is the french foreign legion worth it

8. If the Legion gives you a second (or third) chance, you receive a document with the title INAPTE TEMPORAIRE stating that you can return after 3, 6, or 12 months. of the French Foreign Legion stay in the barracks during Christmas Eve, because they don't want that someone spends Christmas alone. No. 19. 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 . No online applications, no letters of invitation, no French embassys forms are offered to join the French Foreign Legion. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Listen to this story in the Spotlight on France podcast: This exclusively-male fighting force is made up of 9,000 individuals from some 140 countries. 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. It could always be worse like in the French Foreign Legion's four month basic training. There is NO OTHER WAY! 7. 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. The Legion is backed up by Interpol, foreign embassies and French intelligence services to weed out unsuitable applicants. Do they also do an echo test if our ECG test results isnt good? To be selected to carry the hand of Danjou is a great honour. 10% of Legion officers started their career as simple legionnaires and worked their way up through the ranks. If you want to know more about daily life in the French Foreign Legion, here is where my story begins. Hey, Aron. The French Foreign Legion is the same in a lot of ways. That applies to all candidates, without distinction. Yes, if you go back home, youll continue to get your pension. Recruitment patterns reflect the political turmoil of the time. Same as in the U.S. military, it can be sorted in a manner of military tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3). You shouldnt imagine, that you finish your contract and someone calls you from nowhere and asks you to work for this or this kind of company. Q: How about the visa and plane tickets when joining the Legion? The training you will receive is on a par with a conscript army from the 1980's and will in no way prepare you for anything like real combat. During their years, they bought two flats and founded a small enterprise right after they left the Legion. Some foreigners enlist in the hope of gaining French citizenship, for which they are eligible at the completion of three years service. Basically the allure of the FFL over another military is that so long as you didn't smuggle drugs up your ass, attempt to kill anyone or kill anyone they'll take you. . After the 5y contract is finished is it possible to ask to the command of the legion to be transferred to a regular army unit or is necessary to try for regular army recruitment? 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. 11. Do note that you cant send your demande until you didnt leave the French Foreign Legion. Thank you. You have a way more serious entry test than to join the Legion. What kind of job do you get after 5 years in the FFL, and how much will I earn on those jobs on average? Hey, A drawing of legionnaires in France in 1863, inspired by uniforms in museum of L'Empri, south of France, A number of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the courts, helped by. The legionnaires are tough men with pasts worth fleeing, though. 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. That mission was as important as a combat mission. The Legion does recruit those who have left other military. Theres no different in the pay if youre coming from another country And yes, you can move to town with your wife. Once in the regiment, just ask your more experienced compatriots how to do so the best way. The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals. Hello Aron! Beyond military capabilities, those exchanges allow US forces to start relationships with new foreign partners and built on ties with longstanding partners especially with France, one of the US's oldest allies. That being said its probably that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme REP may have been a bit more traditional. As a candidate/volunteer, you will be enlisted as a single person, even if you are married. While legionnaires have a reputation for being some of the toughest and most disciplined fighters in the world, their image has taken a blow in recent years. Author: Martin, Windrow. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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). Youll start your education in the establishment you chose and youll receive your salary until you finish. Several times every year, a few select US troops get to attend a very special course in the deserts of Africa. 15. 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],. "My understanding is that it is a combination of training and testing. However, keep in mind that some smaller offices in smaller towns might be closed on weekends or at night. 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. So, you have to be better than the other candidates in all aspects to get a chance NOT the right to be selected. The Legion must want you. Hi sir, In this in-depth interview we discuss the history of the French Foreign Legion, his rec. Or what happens when you finish your contract? When borders are closed, we are not very Covid-compatible, Lardet acknowledged. I didnt have any clear idea in my head and its not optimal. What comes next in Frances fight over pension reform? Q: Do I have evenings, weekends, and holidays off in the Foreign Legion? Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a French TV documentary. As of 2018, you could start collecting a regular retirement pension after 17 years and 6 months of honorable service. This process is referred to as RSM (rectification, or recognizing in English). They are disciplined and willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will become good French citizens. After 19.5 years of service in FFL ,can I join French police ? I dont have to say that they earn a bit more money, than they did in the FFL.Some guys decide to join the Gendarmerie or the Police National, but these options arent automatic. The French Foreign Legion preparation app by the Legionstories team. A: You will only be selected if you are good enough for the Legion, and it is the Legion itself who decides who is good enough to be selected. ISBN-13: 9780850592245. Author of. Again, thanks so much for all of your information! 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. Thankyou respected Mr. Aron for your kind answer. Does everyone gets citizenship or its a myth? Possibilities are limitless. VAC (Vhicule Articul Chenill - Tracked Articulated Vehicle) is a all-terrain non-armored carrier used by the Foreign Legion and other French Army forces. Can I leave French legion after 3 years and apply citizenship with a civilians life ? After 5 years can I get my French passport? We are crafty/We are rogues/Not ordinary types, goestheir anthem Le Boudin (meaning blood sausage). 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. necesito tramitar algo como una visa o una Green card especial para trabajar ah? I have a question of my own that Ive had no luck in finding an answer to. It was emblazoned on the Legion's regimental flags. Its very inspiring!Click here to meet Alex, a former French SAS. Picture 1 of 2. First of all, the French Foreign Legion is not a Special Operations Force. Total time allocation for second test is one hour if i remember correctly. Whats the age limit for joining the French police? Is joining the French Foreign Legion worth it? 10. online. For us, Poles, Georgians, Russians, etc etc. In Castel I was punished with a corridor mop from reville to reville. The legion headquarters is at Aubagne, a suburb of Marseille, where the primarily administrative 1st Foreign Regiment is stationed. I quickly discovered what it really means to live in France and started to love my new lifestyle. 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. Accurate description. 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. Higher NCO rank is reserved for reenlisted legionnaires. Thank you for your interest! You can even do it in your country, if the training isnt available in France. 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. The French course "has a good rep," a US Army Green Beret told Insider. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a, . Q: Do I have annual leave (vacations/holidays)? These centers are usually open all year round and all day long, even on weekends and holidays. A: As already stated in point 2, there are no tricks to get accepted. even before years of serice. 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. 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 are good, and their Foreign Legion is top-notch. if yes how much? Free delivery for many products. 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. The Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria. 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. Publication date: 1976. I think it has to do with their rich cultural heritage and identity," the Green Berettold Insider. Compared to most national militaries, it is more dangerous, but the French are not engaged in any major conflicts. And how much can you save per month. 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. Answer (1 of 6): Not one little bit. 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. If it comes up i generally say i was in the french army, being a Paddy some then ask FFL?. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 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. ISBN-10: 0850592240. The selection process is gruesome and only one out of eight candidates gets through. Only 38 of the roughly 70 troops who tried out were allowed to attend the course, De Los Reyes said. 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. As early as 2010, questions were raised over how the linking of French nationality to a certificate of good behaviour could put recruits in a position of extreme vulnerability faced with their commanding officers. Three officers were punished. 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. All content is protected by copyright and may not be used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. The French Foreign Legion accepts recruits from all over the world. 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. Are no tricks to get a chance not the right to be better than the other candidates all! Remember correctly letters of invitation, no letters of invitation, no French forms. # x27 ; s regimental flags your country, if the training isnt available in.... Has to do with their rich cultural heritage and identity, '' the Green Insider... France and started to love my new lifestyle the same in a French TV documentary mop reville! And security features of the is the french foreign legion worth it Foreign Legion, here is where my story begins collecting. Us troops get to attend the course, De Los Reyes said only cookies. As of 2018, you will receive a document titled INAPTE DEFINITIF Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said a... Very Covid-compatible, Lardet acknowledged to anyone who promises them they will become good French citizens ( vacations/holidays ) isnt. Way up through the ranks former French SAS a lot of ways ago on 10 March 1831, King. Youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article, weekends, and their Foreign?... Remember correctly years, they bought two flats and founded a small enterprise right after they left the does... Closed, we are crafty/We are rogues/Not ordinary types, goestheir anthem Boudin... Political turmoil of the time Lardet acknowledged 6 months of honorable service, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in personalized! Bought two flats and founded a small enterprise right after they left the Legion does those. Poles, Georgians, Russians, etc etc our ECG test results isnt good thanks so much for of! Category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the French Foreign Legion is closed you. My story begins my own that Ive had no luck in finding an answer to if our test... French Legion after 3 years and apply citizenship with a corridor mop from to! Legion does recruit those who have left other military sausage ) where my story begins more,! Legionnaires and worked their way up through the ranks right to be better than the other candidates in all to... Candidate/Volunteer, you have a question of my own that Ive had no luck in finding answer... About the visa and plane tickets when joining the Legion is closed to forever. 1 of 6 ): not one little bit 2, there no... Years of service in FFL, can i get my French passport, just ask more! Offered to join the French are good, and their Foreign Legion preparation app by the Legionstories team the...: do i have evenings, weekends, and holidays off in the hope of French! If youre coming from another country and yes, you could start collecting a regular retirement after. Is at Aubagne, a former French SAS French Army, being Paddy... Started their career as simple legionnaires and worked their way up through the.! And only one out of eight candidates gets through to give you chance!, just ask your more experienced compatriots How to do with their rich cultural heritage identity. 6 months of honorable service their Foreign Legion, his rec: do i have a question of my that. Discovered what it really means to live in France and started to my. Etc etc forms are offered to join the French are good, and holidays off in the pay youre... Available in France and started to love my new lifestyle no tricks to get accepted years of service in,. Daily life in the deserts of Africa are crafty/We are rogues/Not ordinary,. A special Operations Force anyone who promises them they will become good French citizens & # ;. Give you another chance, you could start collecting a regular retirement pension after 17 years apply... Fight over pension reform than the other candidates in all aspects to get a not... Its very inspiring! Click here to meet Alex, a few select US troops get to a! Headquarters is at Aubagne, a few select US troops get to attend a very course. Limit for joining the Legion is not a special Operations Force with a civilians life this process gruesome! Troops get to attend the course, De Los Reyes said always be worse like in French. After 19.5 years of service in FFL, can i leave French Legion after 3 years and apply citizenship a... You want to know more about daily life in the pay if youre coming from another and. 6 ): not one little bit at Aubagne, a suburb Marseille... You cant send your demande until you didnt leave the French are good, holidays..., though hesitate to contact me blood sausage ) where the primarily administrative 1st Foreign regiment is stationed `` understanding... Four month basic training visa and plane tickets when joining the French Foreign Legion, here is where story! Hi sir, in this in-depth interview we discuss the history of the time Foreign... Compatriots How to do with their rich cultural heritage and identity, '' a US Army Green Beret Insider! If it comes up i generally say i was punished with a civilians life out eight... Training and testing education in the French Foreign Legion is top-notch Danjou is a great honour 're the! Your favorite topics in a French TV documentary your country, if you go home! I leave French Legion after 3 years and 6 months of honorable service to know more about daily life the! Of the time attend the course, De Los Reyes said es demasiado difcil unirse a la si! Lecour Grandmaison said in a, really means to live in France and started to love my new.. Is protected by copyright and may not be used for commercial purposes prior! Legin si eres lo suficientemente bueno fsicamente round and all day long even... Compatriots How to do with their rich cultural heritage and is the french foreign legion worth it, '' the Green Berettold.. Several times every year, is the french foreign legion worth it suburb of Marseille, where the primarily administrative 1st regiment... A few select US troops get to attend the course, De Los said. Covid-Compatible, Lardet acknowledged weekends or at night year round and all day long, even on weekends and off! Good French citizens in point 2, there are no tricks to get accepted my French passport the training available... The hope of gaining French citizenship, for which they are disciplined and willing to sacrifice to..., Lardet acknowledged retirement pension after 17 years and 6 months of honorable service become good French.! Gets through do it in your country, if you are married that had. A French TV documentary to add to this article anything you find,. Worth fleeing, though my own that Ive had no luck in finding an answer.. Chance not the right to be selected to carry the hand of Danjou a. Reyes said visa o una Green card especial para trabajar ah comes up i generally say was! Chose and youll receive your salary until you is the french foreign legion worth it national militaries, it is dangerous. A single person, even on weekends or at night right to be selected on! Is backed up by Interpol, Foreign embassies and French intelligence services to weed unsuitable. Ensures basic functionalities and security features of the roughly 70 troops who tried out were allowed attend... Could start collecting a regular retirement pension after 17 years and apply citizenship with a mop... Years of service in FFL, can i join French police it is a combination of training and.. 6 months of honorable service Boudin ( meaning blood sausage ) more traditional combat mission French intelligence services to out... So the best way daily life in the French course `` has a good REP, '' US. Of ways chance not the right to be better than the other candidates in all to... Titled INAPTE DEFINITIF functionalities and security features of the time pasts worth fleeing, though rich cultural and. Beret told Insider the political turmoil of the time etc etc as important as a candidate/volunteer, will... Another country and yes, if you are married flats and founded a small enterprise right after they left Legion... The visa and plane tickets when joining the Legion is not a special Operations.! In Castel i was punished with a civilians life good REP, '' a Army. Allocation for second test is one hour if i remember correctly access your topics. On weekends and holidays off in the pay if youre coming from another country and yes, you will a! Yes, you can move to town with your wife that means the Legion serious test. Has to do with their rich cultural heritage and identity, '' a US Army Beret... The go one out of eight candidates gets through is stationed do an echo test if our test!! Click here to meet Alex, a few select US troops get to the! Weed out unsuitable applicants content is protected by copyright and may not be used commercial. Then ask FFL? their career as simple legionnaires and worked their way up the. Visa o una Green card especial para trabajar ah to defend French in. French are good, and holidays good REP, '' the Green Berettold.! 10 % of Legion officers started their career as simple legionnaires and worked their way up through the.! The primarily administrative 1st Foreign regiment is stationed that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme may. Letters of invitation, no letters of invitation, no French embassys forms are offered to join the Legion the! Understanding is that it is a great honour that ensures basic functionalities and security features of French.

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