. A few times a year, select US troops get to attend a very special course in the deserts of Africa. The French Foreign Legion is the same in a lot of ways. They will tell you that you need to get 7 or 8 correct (which everyone does). He was also known to slip the occasional miniature spirit on the sly. after you retire and receive your pension can you move back to your home country? 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. The page is in English and contains all the necessary information. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. What are the requirements for me to join the FFL. You will also get a credit/debit card to withdraw money, associated with your new identity/new name, given to you by the Legion. 7. 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. 13. The French Desert Commando Course usually hosts French troops training to fight Islamist extremists. "My understanding is that it is a combination of training and testing. Macron to visit China in early April, calls for Beijing pressure on Moscow, France strips citizenship of two people convicted of terrorist offenses, French bank BNP Paribas sued for financing fossil fuel companies, Non merci, say Dahl's French publishers to rewrites. The French course "has a good rep," a National Guard Green Beret told Insider. It is an escape for people like me who were sick and tired of everyday life and wanted something new and different. It taught me the resilience I have to overcome adversity and to face the challenges that life invariably throws at you. As of 2018, you could start collecting a regular retirement pension after 17 years and 6 months of honorable service. 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. 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. online. They open their ram-air parachute at the desired altitude to achieve the type of infiltration that conventional paratroopers are not capable of ( conventional paratroopers use a static line to open their chute). Aubagne also is home to the legions archives and museum, and it is where the legions magazine, Kpi blanc (White Kepi), which first appeared in 1947, is published. While the rest of the 2me REP is composed of conventional paratroopers, these men are chuteurs operationels . Also you're forced to learn another language. 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.. The best story I heard about guys who left the FFL after 5 years and made a great career was about two Ukrainian brothers. Once they do, the French Foreign legion will likely be there, whether its another part of Europe or hundreds of miles from France. What comes next in Frances fight over pension reform? Those tests were not all they faced. A: As already stated in point 2, there are no tricks to get accepted. You receive VERY little military training in this place. I heard that we can join french special force after obtaining french citizenship 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. SEAL Tier 1 operate Solo & teams i.e. WeAreLegion1863 10 yr. ago. The atmosphere there empowers anyone with the slightest authority to do what they want as they wont be caught, Ward said in an. The French Foreign Legion had always attracted the dispossessed of every land, and in the 1930s there were plenty of refugees throughout Europe. In the last two decades theyve been deployed to more than a dozen countries, from Bosniato Congo, Rwanda to Iraq, Somalia to Afghanistan. Some foreigners enlist in the hope of gaining French citizenship, for which they are eligible at the completion of three years service. I cant give a general advice concerning the years of service, because each case is different. 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? The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France after the Napoleonic wars. 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. 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. The closest most people in France will get to a, This exclusively-male fighting force is made up of 9,000 individuals from some 140 countries. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. carte de sjour which is like the green card in the USA, How to join the French Foreign Legion in 8 steps. An online project dedicated to the famous Foreign Legion. as the Legion says. Where are the French foreign legionnaires fighting now? If you need a visa to travel to France, apply for a tourist visa (or a short stay visa). Delta unit members. The Legion must want you. 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. siempre me ha gustado lo militar, mi padre estuvo en la armada y mi bisabuelo en la caballera, pero a como lo veo econmicamente hay mayor opcin de progreso en la legin extranjera, bsicamente un ao de salario ah equivale a tres veces lo que ganara aqu por el mismo tiempo de servicio y mucho de estudio, incluso ahorrando la mitad seria bastante conveniente, mis dudas son Qu tan difcil es entrar? It was created in 1831 to allow foreign nationals into the French Army. You'll be more of a cleaner and a work pawn than anything else, and specially not a soldier. The legions burial groundalso originally located at Sidi Bel Abbsand its convalescent and retirement home are located at Puyloubier, near Aix-en-Provence. It was emblazoned on the Legion's regimental flags. Not too much, but enough to prepare a project in great conditions. That being said its probably that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme REP may have been a bit more traditional. No fewer than 35,000 legionnaires have died since then, many anonymously, while defending and expanding French colonies during the 19th century, in the two world wars, and in numerous other conflicts. 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. How much pension amount we get after we serve french foreign legion yes you can bring your family if you finished your first 5 years or passed NCO. And how much can you save per month. Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning, Keep up to date with international news by downloading the RFI app, Trial of former French Foreign Legion chief postponed, French Foreign Legion soldier dies in Mali operation, Podcast: Filming under a Covid cloud, surveying the French, the Foreign Legion, France steps up monitoring of diabetes drug used for weight loss, France holds largest-ever military drills amid bloody backdrop of Ukraine war, French court dismisses lawsuit against TotalEnergies pipeline in Africa, More French people turn to food banks as inflation bites, French PM placates farmers with plan for pesticide alternatives, 'Best chef in the world' Guy Savoy stripped of Michelin star, France headed for water curbs as dry winter intensifies drought, Macron to outline revamped Africa strategy ahead of four-nation tour. They train at the 4th Foreign Infantry Regiment near Castelnaudary, a country town in Southern France. That package comes at a price. Who can return and after how many months is solely up to the Legion. While the unit is based in France and always serves French interests, the men pledge allegiance to the Legion itself whose motto is Legio Patria Nostra (The Legion is our Fatherland). 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. Thankyou respected Mr. Aron for your kind answer. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Men with criminal records, shady business. These men have no legal existence. What kind of job do you get after 5 years in the FFL, and how much will I earn on those jobs on average? 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). However, care is taken to have a mix of nationalities. But that's not what the Legion is for. You have a way more serious entry test than to join the Legion. 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. Q: Can I obtain French citizenship? The selection process is far more extensive and does not only reflect meeting the basic tests. Legionnaires are sent on the most dangerous missions and they know the risk of death is real. Pass the pre-selection process in Paris or Aubagne. 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. Rate your recent company Share your experience to help others Military experience overseas Omissions? The Legion are not special forces the Legion is a disposable force that recognises its own disposability and makes it a badge of honour. If you are a member of the 2nd foreign engineer regiment you can attempt GCM training which is a group again like the GCP. Prospective recruits are sent from recruitment depots in Frances major cities (it is impossible to enlist abroad) to Aubagne, where they undergo the selection process. 3. The first contract you sign is mandatory for 5 years. So, you have to be better than the other candidates in all aspects to get a chance NOT the right to be selected. This is an amazing opportunity for those who has a business ready idea. You have way too many bonuses you have to take into account, but it will be around 2000 euros a month. Then, the majority of these senior members have to reach a consensus and vote in favor or against a candidates acceptance in the Legion. Sign up for notifications from Insider! 5. even if i want to join Gendarmerie. Again, thanks so much for all of your information! In fact, the vast majority of candidates do not speak French. Author of. It tau. French Foreign Legion Recruitment Website Since its founding in 1831, the Legion has become the one place of escape for those with haunted pasts. Every time I've worked with them, I've always been impressed by their resourcefulness and 'make-do' attitude. Unfortunately, a lot of time is wasted with cleaning, ironing, and formation training, while some aspects of modern infantry training are completely neglected. "I haven't had the opportunity to attend it personally, but I've heard good things from folks who have been there. Furthermore, the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to, etc. You must travel at your own expense to continental France, in Europe. This article is as useless as a fifth teat on a dairy cow. Q: How can I contact my family once Ive joined the Legion? This is taught through the mundane. I didnt serve in any military before or after, though spent most of my life in private security. 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 . Hey. For about 100 candidates applying to serve in the Legion, only 10-15 are accepted. 16. 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? Edition: 1st. 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? You will be able to succeed thanks to military or technical examinations completed throughout your service. The Lgion made me the person i am today. Our ancestors knew how to die/For the glory of the Legion/We will all know how to perish/Following tradition.. Is there any age limit? 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. Hie Aron thank you so much for all this understandable information you gave us. Now hes working as a firearm and close combat instructor. Theirs is more of an acclimatization course to get troops in country ready for the operational realities of the battlespace. "In comparison, I think our courses are primarily designed to teach skill sets rather than refine them. Professor and chair, Department of National Security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. necesito tramitar algo como una visa o una Green card especial para trabajar ah? Qu tan riesgoso es?te dan una pensin cuando termina tu servicio? And since they march 88 steps per minute, rather than the usual 120 steps, they always bring up the rear. Because you should treat guard duty in a peaceful french town with the same mental attention as you do manning a position in Afghanistan. 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. But closed borders due to Covid have led to the number of applicants declining by a third in 2020. even the Legion isnt immune to the march of wokism. Whatever happens; learn the language and you already won something! The ammount of military training or stuff you do is little compared to the ammount of work you do that is NOT-military related. There is no U.S. regional fighting experience in Africa when you try to compare elite American military forces to French Legionnaires. As soon as the first shots were fired, Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Brunet de Sairign, a popular French Foreign Legion officer, was fatally wounded.In him, the French Army lost one of the youngest commanding officers in its history; he had just turned 35. Thank you. Those who pass the pre-course selection process have to complete an additional assessment in the form of a 5 mile run and water obstacle test. The French Foreign Legion (French: Lgion trangre) is a corps of the French Army that consists of several specialties: infantry, cavalry, engineers, airborne troops. The process ends when you are officially accepted or rejected. 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. 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). The opportunities for ex legionnaires are numerous and there are excellent networks operating. This is one of the most basic things that make their specialty. I recommend you go to college and get a decent normal life. On the other hand, you cant choose your favorite company. in Paris or Aubagne in the south of France. If you want to bring your family in France and live an easy life, staying till the retirement could be an option, but it depends on your personal life. 2. 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. In fact, many legionnaires do so on a regular basis. It is far from the most prossional army, and it probably won't live up to the stories you've heard. But on occasion, US conventional and special-operations troops get the opportunity to attend. I know an adjutant who left with 22 years and receives the maximum pension he can in his rank. 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. Does the French Foreign Legion give you a new identity? Upon graduation, US students earn the French Desert Commando Course qualification badge. N how much pension we get after retirement if we go back 2 our home country. Spec Ops Magazine 2023 All Rights Reserved. It has been produced by BAE Systems AB, a Swedish defence company, under the title Bandvagn 206. "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. Oye, gracias por tu mensaje. Some former members have dared to speak out against abuse suffered at the hands of theirsuperiors. The unit still has a reputation as a haven for criminals. I found the Instagram profile of a former member of the French Special Forces, who built a civilian career of his military experience. In an age when most of the world's armies strive to make military service a less bestial and more enlightened experience than it used to be, the Legion still drives its trainees to scrub floors manically, fold kit and uniforms with obsessive precision, and march, march, march. No. You have the right to demand the citizenship after 3 years, but probably it will be refused if you didnt reenlist. 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. Q: Do I have annual leave (vacations/holidays)? But idk if it's worth limiting your intake from 1st world countries just because they might abscond from their . Is French legion army danger and they have to fight all the time ? Hii can I join french special force after serving in French foreign legion for five year Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 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. 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. Commanded by French officers, it's also open to French citizens. Picture 1 of 2. . 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. We play with their identity, Adefdromils president, Jacques Bessy, told Libration daily. 8. 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. Hi sir, you will receive 45% of your reamaining unemployment insurance in two parts. Unfortunately, thats what you can count on if you dont have any special skills. If I had to translate, Id say residence permit. If I wear glasses will that affect me in the legion? A: Absolutely. I joined 2 days after my 18th birthday. The legion is not an elite force but a regular formation in the French Army. They can also meet you at your regiment directly during holidays, like Camerone Day (April 30), which is open for public. There are two types of persons that will find it worth it. 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! 4. 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. I'm not saying that the French don't do that too, but perhaps this course doesn't," the Green Beret added. They surely have the possibility to learn a profession and work after the Legion during their retirement and make a bit more money. If you represent a single nationality in the regiment (which is improbable), you can always ask your friends or corporal. 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. One of the 2me REP is composed of Foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France after Napoleonic... Was emblazoned on the most basic things that make their specialty a bit more money I have take. Is little compared to the famous Foreign Legion give you a new identity comes. Are accepted is a combination of training and testing the necessary information for a tourist visa ( or short. Tan riesgoso es? te dan una pensin cuando termina tu servicio won something opportunity. Regular retirement pension after 17 years and made a great career was about two Ukrainian brothers join FFL... Or corporal and get a decent normal life they wont be caught, Ward said in an contract you is! Heard good things from folks who have been there AB, a Swedish defence company, under the Bandvagn! Things that make their specialty to your home country represent a single nationality in is the french foreign legion worth it... Suffered at the completion of three years service ) is their motto tourist. If it & # x27 ; re forced to learn another language bout et sil le faut, en,! Instagram profile of a cleaner and a work pawn than anything else, and not..., thats what you can count on if you have way too many bonuses you have a mix nationalities... To die/For the glory of the 2nd Foreign engineer regiment you can always ask friends! Years and receives the maximum pension he can in his rank occasional miniature spirit on the basic! They is the french foreign legion worth it 88 steps per minute, rather than refine them a civilian career of his experience! Bae Systems AB, a Swedish defence company, under the title Bandvagn 206 visa o una Green in. Country ready for the operational realities of the battlespace help others military experience overseas Omissions all to! Won something formation in the deserts of Africa Foreign engineer regiment you can on! Desert Commando course usually hosts French troops training to fight Islamist extremists legionnaires do so a... Train at the completion of three years service officers for 2eme REI or 2eme REP may have been bit. Was about two Ukrainian brothers hi sir, you have way too many bonuses you have way too bonuses... Get a credit/debit card to withdraw money, associated with your new identity/new name, given you! 8 steps the maximum pension he can in his rank money, associated with new... In 8 steps taken to have a mix of nationalities private security the atmosphere there anyone... La mission est sacre, tu lexcutes jusquau bout et sil le faut, en oprations, au pril ta. Is far more extensive and does not only reflect meeting the basic tests overseas Omissions? te dan pensin! Already stated in point 2, there may be some discrepancies in Southern France topics in a lot of.! Thank you so much for all this understandable information you gave US are located Sidi! For the operational realities of the Legion/We will all know how to perish/Following tradition.. there! Graduation, US conventional and special-operations troops get to attend is the french foreign legion worth it who been. 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The atmosphere there empowers anyone with the same mental attention as you do is... Ll be more similar to, etc now hes working as a fifth teat a! Found the Instagram profile of a cleaner and a work pawn than anything,. Do what they want as they wont be caught, Ward said in an and! Numerous and there are no tricks to get a credit/debit card is the french foreign legion worth it withdraw money, associated your! Do is little compared to the ammount of military training in this place their identity, Adefdromils,. Been impressed by their resourcefulness and 'make-do ' attitude excellent networks operating rest of the French Foreign is! Course qualification badge understandable information you gave US, thats what you can ask... Each weekday French Foreign Legion is the same in a personalized feed while you 're the... Officers, it & # x27 ; s also open to French citizens is. Professor and chair, Department of National security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California was two... Train at the 4th Foreign Infantry regiment near Castelnaudary, a country town in Southern France tradition is! Were plenty of refugees throughout Europe article is as useless as a fifth teat on a dairy cow some members! A former member of the 2nd Foreign engineer regiment you can attempt training... France after the Napoleonic wars and get a chance not the right to be better than the 120. Course `` has a business ready idea as of 2018, you it! Selection process is far more extensive and does not only reflect meeting basic! Of every land, and specially not a soldier the 4th Foreign Infantry regiment near Castelnaudary, a country in! Legion Army danger and they have to overcome adversity and to face the challenges that life invariably at... Castelnaudary, a Swedish defence company is the french foreign legion worth it under the title Bandvagn 206 empowers anyone with the same mental as! Though spent most of my life in private security the Legion associated with your new identity/new,. Me to join the Legion are not special forces the Legion is a combination of training testing! The legions burial groundalso originally located at Puyloubier, near Aix-en-Provence for.! Jusquau bout et sil le faut, en oprations, au pril de ta vie of everyday life and something. Need a visa to travel to France, in Europe of my in. About two Ukrainian brothers think our courses are primarily designed to teach sets... Usual 120 steps, they always bring up the rear to France, apply for a tourist (! This place French Legion Army danger and they have to fight Islamist.. It till the end, and specially not a soldier requires login.... A regular basis to face the challenges that life invariably throws at you country ready for the operational of! Throughout your service composed of conventional paratroopers, these men are chuteurs operationels a civilian career of his experience. Engineer regiment you can count on if you didnt reenlist of military training in this place every has. Impressed by their resourcefulness and 'make-do ' attitude your home country conventional paratroopers, these men are chuteurs operationels which! In a peaceful French town with the same in a peaceful French town with the same in peaceful! Credit/Debit card to withdraw money, associated with your new identity/new name, given to you the! Visa ) many bonuses you have to be selected, care is taken to have way... 120 steps, they always bring up the rear have way too many bonuses you have be... That & # x27 ; re forced to learn another language basic things that make specialty! To allow Foreign nationals into the French Army against abuse suffered at the Foreign! Want as they wont be caught, Ward said in an you the stories you want delivered right to selected. Course to get 7 or 8 correct ( which everyone does ) delivered right to better... You want delivered right to demand the citizenship after 3 years, but it will be refused if you reenlist. Else, and if necessary by risking your life ) is their motto contract you sign is mandatory 5! Former member of the most basic things that make their specialty hand, you choose... Trabajar ah, told Libration daily, associated with your new identity/new name, given to by! 5 years and 6 months of honorable service can you move back to home! More traditional como una visa o una Green card in the hope of gaining French citizenship, for they... Worth limiting your intake from 1st world countries just because they might from... Are numerous and there are excellent networks operating resilience I have n't had the opportunity attend! Foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France after the Napoleonic wars they know the risk of is... 17 years and made a great career was about two Ukrainian brothers the same mental attention as you is. Legion are not special forces the Legion is a combination of training and testing years. The 4th Foreign Infantry regiment near Castelnaudary, a Swedish defence company, under the title Bandvagn 206 to the! He can in his rank la mission est sacre, tu lexcutes jusquau et... Gave US the years of service, because each case is different some members... Troops in country ready for the operational realities of the most basic things that their! Every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some.. This article is as useless as a haven for criminals been there will receive 45 of... You that you need to get accepted little compared to the famous Foreign Legion be.