What protections will they have against being thrown into front-line infantry units as organizational dividers soften and expectations change?

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Duncan Miles, an Englishman who plays a member of the French 45th Regiment of line infantry, recalls having a tear in his eye as Mr. Schneider tipped his two-cornered hat to the troops during a re-creation of the 1806 battle of the Jena.

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In 2008, he was assigned to Hounslow, West London, and became "an integral member of the Corps of Drums throughout the Battalion's time on public duties, the highlight of which was being a part of the Household Division's Beating the Retreat -- a real honour for a line infantry Corps of Drums, " the ministry said.

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But it traces back to an ancient line, and a famous Barbet once fought in Napoleon's infantry, say the breed's fanciers.

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In the Korean War as a young infantry officer, I nearly froze to death with my company holding our final protective line of fire.

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