The Navarrese contingent to the French Army had distinguished itself. Gunpowder in the hands of individuals was proving useful and Navarre was showing its capability in making the arquebus and recruiting fine soldiers willing to use them. The arquebusiers in the pay of Navarre were professional soldiers drawn from local soil: Basque gunners, though of course supplemented with men from all sorts of places, including Spaniards, Galicians, Catalans and Gascons.

The line of work spread rapidly among soldiers who had formerly used other weapons and new sons looking for employment. The pay was good, especially if Navarre could establish a reputation.

[M] Raising men.