The Stoinian Foreign Legion
Th Stoinian Foreign Legion is a military service subbranch to the Stoinian Royal Army and is the newest branch of the military. As the Stoinian Star Kingdom engaged in commerce and trade with other star nations, it became clear that peace with xeno nations wasindeed possible. During the King's visit on Constantinople in the Ryccian Empire, he heard tales of the famed warrior race known as the Mandalorians. The Foreign Legion has been highly motivated to attract them into the Star Kingdom, but also serves as a way to get information on species which other governments might not be too keen to share, mostly medical files. Its main goal though, is to allow most foreign citizens, xeno or not, to fight for the Star Kingdom. It especially recruits people in impoverished conditions and those who wish for a new start. As a reward for their actions they can gain Stoinian citizenship and become integrated into Stoinian society.
While the Stoinian Foreign Legion is young, its Commander, Lieutenant General Keenan Koeremoer, is determined to make it an elite fighting force of shock troops for the Stoinian Star Kingdom. However there is an oddity considering this Legion. Legionnaires don't swear allegiance to the Stoinian Star Kingdom, but to the Legion itself. This doesn't mean they aren't loyal to Stoinia, but it is seen as a process of becoming Stoinian. To earn the right to be called Stoinian, one must make sacrifices as a foreigner and this is reflected into their oath of allegiance to the Legion. 

Logo and mascots
The logo of the Foreign Legion is the Dead Man. This reflects the idea that every legionnaire is already dead when conscripted and have to retake their life through battle. Their conscription also serves as a new start in their life and in their training they are reborn as new persons. The Dead Man also holds a knife in his mouth to express the ferocity of the Legion in melee combat. This knife is also shorter than the standard issue to the Royal Army and Legionnaires boast that they dare to get closer. This logo is often worn on their helmets and khaki berets as an intimidation factor. With time this will become an essential element to the legionnaires' life and become a feared symbol on the battlefield. Legionnaires from criminal backgrounds even imprint this idea on them by tattooing the Dead Man on their body alongside their Regiment's number. This practice has also spread throughout the many ranks. Behind the Dead Man, a pattern of deep red and khaki green is used. These colours represent the blood that each Legionnaire is expected to shed for the Legion and the forgotten past most come from.
The Foreign Legion also uses an animal as its mascot, a Nuvrean Bearhound called Styx. Styx is an official member of the Foreign Legion and as he serves in combat missions as well. Each Regiment has its own Bearhound and all of them have a certain rank. Styx for example maintains the rank of Sergeant, though these ranks are largely ceremonial and as a challenge for legionnaires to surpass the mascots in rank. They also have become synonymous with the Foreign Legion as they are important elements of their parades.
 

Recruitment
Recruitment is done in all star nations the Star Kingdom has diplomatic ties to. However, not all species are currently allowed to serve as they prove hazardous, a logistical nightmare or due to political reasons. Current species that are barred from service in the Foreign Legion: Aryyt't (and/or other Treecuu subject species), Cariscoid (limited time), Fegnau, Kaminoan, Logiquartz, Loo-Yee, Mardakii, Marcavani, Qoxex, Sosan (limited time), Uraktiksak, Velutarian, Venterran. This means that plenty of other races, typically those with more Terranoid form, who can still serve within the Foreign Legion. The minimum age requirement varies, but the minimum for Terrans is 16 T-years and the maximum is 45 T-years. This age group is respective over most species. This lower age requirement is so to enlarge the pool from where recruits come from and often will target slum/impoverished areas in other star nations. It should also be noted that the Foreign Legion also accepts petty criminals and indebted people and start a new life with a clean Stoinian record. Drug users are also given rehabilitation upon recruitment, but if they continue their usage, they are shipped back to their nation of origin. This applies for anyone who practices military misconduct according to the Legion's Law, though an option for a firing squad is also given. This is however not advertised on recruitment ads and is rarely used.
 

Training and Armament
Before their recruitment, a pre-emptive physical test is held on the planet of recruitment. If they succeed, they are selected to apply for the Foreign Legion and will be subject to more extensive training. This is done through a rugged selection week on the Legion's planet of TaiSinh. Here both physical and psychological endurance is tested and is often perceived as very hard throughout the many species. While there is no distinction between male and females of a species, there are a different parameters for the many species. If they fail they can either train further in the Foreign Legion's Cadet Corps until they succeed or return home. If they fail to pass the next selection week, they are returned back home. The Foreign Legion's Cadet Corps only accepts those with enough willpower to make the sacrifices needed to improve oneself. They proceed to train the initial failures for the next 2 months and then proceed to train for a Legionnaire. The Legionnaire is put through 6 months of extensive training to become elite warriors. They are split into multiple Regiments with the species mixed over them. Each member is broken down to a Dead Man and have nothing left to live for but the Legion, this idea is reinforced in the Legion's culture and doctrine. Often the Drill Sergeants will use racial slurs to degrade every new member until they themselves have broken their ties with their past. Any sort of hair is cut as a symbol of their new beginning regardless of sex. Females are allowed to grow out their hair afterwards, but males are expected to keep a clean shaven face at all times. Recruits are also taught to shave themselves with their combat knife to grow familiar with it and very proficient with their control. 
During the 6 months long Legionnaire training, the recruits are issued a standard battle armour, a dress uniform, a combat knife, an M28 Magnum Pistol and and M65 Assault Rifle. These weapons may seem archaic to some recruits, but they are a new generation of weapons enhanced with MAC-technology. Meaning that the bullets are accelerated at very high speeds and can even do more damage than plasma bullets in some cases. They learn to maintain and keep their belongings proper at all times. From there basic training starts with the climbing of mountains to shore invasions. Parade drills, parkour, fist combat, shooting, knife combat, urban combat, ... Nearly every aspect of ground combat is seen during training and are expected to be mastered to some degree. All recruits are put through the same tests regardless of species, race or sex. This is to strengthen their bond as new brothers and sisters in arms. As they do their basic training the overseers will look for character traits for leadership and promote recruits accordingly. They will even instigate fights between recruits to see who comes on top and how they react. This creates a clear hierarchical structure nearly identical to the chain of command and is highly respected by all recruits. As they progress through their training, they may specialize in different styles of combat and even familiarize themselves with new weaponry. After their training, the recruits become full Legionnaires and can even start training to become an officer within the Foreign Legion.

 


Legionnaire Culture
The Foreign Legion has grow to have its own distinct culture. Because of the troubled nature of the recruits, infighting is common with new recruits. However the Stoinian Code of Honour is held in the Legion and contrary to the rest of the military branch, duelling is common and a way to standardize infighting in a controlled manner. Knife or melee combat is the most widely used duelling combat in the Legion as they prefer to get up close and personnel during quarrels. Only wounding the opponent is allowed and killing him through any form results in the killer being put before a firing squad. Betting on these duels, although in a grey area in military life, is accepted by the Legion's Command. The Legion also receives shorter knives, in part to be more proficient when shaving, but also to train the Legionnaires to fight up close. This has resulted into a superiority complex as they dared to come closer than the Royal Army at large.
A strict doctrine of anti-racism against member species is held in place and any physical actions based on racism is handled by corporeal punishment. If members continue their racism and refuse to adhere to the Legion's Code, they can be put in front of a firing squad. This has been a problem in the beginning as Ryccian Terran supremacists didn't conform, but this was made clear as roughly 200 of the supremacists were put in front of a firing squad as they were instigating acts of violence based on racism and refused to conform to the Legion's Code of Conduct.
As new recruits start to integrate, they will often clash with older Legionnaires who will try and instigate fights with them by using racial slurs and physical intimidation. This is to test the courage of new recruits and even if they lose a battle, they gain the respect from veteran Legionnaires and come closer to be considered brothers and sisters in arms. This process may seem brutal at times, but it is very distinct for the Legion.
Order is a highly valued aspect of Legionnaire culture and those who disregard it are often shunned for their views. Going against it or undermining it is dealt with through corporeal punishment and for the most extreme cases even a firing squad. The Legionnaires know this as this signed a contract when they apply and are often taught Legionnaire Disciplinary and Honour Codes throughout their training. War crimes are often taught to the Legionnaires and scolded for thinking otherwise to prevent them from doing it, however the collection of war trophies isn't prohibited by the Legion.
However, the most important aspect of Legionnaire culture is their undying loyalty for the Legion. They have all grown new lives as Legionnaires and have risen from their Dead Man state. This aspect is omnipresent in the Foreign Legion and most noticeable on their badges and logo, but also in their creed before they go into battle. Here, the idea of them being a Dead Man is reaffirmed and only regain their right to live after they have claimed victory for the Legion. 
Creed: "As of this moment, we are all dead. We go into battle to reclaim our lives. For the Legion, our brothers and sister. This we do gladly, for we are Legionnaires and victory is life!" 
This indoctrination with achieving victory, has lead the Legionnaires to become ferocious shock troops who will stop at nothing to gain their right to live again. This loyalty for the Legion isn't without its critics however. Many claim that this nature of the Legion doesn't guarantee the Legions loyalty to the Stoinian military, but this is debunked as the Legion is under command of Royal Army and the highest officers are indeed members of the Stoinian military and required to take that oath.
When the Star Kingdom goes to war against another star nation, the Legionnaires will be asked if they wished to return or remain and continue their path towards a Stoinian citizenship. More often than not, the Legionnaires choose to stay as they have been indoctrinated in their new way of life and often have nowhere also to go in the first place.
The Stoinian military also provides the Legion with their own entertainment. Most commonly cigars, but also infrastructure to make their own magazine, hunting privileges on TaiSinh, cooking courses, fishing pools, bar games and even financial bonuses at times. Alcohol is mostly reserved for special occasions. In many ways the Legion functions self sufficiently with members rotating different duties such as cleaning, cooking, patrolling, ...
However, a large chunk of the Legion consists of Ryccian Mandalorians and their culture has influenced elements within the Legion's culture. This is due in part of their rapid rise through the ranks, only topped by the 15 Seridans. While the official anthem is indeed To Serve the Legion!, Mandalorian culture has given an unofficial anthem as well. This unofficial anthem is called Vode an, a popular war song in Mandalorian culture meaning brothers all. The lyrics have been adapted somewhat to fit the Legion, but it is always sung in traditional Mando'a tongue. This song is sung by the Legionnaires before going into battle and reaffirms their shared bond as brothers and sisters in arms.
Even the Mandalorian sports game Get'shuk has become a favourite pastime of the Legion. Get'shuk is a more aggressive form of football as players are allowed to handle other players limbs other than their feet while also allowing aggressive manoeuvres like in rugby. It seems that this Mandalorian culture is there to stay within the Legion. 
This rise in Mandalorian culture within the Legion has also had its conflicts as they wanted to wear their traditional Beskar armour. Because of this the Legion allows members to keep limited personal objects to keep a tie with their natiom of origin. If this armour is pure enough in Beskar, the Mandalorians have the option to use it in battle as is as long as they incorporate insignia of the Legion or reforge their armour into a more traditional Stoinian form. Off-duty they are free to wear their tradition and often wear it when duelling and sparring.

Lyrics of To Serve the Legion:
The regiments are like a wall,
Marching straight and tall,
And the banners rustle proudly.
 
Commander and private,
We share the same fate,
We're all in this together!
 
Serving the Legion,
Our common destiny,
Serving the Legion,
Our brand new family,
They fear us for our success
And fear our war cry.
 
Shoulder to shoulder
March we Legionnaires.
May the road get harder and ever slower,
But we will, by winning every victory,
Serve the Legion!
 
We fearlessly attack,
And honour the Legion's flag,
And our brothers and our sisters.
 
And if trouble's near,
Then we will volunteer,
For we know what we're fighting for!
 
Serving the Legion,
Our common destiny,
Serving the Legion,
Our brand new family,
They fear us for our success
And fear our war cry.
 
Shoulder to shoulder
March we Legionnaires.
May the road get harder and ever slower,
But we will, by winning every victory,
Serve the Legion!
 
The regiments are like a wall,
Marching straight and tall,
And with us is the whole Legion.
 
And he, and you, and me -
The Legion's family,
And that is why we're strong!

Serving the Legion,
Our common destiny,
Serving the Legion,
Our brand new family,
They fear us for our success
And fear our war cry.

Shoulder to shoulder
March we Legionnaires.
May the road get harder and ever slower,
But we will, by winning every victory,
Serve the Legion!

-

Shoulder to shoulder
March we Legionnaires.
May the road get harder and ever slower,
But we will, by winning every victory,
Serve the Legion!

-

To Serve the Legion!

Lyrics of Vode an (English):
Glory!
One indomitable heart, Brothers all.
We, the wrath of the Legion, Brothers all.
And glory, eternal glory,
We shall bear its weight together.
Forged like the saber in the fires of death, Brothers all.

One indomitable heart, Brothers all.
We, the wrath of the Legion, Brothers all.
And...
Those who stand before us light the night sky in flame.
Our courage burns brighter still.
Every last enemy soul shall kneel.
Those who stand before us light the night sky in flame.
Our courage burns brighter still.
Every last enemy soul shall fall.
Forged like the saber in the fires of death, Brothers all!

Lyrics of Vode an (Mando'a):
Kote!
Kandosii sa ka'rota, Vode An.
Akaan'ade a'den mhi, Vode An.
Bal kote, darasuum kote,
Jorso'ran kando a tome.
Sa kyr'am nau tracyn kad, Vode an.

Kandosii sa ka'rota, Vode An.
Akaan'ade a'den mhi, Vode An.
Bal...
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
Mirshko cuun hett su dralshy'a.
Aru'elatyc runi solus cet o'r.
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
Mirshko cuun hett su dralshy'a.
Aru'elatyc runi'la trattok'o.
Sa kyr'am nau tracyn kad, Vode an!


Composition
The Foreign legion takes its composition and command structure from the Stoinian Marine Force as they wish to emulate their status. This means that a clear command structure is always present and heavy usage of experienced veterans to guide the officers. However, most officers of the Legion come directly from the lower ranks and the need of experienced veteran soldiers is somewhat downplayed. The Foreign Legion is currently fully operational and counts 42.848 active members consisting 10.153 Mandalorians, 26.870 Ryccian Terrans and 1.860 Ryccian xenos (856 Velpus, 436 Vonmisans and 568 Vurbentans) from the Ryccian Empire, 962 Limavu, 733 Teetac, 1.256 Drakari Terrans, 524 Drakari and 472 Yapatha. The Ryccian Empire is by far the most dominant presence within the Legion compared to the rest of the star nations. This has made the Foreign Legion the most diverse unit within the Stoinian military. Most officers are still Stoinian members of the military, but as the Legion lives on, it will be made solely out of foreign volunteers. This has been spearheaded by the Ryccian Mandalorians which have started to fill many officer positions only surpassed by the 15 Ryccian Seridans, the first volunteers who have climbed the ladders and all have an officer position. Together they form a prime example for recruitment propaganda in other star nations.
 
Stoinian Citizenship
The reward for each Legionnaire is a full Stoinian citizenship after a 5 year term. After that, they can start a new life as free citizens in Stoinian society and receive a lifelong pension (~ $1.850/month for the lowest rank and increasing with each rank) for their service. If they are wounded in battle, they gain the right to apply for citizenship as they are worthy citizens by blood. If however it is revealed that this has been faked, they are put before a firing squad and disgraced of rank. Other Legionnaires will also look disgusted at those who do such things and no longer consider them their brother or sister in arms.