Gator
Thats only Killed in Action. (actually the number is closer to 1.5). But its 7 Million if you count the Wounded and the Missing. I always considered Wounded and Missing as Casaulties of war as well. I understand what you meant, what I am saying is that the mentality is earlier that 1966, that it started in 1918 and has continued ever since. That is why they were defeated in both 1940 and in Vietnam. Their unwillingness to use force when necessary has cost them dearly. The good news is that since the Gulf War they have been slowly regaining confidence.
As for NATO you are mistaken. While a member of NATO, France no longer participates in the NATO military. Technically the military is independent although joint military exercises are very common. It still remains the 2nd largest military force in Europe (after the UK, which is slightly larger).
As for pulling its own weight, Gulf War, Bosnia, Lebanon, various African countries and as I mentioned it is by my count the 3rd largest force in Afghanistan (almost 2000, with another 2500 on the water).
The only war it passed on was Iraq, which was not a NATO operation. Turns out they were right to do so. Had we listen to the French (and Germans) we wouldn't be in the pickle we are in now. Here is what many people don't understand: NATO is not under the thumb of the USA (or any other nation). Just because 1 member gets into a scrap doesn't mean EVERY member has to join in, unless a NATO member is attacked. We were attacked on 9-11 NATO (France included) send force (other other types of aid). Iraq did not attack us, hence France and most other Nation countries decided to stay out.