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This paper adopts a prosopographical approach to explore the lives and careers of a specific group of French army officers. It emphasizes the complex links between experiences, institutions, and politicization. During the Algerian war, these men were involved in a highly politicized section of the Algerian military staff of the tenth district, known as the “bureau d’action psychologique” or “5e bureau.” This section was in charge of propaganda and action on the civil population. Most of these officers fought in three wars and were deeply marked by their colonial and imperial experiences.