Nationalist side . . . The Army of Africa remained the elite spearhead of the Nationalist armies throughout the Civil War."

The Spanish Legion still exists! And is still an elite unit with well trained troops, very similar to the French Foreign Legion. Used to some extent as part of the NATO force in Afghanistan and also as a protective force for the small enclaves Spain still occupies in North Africa.

coolbert.