France, May 16 -- Four former soldiers from the elite 8th Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment in southern France have filed formal complaints accusing their superiors of physical violence, moral harassment and degrading treatment.

The former officers joined the Castres-basedunitfour years ago, hoping to dedicate their lives to the military. Nicknamed "Le Grand 8", the regiment has fought in Afghanistan and is one of France's most prestigious combat units.

"I aimed to join the special forces or become at least a non-commissioned officer. Now I'm on sick leave because of depression", Clovis Tritto,one of the plaintiffs, told Le Parisien daily.

Tritto, 27, claims he was repeatedly insulted and ostracised for refusing to participate in hazi...