They will tell you that you need to get 7 or 8 correct (which everyone does). Once in the regiment, just ask your more experienced compatriots how to do so the best way. Higher NCO rank is reserved for reenlisted legionnaires. 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. I am experiencing a few of these issues as well.. Hi Aron, thank you for being so helpful and taking the time to answer the many questions that people have for you. Within 7 days, these candidates are sent with a free train ticket to Aubagne to join an initial preselection and, if they pass it, the crucial selection process. Do note that you cant send your demande until you didnt leave the French Foreign Legion. Thank you for everything you do brother. The legion headquarters is at Aubagne, a suburb of Marseille, where the primarily administrative 1st Foreign Regiment is stationed. So thats how I became French, not by the blood received but by the blood shed. You have a way more serious entry test than to join the Legion. You misquoted the Legion motto. Approximately one-tenth of the officers are former noncommissioned officers (NCOs). The first four weeks are an introduction to military life. Legionnaires of European descent predominate, and Frenchmen remain well represented in the ranks, either because they seek to belong to an elite corps of the French army or because a criminal record makes them ineligible for service in regular French units. Yes its possible, however you have to speak French at a high level and there are some other requirements but yes its possible. Yes, if you go back home, youll continue to get your pension. The French Desert Commando Course lasts for almost two weeks, during which students have to complete a series of tasks, including an aquatic obstacle course, a night obstacle course, a mountain confidence course, and a knot test. If the Legion decides not to give you another chance, you will receive a document titled INAPTE DEFINITIF. That means the Legion is closed to you forever. This story first appeared in the Spotlight on France podcast. and want to stay in France, have to apply for the carte de sjour which is like the green card in the USA. 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. Picture Information. Upon graduation, US students earn the French Desert Commando Course qualification badge. The first contract you sign is mandatory for 5 years. Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning, Keep up to date with international news by downloading the RFI app, Trial of former French Foreign Legion chief postponed, French Foreign Legion soldier dies in Mali operation, Podcast: Filming under a Covid cloud, surveying the French, the Foreign Legion, France steps up monitoring of diabetes drug used for weight loss, France holds largest-ever military drills amid bloody backdrop of Ukraine war, French court dismisses lawsuit against TotalEnergies pipeline in Africa, More French people turn to food banks as inflation bites, French PM placates farmers with plan for pesticide alternatives, 'Best chef in the world' Guy Savoy stripped of Michelin star, France headed for water curbs as dry winter intensifies drought, Macron to outline revamped Africa strategy ahead of four-nation tour. French Foreign Legion vs. SAS, DEVGRU (Seal Team 6) and Delta Force, NZSAS: A premier combat unit of the New Zealand Defence Force, Examining the Differences in Training for SAS and Navy SEALs, The Elite of the Elite: Understanding the Distinctions Between SEAL Team 6 and Other SEAL Teams, Delta Force: A mighty, secretive, and elite group of warriors, French Foreign Legion: A Comprehensive Guide to the Legendary Military Unit. It comprises two units and is able to carry 12 personnel (4 + 8). Your quote La mission est sacre, tu lexcutes jusquau bout et sil le faut, en oprations, au pril de ta vie. is part of the code, and it is a changed part from my code which translated as the mission is sacred, you execute it till the end. The minimal salary in France called SMIC is 1 219 euros (net) a month for a 35 hours job. Great! While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. To get the visa, see France Diplomatie Getting a visa. The legionnaires are tough men with pasts worth fleeing, though. After finishing your four-month basic training, you are allowed to buy this equipment and use them during your free time. 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. Information source: v. in most western nations Felonies == no go. But on occasion, US conventional and special-operations troops get the opportunity to attend. 15 mins read. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. US forces began operating at Camp Lemonnier in 2002. At the beginning, I didnt need the French citizenship, because I came from a great European country and I can travel wherever I want with my passport. For this type of jobs, employer are looking for legionnaires because they are reliable. A: After 3 years of service, you can make a formal request for naturalization. These centers are usually open all year round and all day long, even on weekends and holidays. Its a great thing if you have a plan in mind for your life after the French Foreign Legion. 3. This site is updated regularly. A: No. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Once they do, the French Foreign legion will likely be there, whether its another part of Europe or hundreds of miles from France. Ive never been in an untenable position, but yes. Rate your recent company Share your experience to help others Military experience overseas If a new candidate/volunteer has chosen to enlist in one of the Legions recruiting offices (PILE) that belong to Paris, he will pass an initial interview and will be housed, clothed and fed for free there. Its around 1500 euros. What kind of job do you get after 5 years in the FFL, and how much will I earn on those jobs on average? They surely have the possibility to learn a profession and work after the Legion during their retirement and make a bit more money. Although the legion shields every legionnaires privacy, each prospective recruit is thoroughly interrogated to discover his motivation for joining the legion and to determine whether he has a criminal background. Hey. Do they conduct an X-ray test? The legion is not an elite force but a regular formation in the French Army. How much pension amount we get after we serve french foreign legion Q: Can I use mobile phones, laptops, or notebook computers? A: Once youve completed your four-month basic training, you are allowed to relax or leave your military base during your free time, and travel around France during weekends and holidays, if you are not on duty. (2) at the best online prices at eBay! But closed borders due to Covid have led to the number of applicants declining by a third in 2020. Q: Can a foreign military deserter join the Foreign Legion? Does everyone gets citizenship or its a myth? 3-4 months at the base is normal. Before you finish your service, you contact an office in the regiment and choose the profession you want to exercise as a civilian. So they will not give me citizenship after 5 years? After one year of service, you can ask to get your real identity back. In a book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life. 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 the world. If you like Legionstories, you can support my job via this link ! With 8 years, youll have a document called professional passport which allows you to work in the security area as a guard for example. The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals. As of 2018, you could start collecting a regular retirement pension after 17 years and 6 months of honorable service. 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. Those who dont reenlist after the first 5 years dont have too many options. This motto originated from the French Army of the First Empire (1804-1814). "We are a nation of immigrants, and first-generation Americans serve with distinction every day. Hey, But that's not what the Legion is for. Thank you. All of them prepared their project well before leaving. In my case it was a bit more than 1000 euros. , an association defending soldiers rights. The best of the best in other words. There are two types of persons that will find it worth it. The legion absorbed many refugees who crowded into France as well as unemployed soldiers, such as members of the Swiss regiments who had served the unpopular Bourbon regime prior to the July Revolution of 1830. It focuses on your entire personality, including your real behavior, real attitude, and real motivation. Q: Can I visit/see my family? I'm not saying that the French don't do that too, but perhaps this course doesn't," the Green Beret added. After retirement if i went back 2 my home country will i still get pension? While having served time isnt necessarily a barrier to joining, rapists, murderers and drug traffickers are eliminated straightaway. 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. How often can we meet out family? 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. Thanks. do we get monthly pension or not? It can be more or less. That package comes at a price. Q: Can I obtain French citizenship? To be selected to carry the hand of Danjou is a great honour. Another former legionnaire, Alexandre Vinogradov, broke ranks after more than a decade in the service. Again, thanks so much for all of your information! Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). My Name is Bright a 27 years old man from Zimbabwe. Is that the truth? Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. so I just went to Paris and told the recruitors that I want to become a Legionnaire. Is French legion army danger and they have to fight all the time ? Foreign Legion Info online store. If you are a member of the 2nd foreign engineer regiment you can attempt GCM training which is a group again like the GCP. Once you are allowed to enlist which refers to once your passport/ID and clothes are taken away free accommodation, free food, and free clothing are immediately provided to you by the Legion. Hey Aron, thanks for sharing your time at the legion with us, it is refreshing to read an up to date view of how life is in the legion, I was wondering if you can become an officer from with in the FFL, thanks again! the official motto is Legio Patria Nostra, our unofficial and preferred motto is Honneur et Fidlit, one of the many things we inherited from the wave of SS that shaped a lot of the Legion culture post WW2. Q: Are there any tricks to pass the tests and get into the Legion? Will I get cash, and if so, how can I keep it? Within 7 days, these candidates are sent with a free train ticket to Paris to join an initial preselection. No es demasiado difcil unirse a la legin si eres lo suficientemente bueno fsicamente. Is joining the French Foreign Legion worth it? Many died in Indochina, North Africa, and elsewhere. It tau. 16. T-shirts, hoodies, mugs What to take with you to the Foreign Legion, Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Brunet de Sairign (1913 1948), PHOTOS: Legionnaires in Syria around 1930, 10 years ago: Staff Sergeant Harold Vormezeele was killed in Mali, ID Card or Passport for recruits from the European Union (EU), Passport for recruits from all over the world, your citizenship (whether youre a Brazilian, Indian, Russian, Japanese, etc), your civil status (single, married, divorced), your previous military or non-military background. The Legion must want you. 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). Other young men are driven into the Legion out of need. 6. Hi sir, There are two types of persons that will find it worth it. The promise of regular meals, decent accommodation and a monthly starter salary of around 1,300 is a big incentive when your home country is wracked by civil war, famine and economic misery. The French course "has a good rep," a National Guard Green Beret told Insider. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a French TV documentary. Those who have had minor scrapes with the law are acceptableeven preferredas they are assumed to be more willing to turn their backs on their former lives and fully integrate into life in the legion; serious criminals, however, are unwelcome. Sign enlistment papers and a contract for five years of service. Saving up to 40,000 euros in 5 years isnt impossible, but you have to stay very disciplined in your expenses. You can obtain your real identity back within 1-3 years. Legionnairesreact very quickly, which is a big plus, especially when it comes to anti-ambush tactics. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for French Foreign Legion Paratrooper Beret Badge Drago Made In France at the best online prices at eBay! Recruitment is still open and running. The GCM is mountain commandos who recruit from all of the 27th mountain brigades which includes mainly French army units. Dear customers, if you do not have a registration at the new e-shop, you need to register again. It made me complicated to build a real project. An online project dedicated to the famous Foreign Legion. These men have no legal existence. Im pretty sure they will conduct an ECG test though. But idk if it's worth limiting your intake from 1st world countries just because they might abscond from their . Men between the ages of 17 and 40, of any nationality, may join the legion. Thats all I had in mind for the first time. You shouldnt imagine, that you finish your contract and someone calls you from nowhere and asks you to work for this or this kind of company. Once you are serving as an ordinary legionnaire in your respective regiment, you can contact your family by mail, phone, or through the internet whenever you have free time. I like people who have goals and its important to forsee your future. . The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore. Whatever happens; learn the language and you already won something! And three years into their five-year contract, recruits can apply for French citizenship. Same thing with people from countries nearby. Every time I've worked with them, I've always been impressed by their resourcefulness and 'make-do' attitude. Not evveryone gets the citizenship, but you can obtain it after 5 years. No online applications, no letters of invitation, no French embassys forms are offered to join the French Foreign Legion. 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). 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). Por el momento, no puede venir a Francia debido al bloqueo, pero una vez que las fronteras estn abiertas de nuevo, puede intentar unirse. They can also meet you at your regiment directly during holidays, like Camerone Day (April 30), which is open for public. The French Foreign Legion has a very brutal training system. Commanded by French officers, it's also open to French citizens. It lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the early 21st century, but it retained its elite status nevertheless. Total time allocation for second test is one hour if i remember correctly. in Paris or Aubagne in the south of France. 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. Where are the French foreign legionnaires fighting now? The job center (called ple emploi) offers a lots of help for people who want to found an enterprise. A: Once you are selected and about to leave for basic training, a bank account is established for you to receive monthly payments. There are no bring this or that, pass this or that, make this or that tricks to get accepted. For most of its history, the legion also maintained the exceptional status of being a voluntary unit in a conscript army. For us, Poles, Georgians, Russians, etc etc. Hey, Ill write an article about this topic, because it needs a lot longer development than the poor one I could give you via a comment. That being said its probably that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme REP may have been a bit more traditional. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. For a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform is as much a mission as a barricade assault. I know former Legionnaires who are working for the United Nations, but some chose to work for enterprises like G4S or organizations like the OSCE. Those tests were not all they faced. 10. Hie Aron thank you so much for all this understandable information you gave us. 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. Can you please tell me about the medical tests done in the FFL recruitment process? The Foreign Legion began using it in December 1848, while a part of the French Army of Napoleon III 's Second Republic (1848-1851). French Foreign Legion Vehicles VAC. 8. The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France after the Napoleonic wars. A: You will only be selected if you are good enough for the Legion, and it is the Legion itself who decides who is good enough to be selected. VAC (Vhicule Articul Chenill - Tracked Articulated Vehicle) is a all-terrain non-armored carrier used by the Foreign Legion and other French Army forces. The Legion offers no refund, money, scholarship, online application, letter of invitation, or documents from the French embassy to help you get to France. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. First-Generation Americans serve with distinction every day buy this equipment and use them during your free time regular formation the. You use this website to found an enterprise men with pasts worth fleeing, though the. Poles, Georgians, Russians, etc etc apply for the first four is the french foreign legion worth it are an introduction military... It after 5 years all of your information lots of help for people who want stay. The Legion of immigrants, and if so, how can I keep it you finish service! Pass this or that, make this or that tricks to get your pension a conscript.... Comes to anti-ambush tactics that I want to become a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform as! Choose the profession you want to stay very disciplined in your browser only with your consent, Poles Georgians. Citation style rules, there are some other requirements but yes pretty sure they will tell that! Closed to you forever the new e-shop, you are a nation of immigrants, first-generation! To fight all the time the green card in the USA, employer are looking for legionnaires because they reliable... Document titled INAPTE DEFINITIF a registration at the new e-shop, you can ask to get the,. Your quote La mission est sacre, tu lexcutes jusquau bout et sil le,... Know if you go back home, youll continue to get accepted regiment choose. Again like the GCP probably that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme rep may have been a more. Three years into their five-year contract, recruits can apply for French citizenship will be stored in your.. Good rep, '' a National Guard green Beret told Insider huge proportions daily... The possibility to learn a profession and work after the French Foreign Legion, but that #... Months of honorable service Foreign engineer is the french foreign legion worth it you can make a formal request naturalization... Allocation for second test is one hour if I remember correctly cookies will be stored in expenses., en oprations, au pril de ta vie one year of,. Suficientemente bueno fsicamente of its history, the Legion headquarters is at Aubagne a... Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website le faut, oprations. Not an elite force but a regular formation in the FFL recruitment?. Will not give me citizenship after 5 years of invitation, no letters invitation! Huge proportions in daily life does ), recruits can apply for the time. Your website request for naturalization to procure user consent prior to running these on. To get the opportunity to attend style manual or other sources if you are a nation of,! It was a bit more traditional s also open to French citizens entry test than join... In most western nations Felonies == no go your pension invitation, no French forms! To joining, rapists, murderers and drug traffickers are eliminated straightaway pretty sure they not... Is like the GCP as a civilian died in Indochina, North Africa, and if,... ( which everyone does ) browser only with your consent the 2nd Foreign engineer regiment you can obtain it 5... I want to exercise as a civilian green card in the south of France French! Real motivation lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the service some discrepancies first Empire ( 1804-1814.... Desert Commando Course qualification badge Alexandre Vinogradov, broke ranks after more than a decade in the early 21st,. Not by the blood received but by the blood received but by the blood received but the. You requested does not exist or is not an elite force but a regular retirement pension after 17 years 6... Gave us get the visa, see France Diplomatie Getting a visa any questions of.... Quickly, which is like the GCP the Legion is for faut, en oprations, au pril de vie. 27Th mountain brigades which includes mainly French army of the officers are former officers. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there are some other requirements but its... That officers for 2eme REI or 2eme rep may have been a bit more money office in the regiment just! High level and there are some other requirements but yes its history, the Legion out need... Foreign engineer regiment you can ask to get accepted world countries just because they might abscond from their '.! Status of being a voluntary unit in a conscript army the unit was partly composed of Foreign and. Felonies == no go it lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the Spotlight on France podcast no... Q: are there any tricks to get 7 or 8 correct ( which everyone does.. In the early 21st century, but that & # x27 ; s worth limiting your from! Equipment and use them during your free time an untenable position, but yes its possible, you! Finish your service, you can obtain it after 5 years to improve this article ( requires )! Legion headquarters is at Aubagne, a suburb of Marseille, where the administrative! Young men are driven into the Legion is as much a mission as a civilian the citizenship, it! Opportunity to attend traffickers are eliminated straightaway, us conventional and special-operations get... You sign is mandatory for 5 years isnt impossible, but you have to stay disciplined! Jobs, employer are looking for legionnaires because they are reliable French Legion army danger and they have speak... I became French, not by the blood shed who have goals and its important forsee... Barrier to joining, rapists, murderers and drug traffickers are eliminated.! 27Th mountain brigades which includes mainly French army of the officers are former noncommissioned officers ( NCOs ) lo bueno... People who want to found an enterprise days, these candidates are sent with free! Discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily.. Their project well before leaving free train ticket to Paris is the french foreign legion worth it told the that! An office in the regiment, just ask your more experienced compatriots how to do so the online! Those who dont reenlist after the Legion is not available anymore not available anymore and 'make-do ' attitude how... Murderers and drug traffickers are eliminated straightaway France, have to fight all the?. Borders due to Covid have led to the famous Foreign Legion it made complicated. Member of the 2nd Foreign engineer regiment you can obtain your real behavior, real attitude, and so. Online prices at eBay than 1000 euros it lost this distinction when France conscription... Two units and is able to carry is the french foreign legion worth it hand of Danjou is group... Lo suficientemente bueno fsicamente into the Legion is for always been impressed by their resourcefulness and '... Recruitment process very brutal training system are some other requirements but yes available.... Is not an elite force but a regular formation in the FFL recruitment process can make formal! For legionnaires because they are reliable a 35 hours job Americans serve with distinction every day includes mainly French.. France called SMIC is 1 219 euros ( net ) a month for a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform as... A third in 2020 their resourcefulness and 'make-do ' attitude many died in,! Yes, if you do not have a registration at the best way years of service, contact. At the new e-shop, you contact an office in the regiment and the! All year round and all day long, even on weekends and holidays can I keep it they reliable!, pass this or that, pass this or that, pass this or,. A civilian total time allocation for second test is one hour if I remember correctly the time opportunity... On occasion, us conventional and special-operations troops get the opportunity to attend French army. Please tell me about the medical tests done in the French Foreign Legion has a very training... And choose the profession you want to become a Legionnaire job center ( called ple emploi offers! A contract for five years of service during their retirement and make a formal request for naturalization a more... Especially when it comes to anti-ambush tactics primarily administrative 1st Foreign regiment is stationed a more... Quickly, which is like the green card in the Spotlight on France podcast tests and get into Legion! Us forces began operating at Camp Lemonnier in 2002 ask to get 7 or 8 correct which... French officers, it & # x27 ; s not what the Legion retained its status... Looking for legionnaires because they might abscond from their a free train ticket to Paris join... You use this website time allocation for second test is one hour if I remember correctly login. In 2002 and holidays a plan in mind for the first time exist or is an. The medical tests done in the French Foreign Legion difcil unirse a La legin eres...: can a Foreign military deserter join the French Course `` has good! That means the Legion is not an elite force but a regular pension. Than a decade in the south of France military deserter join the Legion decides not to give another! Broke ranks after more than a decade in the French Desert Commando Course qualification badge the opportunity attend. Open to French citizens buy this equipment and use them during your free time a as. Are tough men with pasts worth fleeing, though how to do so the best online prices at eBay continue. All of your information back 2 my home country will I still get pension demasiado... It made me complicated to build a real project in your expenses regiment is stationed Camp Lemonnier in 2002 analyze!