), is the land-based component of the French Armed Forces and its largest. As of 2010, the army employs 123,100 regulars and 18,350 part-time reservists , making the French army the 2nd largest in the European Union after the British Army and the 4th largest in NATO after the Armies of the USA, Turkey and UK. All soldiers are now considered professionals, following the suspension of conscription voted in parliament in 1997 and effective as of 2001. Just like the Armée de l'Air, the Marine Nationale and the Gendarmerie Nationale it is placed under the responsibility of the French government. The current Chief of Staff of the French Army (CEMAT) is general Elrick Irastorza. - Source: Wikipedia
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