These men have no legal existence. 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. The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore. A: No. Delta unit members. Every year around 8,000 men knock on our door, we have 147 nationalities at present, the result of Frances influence [around the world], General Alain Lardet told La Croix daily. 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. 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! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I know an adjutant who left with 22 years and receives the maximum pension he can in his rank. The entire recruiting and selection process should take usually 3 weeks (however, the exact period depends on each candidate). 101st Airborne division and some other regular military units with a slightly better history than ordinary military units. 1st and foremost: Special Ops Tier 2 operators operate as a team i.e. Our ancestors knew how to die/For the glory of the Legion/We will all know how to perish/Following tradition.. Securing French citizenship meanwhile requires a certificate of good behaviour from the French hierarchy; the slightest foot wrong can ruin your chances. Q: Can I use mobile phones, laptops, or notebook computers? To make it simple, its divided in three section. Thankyou respected Mr. Aron for your kind answer. Q: Do I have evenings, weekends, and holidays off in the Foreign Legion? That being said its probably that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme REP may have been a bit more traditional. After 5 years can I get my French passport? You will be able to succeed thanks to military or technical examinations completed throughout your service. The Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria. Legionnairesreact very quickly, which is a big plus, especially when it comes to anti-ambush tactics. The legion is not an elite force but a regular formation in the French Army. You must travel at your own expense to continental France, in Europe. Whats the age limit for joining the French police? He finally received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience. But it hides a sordid reality. 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. Discipline above all To integrate people with different cultural and social backgrounds the French Foreign Legion has a very strict discipline. You can go to retirement after 19,5 years of service, but this law is going to change in the near future. In my case it would have been a bit more than 11,000 euros in 6 months. Here is how it goes: 1) basic 10 question which is related to mathematics and simple logical questions. 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. online. Hi and thank you for your post. v. in most western nations Felonies == no go. 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. It is far from the most prossional army, and it probably won't live up to the stories you've heard. It taught me to keep on living when shrapnel traveled up my pelvis and destroyed my kidney. Not evveryone gets the citizenship, but you can obtain it after 5 years. If you create your own enterprise, the job center offers a help called ARCE. What are the requirements for me to join the FFL. Learn more. The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France after the Napoleonic wars. So they will not give me citizenship after 5 years? 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. It lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the early 21st century, but it retained its elite status nevertheless. It is an escape for people like me who were sick and tired of everyday life and wanted something new and different. The ceremony was held only to hand over the ribboned medal he should have received then but had not collected. Can I leave French legion after 3 years and apply citizenship with a civilians life ? The process ends when you are officially accepted or rejected. At Puebla lay the French Army, still trying to win an empire for Napoleon III and his Habsburg puppet, Maximilian, younger . After youve served your 5 years in the legion, do you get to keep your uniform and take it back to your home country as a keep sake and to show your family and friends? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Por el momento, no puede venir a Francia debido al bloqueo, pero una vez que las fronteras estn abiertas de nuevo, puede intentar unirse. Or what happens when you finish your contract? It was created in 1831 to allow foreign nationals into the French Army. ISBN-10: 0850592240. The French Foreign Legion preparation app by the Legionstories team. A number of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the courts, helped by Adefdromil, an association defending soldiers rights. French Foreign Legion, French Lgion trangre, an elite military force originally consisting of foreign volunteers in the pay of France but now comprising volunteer soldiers from any nation, including France, for service in France and abroad. 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. Hey, Aron. The French Armed Forces have plenty of Special Forces Units at its disposal, like Commando Hubert, GIGN, and other heavy capable quick reaction forces. Author of. At all costs. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. These men have no legal existence. Follow the links to find out the address, contact and Google maps location of each of the Foreign Legions recruiting centers and information offices. A: Absolutely. 12. The ammount of military training or stuff you do is little compared to the ammount of work you do that is NOT-military related. "My understanding is that it is a combination of training and testing. A: Absolutely. Thats all I had in mind for the first time. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a French TV documentary. Q: Can I obtain French citizenship? You have the right to demand the citizenship after 3 years, but probably it will be refused if you didnt reenlist. 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? necesito tramitar algo como una visa o una Green card especial para trabajar ah? 2023 Copyright RFI - All rights reserved. 16. 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 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. I didnt serve in any military before or after, though spent most of my life in private security. You dont need to speak French. 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). My Name is Bright a 27 years old man from Zimbabwe. The Guardian reported Bezos was designated a member of the Legion d'Honneur about ten years ago. You will be informed if you are selected to join the Foreign Legion. It isnt an elite force, its cannon fodder.. Updates? ISBN-13: 9780850592245. Unfortunately, a lot of time is wasted with cleaning, ironing, and formation training, while some aspects of modern infantry training are completely neglected. Among them are military veterans . The Foreign Legion began using it in December 1848, while a part of the French Army of Napoleon III 's Second Republic (1848-1851). 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. Joel Struthers served in the elite 2REP of the French Foreign Legion. They will tell you that you need to get 7 or 8 correct (which everyone does). The French Foreign Legion offers you a chance to start a new life Good luck! Within 7 days, these candidates are sent with a free train ticket to Paris to join an initial preselection. 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. After retirement if i went back 2 my home country will i still get pension? Is that true and under what conditions? A: After 3 years of service, you can make a formal request for naturalization. Great! What kind of job do you get after 5 years in the FFL, and how much will I earn on those jobs on average? A: No. In the last two decades theyve been deployed to more than a dozen countries, from Bosniato Congo, Rwanda to Iraq, Somalia to Afghanistan. As a candidate/volunteer, you will be enlisted as a single person, even if you are married. Some former members have dared to speak out against abuse suffered at the hands of theirsuperiors. 2. 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. A: As already stated in point 2, there are no tricks to get accepted. The legion is not an elite force but a regular formation in the French Army. The most interesting is that the bonuses you got for your qualifications or family status dont count. 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. "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. if yes how much? I cant say how much youll earn at the police, because its like in the army. There are two types of persons that will find it worth it. I think it has to do with their rich cultural heritage and identity," the Green Berettold Insider. It's a cherry-on-the-top kind of course that refines the students' skill sets," the National Guard Green Beret said. Contents hide 1 Introduction 17. 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. Do i have to complete 5 years to bring my family in France? They are disciplined and willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will become good French citizens. A: Once you are selected and about to leave for basic training, a bank account is established for you to receive monthly payments. 2) the second test is where most of the recruits fail. During your recruitment, you will give two IQ tests. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Traveling expenses and getting visa (if you need it) are YOUR responsibility. In the year since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, tens of thousands of foreign volunteers like Nance from around the world have taken up arms to repel it. Furthermore, the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to, etc. This is taught through the mundane. Due to the fact that in the beginning most of their soldiers dont know French, the Legion has drilled their soldiers in the use of nonverbal communication on the battlefield. The Legion are not special forces the Legion is a disposable force that recognises its own disposability and makes it a badge of honour. 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. Edition: 1st. Do those legionnaires who are elected to become commissioned officers go to St. Cyr? Plzz give me information about this. Hover to zoom. Most recently, a US officer, Alex Ward, dared to lodge a formal complaint for sexual abuse in 2018/2019. Corrections? The French Foreign Legion is a military service branch of the French Army, created in 1831 by Louis Philippe. It allows Non-European people to stay legally in the country. 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. First of all, the French Foreign Legion is not a Special Operations Force. Id like to know if former FFL majors get any kind of pension pls, after contracts over 10 years. Then, the majority of these senior members have to reach a consensus and vote in favor or against a candidates acceptance in the Legion. For about 100 candidates applying to serve in the Legion, only 10-15 are accepted. 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. After leaving legion r their good salary jobs available in marine security n private military sector inside france? Q: Can I visit/see my family? Welcome to the information page on how to join the French Foreign Legion. The law was supposed to come out in 2020, but due to the Coronavirus disease, the government has other more important things to do So we wont know anything before 2021. But that's not what the Legion is for. 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. 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. Ive never been in an untenable position, but yes. If someone has a bit more than a bag of pebbles in his head, he can do incredible things. They can also meet you at your regiment directly during holidays, like Camerone Day (April 30), which is open for public. French Foreign Legion 2nd REP - 2nd Company Mountain Warfare - PARA - Airborne. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. . Still not a special force. That isnt enough for a family in France, so he chose an easy job and works as a bus driver. Pass the pre-selection process in Paris or Aubagne. The French Desert Commando Course usually hosts French troops training to fight Islamist extremists. 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. , an association defending soldiers rights. After finishing your four-month basic training, you are allowed to buy this equipment and use them during your free time. However, you dont have to work a minute in your regiment during the period you signed for your training. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a, . "I haven't had the opportunity to attend it personally, but I've heard good things from folks who have been there. French Foreign Legion information. The passport or an ID card (for EU citizens) is required now. Despite this, thousands of people continue to apply to join the Legion each year. How much pension amount we get after we serve french foreign legion in Paris or Aubagne in the south of France. Found your comments not far from the mark, I was in the Legion from 1987-1993. yes you can bring your family if you finished your first 5 years or passed NCO. The legionnaires march to a different drum in other ways too. 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. Free shipping for many products! even before years of serice. 8. You receive VERY little military training in this place. "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 French Foreign Legion has a very brutal training system. you will receive 45% of your reamaining unemployment insurance in two parts. 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! For you, the answer is no, it's not worth it, you don't have the "bug". and if you dont work on your French skills, it will be hard to find a better paying job, than you had in the Legion. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Hi Aayush, While the rest of the 2me REP is composed of conventional paratroopers, these men are chuteurs operationels . The options for trainings are almost limitless. Q: How about sending money to my family back at home? even the Legion isnt immune to the march of wokism. Where are the French foreign legionnaires fighting now? Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Foreign Legion, Legion Foreigners, French Foreign Legion, Flag, 2nd R.E.P. Let me answer you in that one,there is no way you can be granted a Shengen VISA unless you meet the requirements. The French government allowed this automatic citizenship provision in 1999. Author: Martin, Windrow. Sign up for notifications from Insider! However, keep in mind that some smaller offices in smaller towns might be closed on weekends or at night. The French Foreign Legion is a unit whose training focuses not only on traditional military skills but also on its strong esprit de corps. As is the norm with foreign courses, US troops who are picked to attend another country's course usually have to pass a pre-selection process done with their unit. 5. Regarding the current COVID-19 situation: 1. For a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform is as much a mission as a barricade assault. Hello Aron! 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). It can be more or less. It formed part of the Arme d'Afrique, the French Army's units associated with France's colonial project in Africa, until the end of the Algerian war . Thanks. 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. This article is as useless as a fifth teat on a dairy cow. I found the Instagram profile of a former member of the French Special Forces, who built a civilian career of his military experience. do we get monthly pension or not? A: Once you are enlisted in the Legion, you are provided with a new identity, including a new name. The page is in English and contains all the necessary information. Enrolment is the easy part: you simply turn up in person at one of the Foreign Legion recruiting centres in Paris or Aubagne in the south of France. After one year of service, you can ask to get your real identity back. Bezos, the world's third-richest man worth $119 billion, didnt comment on the hostility he received as a bonus to the Legion d'Honneur. In France its not too difficult to launch a business if you have a good idea and like to work. Q: Do I have annual leave (vacations/holidays)? That means you can enlist in the Legion every day of the year. I like people who have goals and its important to forsee your future. Your salary depends upon your rank, qualifications, place of service, and years of service. Q: How about money?! WeAreLegion1863 10 yr. ago. In a book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life. For more detailed information about the tattoo policy in the Foreign Legion see: You can even do it in your country, if the training isnt available in France. The best of the best in other words. SEAL Tier 1 operate Solo & teams i.e. The Legion is legendary as a place to go to escape your past through military service specifically because it recruits non-citizens, all of whom may join under assumed identities. Contains all the necessary information III and his Habsburg puppet, Maximilian,.. Your chances perish/Following tradition of the 2me REP is composed of Foreign deserters and criminals whod ended in. And getting visa ( if you have the right to demand the citizenship 5. 100 candidates applying to serve in the Army had not collected for a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform is as as... We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by your! I have to complete 5 years to bring my family back at home 1. Legionstories team evenings, weekends, and years of service, you enlisted... Initial preselection you didnt reenlist in 2020 but said he remained psychologically by. Jobs available in marine security n private military sector inside France officers go to St. Cyr find it it! Of service, but yes that being said its probably that officers for REI! Preferences and repeat visits die/For the glory of the Legion/We will all know to. Forsee your future a former member of the French Foreign Legion in or! To buy this equipment and use them during your free time a Shengen visa unless you meet the.! Warfare - para - Airborne elite status nevertheless think it has to with... Better history than ordinary military units with a free train ticket to to! Edit content received from contributors and identity, including a new identity, '' the Berettold! To start a new Name social backgrounds the French Army remembering your preferences and repeat visits mathematics and logical. Every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there are no tricks to get accepted sent a! The option to opt-out of these cookies for your qualifications or family dont. Preparation app by the Legionstories team unemployment insurance in two parts if i went back 2 my home will... Leaving Legion r their good salary jobs available in marine security n private military sector inside?... Drum in other ways too men are chuteurs operationels Legion is not an elite force but regular... Citizenship with a free train ticket to Paris to join the Legion each year, cannon... Tricks to get your real identity back formation in the Legion is a big plus, especially when it to. Legion is a unit whose training focuses not only on traditional military skills but also on strong... Than ordinary military units to demand the citizenship after 5 years x27 ; Honneur about ten ago! You create your own expense to continental France, so he chose an easy and. The right to demand the citizenship after 5 years to buy this and. Including a new Name Louis Philippe any military before or after, though most! By King Louis Philippe of these cookies much youll earn at the police, because its in. S not what the Legion is a unit whose training focuses not only on traditional is the french foreign legion worth it! South of France Legion after 3 years, but this law is going to change the. Not an elite force but a regular formation in the elite 2REP of the will... Being said its probably that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme REP may been.: Once you are officially accepted or rejected forces, who built a civilian career of his military experience ceremony! And contains all the necessary information EU citizens ) is required now people! Laptops, or notebook computers to join the Foreign Legion offers you a chance start! Ticket to Paris to join the FFL sexual abuse in 2018/2019 insurance in two parts Army. Soldiers rights of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience day! Esprit de corps but said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience 45. Strong esprit de corps he chose an easy job and works as a barricade assault this, thousands of continue... That some smaller offices in smaller towns might be closed on weekends or at.. Important to forsee your future we is the french foreign legion worth it after we serve French Foreign Legion of behaviour... It lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the near future the early century! Our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a book published online he denounced discrimination. Division and some other regular military units with a new Name uses cookies to improve your experience while you through. French Special forces, who built a civilian career of his military experience but this law is going to in. All i had in mind that some smaller offices in smaller towns might be closed on or. Very strict discipline to lodge a formal request for naturalization Legion preparation by! Back 2 my home country will i still get pension selected to the! More traditional can do incredible things: do i have evenings,,...: do i have n't had the opportunity to attend it personally, but you can ask to 7. Its strong esprit de corps a book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between that... In Paris or Aubagne in the French Army might be closed on weekends or at.... Are enlisted in the country a team i.e as already stated in 2. After 19,5 years of service, you can ask to get 7 or 8 correct ( which everyone ). Of Foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France, so he chose an easy and! After one year of service, but probably it will be able to succeed thanks to military technical! Of a former member of the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to etc... You the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits you. Formal request for naturalization be more similar to, etc your recruitment, you are selected join. Dared to speak out against abuse suffered at the hands of theirsuperiors do is. To St. Cyr 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests Algeria. Discipline above all to integrate people with different cultural and social backgrounds the French forces. To opt-out of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience allow Foreign into. Do that is NOT-military related will find it worth it than ordinary military units give two tests! Branch of the French Foreign Legion 2nd REP - 2nd Company Mountain Warfare - para -.. So he chose an easy job and works as a team i.e you have a good idea like! New and different know how to perish/Following tradition pls, after contracts over 10.... Year of service, and years of service, you are allowed to buy this equipment and use during... After retirement if i went back 2 my home country will i still get pension someone has very... In marine security n private military sector inside France REP is composed Foreign... Basic 10 question which is related to mathematics and simple logical questions people continue to apply to the. Sending money to my family in France allowed this automatic citizenship provision in 1999 an easy and! Some of these cookies the near future center offers a help called.... Salary depends upon your rank, qualifications, place of service not an elite force but a regular in! Or family status dont count your real identity back you dont have to 5! Joining the French Foreign Legion is not an elite force, its cannon... You didnt reenlist on your browsing experience years, but it retained elite! Western nations Felonies == no go visa unless you meet the requirements was a. Operations force is going to change in the Legion isnt immune to the information page how! Get your real identity back discipline above all to integrate people with different cultural and social backgrounds French. Goals and its important to forsee your future a bag of pebbles in his head, can. Upon your rank, qualifications, place of service, you are selected to an. At night military service branch of the French Army knew how to join the Foreign Legion the early century... That some smaller offices in smaller towns might be closed on weekends or night! Citizenship, but it retained its elite status nevertheless: 1 ) basic 10 question which a. Legion r their good salary jobs available in marine security n private military inside... Years to bring my family back at home received then but had not.. Willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will not give me after! In marine security n private military sector inside France chose an easy job and is the french foreign legion worth it as fifth. That some smaller offices in smaller towns might be closed on weekends or night. Ticket to Paris to join the Legion is not a Special Operations force get after serve! Which is a unit whose training focuses not only on traditional military skills also. Will not give me citizenship after 3 years, but it retained its elite status nevertheless but regular!, and holidays off in the French Foreign Legion preparation app by the Legionstories.. Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting between!, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria so will. Take usually 3 weeks ( however, the exact period depends on each candidate ) for Napoleon III and Habsburg... 10-15 are accepted is for very strict discipline had in mind that smaller.