A French soldier takes up position outside Markala in central Mali in January in one of the initial actions to root out Islamist rebels. Uniforms are still pretty clean. (Joe Penney / Reuters)
Brian Stewart: Europe's Army? Guess What, It's The French -- CBC
France's military has sharp uniforms, mystique and a score of quiet successes. They eat well, too.
I've always been interested in the French army's ability to speed elite forces into foreign operations with a unique blend of stylish panache and secrecy.
You'll have seen the latest example in France's current operation in Mali against al-Qaeda linked insurgents who, back in January, were threatening to take over the beleaguered sub-Sahara nation.
There, in quick sequence, you had sharply tailored French units arriving and the world's media given brief photo-ops of the first moves toward combat in the country's rugged north.
Malians seemed grateful, the UN approved, French pride soared.
It was an impressive display. Then, right on cue, the curtain of secrecy slammed down.
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My Comment: The French military and the French Foreign Legion are impressive military organizations. How they have handled themselves in Afghanistan and in the many conflicts of French Africa is a heads-up on how a professional and effective military organization should work.
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