Its stated objectives were to "defend the spiritual heritage [of Portugal]" and to "fight the communist threat and anarchism".

Members of the Portuguese Legion were divided into three levels: Escalão das Actividade Militares: included legionaries from the ages of 18 to 45.

The Brigada Naval da LP was established on 5 December 1938, with the aim to revive maritime traditions of Portugal, and thus was affiliated to the Portuguese Navy.

The Naval Brigade had a large amount of autonomy in relation to the rest of the Legion, having its own command and wearing a different uniform.

The Naval Brigade was based at the Marinheiros Barracks in Alcântara, Lisbon — where it had a battalion and a band — and had detachments in Porto, Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo.

As a Legionnaire, I swear obedience to my leaders in the defense of the Fatherland and of the social order and solemnly affirm on my honor that I will sacrifice everything, including my life, if necessary, for the service of the Nation, its spiritual heritage, of the Christian morality and freedom of the Portuguese land.

The official war cry of the Portuguese Legion was: Legionários, quem vive?