Assembled model 1/35 figures French Mountain Troops Heller 81223 The Chasseurs Alpins are an elite light infantry formation serving in the French Army that were and are trained primarily for combat in mountainous terrain. The formation was created at the end of the 19th century, or rather in 1888. Initially, it was created to protect the border of France with united Italy, which passed through the Alps. This required the formation of a special unit capable of fighting in mountainous terrain. The French command perceived this matter as important, especially since the Italian army already had the corresponding units of this type called "Alpini". Originally, the Chasseurs Alpins consisted of 12 infantry battalions, but during the First World War this formation was expanded. Even then, the Alpine hunters wore their traditional uniform, which consisted of a dark blue jacket and blue-gray breeches and a large blue beret. During the Second World War, in 1939-1940, Jaeger units of the Alpins were formed into semi-brigades. They fought, in particular, against units of the Italian army in June 1940.
