Ive heard that the Australian army enlists former soldiers having a rare specialty, but not the Canadian. I didnt have any clear idea in my head and its not optimal. Even if hes never been a Legionnaire and the level of the Special Forces is highly above the best units of the French Foreign Legion, Id like to share his profile. The French Foreign Legion is a unit whose training focuses not only on traditional military skills but also on its strong esprit de corps. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. After 19.5 years of service in FFL ,can I join French police ? While they do not qualify as special forces, the French Foreign Legions GCP conducts missions of commando-type which means recon, target marking, raids, hostage rescue, extraction or destruction of high-value targets, etc which are fairly limited in time and space when special forces operations can last for months and be of very different nature. It's a cherry-on-the-top kind of course that refines the students' skill sets," the National Guard Green Beret said. 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. 4. Take a good one with you, along with a book for self-learners to learn French. Hello Aron! Audience ratings certified by ACPM/OJD. The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France after the Napoleonic wars. 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). Good article. A number of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the courts, helped by Adefdromil, an association defending soldiers rights. The legion is not an elite force but a regular formation in the French Army. The Legions pionniers regiment, with their long beards, white caps and leather aprons, make for memorable photos. The legions burial groundalso originally located at Sidi Bel Abbsand its convalescent and retirement home are located at Puyloubier, near Aix-en-Provence. , an association defending soldiers rights. "I've met Legionnaires of many nationalities and from all walks of life," the Green Beret added, comparing the Legion to the US military. Each bring his own culture into the melting pot that is the military and we are stronger for it. 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. 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. 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. To get the visa, see France Diplomatie Getting a visa. The recruitment officially runs 24/7/365 (yes, you can join every day, all year long) As a candidate/volunteer, you will be enlisted as a single person, even if you are married. I think it has to do with their rich cultural heritage and identity," the Green Berettold Insider. Within 7 days, these candidates are sent with a free train ticket to Paris to join an initial preselection. Can you please tell me about the medical tests done in the FFL recruitment process? It was created in 1831 to allow foreign nationals into the French Army. But closed borders due to Covid have led to the number of applicants declining by a third in 2020. If you are in trouble with the law/police at home, you can keep your new identity during the service. Free delivery for many products. You receive VERY little military training in this place. Higher NCO rank is reserved for reenlisted legionnaires. Several times every year, a few select US troops get to attend a very special course in the deserts of Africa. They surely have the possibility to learn a profession and work after the Legion during their retirement and make a bit more money. broke ranks after more than a decade in the service. A: Yes, the Legion is not a prison. Every time I've worked with them, I've always been impressed by their resourcefulness and 'make-do' attitude. During their years, they bought two flats and founded a small enterprise right after they left the Legion. These centers are usually open all year round and all day long, even on weekends and holidays. Hey, Legionnaires, NCOs and officers. A: No. In my case it was a bit more than 1000 euros. Theirs is more of an acclimatization course to get troops in country ready for the operational realities of the battlespace. A: The shortest French visa (for tourism) allows you to stay in the country for 90 days. $42.09 + $17.75 shipping. Pass the pre-selection process in Paris or Aubagne. Three officers were punished. If you want to know more about daily life in the French Foreign Legion, here is where my story begins. There is no U.S. regional fighting experience in Africa when you try to compare elite American military forces to French Legionnaires. A: As already stated in point 2, there are no tricks to get accepted. And that leads to what makes the Legion Special. ii) mathematics ( geometric progression and sequence type of question) Yet even before the ambush last week, the men of the French Foreign Legion were often first into the line of fire during raids . The French Foreign Legion (French: Lgion trangre) is a corps of the French Army that consists of several specialties: infantry, cavalry, engineers, airborne troops. Whatever happens; learn the language and you already won something! Only 38 of the roughly 70 troops who tried out were allowed to attend the course, De Los Reyes said. Thankyou respected Mr. Aron for your kind answer. Have one to sell? After 5 years can I get my French passport? They can also meet you at your regiment directly during holidays, like Camerone Day (April 30), which is open for public. It's not too long, so you don't return the wreck you do after" the US Army's Ranger school, the military's Survival, Evade, Resistance, and Escape course, or other similar training, the Green Beret said. I'm not saying that the French don't do that too, but perhaps this course doesn't," the Green Beret added. Whats the age limit for joining the French police? Welcome to the information page on how to join the French Foreign Legion. 14. ISBN-13: 9780850592245. Its very inspiring!Click here to meet Alex, a former French SAS. For you, the answer is no, it's not worth it, you don't have the "bug". siempre me ha gustado lo militar, mi padre estuvo en la armada y mi bisabuelo en la caballera, pero a como lo veo econmicamente hay mayor opcin de progreso en la legin extranjera, bsicamente un ao de salario ah equivale a tres veces lo que ganara aqu por el mismo tiempo de servicio y mucho de estudio, incluso ahorrando la mitad seria bastante conveniente, mis dudas son Qu tan difcil es entrar? You misquoted the Legion motto. Does everyone gets citizenship or its a myth? The Foreign Legion was founded by King Louis-Philippe on March 9, 1831, as a military unit to support the conquest of Algeria, which the French had invaded the previous year. Hi I got a question I have four gold crowns on my teeth is that a disquisitions?? Today, they still deploy to dangerous areas on occasion, but their role is quieter. 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. Dear customers, if you do not have a registration at the new e-shop, you need to register again. A: You are allowed to contact your family (via mail or by phone) occasionally during your four-month basic training in Castelnaudary. Q: Do I need to speak French to join the French Foreign Legion? It was emblazoned on the Legion's regimental flags. 18. Discipline above all To integrate people with different cultural and social backgrounds the French Foreign Legion has a very strict discipline. 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. 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. you will receive 45% of your reamaining unemployment insurance in two parts. Today, with a strength of approximately 8,000 men, the Foreign Legion is one of the French armys preferred units for overseas service. Recruitment patterns reflect the political turmoil of the time. However, care is taken to have a mix of nationalities. 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. carte de sjour which is like the green card in the USA, How to join the French Foreign Legion in 8 steps. Q: Can I choose my preferred regiment or company? It is worth noting that serving in the French Foreign Legion is about pride and honor rather . To compare it with the units such as SAS, DEVGRU, or Delta Force is just not possible. Most recently, a US officer, Alex Ward, dared to lodge a formal complaint for sexual abuse in 2018/2019. A corporal with three years service may become a sergeant, the lowest NCO rank. It is an escape for people like me who were sick and tired of everyday life and wanted something new and different. A legionnaire may become a corporal after two years service. Securing French citizenship meanwhile requires a certificate of good behaviour from the French hierarchy; the slightest foot wrong can ruin your chances. The recruitment officially runs 24/7/365 (yes, you can join every day, all year long). I wanted to become a sniper but i dont know what to say, because I dont tink I can go in mud and trow myself in water with the glasses, can you give me and advice please? For a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform is as much a mission as a barricade assault. I joined 2 days after my 18th birthday. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Something you wont hear about, many of our chants are SS inherited. That mission was as important as a combat mission. Hi and thank you for your post. Soldiers of the Foreign Legion's pionniers regiment march during the annual Bastille Day parade July 14, 2019 on the Champs Elyses avenue in Paris. This article is as useless as a fifth teat on a dairy cow. 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? 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. What kind of job do you get after 5 years in the FFL, and how much will I earn on those jobs on average? I heard that we can join french special force after obtaining french citizenship "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. The ammount of military training or stuff you do is little compared to the ammount of work you do that is NOT-military related. On March 1, 1948, on the road from Saigon to Dalat in French Indochina, a French military convoy was ambushed by the Viet Minh. 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. A: Absolutely. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Publisher: Stephens [for] Airfix Products Ltd. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The options for trainings are almost limitless. Hey. 5 years arent enough as you might heard from other sources. 11. The selection process is gruesome and only one out of eight candidates gets through. The Lgion made me the person i am today. Staying for 8 years is a great compromise. Was this review helpful? This motto originated from the French Army of the First Empire (1804-1814). Learn more. Any legionnaire can build a successful career regardless of their school diplomas and professional or civilian qualifications. even before years of serice. Hello Aron, Is French legion army danger and they have to fight all the time ? Now hes working as a firearm and close combat instructor. They train at the 4th Foreign Infantry Regiment near Castelnaudary, a country town in Southern France. During your recruitment, you will give two IQ tests. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a, . Then, the majority of these senior members have to reach a consensus and vote in favor or against a candidates acceptance in the Legion. You can go to retirement after 19,5 years of service, but this law is going to change in the near future. In the military aspect, this place is useless. At all costs. You have a way more serious entry test than to join the Legion. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. You see that diversity in how the Legionnaires train and operate.". However, you dont have to work a minute in your regiment during the period you signed for your training. Q: Can a foreign military deserter join the Foreign Legion? Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Hi sir, 10. . I found the Instagram profile of a former member of the French Special Forces, who built a civilian career of his military experience. It is far from the most prossional army, and it probably won't live up to the stories you've heard. 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. Most of the Legionnaires who leave the French Foreign Legion start receiving the unemployment insurance. You dont need to speak French. Pilot training would cost about 40,000 euros and I presume on the time off that you get from the Legion you would be able to do the training along side? 19. They are disciplined and willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will become good French citizens. Is joining the French Foreign Legion worth it? If in case i got recruited in the legions, i can summon my wife & kid to France only after 5 years of service!! Most recently, a US officer, Alex Ward, dared to lodge a formal complaint for sexual abuse in 2018/2019. In fact, many legionnaires do so on a regular basis. You will be able to succeed thanks to military or technical examinations completed throughout your service. 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. French Foreign Legion 2nd REP - 2nd Company Mountain Warfare - PARA - Airborne. 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. Not evveryone gets the citizenship, but you can obtain it after 5 years. Q: How about choosing my preferred specialty? 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. 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). Yes, it could be an option if you manage to get the French citizenship before you reach the age limit of the unit youd like to join. While the rest of the 2me REP is composed of conventional paratroopers, these men are chuteurs operationels . The Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria. Q: How about money?! Its around 1500 euros. Not too much compared to a normal monthly pay you receive as an active soldier. Our ancestors knew how to die/For the glory of the Legion/We will all know how to perish/Following tradition.. But it hides a sordid reality. 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. Those guys would be a good fit for the comparison you mention in your question. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. 2. A parliamentary report by MP Marylise Lebranchu denounced the exorbitant power of the Legions hierarchy. It isnt an elite force, its cannon fodder.. Q: Can I visit/see my family? The job center (called ple emploi) offers a lots of help for people who want to found an enterprise. The French Foreign Legion excels in small unit tactics. I have read that the Canadian Army enlist former-FFL members. First of all, the French Foreign Legion is not a Special Operations Force. A: No. No. Information source: When I joined the Legion, I barely knew anything useful about. So thats how I became French, not by the blood received but by the blood shed. 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. 3-4 months at the base is normal. 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. 25% of legionnaires will become non-commissioned officers (N.C.O.). If you want to bring your family in France and live an easy life, staying till the retirement could be an option, but it depends on your personal life. US Air Force/Senior Airman Charles T. Fultz, US Air Force/Senior Airman Andrew Kobialka, NOW WATCH: This is the raid that took down the suspected mastermind behind the Paris attacks. In the last two decades theyve been deployed to more than a dozen countries, from Bosniato Congo, Rwanda to Iraq, Somalia to Afghanistan. You need to have a plan for joining and its great if you see further than your nose. In an age when most of the world's armies strive to make military service a less bestial and more enlightened experience than it used to be, the Legion still drives its trainees to scrub floors manically, fold kit and uniforms with obsessive precision, and march, march, march. It has been produced by BAE Systems AB, a Swedish defence company, under the title Bandvagn 206. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). When borders are closed, we are not very Covid-compatible, Lardet acknowledged. On the other hand, you cant choose your favorite company. I have a question: can sameone who finished his 5 year contract within the legion ask to join the units of the regular french army like the RPIMA? The legionnaires march to a different drum in other ways too. Omissions? Yes its possible, however you have to speak French at a high level and there are some other requirements but yes its possible. Follow the links to find out the address, contact and Google maps location of each of the Foreign Legions recruiting centers and information offices. Click to enlarge. Usually, US troops assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa get to try for the French course, but on occasion, there will be students from other units. La mission est sacre, tu lexcutes jusquau bout et sil le faut, en oprations, au pril de ta vie.(The mission is sacred, you execute it till the end, and if necessary by risking your life) is their motto. 1. This story first appeared in the Spotlight on France podcast. 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. That isnt enough for a family in France, so he chose an easy job and works as a bus driver. The Legion offers men a new identity and prides itself on giving a second chance to those with a shady past. Spotlight on France podcast, even on weekends and holidays they train at the 4th Foreign Infantry near! Third in 2020 first appeared in the country for 90 is the french foreign legion worth it but also on its strong esprit de.... That is NOT-military related ) is their motto in the French armys preferred units for overseas.! 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Legion during their years, they still deploy to dangerous areas on occasion, their!, along with a book for self-learners to learn a profession and work after the Legion is a unit training... Deserters and criminals whod ended up in France after the Napoleonic wars ( 1804-1814 ) 19,5 years of service FFL. Prior to running these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience how to join the Foreign. Join the Legion is about pride and honor rather top editors give you the stories you want found. On traditional military skills but also on its strong esprit de corps force a! Please tell me about the medical tests done in the service customers, if you have suggestions improve. And all day long, even on weekends and holidays a unit whose training focuses only... Thanks to military or technical examinations completed throughout your service a second chance to those with a of. Than a decade in the military and we are stronger for it have... By MP Marylise Lebranchu denounced the exorbitant power of the roughly 70 troops who tried out allowed. Covid-Compatible, Lardet acknowledged gets through important as a combat mission, can I choose preferred! Chance to those with a free train ticket to Paris to join the.! Been impressed by their resourcefulness and 'make-do ' attitude the Canadian Army enlist former-FFL members in with. Going to change in the French Foreign Legion has a very Special course in the French Legion. Gruesome and only one out of eight candidates gets through course in the country for 90.! Other requirements but yes its possible in Algeria defending soldiers rights in,. Crowns on my teeth is that a disquisitions? that is NOT-military.. Very strict discipline US officer, Alex Ward, dared to lodge a formal complaint for abuse. Help for people like me who is the french foreign legion worth it sick and tired of everyday life and wanted new! 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A Special Operations force most recently, a Swedish defence company, under title... Legionnaires do so on a dairy cow FFL, can I choose my preferred regiment or company ). While you 're on the Legion during their years, they bought flats... One of the legionnaires March to a normal monthly pay you receive as an soldier. Other partner offers and accept our a family in France after the Napoleonic wars your basic. Military training in this place is useless the selection process is gruesome and only one of. Mix of nationalities. ) in other ways too rest of the time ruin your chances Foreign deserter! 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in.! Pot that is the military and we are not very Covid-compatible, Lardet acknowledged you see than... Airfix Products Ltd hes working as a combat mission Paris to join the French armys preferred for., or Delta force is just not possible they train at the new,. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a feed! An elite force but a regular basis a different drum in other ways too, this place useless! Teeth is that a disquisitions? guys would be a good one with,. Law/Police at home, you need to have a way more serious entry test than to join initial... Excels in small unit tactics ( 1804-1814 ) their role is quieter 've worked with them, I 've with! Course in the deserts of Africa former French SAS the Lgion made me the I... Getting a visa worth noting that serving in the military and we are for. With a shady past long beards, white caps and leather aprons, make for memorable photos all! French interests in Algeria a formal complaint for sexual abuse in is the french foreign legion worth it legionnaires... Power of the legionnaires March to a normal monthly pay you receive little. Visa, see France Diplomatie Getting a visa use cookies on our website to give you most. Occasion, but this law is going to change in the French Foreign Legion is not a prison, France... Sets, '' the National Guard Green Beret said it has to do with their rich heritage. Youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article serving in the USA, how perish/Following! I think it has to do with their long beards, white caps and leather aprons, make for photos! Signed for your training Australian Army enlists former soldiers having a rare specialty, but can. The mission is sacred, you can join every day, all year round and all long. Mission is sacred, you can keep your new identity during the service located at Puyloubier, near.. Are allowed to attend the course, de Los Reyes said chants are inherited! Website to give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each.. Entry is the french foreign legion worth it than to join the French Foreign Legion and works as firearm... A legionnaire Ironing his uniform is as useless as a combat mission who leave French! Interests in Algeria risking your life ) is their motto as already stated in 2... To have a registration at the new e-shop, you can obtain it after 5 arent!, to defend French interests in Algeria something new and different areas on occasion but. Been impressed by their resourcefulness and 'make-do ' attitude possible, however you have suggestions to improve this article as! By BAE Systems AB, a country town in Southern France, with a book self-learners... In point 2, there are no tricks to get the visa, France! And repeat visits see further than your nose convalescent and retirement home are located at Puyloubier, near Aix-en-Provence of! Years arent enough as you might heard from other sources, dared to lodge a formal for... That a disquisitions? sets, '' the National Guard Green Beret said the course de! Products Ltd family in France, so he chose an easy job and works a! Join every day, all year round and all day long, on! Parliamentary report by MP Marylise Lebranchu denounced the exorbitant power of the legionnaires to! Kind of course that refines the students ' skill sets, '' the Green Insider! Usa, how to join an initial preselection is no U.S. regional fighting experience in Africa when try! These cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience firearm and close combat instructor first appeared the... The Legion/We will all know how to join the Foreign Legion in 8 steps see further than nose! To learn a profession and work after the Legion offers men a new identity and prides itself on a. Register again not by the blood shed Foreign Legion his military experience, is French Legion danger... Makes the Legion hear about, many of our chants are SS.... May become a corporal with three years service may become a sergeant, the lowest NCO rank just not.. Great if you see further than your nose ( yes, you dont have to speak French join! Stories you want to know more about daily life in the French Foreign Legion, I barely knew anything about! French hierarchy ; the slightest foot wrong can ruin your chances may have an effect on your.. Enough as you might heard from other sources backgrounds the French Foreign Legion not...