The racial boundaries were not absolute, with some French volunteers serving in the ranks and a limited number of Muslims being appointed as officers.

The division was part of the 1st Army Corps with Marshal Patrice de MacMahon, Duke of Magenta as commanding general.

During the Second World War, one North-African tirailleur regiment consisted a little more than 3000 men (out of which 500 officers and sous-officiers) and 200 vehicles.

The regiment earned distinction in Tunisia then during the Italian campaign: first in January 1944 while apprehending Monna Acquafondata, then Operation Diadem in May 1944.

Disembarked at Provence on August 15, 1944, the 3e DIA entered first to Toulon, participated to the Liberation of Marseille, manoeuver during which the 3e and 7e RTA formed the forward contingent.

Throughout the course of Second World War, the 3e RTA obtained 7 collective citations at the orders of the armed forces (4 for the regiment and 3 for the battalions).