France: National Defence Medal (Medaille de la Defense Nationale). Paris Mint model. 3rd Class, or 'Bronze' grade with 2 x clasps 'Troupes De Marine' 'Transmissions'

Both of the clasps denote qualifying service with the French Army

The 'Troupes de Marine' (the descendent corps of the former Colonial Infantry regiments) is now the French Army's spearhead overseas intervention force. The Troupes de marine are one of the "armes" (corps) of the French Army, which includes sub-units whose roles are usually associated with other corps (artillery, cavalry, signals, armour, paratroopers) but with overseas deployment as a specialisation. The recipient of this medal having specialist training in 'Signals'

Because of their overseas heritage and their use in the Force d'Intervention, the Troupes de marine were mostly volunteer regulars, as in France, draftees are legally exempt from overseas duty. The conversion of the French Army into a smaller professional force led to the French Army's decision to make the brigade its largest formation and the 9e Division d'Infanterie de Marine was reduced in size on 1 July 1999 and became the 9th Light Armoured Marine Brigade (France) (9e Brigade L?g?re Blind?e de Marine).

Medal riband fitted with a two-pronged mounting pin, or 'Epingle', as worn in the French style

Condition: EF

Code: 17972