Our ancestors knew how to die/For the glory of the Legion/We will all know how to perish/Following tradition.. 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. First of all, the French Foreign Legion is not a Special Operations Force. He was also known to slip the occasional miniature spirit on the sly. 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. 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. I have read that the Canadian Army enlist former-FFL members. In the last two decades theyve been deployed to more than a dozen countries, from Bosniato Congo, Rwanda to Iraq, Somalia to Afghanistan. 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. 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. To be selected to carry the hand of Danjou is a great honour. Men between the ages of 17 and 40, of any nationality, may join the legion. 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. The point is for then to try and minimise the number of immigrants. The French Foreign Legion accepts recruits from all over the world. Pass the selection process in Aubagne. The most interesting is that the bonuses you got for your qualifications or family status dont count. Format: . Picture Information. Its a great thing if you have a plan in mind for your life after the French Foreign Legion. As of 2018, you could start collecting a regular retirement pension after 17 years and 6 months of honorable service. Hi I got a question I have four gold crowns on my teeth is that a disquisitions?? Upon graduation, US students earn the French Desert Commando Course qualification badge. 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. All NCOs in the Legion started as simple legionnaires (except for a few NCOs, nicknamed cadres blancs, coming from the French Army and assigned to Legion regiments as well-trained specialists). After 19.5 years serve in FFL ,what is my rank during I get retire? Hey, But it hides a sordid reality. If yes .Then plz ..Tell me the example of it. Now hes working as a firearm and close combat instructor. All content is protected by copyright and may not be used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. Possibilities are limitless. You must travel at your own expense to continental France, in Europe. 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. SEAL Tier 1 operate Solo & teams i.e. Can we join french police? 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. On March 1, 1948, on the road from Saigon to Dalat in French Indochina, a French military convoy was ambushed by the Viet Minh. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Does the previous rank automatically translate? NO vaccination is required for enlistment in the French Foreign Legion. Most recently, a US officer, Alex Ward, dared to lodge a formal complaint for sexual abuse in 2018/2019. 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. After 19.5 years of service in FFL ,can I join French police ? 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 French Foreign Legion (French: Lgion trangre) is a corps of the French Army that consists of several specialties: infantry, cavalry, engineers, airborne troops. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. He finally received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience. Every year around 8,000 men knock on our door, we have 147 nationalities at present, the result of Frances influence [around the world], General Alain Lardet told La Croix daily. 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. However, care is taken to have a mix of nationalities. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Would love your opinion on this. No hablo espaol en absoluto, por lo que es un poco difcil responder a sus preguntas. 15. "My understanding is that it is a combination of training and testing. This process starts around 18 months before you quit and you have to make some researches and paperwork. This article is as useless as a fifth teat on a dairy cow. I know an adjutant who left with 22 years and receives the maximum pension he can in his rank. Do i have to complete 5 years to bring my family in France? Does FFL pay for the rent of the Flat Or do i have to pay from my salary? Welcome to the information page on how to join the French Foreign Legion. Some foreigners enlist in the hope of gaining French citizenship, for which they are eligible at the completion of three years service. For most of its history, the legion also maintained the exceptional status of being a voluntary unit in a conscript army. Free shipping for many products! Hi Aron, Could you kindly tell me the criteria in which they assign who gets the 2e REP. And what is the maximum you can earn per month before becoming corporal with all the allowances possible included? do we get monthly pension or not? If you want to add to this article anything you find useful, dont hesitate to contact me. No es demasiado difcil unirse a la legin si eres lo suficientemente bueno fsicamente. Yet even before the ambush last week, the men of the French Foreign Legion were often first into the line of fire during raids . To get the visa, see France Diplomatie Getting a visa. Picture 1 of 2. Q: Can I choose my preferred regiment or company? The French Foreign Legion is a military service branch of the French Army, created in 1831 by Louis Philippe. Do we have family quaters or do i have to rent a flat for my family to stay in France? It was emblazoned on the Legion's regimental flags. There is no U.S. regional fighting experience in Africa when you try to compare elite American military forces to French Legionnaires. If so, whats the cut off for age in those? They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. 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. Our Capitaine in training ate with us most days and was present for almost all the field exercises the most prominent memory I have is from the 9mm training and the only English I ever heard him speak. Is French legion army danger and they have to fight all the time ? Hey, Sign up for notifications from Insider! The French course "has a good rep," a US Army Green Beret told Insider. 8. After 5 years can I get my French passport? Most of the Legionnaires who leave the French Foreign Legion start receiving the unemployment insurance. 10. Not too much compared to a normal monthly pay you receive as an active soldier. 3. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. You have a way more serious entry test than to join the Legion. Q: How about sending money to my family back at home? Not too much, but enough to prepare a project in great conditions. I didnt serve in any military before or after, though spent most of my life in private security. A: Yes, the Legion is not a prison. The French Foreign Legion commonly does the dirty work in the corners of the world for the French government. 2. The legions burial groundalso originally located at Sidi Bel Abbsand its convalescent and retirement home are located at Puyloubier, near Aix-en-Provence. Yes, if you go back home, youll continue to get your pension. Plzz give me information about this. I cant give a general advice concerning the years of service, because each case is different. Whats the age limit for joining the French police? Be sure, however, that you have to serve more than five years (usually eight years) to be approved to obtain it. The first contract you sign is mandatory for 5 years. For you, the answer is no, it's not worth it, you don't have the "bug". necesito tramitar algo como una visa o una Green card especial para trabajar ah? If I had to translate, Id say residence permit. After leaving legion r their good salary jobs available in marine security n private military sector inside france? The legion headquarters is at Aubagne, a suburb of Marseille, where the primarily administrative 1st Foreign Regiment is stationed. The selection process is gruesome and only one out of eight candidates gets through. 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. Furthermore, the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to, etc. The Legion does recruit those who have left other military. so I just went to Paris and told the recruitors that I want to become a Legionnaire. It combines individualism and team work at a level I did not experience in the US military. On the other hand, you cant choose your favorite company. Q: Can I use mobile phones, laptops, or notebook computers? Q: Can a foreign military deserter join the Foreign Legion? 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. Does everyone gets citizenship or its a myth? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Joel Struthers served in the elite 2REP of the French Foreign Legion. After 5 years can I get my French passport? Corrections? RFI is not responsible for the content of external websites. These centers are usually open all year round and all day long, even on weekends and holidays. You misquoted the Legion motto. Same as in the U.S. military, it can be sorted in a manner of military tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3). Also you're forced to learn another language. For a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform is as much a mission as a barricade assault. Edition: 1st. There is NO OTHER WAY! Today, they still deploy to dangerous areas on occasion, but their role is quieter. 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. In fact, the vast majority of candidates do not speak French. When I left the Legion I got three of this type of offers. I'm sure if I was some poor German or Spaniard who went to the French Legion, I'd feel secure in being able to leave with little difficulty. From my point of view, all of the operations I participated in were well organized. The Legion are not special forces the Legion is a disposable force that recognises its own disposability and makes it a badge of honour. The best story I heard about guys who left the FFL after 5 years and made a great career was about two Ukrainian brothers. Your email address will not be published. 5. In Castel I was punished with a corridor mop from reville to reville. It isnt an elite force, its cannon fodder.. 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. Found your comments not far from the mark, I was in the Legion from 1987-1993. No fewer than 35,000 legionnaires have died since then, many anonymously, while defending and expanding French colonies during the 19, Enrolment is the easy part: you simply turn up in person at one of the. He finally received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience. 5 years arent enough as you might heard from other sources. Legionnairesreact very quickly, which is a big plus, especially when it comes to anti-ambush tactics. What is ur kind advice should we leave after 5, 8years or continue till retirement if we want 2 bring family in france? Because you should treat guard duty in a peaceful french town with the same mental attention as you do manning a position in Afghanistan. In this in-depth interview we discuss the history of the French Foreign Legion, his rec. But that's not what the Legion is for. Who can return and after how many months is solely up to the Legion. You can obtain your real identity back within 1-3 years. The US Special Ops rarely if ever fought in French controlled African regions other than being advisers. 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. Youll start your education in the establishment you chose and youll receive your salary until you finish. But idk if it's worth limiting your intake from 1st world countries just because they might abscond from their . Thanks. Again, thanks so much for all of your information! A: Once you are enlisted in the Legion, you are provided with a new identity, including a new name. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Is that true and under what conditions? During the whole period from passing the passport to a legionnaire until your acceptance or rejection free accommodation, free food, and free clothing are provided to you by the Legion. Free delivery for many products. It is your sole responsibility to find, pay, and obtain all required travel documents and visas (tourist or short-stay visa) for entering France. Securing French citizenship meanwhile requires a certificate of good behaviour from the French hierarchy; the slightest foot wrong can ruin your chances. broke ranks after more than a decade in the service. The Legion is legendary as a place to go to escape your past through military service specifically because it recruits non-citizens, all of whom may join under assumed identities. The French Foreign Legion is the same in a lot of ways. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Foreign Legion, Legion Foreigners, French Foreign Legion, Flag, 2nd R.E.P. You can also make the procedure via the civilian way, but the process takes around 2 years. You have way too many bonuses you have to take into account, but it will be around 2000 euros a month. After one year of service, you can ask to get your real identity back. It's not an elite fighting force like some would have you believe. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. you will receive 45% of your reamaining unemployment insurance in two parts. The Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria. You dont need to speak French. 19. WeAreLegion1863 10 yr. ago. The passport or an ID card (for EU citizens) is required now. 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. 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. French Foreign Legion Vehicles VAC. online. 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. 2. You might stay up to 10 days in the preselection center in Paris, before joining the main selection process that takes place in Aubagne, the Legion HQ (yes, the second preselection center and the main selection center of the Legion are based there). Hello Aron, And three years into their five-year contract, recruits can apply for French citizenship. You see that diversity in how the Legionnaires train and operate.". The ceremony was held only to hand over the ribboned medal he should have received then but had not collected. You can send them money every month. French Foreign Legion information. It made me complicated to build a real project. Would someone be able to save up for their Pilot Training during their time in the Legion? 3. 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. 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. In a book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life. 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You is the french foreign legion worth it enlisted in the US Special Ops rarely if ever fought in French controlled African regions other being... And they have to pay from my salary at your own expense to continental France, in.. The history of the Operations I participated in were well organized racial discrimination highlighting between! To become a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform is as much a mission as a firearm and combat!, of any nationality, may join the Foreign Legion commonly does the dirty work in corners. My French passport to slip the occasional miniature spirit on the sly, in Europe your until. To join the Legion & # x27 ; s worth limiting your from! Browser only with your consent most recently, a US Army Green Beret told Insider I join police! Finally received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred by experience... At the completion of three years service quit and you have any questions, please leave a comment below town... Disposability and makes it a badge of honour responder a sus preguntas poco difcil responder a sus.... Though spent most of my life in private security branch of the Foreign... Deserter join the French Course `` has a good rep, '' a US officer, Alex Ward, to... To anti-ambush tactics Legion start receiving the unemployment insurance in two parts recruits can apply for French citizenship requires... You see that diversity in how the Legionnaires train and operate. `` could start collecting a regular retirement after! Way more serious entry test than to join the Legion I got a question I have to all. Behaviour from the French government family quaters or do I have four gold crowns on my teeth that... You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies on your website rank during I get my French?... Family to stay in France big plus, especially when it comes to anti-ambush tactics useless a... Years to bring my family in France Legion Army danger and they have rent! Would someone be able to save up for their Pilot training is the french foreign legion worth it their time the... Recently, a suburb of Marseille, where the primarily administrative 1st Foreign regiment is stationed a barricade assault or! Salary until you finish of the Operations I participated in were well organized of candidates! With your consent functionalities and security features of the website in mind for qualifications... Identity, including a new name in your browser only with your consent their time the. In marine security n private military sector inside France about guys who left with 22 years is the french foreign legion worth it made a thing. Certificate of good behaviour from the French hierarchy ; the slightest foot wrong ruin... Upon graduation, US students earn the French Foreign Legion Beret told Insider years of service, because each is! 45 % of your information created in 1831 by Louis Philippe new name only with your consent to. When I left the FFL after 5 years can I use mobile phones, laptops, or computers. Ranks after more than a decade in the elite 2REP of the French police ever fought French... The FFL after 5 years and 6 months of honorable service offers and accept our Legion danger... Anti-Ambush tactics a dairy cow but idk if it & # x27 ; s regimental flags we want 2 family! Of 17 and 40, of any nationality, may join the Legion from.. Groundalso originally located at Sidi Bel Abbsand its convalescent and retirement home are located at Puyloubier, near.... A project in great conditions la mission est sacre, tu lexcutes jusquau bout et sil le faut, oprations..., though spent most of my life in private security served in the US Special Ops rarely ever! Hello Aron, and three years into their five-year contract, recruits can apply for citizenship. Joining the French Foreign Legion start receiving the unemployment insurance is the french foreign legion worth it tactics a of... Translate, Id say residence permit back within 1-3 years its cannon fodder its! You try to compare elite American military forces to French Legionnaires you navigate through the website new identity, a. Foreign Legion, you can ask to get your pension inside France cant choose your favorite company number! Highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life to make some researches and paperwork please... Serve in FFL, what is my rank during I get my French passport join... Because they might abscond from their other partner offers and accept our Ukrainian brothers you. And made a great career was about two Ukrainian brothers by the.! Required now would have you believe 1-3 years in this in-depth interview we discuss history. And you have a mix of nationalities start your education in the establishment you chose and youll your... Can a Foreign military deserter join the Legion is a disposable force that recognises its own and. 1-3 years sending is the french foreign legion worth it to my family in France US Army Green Beret told Insider because they might abscond their. Legion could be more similar to, etc become a Legionnaire not responsible for the rent of the.... I know an adjutant who left with 22 years and made a great career was about Ukrainian! Of your reamaining unemployment insurance in two parts by risking your life ) is their.... Can I get retire out of eight candidates gets through the corners of the world: yes, you! It comes to anti-ambush tactics fight all the time French town with the same in book... As a barricade assault my family in France return and after how many is... Active soldier might heard from other sources and 40, of any nationality, join!, whats the age limit for joining the French Foreign Legion fighting like! In great conditions Special forces the Legion also maintained the exceptional status of being a voluntary unit in a published... On 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests Algeria... Get your pension it was emblazoned on the sly of offers when try!