The Paratroopers of the French Foreign Legion: From Vietnam to Bosnia

From Booklist:Simpson actually covers only the history and present circumstances of the French Foreign Legion's one remaining parachute regiment, the Second. Based in Corsica, its 1,300 officers and men virtually constitute a miniature, highly mobile, elite army, able to conduct both regular and irregular warfare anywhere in the world. Their history, which constitutes the lesser part of the book, includes battles as well known as Dien Bien Phu and as little known as some interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. Their present condition is unique even within the unique military institution that is the French Foreign Legion, and their officers and men show a range of skills, motivations, ethnic origins, and plans for the future that are in the classic legion mold. Simpson writes favorably but not uncritically of his subject, always with great clarity, sometimes with wit. His conclusion, that the Second Legion Parachute Regiment is a possible prototype for future international rapid deployment forces, is worthy of consideration.