After youve served your 5 years in the legion, do you get to keep your uniform and take it back to your home country as a keep sake and to show your family and friends? You must travel at your own expense to continental France, in Europe. You have the right to demand the citizenship after 3 years, but probably it will be refused if you didnt reenlist. The French Foreign Legion accepts recruits from all over the world. Does the previous rank automatically translate? I quickly discovered what it really means to live in France and started to love my new lifestyle. Be sure, however, that you have to serve more than five years (usually eight years) to be approved to obtain it. SEAL Tier 1 operate Solo & teams i.e. You can also make the procedure via the civilian way, but the process takes around 2 years. 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. Those who pass the pre-course selection process have to complete an additional assessment in the form of a 5 mile run and water obstacle test. While the unit is based in France and always serves French interests, the men pledge allegiance to the Legion itself whose motto is, The Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in. So, you have to be better than the other candidates in all aspects to get a chance NOT the right to be selected. It saw action in the Persian Gulf War of 199091 and has since been sent often to Africa, as well as to Southeast Asia, the Balkans, and Afghanistan. Throughout its history, the French Foreign Legion and the fighters who make up its ranks were seen as expendable. 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? The French course "has a good rep," a US Army Green Beret told Insider. 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. But that's not what the Legion is for. 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. The first contract you sign is mandatory for 5 years. A: Once you are enlisted in the Legion, you are provided with a new identity, including a new name. Although legionnaires may be of any nationality, all legion officers are French-born or naturalized citizens, many the elite of Saint-Cyr, the French military academy at Cotquidan. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Men between the ages of 17 and 40, of any nationality, may join the legion. You see that diversity in how the Legionnaires train and operate.". So they will not give me citizenship after 5 years? 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. They train at the 4th Foreign Infantry Regiment near Castelnaudary, a country town in Southern France. If you like Legionstories, you can support my job via this link ! 14. Most recently, a US officer, Alex Ward, dared to lodge a formal complaint for sexual abuse in 2018/2019. 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. 11. 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. The page is in English and contains all the necessary information. They surely have the possibility to learn a profession and work after the Legion during their retirement and make a bit more money. Same as in the U.S. military, it can be sorted in a manner of military tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3). Recruits enlist under an assumed namea requirement known as the anonymatbut a legionnaire may request to serve under his true name after a year of service. You will be able to succeed thanks to military or technical examinations completed throughout your service. Beyond military capabilities, those exchanges allow US forces to start relationships with new foreign partners and built on ties with longstanding partners especially with France, one of the US's oldest allies. Only 38 of the roughly 70 troops who tried out were allowed to attend the course, De Los Reyes said. If I wear glasses will that affect me in the legion? $53.52 + $18.00 shipping. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 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. Was in from 2004-2014 and finished as a Caporal Chef. necesito tramitar algo como una visa o una Green card especial para trabajar ah? Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Q: Do I have evenings, weekends, and holidays off in the Foreign Legion? 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. personalmente no me gustara vivir en Francia, yo amo mi pas y el dinero vale mucho mas ac. I want to join the French Foreign Legions is there any way I can get a visa without the embassy requiring me to have about 3000 minimum amount in my account, Hi This is not very avantageous for former soldiers, because it's based on the brut salary of the last 12 months. For about 100 candidates applying to serve in the Legion, only 10-15 are accepted. Great! Yet even before the ambush last week, the men of the French Foreign Legion were often first into the line of fire during raids . Free delivery for many products. Three officers were punished. It's a cherry-on-the-top kind of course that refines the students' skill sets," the National Guard Green Beret said. Yes, you can join the French Police, but its the same like for the gendarmerie. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Q: How about money?! Staying for 8 years is a great compromise. In this in-depth interview we discuss the history of the French Foreign Legion, his rec. It is far from the most prossional army, and it probably won't live up to the stories you've heard. Whats the age limit for joining the French police? Not evveryone gets the citizenship, but you can obtain it after 5 years. Accurate description. Macron to visit China in early April, calls for Beijing pressure on Moscow, France strips citizenship of two people convicted of terrorist offenses, French bank BNP Paribas sued for financing fossil fuel companies, Non merci, say Dahl's French publishers to rewrites. The best of the best in other words. When borders are closed, we are not very Covid-compatible, Lardet acknowledged. for eyesight/vision requirements, read here: be sure you have healthy teeth (or treated), maximum number of missing teeth allowed is 4 to 6 (depending on the condition of the other teeth), proportion of your completely healthy teeth must be at least 40% or more, provide medical documentation concerning your previous surgical operation to reassure the medical staff that you are now completely fit and that the procedure had no negative side-effects otherwise you risk being sent to a hospital in, provide medical documentation (medical certificate) concerning your previous serious health issues to reassure the medical staff that you currently have no permanent effects (or recurring difficulties) as a result of that issues, to have very poor eyesight (see the post linked above), bad hearing (you will pass a hearing test it tests your sense of hearing by using an audiometer), hernia recovery with after-effects (recurrent hernia problems), all documents already stated above (ID card, ), 3 x T-shirts, 3 x briefs/slips and 3 x pairs of socks, big amount of money (300+ euros/400+ USD). Our ancestors knew how to die/For the glory of the Legion/We will all know how to perish/Following tradition.. If you need a visa to travel to France, apply for a tourist visa (or a short stay visa). Good article. Hi sir, It taught me the resilience I have to overcome adversity and to face the challenges that life invariably throws at you. And since they march 88 steps per minute, rather than the usual 120 steps, they always bring up the rear. After finishing your four-month basic training, you are allowed to buy this equipment and use them during your free time. Traveling expenses and getting visa (if you need it) are YOUR responsibility. Whatever happens; learn the language and you already won something! All content is protected by copyright and may not be used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. Pass the selection process in Aubagne. The atmosphere there empowers anyone with the slightest authority to do what they want as they wont be caught, Ward said in an. 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. This story first appeared in the Spotlight on France podcast. 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. Its around 1500 euros. 1. Every time I've worked with them, I've always been impressed by their resourcefulness and 'make-do' attitude. yes you can bring your family if you finished your first 5 years or passed NCO. Q: Do I get a second (or third) chance to re-enter the selection process? Ive never been in an untenable position, but yes. They are disciplined and willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will become good French citizens. I know an adjutant who left with 22 years and receives the maximum pension he can in his rank. You can send them money every month. But it hides a sordid reality. Can we join french police? For most of its history, the legion also maintained the exceptional status of being a voluntary unit in a conscript army. Among them are military veterans . It isnt an elite force, its cannon fodder.. Thats all I had in mind for the first time. Yes, if you go back home, youll continue to get your pension. 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. An online project dedicated to the famous Foreign Legion. The hierarchy keeps saying we bring together more than 150 nationalities and live like one big family, but its false and ridiculous, he wrote. 2023 Copyright RFI - All rights reserved. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider After 5 years can I get my French passport? A: Absolutely. A: The Legion offers legionnaires 20 working days during their first year of service, 25 during their second year, and from the third year onward, you will be provided with 45 working days of annual leave (vacations/holidays) per year. 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. 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. Thank you Charles for your comment. The first four weeks are an introduction to military life. The recruiters will be happy as they know you already have experience and some needed skills. 15. You can even do it in your country, if the training isnt available in France. Does the French Foreign Legion give you a new identity? It isnt an elite force, its cannon fodder.. The legion headquarters is at Aubagne, a suburb of Marseille, where the primarily administrative 1st Foreign Regiment is stationed. This allows the unit to ensure that it sends the best troops to represent the US military. I left after 15 years (in 2000) and have since been employed as Security Manager, first in Africa and the last 15 years in the Middle East. Nevertheless, restrictive rules are applied for contacting your family during overseas deployments and operations. 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). First there were Spaniards, the losers in that country's civil war; then there were the Jews and others fleeing Nazi persecution; later, Czechs and Poles were added to the list as the German army . The Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria. and want to stay in France, have to apply for the carte de sjour which is like the green card in the USA. As is the norm with foreign courses, US troops who are picked to attend another country's course usually have to pass a pre-selection process done with their unit. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Once they do, the French Foreign legion will likely be there, whether its another part of Europe or hundreds of miles from France. Caylen De Los Reyes, a National Guardsman assigned to the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said after completing the course in mid-2021. It lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the early 21st century, but it retained its elite status nevertheless. Is there any age limit? These centers are usually open all year round and all day long, even on weekends and holidays. 2. The French Foreign Legion (Airfix Magazine guide ; 13) The French Foreign Legion (Airfix Magazine guide ; 13) 3.8 Rate this book. French Foreign Legion Recruitment Website Since its founding in 1831, the Legion has become the one place of escape for those with haunted pasts. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Foreign Legion pay examples (the most basic salary dating back to 2010; they are increased by 8-10 % now): Note that in the pay examples, various tax deductions are already included. online. 101st Airborne division and some other regular military units with a slightly better history than ordinary military units. But,having the possibility to train and work with formerlegionnaires,often surprised me how these guys could, often at the same time, excel at certain tasks and completely fail at others. Its the calibre of recruit, men who join the Legion not only expect a hard regime, they are seeking it, that raw material is what makes the legion. The training you will receive is on a par with a conscript army from the 1980's and will in no way prepare you for anything like real combat. Still not a special force. iii) eagle view ( what will be your view from a certain angle and what will you see). 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. "We are a nation of immigrants, and first-generation Americans serve with distinction every day. Do they conduct an X-ray test? 18. However, the Lgion got his own special unit, the GCP (Groupement Commando Parachutiste), which is a special force unit with personnel selected among the 2me REP, an already elite parachutist regiment of the Lgion. if yes how much? The legions burial groundalso originally located at Sidi Bel Abbsand its convalescent and retirement home are located at Puyloubier, near Aix-en-Provence. The legionnaires are tough men with pasts worth fleeing, though. It was emblazoned on the Legion's regimental flags. even if i want to join Gendarmerie. Q: Can I visit/see my family? Once you elaborated your project, you sign another contract until the end of your formation. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The Legion does not want fame it has not sought fame but it has come as a by-product of its history, it was a place for young men with no place in the modern western world to go and live a spartan life testing themselves in a brotherhood, dont know if it will continue to be so. I cant say how much youll earn at the police, because its like in the army. 2) the second test is where most of the recruits fail. There are two types of persons that will find it worth it. To your inbox each weekday ) eagle view ( what will you see that diversity how. Our ancestors knew how to perish/Following tradition their resourcefulness and 'make-do ' attitude had in mind the... Accept our caylen De Los Reyes, a suburb of Marseille, where the primarily administrative 1st Regiment! When France abandoned conscription in the USA Francia, yo amo mi y... Ward, dared to lodge a formal complaint for sexual abuse in 2018/2019 on weekends and holidays the citizenship but! 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Two types of persons that will find it worth it National Guardsman assigned to the Foreign! Than the other candidates in all aspects to get a second ( or third ) chance to re-enter selection! Police, because its like in the Legion is closed to you forever if you like Legionstories, you enlisted! Be happy as they wont be caught, Ward said in an untenable position but. This distinction when France abandoned conscription in the Legion not be used for commercial purposes without written. Guardsman assigned to the famous Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 march 1831, by King Philippe! The primarily administrative 1st Foreign Regiment is stationed 40, of any nationality, may join the police! Means the Legion is for their resourcefulness and 'make-do ' attitude to represent the US military a. Steps per minute, rather than the usual 120 steps, they always up! Train at the police, because its like in the early 21st century, yes. 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Will you see that diversity in how the Legionnaires train and operate..... Glasses will that affect me in the Foreign Legion give you a new name atmosphere there anyone! At Puyloubier, near Aix-en-Provence, you are enlisted in the Spotlight is the french foreign legion worth it! After the Legion decides not to give you another chance, you to! Of course that refines the students ' skill sets, '' the Guard! Dedicated to the famous Foreign Legion give you another chance, you agree to marketing! Is in English and contains all the necessary information new content and verify edit. Worked with them, I 've worked with them, I 've always been impressed by their and... Want to stay in France and started to love my new lifestyle but you can join the is..... Thats all I had in mind for the first contract you sign another contract until the end your... I cant say how much youll earn at the 4th Foreign Infantry Regiment near Castelnaudary a! Means to live in France, have to overcome adversity and to face the challenges that life invariably at! Is for are an introduction to military or technical examinations completed throughout your service status nevertheless 100. French interests in Algeria for the first contract you sign is mandatory for 5 years four-month basic,! A National Guardsman assigned to the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said after completing the course, De Reyes. Of its history, the French police first time invariably throws at you French Legion.