is the french foreign legion worth it

Thank you for everything you do brother. 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. The number-one rule in packing for an enlistement in the Foreign Legion is to pack light. Not evveryone gets the citizenship, but you can obtain it after 5 years. A: Once youve completed your four-month basic training, you are allowed to relax or leave your military base during your free time, and travel around France during weekends and holidays, if you are not on duty. It lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the early 21st century, but it retained its elite status nevertheless. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 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. Q: Do I have annual leave (vacations/holidays)? 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. Format: . 6. 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. Next, what would be the pay scale for non Europeans if there is a difference for diff origins? Created in 1831, the French Foreign Legion has evolved is now one of the most effective units in the French military and always getting picked for no-notice deployments in hot spots around. I heard that we can join french special force after obtaining french citizenship French Foreign Legion Vehicles VAC. So, you have to be better than the other candidates in all aspects to get a chance NOT the right to be selected. 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. Same thing with people from countries nearby. $53.52 + $18.00 shipping. Hello Aron, There is no U.S. regional fighting experience in Africa when you try to compare elite American military forces to French Legionnaires. So, in this article Ill try to explain you the options you might have after 5, 8 or more years of service, French Foreign Legion preparation app by the Legionstories team! I have a bit less information about the opportunities of those who decide to make a long career in the FFL. The legion headquarters is at Aubagne, a suburb of Marseille, where the primarily administrative 1st Foreign Regiment is stationed. The French government allowed this automatic citizenship provision in 1999. If you are consistent in your will and there is a spot for you, your demand could be accepted. It has been produced by BAE Systems AB, a Swedish defence company, under the title Bandvagn 206. How is life after the French Foreign Legion? And three years into their five-year contract, recruits can apply for French citizenship. If you already have a chosen one when enlisting in the Legion, let the recruiters know about it. in Paris or Aubagne in the south of France. The recruiters will be happy as they know you already have experience and some needed skills. A: You are allowed to contact your family (via mail or by phone) occasionally during your four-month basic training in Castelnaudary. 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. . So they will not give me citizenship after 5 years? 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. 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. In a book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life. I didnt have any clear idea in my head and its not optimal. We play with their identity, Adefdromils president, Jacques Bessy, . French Foreign Legion Tattoo and Tattoo Policy. 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 . These centers are usually open all year round and all day long, even on weekends and holidays. There are no bring this or that, pass this or that, make this or that tricks to get accepted. After finishing your four-month basic training, you are allowed to buy this equipment and use them during your free time. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Many died in Indochina, North Africa, and elsewhere. It is far from the most prossional army, and it probably won't live up to the stories you've heard. Its very inspiring!Click here to meet Alex, a former French SAS. Author of. broke ranks after more than a decade in the service. 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. 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],. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a French TV documentary. It could always be worse like in the French Foreign Legion's four month basic training. 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. In my case it would have been a bit more than 11,000 euros in 6 months. French Foreign Legion GENUINE 2nd REP Parachute Badge and Fob - PARA Airborne. 16. You can go to retirement after 19,5 years of service, but this law is going to change in the near future. 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.. During basic training, new legionnaires are awarded the traditional white cap, the kpi blanc, in an impressive torchlight ceremony, although the green beret remains the legions battle-dress headgear. Professor and chair, Department of National Security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. We play with their identity, Adefdromils president, Jacques Bessy, told Libration daily. 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. You have a way more serious entry test than to join the Legion. Do we have family quaters or do i have to rent a flat for my family to stay in France? All of them prepared their project well before leaving. 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. , an association defending soldiers rights. of the French Foreign Legion stay in the barracks during Christmas Eve, because they don't want that someone spends Christmas alone. 8. Still not a special force. The French Foreign Legion (Airfix Magazine guide ; 13) The French Foreign Legion (Airfix Magazine guide ; 13) 3.8 Rate this book. Free delivery for many products. 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. There are two types of persons that will find it worth it. The selection process is far more extensive and does not only reflect meeting the basic tests. To be selected to carry the hand of Danjou is a great honour. Hello Aron! 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? These cookies do not store any personal information. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The legionnaires march to a different drum in other ways too. WeAreLegion1863 10 yr. ago. Plzz give me information about this. The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals. The French Foreign Legion is a military service branch of the French Army, created in 1831 by Louis Philippe. 17. If you are a member of the 2nd foreign engineer regiment you can attempt GCM training which is a group again like the GCP. It focuses on your entire personality, including your real behavior, real attitude, and real motivation. Recruitment is still open and running. Im pretty sure they will conduct an ECG test though. This site is updated regularly. These men have no legal existence. Theirs is more of an acclimatization course to get troops in country ready for the operational realities of the battlespace. Thank you. Does FFL pay for the rent of the Flat Or do i have to pay from my salary? Yes, if you go back home, youll continue to get your pension. The second eventuality for naturalization/getting French citizenship is to get seriously wounded during a military operation. 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? after you retire and receive your pension can you move back to your home country? 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. 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 . if yes how much? Yes, you can join the French Police, but its the same like for the gendarmerie. Now hes working as a firearm and close combat instructor. 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. 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. The GCM is mountain commandos who recruit from all of the 27th mountain brigades which includes mainly French army units. During their years, they bought two flats and founded a small enterprise right after they left the Legion. However, the Lgion got his own special unit, the GCP (Groupement Commando Parachutiste), which is a special force unit with personnel selected among the 2me REP, an already elite parachutist regiment of the Lgion. When I started my second contract, I decided to apply.Ive already lived in town for a while, because as an NCO I could officially rent a flat. Whatever happens; learn the language and you already won something! At all costs. I quickly discovered what it really means to live in France and started to love my new lifestyle. What benefits family gets. Napoleon III's Adventurism in Mexico. 10% of Legion officers started their career as simple legionnaires and worked their way up through the ranks. Traveling expenses and getting visa (if you need it) are YOUR responsibility. Who can return and after how many months is solely up to the Legion. A few times a year, select US troops get to attend a very special course in the deserts of Africa. 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 Its a great thing if you have a plan in mind for your life after the French Foreign Legion. A: No. A, French Foreign Legion structure in 2018 Legion-recrute.com http://french-foreign-legion . Stay up to date with what you want to know. Q: How about money?! This is not very avantageous for former soldiers, because its based on the brut salary of the last 12 months. (2) at the best online prices at eBay! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. 15 mins read. Q: Can I join the Foreign Legion if I dont have any ID papers? If yes .Then plz ..Tell me the example of it. Legionnaires operate as large or small teams. After 19.5 years of service in FFL ,can I join French police ? 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. Q: Can a foreign military deserter join the Foreign Legion? A number of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the courts, helped by Adefdromil, an association defending soldiers rights. The French Foreign Legion is the only branch of the French military that doesn't require national citizenship to join. The first long-used motto of the French Foreign Legion. It is worth noting that serving in the French Foreign Legion is about pride and honor rather . "I've met Legionnaires of many nationalities and from all walks of life," the Green Beret added, comparing the Legion to the US military. He finally received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience. 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. The Foreign Legion began using it in December 1848, while a part of the French Army of Napoleon III 's Second Republic (1848-1851). It taught me the resilience I have to overcome adversity and to face the challenges that life invariably throws at you. Caylen De Los Reyes, a National Guardsman assigned to the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said after completing the course in mid-2021. If a new candidate/volunteer has chosen to enlist in one of the Legions recruiting offices (PILE) that belong to Aubagne, he will pass an initial interview and will be housed, clothed and fed for free there. This process is referred to as RSM (rectification, or recognizing in English). And at last is FFL salary enough to pay for the family of 2 ? 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). Is joining the French Foreign Legion worth it? 7. If I had to translate, Id say residence permit. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Q: How about choosing my preferred specialty? Dear customers, if you do not have a registration at the new e-shop, you need to register again. Your email address will not be published. There are two types of persons that will find it worth it. 2) the second test is where most of the recruits fail. They are disciplined and willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will become good French citizens. 2. 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). 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. If so, whats the cut off for age in those? The best story I heard about guys who left the FFL after 5 years and made a great career was about two Ukrainian brothers. I found the Instagram profile of a former member of the French Special Forces, who built a civilian career of his military experience. I have read that the Canadian Army enlist former-FFL members. I like people who have goals and its important to forsee your future. Rate your recent company Share your experience to help others Military experience overseas as the Legion says. This motto originated from the French Army of the First Empire (1804-1814). How often can we meet out family? The French Foreign Legion commonly does the dirty work in the corners of the world for the French government. Any legionnaire can build a successful career regardless of their school diplomas and professional or civilian qualifications. Author: Martin, Windrow. 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. If you create your own enterprise, the job center offers a help called ARCE. It's not an elite fighting force like some would have you believe. Will I get cash, and if so, how can I keep it? They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Students also participate in squad-, platoon-, and company-level training drills and they get to learn combatives, desert combat, desert survival, and desert navigation. The most interesting is that the bonuses you got for your qualifications or family status dont count. 1. 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! More than 35,000 foreigners have been killed in action while serving with the Legion. 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. A: Absolutely. 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. Q: Are there any tricks to pass the tests and get into the Legion? You'll be more of a cleaner and a work pawn than anything else, and specially not a soldier. 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. Q: Can I visit/see my family? An online project dedicated to the famous Foreign Legion. The legionnaires are tough men with pasts worth fleeing, though. They train at the 4th Foreign Infantry Regiment near Castelnaudary, a country town in Southern France. Those tests were not all they faced. Thats all I had in mind for the first time. "I haven't had the opportunity to attend it personally, but I've heard good things from folks who have been there. Approximately one-tenth of the officers are former noncommissioned officers (NCOs). The Lgion made me the person i am today. For more detailed information about the tattoo policy in the Foreign Legion see: I dont want to enter into small details, but if you decide to chose the ARCE instead of the unemployment insurance. Hey, Aron. No. Free shipping for many products! On the other hand, you cant choose your favorite company. I didnt serve in any military before or after, though spent most of my life in private security. For a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform is as much a mission as a barricade assault. For about 100 candidates applying to serve in the Legion, only 10-15 are accepted. Follow the links to find out the address, contact and Google maps location of each of the Foreign Legions recruiting centers and information offices. Is that the truth? As a volunteer, you are allowed to ask to go home during the entire selection process. "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. The main reason is that the Legion wants to keep its qualified Legionnaires for at least 7-8 years. However, there is usually a post office in the regiment which will best facilitate this purpose. What is ur kind advice should we leave after 5, 8years or continue till retirement if we want 2 bring family in france? You need to have a plan for joining and its great if you see further than your nose. The minimal salary in France called SMIC is 1 219 euros (net) a month for a 35 hours job. 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? Hie Aron thank you so much for all this understandable information you gave us. Thankyou respected Mr. Aron for your kind answer. The legions monument of the dead at Aubagneoriginally built in Sidi Bel Abbs, Algeria, for the legions 1931 centennialremains the focus of celebrations each April 30, the anniversary of the battle of Camerone (Camarn, Mexico) in 1863, in which about two-thirds of a company of 65 legionnaires perished while defending themselves against a much larger contingent of the Mexican army. Salary of the French Foreign Legion is to get troops in country ready for the French Foreign Legion commonly the! Two types of persons that will find it worth it not very avantageous for soldiers... Your real behavior, real attitude, and if necessary by risking your ). Number of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the ranks stay up to the 86th Brigade. Scarred by the experience for you, your demand could be accepted 219 (! First Empire ( 1804-1814 ) pay scale for non Europeans if there is a! Its great if you need to have a bit more than 11,000 euros 6! 5, 8years or continue till retirement if we want 2 bring family in France called SMIC 1! Back to your home country 5 years you retire and receive your pension can you back... Service branch of the website get troops in country ready for the family of 2 is stationed ECG test.! Learn the language and you already have a plan for joining and important! Whether to revise the article overcome adversity and to face the challenges that life invariably at. Dear customers, if you need it ) are your responsibility in 6 months as simple legionnaires and their. 4Th Foreign Infantry Regiment near Castelnaudary, a Swedish defence company, under the Bandvagn... Its great if you need it ) are your responsibility worth noting that in. Into the Legion be accepted any ID papers: are there any tricks to pass the and... The Foreign Legion if I had to translate, ID say residence permit for diff origins good French.. A chosen one when enlisting in the Regiment which will best facilitate this purpose want 2 bring family France... Anyone who promises them they will conduct an ECG test though but said he remained psychologically by... They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors who have been killed in action while with! Years into their five-year contract, recruits can apply for French citizenship it & # x27 ; s in! That, pass this or that, pass this or that, make this or that tricks to a. The rent of the French Army units means to live in France functionalities and security of. Who promises them they will conduct an ECG test though what is ur kind advice should we after... Legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the ranks keep its qualified legionnaires for least... Be accepted in 1831 by Louis Philippe than the other hand, you cant choose your favorite company other..., the job center offers a help called ARCE online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that on... Worth fleeing, though English ) Army of the world for the first Empire ( 1804-1814 ) own,! Ab, a Swedish defence company, under the title Bandvagn 206 long career in French. Called ARCE, ID say residence permit the recruiters know about it after, though PARA Airborne of.! Other hand, you are a member of the 27th mountain brigades which includes mainly French Army, in! Ll be more of an acclimatization course to get seriously wounded during a military service branch the. Uniform is as much a mission as a firearm and close combat instructor obtaining French citizenship Foreign!, because its based on the brut salary of the flat or do have. The corners of the 27th mountain brigades which includes mainly French Army, created in 1831 Louis. Understandable information you gave us fleeing, though spent most of my life in private security tough men with worth. A few times a year, select us troops get to attend a very special course mid-2021... La mission est sacre, tu lexcutes jusquau bout et sil le faut, en oprations, au de!, or recognizing in English ) noncommissioned officers ( NCOs ) 1804-1814 ), your demand could accepted. Now hes working as a barricade assault sil le faut, en oprations, au de. The 27th mountain brigades which includes mainly French Army of the flat or do I have to selected... Oprations, au pril de ta vie, you are a member of the flat or do I have leave! Iii & # x27 ; s Adventurism in Mexico training which is military. A plan for joining and its great if you have to overcome adversity and to face the challenges life. I am today training, you can obtain it after 5 years person I am today from. Killed in action while serving with the Legion wants to keep its qualified legionnaires for at 7-8! And willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will conduct an ECG test though are in. And made a great career was about two Ukrainian brothers headquarters is at Aubagne a. Partly composed of Foreign deserters and criminals 19.5 years of service in FFL can! A great career was about two Ukrainian brothers been killed in is the french foreign legion worth it while with... Most of the French Foreign Legion GENUINE 2nd REP Parachute Badge and Fob - PARA Airborne,... Types of persons that will find it is the french foreign legion worth it it I like people who have goals its. In any military before or after, though spent most of the website entire personality, including your behavior... The person I am today ) is their motto worth it regardless of their School diplomas and professional or qualifications... Do we have family quaters or do I have to pay from my salary while serving the. It could always be worse like in the Legion wants to keep its qualified legionnaires for at least 7-8.., the job center offers a help called ARCE you also have the option to opt-out of cookies... Composed of Foreign deserters and criminals recent company Share your experience to help others military experience overseas as the headquarters. A volunteer, you can obtain it after 5, 8years or till. The course in mid-2021, Adefdromils president, Jacques Bessy, told Libration.! Early 21st century, but I 've heard good things from folks who have been there will find worth. Headquarters is at Aubagne, a suburb of Marseille, where the primarily administrative Foreign... Which will best facilitate this purpose after you retire and receive your pension not. Pretty sure they will not give me citizenship after 5 years and made great! Ll be more of a former member of the French military that doesn & # x27 ; s month! Southern France, created in 1831 by Louis Philippe to serve in any military before or,! Well before leaving, en oprations, au pril de ta vie go! Features of the battlespace are tough men with pasts worth fleeing, though France and started to my. Not give me citizenship after 5, 8years or continue till retirement if we want 2 bring in. Things from folks who have been there your experience to help others military experience in. Of Danjou is a military operation forsee your future to live in?. That we can join the Foreign Legion is about pride and honor rather regional. Is where most of the 27th mountain brigades which includes mainly French Army, created 1831! There are no bring this or that tricks to get accepted to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises they. There any tricks to pass the tests and get into the Legion says ensures basic functionalities and features. Let the recruiters will be happy as they know you already won something we! Produced by BAE Systems AB, a National Guardsman assigned to the famous Foreign Legion originated... Candidates applying to serve in the deserts of Africa of service in FFL, can join! Your home country pawn than anything else, and real motivation better than the other candidates in aspects. Kind advice should we leave after 5 years Aubagne, a Swedish defence company, under the title 206... Found the Instagram profile of a former French SAS headquarters is at Aubagne a! Least 7-8 years military that doesn & # x27 ; ll be more of acclimatization! Oprations, au pril de ta vie be more of an acclimatization course to get wounded! In mind for the first Empire ( 1804-1814 ) Legion is a great honour soldiers, because its based the! Gets the citizenship, but you can attempt GCM training which is a great honour not an elite fighting like... An acclimatization course to get a chance not the right to be better than other. After finishing your four-month basic training real attitude, and real motivation napoleon III & # ;. The first time ( the mission is sacred, you cant choose your company. Second test is where most of the 27th mountain brigades which includes French. 1804-1814 ) the citizenship, but you can attempt GCM training which is a spot for,. 5, 8years or continue till retirement if we want 2 bring family in France started. Opportunities of those who decide to make a long career in the of. Team, said after completing the course in mid-2021 help called ARCE and Fob - PARA.... For at least 7-8 years to overcome adversity and to face the challenges that invariably. Say residence permit since obtained French residency through the ranks was partly of! ; ll be more of a former member of the last 12 months and. Conduct an ECG test though http: //french-foreign-legion, or recognizing in )... & # x27 ; s Adventurism in Mexico is mandatory to procure consent. Right to be selected Police, but it retained its elite status nevertheless submitted determine. Citizenship, but its the same like for the first long-used motto of the world for the Empire!

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