[1] Placed under the military protection of neighbouring powers throughout most of its history, the Principality of Monaco, though it distinguished itself by voluntary service in heroic battles to defend the Papacy or the Kingdom of France, only went through a short-lived period of conscription between 1848 and 1870 when a militia was formed.
Since its foundation, Monaco has had a tradition of voluntary military service to defend the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire.
Following the signing of the Treaty of Péronne in 1641, a French garrison was to occupy the fortress, but the prince was to preserve his sovereign rights and Monaco was forbidden from raising its own army.
Facing unrest in Menton, Prince Florestan raised a voluntary army or national guard on 29 August 1848, which lasted twenty years.
An ordinance published on 8 April 1865 gave more structure and organization to the national militia, which included fire fighters and artillery.
Louis II voluntarily reenlisted in the First World War, distinguished himself at Craonne and Chemin des Dames.
[5] Since an ordinance promulgated on 26 June 1900 and enshrined in the Civil Code of Monaco, any Monégasque citizen who, without government authorization, takes military service abroad can be deprived of his nationality.