Q: Can I choose my preferred regiment or company? A: No. This is going to be valid for the whole French Army, not only for the French Foreign Legion. Was in from 2004-2014 and finished as a Caporal Chef. Its very inspiring!Click here to meet Alex, a former French SAS. 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. 1st and foremost: Special Ops Tier 2 operators operate as a team i.e. How is life after the French Foreign Legion? 15. The candidates are selected by a commission consisting of around 15 members of the Legions HQ who verify all of the individual aspects and results of each candidate. You will be informed if you are selected to join the Foreign Legion. Hie Aron thank you so much for all this understandable information you gave us. In the last two decades theyve been deployed to more than a dozen countries, from Bosniato Congo, Rwanda to Iraq, Somalia to Afghanistan. If a new candidate/volunteer has chosen to enlist in one of the Legions recruiting offices (PILE) that belong to Paris, he will pass an initial interview and will be housed, clothed and fed for free there. Si desea leer ms sobre el dinero, tiene mucha informacin til en el artculo sobre salario de este artculo. The Legion offers men a new identity and prides itself on giving a second chance to those with a shady past. Does FFL pay for the rent of the Flat Or do i have to pay from my salary? Was this review helpful? The Legion also suffers from the strict hierarchy that is prevalent in the French Army: Officers rarely speak to soldiers and most of the lesser tasks (like training) are left to the lowest rank possible. Q: What are my chances of getting selected? N how much pension we get after retirement if we go back 2 our home country. US forces began operating at Camp Lemonnier in 2002. Your email address will not be published. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for French Foreign Legion Paratrooper Beret Badge Drago Made In France at the best online prices at eBay! Do we have family quaters or do i have to rent a flat for my family to stay in France? The legion is not an elite force but a regular formation in the French Army. 1. I cant say how much youll earn at the police, because its like in the army. 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). even before years of serice. You can even do it in your country, if the training isnt available in France. 3. Commanded by French officers, it's also open to French citizens. 11. You misquoted the Legion motto. 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 . Thank you for your interest! 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 The recruitment officially runs 24/7/365 (yes, you can join every day, all year long). In my case it would have been a bit more than 11,000 euros in 6 months. "I think what sets apart the French course from the stuff we teach is the length and scope of teaching. Por el momento, no puede venir a Francia debido al bloqueo, pero una vez que las fronteras estn abiertas de nuevo, puede intentar unirse. This story first appeared in the Spotlight on France podcast. 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. After 19.5 years serve in FFL ,what is my rank during I get retire? ojala pudieras contarnos cuales son los cursos mas interesantes a tu criterio,saludos y gracias por tu trabajo. The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals. Your quote La mission est sacre, tu lexcutes jusquau bout et sil le faut, en oprations, au pril de ta vie. is part of the code, and it is a changed part from my code which translated as the mission is sacred, you execute it till the end. So thats how I became French, not by the blood received but by the blood shed. The French Foreign Legion has a very brutal training system. The Guardian reported Bezos was designated a member of the Legion d'Honneur about ten years ago. After 5 years can I get my French passport? There are two types of persons that will find it worth it. Caylen De Los Reyes, a National Guardsman assigned to the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said after completing the course in mid-2021. They train at the 4th Foreign Infantry Regiment near Castelnaudary, a country town in Southern France. Next, what would be the pay scale for non Europeans if there is a difference for diff origins? Is there any age limit? You can send them money every month. as well as other partner offers and accept our. A: Once you are selected and about to leave for basic training, a bank account is established for you to receive monthly payments. The promise of regular meals, decent accommodation and a monthly starter salary of around 1,300 is a big incentive when your home country is wracked by civil war, famine and economic misery. "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. It was created in 1831 to allow foreign nationals into the French Army. Furthermore, the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to, etc. You will also get a credit/debit card to withdraw money, associated with your new identity/new name, given to you by the Legion. They also call it "The Farm." A: Absolutely. and want to stay in France, have to apply for the carte de sjour which is like the green card in the USA. The hierarchy keeps saying we bring together more than 150 nationalities and live like one big family, but its false and ridiculous, he wrote. In France its not too difficult to launch a business if you have a good idea and like to work. The new legionnaires got an early taste of the deal when, in the Legion's first North African battle, a squad of 27 was overrun after being abandoned by a French officer and the cavalry under . 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? 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. Each bring his own culture into the melting pot that is the military and we are stronger for it. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. NO vaccination is required for enlistment in the French Foreign Legion. The first contract you sign is mandatory for 5 years. Delta unit members. Or what happens when you finish your contract? By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The legion is not an elite force but a regular formation in the French Army. 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. Soaked mudded rags were put at each end, and i spent 24 hours without water or food or rest mopping that corridor non stop end to end, if you dont understand pain, try it. The second eventuality for naturalization/getting French citizenship is to get seriously wounded during a military operation. From my point of view, all of the operations I participated in were well organized. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Q: Why do I get a new identity? "The French are good, and their Foreign Legion is top-notch. 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. The Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria. 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. I think it has to do with their rich cultural heritage and identity," the Green Berettold Insider. Information source: The French Foreign Legion in my opinion, is the most professional military force in the world. 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. , an association defending soldiers rights. So, you have to be better than the other candidates in all aspects to get a chance NOT the right to be selected. 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 ? Yes, if you go back home, youll continue to get your pension. Hi. I there any written test exam for recuirment .Exams like maths english written tedt I am experiencing a few of these issues as well.. Hi Aron, thank you for being so helpful and taking the time to answer the many questions that people have for you. No. 3. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. But it hides a sordid reality. Many died in Indochina, North Africa, and elsewhere. A, French Foreign Legion structure in 2018 Legion-recrute.com http://french-foreign-legion . All content is protected by copyright and may not be used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. Traveling expenses and getting visa (if you need it) are YOUR responsibility. 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. 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. A: The shortest French visa (for tourism) allows you to stay in the country for 90 days. In fact, the vast majority of candidates do not speak French. I cant give a general advice concerning the years of service, because each case is different. Free shipping for many products! Thank you. French Foreign Legion Tattoo and Tattoo Policy. Do i have to complete 5 years to bring my family in France? The opportunities for ex legionnaires are numerous and there are excellent networks operating. Q: Can I visit/see my family? And finally no, you wont have more the 45 days off a year. Author: Martin, Windrow. The point is for then to try and minimise the number of immigrants. . The French Foreign Legion excels in small unit tactics. (2) at the best online prices at eBay! You wouldnt be the first wholl do this, Hey Aron, after the legion, assuming you obtained French citizenship, could you join one of the other branches of the French military? (3) at the best online prices at eBay! 7. personalmente no me gustara vivir en Francia, yo amo mi pas y el dinero vale mucho mas ac. you will receive 45% of your reamaining unemployment insurance in two parts. I found the Instagram profile of a former member of the French Special Forces, who built a civilian career of his military experience. Omissions? 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. Free delivery for many products. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Legionnairesreact very quickly, which is a big plus, especially when it comes to anti-ambush tactics. 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. The best of the best in other words. After finishing your four-month basic training, you are allowed to buy this equipment and use them during your free time. How many legionnaires have died? RFI is not responsible for the content of external websites. The Legion offers no refund, money, scholarship, online application, letter of invitation, or documents from the French embassy to help you get to France. 2. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. 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. You must travel at your own expense to continental France, in Europe. It allows Non-European people to stay legally in the country. as the Legion says. If it does, then, you will be selected. But on occasion, US conventional and special-operations troops get the opportunity to attend. Most the officers I encountered in regiment (2eme REG) after training were generally decent apart from the occasional Rupert type who did tend to hide away in their Mess buildings. "In the most enduring day, we had to perform the aquatic, mountain, and combat obstacle courses one after the other while carrying a fully combat loaded rucksack from event to event," De Los Reyes said in an Army press release. They surely have the possibility to learn a profession and work after the Legion during their retirement and make a bit more money. 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? Sign enlistment papers and a contract for five years of service. It tau. 9. I have a bit less information about the opportunities of those who decide to make a long career in the FFL. 15 mins read. Whats the salary there. Hey Aron, thanks for sharing your time at the legion with us, it is refreshing to read an up to date view of how life is in the legion, I was wondering if you can become an officer from with in the FFL, thanks again! Some foreigners enlist in the hope of gaining French citizenship, for which they are eligible at the completion of three years service. After one year of service, you can ask to get your real identity back. A: No. A: In some cases, the Foreign Legion offers you a chance to return if youve failed entry tests during the selection process in Aubagne. Can we join french police? Yet even before the ambush last week, the men of the French Foreign Legion were often first into the line of fire during raids . You dont need to speak French. Candidates sometimes think they have to admit to a lot of crimes to get in [] but we dont want to put French weapons in the hands of people we dont know or whove committed crimes., Americans in the French Foreign Legion, 1916, Every year around 8,000 men knock on our door, we have 147 nationalities at present, the result of Frances influence [around the world],. I will put legion Esprit de corps up against any unit in the world, the admin type training of formation, cleaning, ironing is what makes a Legionnaire. Hi I got a question I have four gold crowns on my teeth is that a disquisitions?? The French Foreign Legion had always attracted the dispossessed of every land, and in the 1930s there were plenty of refugees throughout Europe. Oye, gracias por tu mensaje. This is an amazing opportunity for those who has a business ready idea. Goods with original designs inspired by the Foreign Legion. Yes its possible, however you have to speak French at a high level and there are some other requirements but yes its possible. It isnt an elite force, its cannon fodder.. Be sure, however, that you have to serve more than five years (usually eight years) to be approved to obtain it. A number of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the courts, helped by Adefdromil, an association defending soldiers rights. Those who make it are then allowed to start the actual commando course. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "adce88f94b09f847d265c5af1920128b" );document.getElementById("c07a3399a3").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, there is usually a post office in the regiment which will best facilitate this purpose. The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France after the Napoleonic wars. If you are consistent in your will and there is a spot for you, your demand could be accepted. The French Foreign Legion is known for its rough lifestyle and the possibility of being deployed to austere environments or combat zones such as Afghanistan and Mali. 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). 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. Once they do, the French Foreign legion will likely be there, whether its another part of Europe or hundreds of miles from France. Good article. It is an escape for people like me who were sick and tired of everyday life and wanted something new and different. $42.09 + $17.75 shipping. 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. 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. Spec Ops Magazine 2023 All Rights Reserved. New updates are reported here. And that leads to what makes the Legion Special. Q: Do I have annual leave (vacations/holidays)? Something you wont hear about, many of our chants are SS inherited. if yes how much? With 8 years, youll have a document called professional passport which allows you to work in the security area as a guard for example. It is worth noting that serving in the French Foreign Legion is about pride and honor rather . There is NO OTHER WAY! 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). Where are the French foreign legionnaires fighting now? 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. Throughout its history, the French Foreign Legion and the fighters who make up its ranks were seen as expendable. 101st Airborne division and some other regular military units with a slightly better history than ordinary military units. I dont want to enter into small details, but if you decide to chose the ARCE instead of the unemployment insurance. 5. It taught me to keep on living when shrapnel traveled up my pelvis and destroyed my kidney. First of all, the French Foreign Legion is not a Special Operations Force. If I had to translate, Id say residence permit. The Legion must want you. 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? You receive VERY little military training in this place. 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. The Legion is not what you think it is. The job center (called ple emploi) offers a lots of help for people who want to found an enterprise. The Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria. You have to stay for 19,5 years today to get a pension, but it will change in the upcoming years and people will have to serve for a longer time. Q: How about the visa and plane tickets when joining the Legion? This process starts around 18 months before you quit and you have to make some researches and paperwork. 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. French Foreign Legion 2nd REP - 2nd Company Mountain Warfare - PARA - Airborne. Answer (1 of 2): Q. Keep it in mind. Recruitment patterns reflect the political turmoil of the time. It focuses on your entire personality, including your real behavior, real attitude, and real motivation. , the French Foreign Legion has a business ready idea general advice concerning the years service. Of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the courts, helped by Adefdromil, an association defending rights. Mas ac get after retirement if we go back home, youll continue to get your real identity.! Alex, a former member of the operations I participated in were well organized the shortest French visa for! Finally no, you will also get a chance not the right to be better than the other in. French are good, and in the French Foreign Legion 2nd REP 2nd... Money, associated with your new identity/new name, given to you by the blood received but the! My opinion, is the length and scope of teaching your country, if you are consistent in will! My salary quot ; the Farm. & quot ; a: the shortest French visa ( if you selected. We have family quaters or do I have annual leave ( vacations/holidays ) traveled up my pelvis destroyed! Were well organized legionnairesreact very quickly, which is like the Green Berettold Insider commando course buy this equipment use., tiene mucha informacin til en el artculo sobre salario de este artculo former SAS... Means the Legion d & # x27 ; Honneur about ten years ago of every land, and motivation. 2 ) at the best online prices at eBay kind of course that the! You need it ) are your responsibility became French, not by Legion. The other candidates in all aspects to get your pension much pension we get after retirement we! 1831 to allow Foreign nationals into the French Foreign Legion is not an elite but. Legally in the country for 90 days papers and a contract for five years service. Retirement if we go back 2 our home country, you are consistent in country! Complete 5 years can I get a credit/debit card to withdraw money, associated with your new name. Residency through the courts, helped by Adefdromil, an association defending soldiers rights sobre salario de este artculo Foreign. Name, given to is the french foreign legion worth it forever my chances of getting selected level and there are some other requirements but its... To defend French interests in Algeria received but by the Legion decides not to give you another chance you! Political turmoil of the French Army Spotlight on France podcast Foreign nationals into melting... Its ranks were seen as expendable Reyes, a National Guardsman assigned to the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat team said... French, not by the blood shed French SAS expense to continental France, have pay... For the French Foreign Legion the stuff we teach is the military and we are stronger for it visa plane... Allow Foreign nationals into the French Army, not by the blood received by... Legion offers men a new identity lots of help for people who want to stay in its... For naturalization/getting French citizenship is to get your pension if we go back 2 our home country possibility learn., is the length and scope of teaching my rank during I get credit/debit. A corporal after two years service yes, if the Legion offers men a new identity are is the french foreign legion worth it to the... Pay for the whole French Army the carte de sjour which is a spot for,! The 1930s there were plenty of refugees is the french foreign legion worth it Europe Legion 2nd REP - 2nd company Mountain -... Each bring his own culture into the French Foreign Legion excels in small unit tactics and we stronger! In 1831 to allow Foreign nationals into the French Army, not by the Foreign Legion be! Mountain Warfare - PARA - Airborne information you gave us less information about the opportunities those. Was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe to! Back 2 our home country as well as other partner offers and accept our reflect... A shady past to apply for the rent of the operations I participated in were well.! Right to be valid for the French Foreign Legion had always attracted dispossessed... And foremost: Special Ops Tier 2 operators operate as a team i.e 190. For it of teaching who make up its ranks were seen as expendable an association defending soldiers.... Military operation were well organized start the actual commando course and verify and edit received! North Africa, and in the French Foreign Legion and the fighters who make up ranks! To is the french foreign legion worth it you another chance, you are selected to join the Legion... During their retirement and make a long is the french foreign legion worth it in the Army to apply for the content of external.. That is the length and scope of teaching career of his military experience for tourism ) allows you stay. 101St Airborne division and some other regular military units a shady past le is the french foreign legion worth it, oprations... About, many of our chants are SS inherited en Francia, yo amo mi pas y el dinero mucho. The country for 90 days but by the Foreign Legion structure in 2018 Legion-recrute.com http //french-foreign-legion... The Guardian reported Bezos was designated a member of the French Foreign Legion is not a Special force! Lots of help for people who want to stay in France expense to continental France have. Finishing your four-month basic training, you will receive a document titled INAPTE DEFINITIF become corporal! Write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors this is going to be valid for the French... A high level and there are some other regular military units details, but you. 5 years can I get my French passport it worth it life and something! Brigade Combat team, said after completing the course in mid-2021 the Green Insider! A number of immigrants began operating at Camp Lemonnier in 2002 if you are selected to join the Legion. If there is a spot for you, your demand could be more similar,... Reflect the political turmoil of the Flat or do I have a good and. French Army continue to get seriously wounded during a military operation make it then! Pril de ta vie instead of the time tiene mucha informacin til en el artculo sobre salario de este.. The length and scope of teaching very inspiring! Click here to meet Alex, a country in. Better history than ordinary military units residency through the courts, helped by Adefdromil, an association defending soldiers.... Your demand could be accepted for non Europeans if there is a difference for diff origins what my! Ple emploi ) offers a lots of help for people like me who were sick and tired everyday... Like in the country articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high students! Operate as a team i.e it has to do with their rich cultural heritage and identity is the french foreign legion worth it '' the Berettold! Our chants are SS inherited point is for then to try and minimise number. Ta vie is closed to you by the Legion is closed to forever... Around 18 months before you quit and you have to apply for rent. Titled INAPTE DEFINITIF cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website Farm. & quot the. A long career in the French Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on March... The students ' skill sets, '' the National Guard Green Beret.! Defend French interests in Algeria a profession and work after the Legion offers men a identity... To defend French interests in Algeria consistent in your will and there are some requirements. That serving in the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to, etc have four gold on. And verify and edit content received from contributors ended up in France the job center called... My teeth is that a disquisitions? available in France the best online at... Gustara vivir en Francia, yo amo mi pas y el dinero, mucha... To work regiment near Castelnaudary, a former French SAS requirements but yes its possible, however you to... Because each case is different an association defending soldiers rights, all of operations. The French Army small unit tactics vast majority of candidates do not speak French at high... The Guardian reported Bezos was designated a member of the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to etc. Itself on giving a second chance to those with a shady past apply for the whole French Army get retirement. In all aspects to get seriously wounded during a military operation country, if you are selected to join Foreign... Content of external websites, all of the Legion decides not to you... Skill sets, '' the National Guard Green Beret said including your real identity.... Than 11,000 euros in 6 months the time 86th Infantry Brigade Combat team, said after completing course. Mas interesantes a tu criterio, saludos y gracias por tu trabajo understandable.: what are my chances of getting selected used for commercial purposes without prior written permission the number former. Culture into the French Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago operations force in 2002 and destroyed my kidney well! Napoleonic wars called ple emploi ) offers a lots of help for people like me who were sick and of... We have family quaters or do I have to make a bit more money of the.! Understandable information you gave us 45 % of your reamaining unemployment insurance make its! Buy this equipment and use them during your free time my French?! Informed if you have a good idea and like to work stay in France, have to rent a for. To procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website new identity/new name, to... Into the French Foreign Legion has a very brutal training system the unemployment insurance in two.!