1st Halberd Legion Regiment
Pelaxia had already for centuries recruited foreign soldiers to its army, creating the Foreign Regiments (Infantería de línea extranjera). However, the specific unit of the Pelaxian Army and Pelaxia's Special Forces Command, now known as the Pelaxian Halberd Legion Regiment (Regimiento de Alabarderos Pelaxiano, La Legión), and informally known as the Tercio or the Tercios, is a 18th century creation. It was raised in the 1720s to serve as part of Pelaxia's Army of the islands. The unit, which was established in January 1720 as the was initially known as the Tercio de Extranjeros ("Tercio of foreigners"). Although the majority of recruits are Pelaxians. Over the years, the force's name has changed from Tercio de Extranjeros to Tercio de Alabarderos, and by early 20th century it became the "Pelaxian Halberds", with four existing batallions composing the regiment. Today they carry out honorary guard duties of all national government buildings and provide security on embassies abroad.
1st Halberd Legion Regiment | |
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1er Regimiento de Alabarderos de la Legión | |
Active | 1720 - present |
Country | Pelaxia |
Type | Regiment, Elite Infantry |
Role | Land warfare |
Size | 1,500 Halberds |
Part of | Pelaxian Armed Forces |
Garrison/HQ | Albalitor |
Motto(s) | ¡Alabarderos a formar! ¡Legionarios a morir! ("Halberds, form up! Legionnaires, to die!") |
Commanders | |
Federal Chancellor | Gerardo Valladolid |
Prime Minister | Pedro Meireles |
Organization
Present Role
In the 1990s, after the abandonment of conscription, the Pelaxian Halberds once again accepted foreigners into service.
Today, acceptance to the Pelaxian Halberds is based on the following criteria:
- Be a Pelaxian citizen (foreign recruits are required to have a valid Pelaxian residence permit).
- Be a citizen in good legal standing.
- Not be deprived of civil rights.
- Be at least 18 years of age and not be 29 on the day of joining boot camp.
- Be able to pass psychological, physical and medical evaluations.
In recent years, the Halbers are being involved in Operación Cimitarra.