RR0306/C Spain: Foreign Legion

(8 Feb 2003) SHOTLIST
(part monochrome): Foreign Legion in Ronda: archive footage; bicycle race; trumpeter; military musicians in uniform playing instruments including drum; lines of soldiers showing idiosyncratic marching style of Legion; flag carrying; quick jogging on parade ground: SOT in English, Captain Fernando; archive footage of poster showing man carrying flag; early days of Legion with founder Astray smoking; camp in North Africa; Legion out on training moves; parade ground with characteristic uniforms; battle scenes; lines of uniformed soldiers parading in front of General Franco; military vehicle drive past; SOT in English, Captain David Edwards, British Army; athletes registering for marathon race in Ronda; bikes speeding through the town of Ronda; bikers pedalling down hill out in countryside; female Legionnaire handing out refreshments to participants; cyclists being treated for injuries; cut leg with blood; SOT in English, Karen Von Hipple; parade ground; presentation of medal to German general; Legionnaires singing theme song "Lover of Death"; crucifix; cross and wax effigy; SOT in English, Captain Fernando; ranks of men exiting parade ground with sheep mascot (APTN)
STORYLINE
The French Foreign Legion is the most famous unit of its kind, but not the only one. Spain also has a Foreign Legion, conceived to control territories in north Africa. This was costly in human lives, so the government decided that using foreigners would divert adverse publicity. The legion formed part of General Franco's forces when he took control of Spain during the civil war. Its role has changed dramatically, but its reputation is still useful to Spain's new, all-professional army.
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[@user-dd1bb4tw4r]

When your spanish grandpa has a suspicious German accent.

[@sailelerosewarrior2145]

Spain Legion lack in current day combat they make up with enthusiasm, statistic wise French Legion dose rap up more combat experience not only in the pass but current global conflicts.

[@naugladur8534]

Of course. France still needs to enslave it’s colonies and brutal force is required to crush any rebellion.

[@eualdito]

Viva España y Viva La Legión! 🇪🇸

[@dopamine3255]

So they don't recruit foreigners like the French foreign legion?

[@bearsuitClan]

where are you from?

[@brianc9667]

Yes and No you can join if you’re from a former Spanish colony

[@eualdito]

If you are from a former Spanish colony, or if you are a Spain resident (what they call green card in the us).

[@dopamine3255]

@@eualdito👍

[@hitriks.l.2745]

​@@eualditoSpain did not have colonies, like you. That was not from Spain, that was Spain.

[@hans2406]

It might be this Legion might become, in the future, a true defender of European culture against the onslaught of Islam.

[@johnmorgan4124]

You are ill informed. That is fascist propaganda. Fascism will be destroyed. Nothing you can do as people are know what it is. Say what you want as nothing will change facts.

[@deusvult9379]

@@johnmorgan4124 fascist is better than communist

[@deusvult9379]

that is the fact

[@espada9]

@@johnmorgan4124 So everyone to the left of Stalin is a fascist? Bolshevik Clown.

[@lobonegrononabscondasame6792]

@@johnmorgan4124 define fascism please

[@vincentray5226]

@ 06:17 Sloppy left shoulder arms.

[@jbarral6509]

Do they even have concern for the uniforms

[@salozinp]

The combat uniforms of the Legion are camouflage, NATO type, with helmet, backpack and rifle, like any NATO soldier. The parade uniforms are the ones you see, which are, by tradition, the ones worn in 1921, when it was founded the Legion in the Rif wars, in North Africa. Here you can see a scene from an old Spanish series, set in 1921. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpm8gJ96dtd7brM&ab_channel=clipHistoria

[@iancarter4196]

Their marching style is not very impressive in my opinion. Reminds me of the Indian army.

[@javierrodriguezgonzalez3426]

Viva la ignorancia 😂

[@FHIPrincePeter]

They are light Infantry so march at a faster speed, look at the Rifles or Gurkhas of the British Army.

[@Kuntyful]

I am so sorry to say this, but, this is the gayest looking army I have ever seen... even that 160 step a min march, just looks champ...

[@richardmiller3146]

My mother's (yes, from Spain) uncle was General Jose Millan Astray, the Founder of the Legion. I am extremely proud of the Legion and swell with pride when I watch them SLOWLY march through the streets of Malaga during Holy Week. But, I have to agree that it is impossible to look tough when marching at 160 steps oer minute! I much prefer the slow, head trained high and back with a "don't f with me" attitude. He started the Legion and they rather quickly were feared because of their brutality. An eye for an eye doesn't begin to explain their ruthlessness. In my opinion that was OK as they were not the ones that would commit the first atrocity, they would just end it. So, trust me when I say they are not "the gayest" but I understand the fast march doesn't help their cause!

[@TheHighCooker]

@@richardmiller3146 Well the 160 steps per minute is exausting just to watch, try that for 5 mins. Yes they look kind of gay when marching but they also look sharp and ready to snap and kill. The slow march make the soldiers look lazy.

[@rhodesianwojak2095]

ye they screwed with their uniforms from the 1919 issue

[@gusdelbar]

No idea men, no idea....

[@johnmorgan4124]

Careful telling them they are gay. They are fragile fascists and get easily triggered. they are very sensitive and remember that fascists hate gay people even though this legion has a history of encouraging homosexuality as part of the cult of death bond that they have. This is a good example of the contradictions and cognitive dissidence of right wing minds. They react like little hurt children.