Replacement By The Soldier's Mark
There is some evidence suggesting that by the time of the late Roman army, it became common practice to instead give soldiers that were found to be fit for service in the legion, an indelible Soldier's Mark; possibly to discourage desertion by making any former or deserting soldiers clearly identifiable in the public.
In De Re Militari (390 AD), one of the few writings of Roman military writer Vegetius Renatus, it is stated that, after the initial selection process, a recruit is then placed through a four-month testing period to ensure his physical capability.
| “ | many, though promising enough in appearance, are found very unfit upon trial. These are to be rejected and replaced by better men; for it is not numbers, but bravery which carries the day. After their examination, the recruits should then receive the military mark, and be taught the use of their arms by constant and daily exercise. | ” |
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