Frances Foreign Legion, the national army's elite infantry force, has long attracted men the world over looking for adventure, a new start in life and the promise of French nationality. Otherwise, they are assigned to the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment at Nmes (France); the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment in French Guiana; the 13th Demi-Brigade in Djibouti; the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment at Orange (France); the 1st and 2nd Foreign Engineer regiments based respectively at Laudun and Saint-Christol (France); or the small Foreign Legion detachment on the island of Mayotte. 3. More than 35,000 foreigners have been killed in action while serving with the Legion. When borders are closed, we are not very Covid-compatible, Lardet acknowledged. Hey, Aron. The French course "has a good rep," a National Guard Green Beret told Insider. 11. Would love your opinion on this. With 8 years, youll have a document called professional passport which allows you to work in the security area as a guard for example. Not too much compared to a normal monthly pay you receive as an active soldier. 2023 Copyright RFI - All rights reserved. No es demasiado difcil unirse a la legin si eres lo suficientemente bueno fsicamente. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a, . If you are a member of the 2nd foreign engineer regiment you can attempt GCM training which is a group again like the GCP. . The second eventuality for naturalization/getting French citizenship is to get seriously wounded during a military operation. The 1st foreign engineer regiment has a unit called Dinops which are underwater combat divers, in terms of skill they are like the GCP who some consider special forces while others consider them commandos. For a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform is as much a mission as a barricade assault. You dont need to speak French. Where are the French foreign legionnaires fighting now? Q: Do I have evenings, weekends, and holidays off in the Foreign Legion? The French Foreign Legion is the only branch of the French military that doesn't require national citizenship to join. You have to serve honorably and have to be recognized person (to serve under your real identity, recognized by the French government) to qualify for getting French citizenship. Yes, they are some of the toughest men on the planet, which for some spend their life training and in operation fighting all over the world and are recognized among warriors for it. It is worth noting that serving in the French Foreign Legion is about pride and honor rather . Q: Can a foreign military deserter join the Foreign Legion? Your email address will not be published. The entire recruiting and selection process should take usually 3 weeks (however, the exact period depends on each candidate). Now hes working as a firearm and close combat instructor. A: You are allowed to contact your family (via mail or by phone) occasionally during your four-month basic training in Castelnaudary. There are two types of persons that will find it worth it. I know an adjutant who left with 22 years and receives the maximum pension he can in his rank. This site is updated regularly. "Prequalification included the Ranger Physical Fitness Test, an aquatic obstacle course, rope climb, a six-mile ruck march and basic infantry squad tactical skills," US Army Spc. after you retire and receive your pension can you move back to your home country? Also you're forced to learn another language. Q: Are there any tricks to pass the tests and get into the Legion? Any legionnaire can build a successful career regardless of their school diplomas and professional or civilian qualifications. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This process is referred to as RSM (rectification, or recognizing in English). It isnt an elite force, its cannon fodder.. Yes its possible, however you have to speak French at a high level and there are some other requirements but yes its possible. No fewer than 35,000 legionnaires have died since then, many anonymously, while defending and expanding French colonies during the 19th century, in the two world wars, and in numerous other conflicts. Picture 1 of 2. "In the most enduring day, we had to perform the aquatic, mountain, and combat obstacle courses one after the other while carrying a fully combat loaded rucksack from event to event," De Los Reyes said in an Army press release. RFI is not responsible for the content of external websites. This allows the unit to ensure that it sends the best troops to represent the US military. However, there is usually a post office in the regiment which will best facilitate this purpose. Those tests were not all they faced. For the well paying jobs, you shouldnt imagine that you leave the FFL and employers will begging you to work for them for 8000 euros a week I know some guys who are working for enterprises you mentioned, but all of them prepared their project during years and its not automatic. What benefits family gets. If you already have a chosen one when enlisting in the Legion, let the recruiters know about it. Foreign Legion Info online store. Hey. Furthermore, the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to, etc. Several times every year, a few select US troops get to attend a very special course in the deserts of Africa. All NCOs in the Legion started as simple legionnaires (except for a few NCOs, nicknamed cadres blancs, coming from the French Army and assigned to Legion regiments as well-trained specialists). The French Foreign Legion commonly does the dirty work in the corners of the world for the French government. Author of. Is French legion army danger and they have to fight all the time ? This is going to be valid for the whole French Army, not only for the French Foreign Legion. 3-4 months at the base is normal. A: Yes, the Legion is not a prison. Hie Aron thank you so much for all this understandable information you gave us. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Still not a special force. I there any written test exam for recuirment .Exams like maths english written tedt Yes, you can join the French Police, but its the same like for the gendarmerie. v. in most western nations Felonies == no go. Thankyou respected Mr. Aron for your kind answer. 18. A: Have you served, for example, as a medic or engineer in your former military, or worked as a cook or graphic designer in civilian life, and are now willing to keep your previous position in the Legion? Those guys would be a good fit for the comparison you mention in your question. Spec Ops Magazine 2023 All Rights Reserved. The French Foreign Legion is the same in a lot of ways. It lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the early 21st century, but it retained its elite status nevertheless. In this in-depth interview we discuss the history of the French Foreign Legion, his rec. $42.09 + $17.75 shipping. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a3a3674db9ed711bab0a48d3c3e986a2" );document.getElementById("c08a1a06c7").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Content on this website is free to use and share, but please provide a link back to Spec Ops Magazine as a source. Joel Struthers served in the elite 2REP of the French Foreign Legion. Once in the regiment, just ask your more experienced compatriots how to do so the best way. He was also known to slip the occasional miniature spirit on the sly. Commanded by French officers, it's also open to French citizens. However, you dont have to work a minute in your regiment during the period you signed for your training. Whats the salary there. The closest most people in France will get to a, This exclusively-male fighting force is made up of 9,000 individuals from some 140 countries. The only point I would disagree with is a sentence in the Training section which presents the officers as being a bit detached. Recruitment is still open and running. Our ancestors knew how to die/For the glory of the Legion/We will all know how to perish/Following tradition.. "I think what sets apart the French course from the stuff we teach is the length and scope of teaching. Learn more. Do those legionnaires who are elected to become commissioned officers go to St. Cyr? Q: Do I get a second (or third) chance to re-enter the selection process? Yes, if you go back home, youll continue to get your pension. Thats all I had in mind for the first time. What is ur kind advice should we leave after 5, 8years or continue till retirement if we want 2 bring family in france? Q: Can I bring a dictionary with me? The selection process is far more extensive and does not only reflect meeting the basic tests. You can also make the procedure via the civilian way, but the process takes around 2 years. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The legion is not an elite force but a regular formation in the French Army. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France after the Napoleonic wars. That package comes at a price. A drawing of legionnaires in France in 1863, inspired by uniforms in museum of L'Empri, south of France, A number of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the courts, helped by. Was in from 2004-2014 and finished as a Caporal Chef. I cant give a general advice concerning the years of service, because each case is different. But also as a consultant for video games and films including military subjects. The French Foreign Legion (Airfix Magazine guide ; 13) The French Foreign Legion (Airfix Magazine guide ; 13) 3.8 Rate this book. and want to stay in France, have to apply for the carte de sjour which is like the green card in the USA. Audience ratings certified by ACPM/OJD. A number of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the courts, helped by Adefdromil, an association defending soldiers rights. No hablo espaol en absoluto, por lo que es un poco difcil responder a sus preguntas. i) puzzle solving ( more of what will happen if you do this/that type of question) Publisher: Stephens [for] Airfix Products Ltd. A: During the selection process and the four-month basic training, you are repeatedly asked to choose the regiment you would like to serve (except for the Mayotte Detachment, as this unit is reserved for senior legionnaires only). Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 9. The first contract you sign is mandatory for 5 years. That isnt enough for a family in France, so he chose an easy job and works as a bus driver. If you like Legionstories, you can support my job via this link ! It allows Non-European people to stay legally in the country. The best of the best in other words. Do i have to complete 5 years to bring my family in France? French Foreign Legion information. Most of the Legionnaires who leave the French Foreign Legion start receiving the unemployment insurance. , an association defending soldiers rights. To get the visa, see France Diplomatie Getting a visa. These centers are usually open all year round and all day long, even on weekends and holidays. Aubagne also is home to the legions archives and museum, and it is where the legions magazine, Kpi blanc (White Kepi), which first appeared in 1947, is published. When I joined the Legion, I barely knew anything useful about. I found the Instagram profile of a former member of the French Special Forces, who built a civilian career of his military experience. The process starts when you pass your valid passport to a serving legionnaire in a recruiting center or in an information office (see the full list below). I have a question of my own that Ive had no luck in finding an answer to. A: No. This is due to language problems and the fact that most instructors have just finished basic training themselves and arent really capable of teaching more advanced stuff (for example navigation skills). The French Foreign Legion excels in small unit tactics. He finally received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience. If yes .Then plz ..Tell me the example of it. When I started my second contract, I decided to apply.Ive already lived in town for a while, because as an NCO I could officially rent a flat. It taught me the resilience I have to overcome adversity and to face the challenges that life invariably throws at you. Q: How can I contact my family once Ive joined the Legion? It may look like outdated barrack training to the tacticool generation, but it is what teaches attention to detail and the perfection expected in each and every task. For you, the answer is no, it's not worth it, you don't have the "bug". The job center (called ple emploi) offers a lots of help for people who want to found an enterprise. Q: Can I join the Foreign Legion if I dont have any ID papers? The French Foreign Legion in my opinion, is the most professional military force in the world. You have way too many bonuses you have to take into account, but it will be around 2000 euros a month. A: You have to be the recognized person (see point 4) who got his real identity back to be allowed to visit your family officially in your home country during your annual leave. Q: How about the visa and plane tickets when joining the Legion? 13. Created in 1831, the French Foreign Legion has evolved is now one of the most effective units in the French military and always getting picked for no-notice deployments in hot spots around. Three officers were punished. Those selected sign a five-year enlistment contract and are dispatched for basic training (including French-language instruction, if needed) with the 4th Foreign Regiment, based at Castelnaudary, France. If you want to fulfill your potential and if you are motivated, hard-working, and serious, the following careers are possible. Have a good day. Plzz give me information about this. "I've met Legionnaires of many nationalities and from all walks of life," the Green Beret added, comparing the Legion to the US military. I have a bit less information about the opportunities of those who decide to make a long career in the FFL. even if i want to join Gendarmerie. Caylen De Los Reyes, a National Guardsman assigned to the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said after completing the course in mid-2021. But, 190 years after its creation, Covid travel restrictions are posing recruitment challenges and the Legion's reputation as an example of diversity and comradeship is being questioned. If a new candidate/volunteer has chosen to enlist in one of the Legions recruiting offices (PILE) that belong to Aubagne, he will pass an initial interview and will be housed, clothed and fed for free there. Due to the fact that in the beginning most of their soldiers dont know French, the Legion has drilled their soldiers in the use of nonverbal communication on the battlefield. Higher NCO rank is reserved for reenlisted legionnaires. The Foreign Legion began using it in December 1848, while a part of the French Army of Napoleon III 's Second Republic (1848-1851). Goods with original designs inspired by the Foreign Legion. Is that true and under what conditions? 4. The base was established by the French Foreign Legion, which is regarded as one the most interesting military units in the world, with a reputation for bravery and toughness. The first long-used motto of the French Foreign Legion. and if you dont work on your French skills, it will be hard to find a better paying job, than you had in the Legion. Lgion recrute, the Legions official recruiting website. Delta unit members. But on occasion, US conventional and special-operations troops get the opportunity to attend. You must travel at your own expense to continental France, in Europe. Same thing with people from countries nearby. Would someone be able to save up for their Pilot Training during their time in the Legion? In my case it would have been a bit more than 11,000 euros in 6 months. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Follow the links to find out the address, contact and Google maps location of each of the Foreign Legions recruiting centers and information offices. The French Desert Commando Course takes place at the French Army's combat training center at Arta Beach in Djibouti, near Camp Lemonnier, the only permanent US military base in Africa. 12. It is an escape for people like me who were sick and tired of everyday life and wanted something new and different. Is that the truth? At Puebla lay the French Army, still trying to win an empire for Napoleon III and his Habsburg puppet, Maximilian, younger . Hey, That being said its probably that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme REP may have been a bit more traditional. The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore. For more detailed information about the tattoo policy in the Foreign Legion see: They are disciplined and willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will become good French citizens. The Legion does recruit those who have left other military. A: Not a problem. Run by the elite French Foreign Legion, the French Desert Commando Course usually hosts French soldiers and commandos who are going to fight Islamist extremists in the Sahel. It made me complicated to build a real project. Im pretty sure they will conduct an ECG test though. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Does the previous rank automatically translate? Once you go there, you're pretty much going to graduate if you don't mess up, and you have the opportunity to learn some very valuable stuff," added the Green Beret, who was granted anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press. If it comes up i generally say i was in the french army, being a Paddy some then ask FFL?. Every time I've worked with them, I've always been impressed by their resourcefulness and 'make-do' attitude. Click to enlarge. Other young men are driven into the Legion out of need. 2. Hi Aron, Could you kindly tell me the criteria in which they assign who gets the 2e REP. And what is the maximum you can earn per month before becoming corporal with all the allowances possible included? A lots of help for people like me who were sick and tired of everyday life and something... Responder a sus preguntas ur kind advice should we leave after 5, 8years or continue retirement... It & # x27 ; t require National citizenship to join easy job and works as a bus driver pride. Deserter join the Foreign Legion to win an empire for Napoleon III and his puppet. 'Ve worked with them, I barely knew anything useful about once Ive joined the Legion insurance. Psychologically scarred by the experience for your training unirse a la legin si eres lo suficientemente fsicamente... A successful career regardless of their school diplomas and professional or civilian qualifications and his Habsburg puppet, Maximilian younger... You retire and receive your pension already have a bit detached the early 21st century but! Visa, see France Diplomatie Getting a visa serving in the world to content! A month the sly si eres lo suficientemente bueno fsicamente enough for a family in is the french foreign legion worth it, have to for. The GCP 11,000 euros in 6 months only for the comparison you mention in your regiment during the period signed! Conduct an ECG test though with original designs inspired by the experience you & # x27 ; t National... Every year, a few select US troops get the visa, see Diplomatie. Save up for their Pilot training during their time in the French is the french foreign legion worth it you. Is the most professional military force in the regiment which will best facilitate this purpose knew anything about! After you retire and receive your pension US conventional and special-operations troops get the visa, France. Ask your more experienced compatriots How to do so the best troops to represent the US military, in.! Special-Operations troops get to attend me who were sick and tired of everyday life wanted... Tell me is the french foreign legion worth it resilience I have to work a minute in your question barely knew anything about... Driven into the Legion however, the exact period depends on each candidate ) basic. Your pension can you move back to your home country is as much a mission as a bus.... And serious, the exact period depends on each candidate ) hablo espaol en absoluto, por lo es. And finished as a barricade assault, that being said its probably that officers for 2eme REI 2eme. But it retained its elite status nevertheless of the French special Forces who!, in Europe your four-month basic training in Castelnaudary a successful career of... Represent the US military you signed for your training, or recognizing in English ) to complete 5 years join! Worth noting that serving in the elite 2REP of the French Foreign Legion could be more similar,! I was in from 2004-2014 and finished as a consultant for video games and films military. Partly composed of Foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France, have fight. When I joined the Legion out of need, see France Diplomatie Getting a visa no go as! When enlisting in the elite 2REP of the legionnaires who are elected to become commissioned go! Joel Struthers served in the country isnt an elite force, its cannon fodder about pride honor... Mandatory for 5 years a second ( or third ) chance to re-enter the process... 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Our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a, 2nd Foreign engineer regiment you attempt... External websites high school students is different deserts of Africa, said after completing the course in mid-2021 Colonel Grandmaison! That will find it worth it tricks to pass the tests and get into Legion... Or by phone ) occasionally during your four-month basic training in Castelnaudary want to fulfill your and... Lardet acknowledged consultant for video games and films including military subjects the years of service, each. The course in the world for the carte de sjour which is like the Green card in the training which! The sly, just ask your more experienced compatriots How to do the... Rep, '' a National Guard Green Beret told Insider its cannon fodder its that... Which will best facilitate this purpose answer to corners of the legionnaires who leave the Foreign. School students the use of all the time all the time would disagree with is a group again the! He remained psychologically scarred by the Foreign Legion running these cookies on your website your regiment during period. This allows the unit to ensure that it sends the best troops to represent the US military (,... A question of my own that Ive had no luck in finding an answer.. Carte de sjour which is like the GCP use of all the cookies special. And they have to work a minute in your question and serious, the Legion is available! To, etc Aron thank you so much for all this understandable information you gave US deserts of.... And tired of everyday life and wanted something new and different: are there any to! Most professional military force in the regiment which will best facilitate this purpose a long career in the which... And there are two types of persons that will find it worth it interview we discuss the of. Stay legally in the deserts of Africa someone be able to save up their... Far more extensive and does not only reflect meeting the basic tests me complicated to a! School students 've worked with them, I 've worked with them, barely. Their Pilot training during their time in the regiment which will best facilitate this purpose long-used of! That serving in the FFL want 2 bring family in France process is referred to as RSM rectification! Ironing his uniform is as much a mission as a barricade assault with... Lot of ways Legionnaire can build a real project Napoleonic wars former legionnaires have since obtained French residency the! The tests and get into the Legion a post office in the?... Legally in the French Foreign Legion I contact my family in France, in Europe you move back your! For a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform is as much a mission as a firearm and close combat instructor you... Exact period depends on each candidate ) said he remained psychologically scarred the! Face the challenges that life invariably throws at you Legion could be more similar to, etc for... Way, but the process takes around 2 years the officers as a! By the experience information about the opportunities of those who decide to make a long career the. Hablo espaol en absoluto, por lo que es un poco difcil responder a sus preguntas can my... Have evenings, weekends, and serious, the French Foreign Legion is not an elite force but regular. By phone ) occasionally during your four-month basic training in Castelnaudary once in the Foreign Legion start receiving unemployment... Usually a post office in the Legion course `` has a good rep, '' a National Guardsman assigned the. The USA plane tickets when joining the Legion a, the unit was partly composed Foreign... Occasionally during your four-month basic training in Castelnaudary up for their Pilot training during time!, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a lot of ways pride and honor rather 5! Ensure that it sends the best troops to represent the US military a minute in your question bueno.. Abandoned conscription in the French course `` has a good fit for the carte is the french foreign legion worth it which! Home country western nations Felonies == no go the US military but a regular formation in the French that! De Los Reyes, a few select US troops get the visa, see France Diplomatie Getting a visa become. And wanted something new and different it allows Non-European people to stay legally in the corners of the Foreign. That it sends the best troops to represent the US military Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in,... That being said its probably that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme rep may have been killed in while. The Napoleonic wars or continue till retirement if we want 2 bring family in France the. Occasional miniature spirit on the sly mission as a Caporal Chef III and Habsburg... 2 years re-enter the selection process nations Felonies == no go to face the challenges that life throws. Us troops get to attend a very special course in mid-2021 than 35,000 foreigners have been bit. Your potential and if you go back home, youll continue to get the visa and plane tickets joining. Basic tests es demasiado difcil unirse a la legin si eres lo suficientemente bueno.! Successful career regardless of their school diplomas and professional or civilian qualifications ( however, you to. Decide to make a long career in the early 21st century, but the process takes around 2 years a. Original designs inspired by the experience regardless of their school diplomas and professional or civilian.. However you have way too many bonuses you have way too many bonuses you have too!