Q: Can I visit/see my family? In this in-depth interview we discuss the history of the French Foreign Legion, his rec. A: No. Still not a special force. How is life after the French Foreign Legion? 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. It is far from the most prossional army, and it probably won't live up to the stories you've heard. 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. Recruitment patterns reflect the political turmoil of the time. Parliament was so concerned about the Legion losing its foreign DNA that in June 2020 it voted emergency measures to extend the usual age limits and lengths of contract, allowing former legionnaires to be re-recruited. 15 mins read. Several times every year, a few select US troops get to attend a very special course in the deserts of Africa. WeAreLegion1863 10 yr. ago. 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. 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? The French Foreign Legion in my opinion, is the most professional military force in the world. The French Foreign Legion had always attracted the dispossessed of every land, and in the 1930s there were plenty of refugees throughout Europe. So, you have to be better than the other candidates in all aspects to get a chance NOT the right to be selected. A few times a year, select US troops get to attend a very special course in the deserts of Africa. The most interesting is that the bonuses you got for your qualifications or family status dont count. "I've met Legionnaires of many nationalities and from all walks of life," the Green Beret added, comparing the Legion to the US military. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. 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 . To get the visa, see France Diplomatie Getting a visa. Contents hide 1 Introduction The Lgion made me the person i am today. Legionnaires operate as large or small teams. There is no U.S. regional fighting experience in Africa when you try to compare elite American military forces to French Legionnaires. Spec Ops Magazine 2023 All Rights Reserved. Picture Information. 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. 9. 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. Thank you for your interest! Id like to know if former FFL majors get any kind of pension pls, after contracts over 10 years. I recommend you go to college and get a decent normal life. Your salary depends upon your rank, qualifications, place of service, and years of service. 101st Airborne division and some other regular military units with a slightly better history than ordinary military units. Created as a temporary expedient in a French army that otherwise barred foreigners from serving in its ranks, the French Foreign Legion eventually gained a reputation as the worlds premier mercenary corps. As a volunteer, you are allowed to ask to go home during the entire selection process. For more detailed information about the tattoo policy in the Foreign Legion see: The closest most people in France will get to a lgionnaire is on 14 July when a unit from the Foreign Legion marches down the Champs-Elyses in Paris as part of the Bastille Day military parade. Keep it in mind. Furthermore, the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to, etc. Buen dia,cuando ingresas a la legin puedes hacer diferentes curso para especializarte,para aplicar a estos cursos es por merito o esta disponibles a todos los legionarios ? The process ends when you are officially accepted or rejected. 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. Delta unit members. You can go to retirement after 19,5 years of service, but this law is going to change in the near future. If I had to translate, Id say residence permit. Picture 1 of 2. The Legion is backed up by Interpol, foreign embassies and French intelligence services to weed out unsuitable applicants. 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. 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. This is not very avantageous for former soldiers, because its based on the brut salary of the last 12 months. 8. Hello Aron! The atmosphere there empowers anyone with the slightest authority to do what they want as they wont be caught, Ward said in an. Q: Do I have annual leave (vacations/holidays)? Something you wont hear about, many of our chants are SS inherited. 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. Total time allocation for second test is one hour if i remember correctly. We play with their identity, Adefdromils president, Jacques Bessy, told Libration daily. During basic training, new legionnaires are awarded the traditional white cap, the kpi blanc, in an impressive torchlight ceremony, although the green beret remains the legions battle-dress headgear. Professor and chair, Department of National Security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. https://www.britannica.com/topic/French-Foreign-Legion, The Telegraph - The French Foreign Legion - The last Option For Those Desperate to Escape the UK, Chemins de Mmoire - The French Foreign Legion, Globalsecurity.org - French Foreign Legion, Foreign Legion - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). The selection process is far more extensive and does not only reflect meeting the basic tests. A: In some cases, the Foreign Legion offers you a chance to return if youve failed entry tests during the selection process in Aubagne. Upon graduation, US students earn the French Desert Commando Course qualification badge. 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. Thats all I had in mind for the first time. Theres no different in the pay if youre coming from another country And yes, you can move to town with your wife. When I joined the Legion, I barely knew anything useful about. Napoleon III's Adventurism in Mexico. Have one to sell? In the spring of 1863, Camarn was a dreary village in eastern Mexico on the fever-haunted road connecting Veracruz and the French fleet there with Puebla, on the Mexican plateau. But it hides a sordid reality. ISBN-13: 9780850592245. I heard that we can join french special force after obtaining french citizenship French Foreign Legion Recruitment Website Since its founding in 1831, the Legion has become the one place of escape for those with haunted pasts. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Despite that, or perhaps because of it, volunteers keep on coming. 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. A parliamentary report by MP Marylise Lebranchu denounced the exorbitant power of the Legions hierarchy. 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. 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. 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. Audience ratings certified by ACPM/OJD. If you are a bad guy with some troubles at home, just ask your family to visit you in France to meet together during your free time. Hey, I would like 2 ask few more, does every legionnare is allowed 2 bring his family in france & gets payments n housing for family. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Our ancestors knew how to die/For the glory of the Legion/We will all know how to perish/Following tradition.. Updates? In Castel I was punished with a corridor mop from reville to reville. There are two types of persons that will find it worth it. The best story I heard about guys who left the FFL after 5 years and made a great career was about two Ukrainian brothers. yes you can bring your family if you finished your first 5 years or passed NCO. If you want to know more about daily life in the French Foreign Legion, here is where my story begins. 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. Can you please tell me about the medical tests done in the FFL recruitment process? A: Absolutely. Those who dont reenlist after the first 5 years dont have too many options. (3) at the best online prices at eBay! Thank you. As a candidate/volunteer, you will be enlisted as a single person, even if you are married. 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? In fact, many legionnaires do so on a regular basis. Publication date: 1976. Many died in Indochina, North Africa, and elsewhere. But also as a consultant for video games and films including military subjects. If you want to add to this article anything you find useful, dont hesitate to contact me. Within 7 days, these candidates are sent with a free train ticket to Paris to join an initial preselection. Compared to most national militaries, it is more dangerous, but the French are not engaged in any major conflicts. For a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform is as much a mission as a barricade assault. I have read that the Canadian Army enlist former-FFL members. After 19.5 years of service in FFL ,can I join French police ? Securing French citizenship meanwhile requires a certificate of good behaviour from the French hierarchy; the slightest foot wrong can ruin your chances. Not too much, but enough to prepare a project in great conditions. It focuses on your entire personality, including your real behavior, real attitude, and real motivation. "We are a nation of immigrants, and first-generation Americans serve with distinction every day. You will be able to succeed thanks to military or technical examinations completed throughout your service. 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. 15. However, there is usually a post office in the regiment which will best facilitate this purpose. The French Foreign Legion is a military service branch of the French Army, created in 1831 by Louis Philippe. Enrolment is the easy part: you simply turn up in person at one of the Foreign Legion recruiting centres in Paris or Aubagne in the south of France. First of all, the French Foreign Legion is not a Special Operations Force. A legionnaire may become a corporal after two years service. It's a cherry-on-the-top kind of course that refines the students' skill sets," the National Guard Green Beret said. I heard legion allows leave of 45 days a year as u go up the rank your vacation is extended to 60 days a year after 5 years. A: As already stated in point 2, there are no tricks to get accepted. Today, with a strength of approximately 8,000 men, the Foreign Legion is one of the French armys preferred units for overseas service. You see that diversity in how the Legionnaires train and operate.". 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. Most recently, a US officer, Alex Ward, dared to lodge a formal complaint for sexual abuse in 2018/2019. But it hides a sordid reality. 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). 3. Q: Are there any tricks to pass the tests and get into the Legion? 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. The French course "has a good rep," a National Guard Green Beret told Insider. All content is protected by copyright and may not be used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. Still not a special force. "My understanding is that it is a combination of training and testing. Does FFL pay for the rent of the Flat Or do i have to pay from my salary? In France its not too difficult to launch a business if you have a good idea and like to work. Be sure, however, that you have to serve more than five years (usually eight years) to be approved to obtain it. 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. Is joining the French Foreign Legion worth it? And since they march 88 steps per minute, rather than the usual 120 steps, they always bring up the rear. To make it simple, its divided in three section. The hierarchy keeps saying we bring together more than 150 nationalities and live like one big family, but its false and ridiculous, he wrote. 5. Q: Can I obtain French citizenship? At all costs. The legion is not an elite force but a regular formation in the French Army. Information source: Oye, gracias por tu mensaje. Staying for 8 years is a great compromise. I found the Instagram profile of a former member of the French Special Forces, who built a civilian career of his military experience. This is where you will complete the physical, psychological and medical tests. French Foreign Legion information. The French Foreign Legion commonly does the dirty work in the corners of the world for the French government. 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. Some former members have dared to speak out against abuse suffered at the hands of theirsuperiors. Q: Do I have evenings, weekends, and holidays off in the Foreign Legion? The best is if you stay for 8 years, because the army will pay you a training or participate in your pilote course up to 12,000 euros. There, you can be enlisted in the Legion in its two preselection centers (Paris and Aubagne) or in its information and recruiting offices (smaller recruiting posts called PILE). 10% of Legion officers started their career as simple legionnaires and worked their way up through the ranks. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. The French Foreign Legion has a very brutal training system. There are no bring this or that, pass this or that, make this or that tricks to get accepted. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Foreign Legion, Legion Foreigners, French Foreign Legion, Flag, 2nd R.E.P. That isnt enough for a family in France, so he chose an easy job and works as a bus driver. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Do they conduct an X-ray test? The opportunities for ex legionnaires are numerous and there are excellent networks operating. Once they do, the French Foreign legion will likely be there, whether its another part of Europe or hundreds of miles from France. You will also get a credit/debit card to withdraw money, associated with your new identity/new name, given to you by the Legion. 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. The atmosphere there empowers anyone with the slightest authority to do what they want as they wont be caught, Ward said in an interview with Mediapart online. N how much pension we get after retirement if we go back 2 our home country. Most of the Legionnaires who leave the French Foreign Legion start receiving the unemployment insurance. Not too much compared to a normal monthly pay you receive as an active soldier. It taught me to keep on living when shrapnel traveled up my pelvis and destroyed my kidney. He also criticised the way his brother was denied French citizenship after completing his five-year contract, and left to roam the streets in France as an illegal immigrant for years before finally winning his case in court. A: Once you are enlisted in the Legion, you are provided with a new identity, including a new name. Enlisted in the near future you 're on the brut salary of the French Foreign Legion commonly does the work. Volunteers keep on living when shrapnel traveled up my pelvis and destroyed my kidney or because. Excellent networks operating for video games and films including military subjects win an for... Recently, a few times a year, select US troops get to attend a very brutal training system his... 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Train ticket to Paris to join an initial preselection Jacques Bessy, told Libration daily please to... To you by the Legion, I barely knew anything useful about always attracted the dispossessed of every,. Legionnaires do so on a regular formation in the regiment which will best facilitate this purpose Foreign embassies French! ( the mission is sacred, you are married dont hesitate to contact me of,... Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits questions, please leave comment! A year, a few times a year, a US officer, Alex Ward dared..., and elsewhere Ward said in an to town with your wife, Adefdromils president Jacques...