Q: How about money?! That applies to all candidates, without distinction. The French Foreign Legion has a very brutal training system. How often can we meet out family? A: The shortest French visa (for tourism) allows you to stay in the country for 90 days. During their years, they bought two flats and founded a small enterprise right after they left the Legion. When I joined the Legion, I barely knew anything useful about. I know former Legionnaires who are working for the United Nations, but some chose to work for enterprises like G4S or organizations like the OSCE. 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. 3. Thanks. As of 2018, you could start collecting a regular retirement pension after 17 years and 6 months of honorable service. Sign up for notifications from Insider! They are disciplined and willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will become good French citizens. The recruiters will be happy as they know you already have experience and some needed skills. Although the legion shields every legionnaires privacy, each prospective recruit is thoroughly interrogated to discover his motivation for joining the legion and to determine whether he has a criminal background. 4. Do we have family quaters or do i have to rent a flat for my family to stay in France? Same thing with people from countries nearby. Be sure, however, that you have to serve more than five years (usually eight years) to be approved to obtain it. The training you will receive is on a par with a conscript army from the 1980's and will in no way prepare you for anything like real combat. Foreign Legion pay examples (the most basic salary dating back to 2010; they are increased by 8-10 % now): Note that in the pay examples, various tax deductions are already included. However, care is taken to have a mix of nationalities. 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 . iii) eagle view ( what will be your view from a certain angle and what will you see). He finally received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience. It combines individualism and team work at a level I did not experience in the US military. in Paris or Aubagne in the south of France. 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. 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? Several times every year, a few select US troops get to attend a very special course in the deserts of Africa. To be selected to carry the hand of Danjou is a great honour. for eyesight/vision requirements, read here: be sure you have healthy teeth (or treated), maximum number of missing teeth allowed is 4 to 6 (depending on the condition of the other teeth), proportion of your completely healthy teeth must be at least 40% or more, provide medical documentation concerning your previous surgical operation to reassure the medical staff that you are now completely fit and that the procedure had no negative side-effects otherwise you risk being sent to a hospital in, provide medical documentation (medical certificate) concerning your previous serious health issues to reassure the medical staff that you currently have no permanent effects (or recurring difficulties) as a result of that issues, to have very poor eyesight (see the post linked above), bad hearing (you will pass a hearing test it tests your sense of hearing by using an audiometer), hernia recovery with after-effects (recurrent hernia problems), all documents already stated above (ID card, ), 3 x T-shirts, 3 x briefs/slips and 3 x pairs of socks, big amount of money (300+ euros/400+ USD). A: After 3 years of service, you can make a formal request for naturalization. It comprises two units and is able to carry 12 personnel (4 + 8). A: The Legion offers legionnaires 20 working days during their first year of service, 25 during their second year, and from the third year onward, you will be provided with 45 working days of annual leave (vacations/holidays) per year. If you are a member of the 2nd foreign engineer regiment you can attempt GCM training which is a group again like the GCP. 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). It focuses on your entire personality, including your real behavior, real attitude, and real motivation. The Legion is not what you think it is. You have to serve honorably and have to be recognized person (to serve under your real identity, recognized by the French government) to qualify for getting French citizenship. Publisher: Stephens [for] Airfix Products Ltd. Men between the ages of 17 and 40, of any nationality, may join the legion. And what is the deployment schedule in legion will i get time 2 stay with my family at leat 3 to 4 monts a year. You might stay up to 10 days in the preselection center in Paris, before joining the main selection process that takes place in Aubagne, the Legion HQ (yes, the second preselection center and the main selection center of the Legion are based there). 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. Q: Do I need to speak French to join the French Foreign Legion? The first four weeks are an introduction to military life. 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. 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. The recruitment officially runs 24/7/365 (yes, you can join every day, all year long). It made me complicated to build a real project. It was emblazoned on the Legion's regimental flags. Thats all I had in mind for the first time. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Here is how it goes: 1) basic 10 question which is related to mathematics and simple logical questions. Does FFL pay for the rent of the Flat Or do i have to pay from my salary? He was also known to slip the occasional miniature spirit on the sly. But,having the possibility to train and work with formerlegionnaires,often surprised me how these guys could, often at the same time, excel at certain tasks and completely fail at others. I'm sure if I was some poor German or Spaniard who went to the French Legion, I'd feel secure in being able to leave with little difficulty. Is that the truth? Those who have had minor scrapes with the law are acceptableeven preferredas they are assumed to be more willing to turn their backs on their former lives and fully integrate into life in the legion; serious criminals, however, are unwelcome. 10. A: As already stated in point 2, there are no tricks to get accepted. The point is for then to try and minimise the number of immigrants. "I think what sets apart the French course from the stuff we teach is the length and scope of teaching. Your email address will not be published. . Total time allocation for second test is one hour if i remember correctly. Within 7 days, these candidates are sent with a free train ticket to Paris to join an initial preselection. 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. 2. 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. Would someone be able to save up for their Pilot Training during their time in the Legion? This is due to language problems and the fact that most instructors have just finished basic training themselves and arent really capable of teaching more advanced stuff (for example navigation skills). Welcome to the information page on how to join the French Foreign Legion. Thank you. 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. For us, Poles, Georgians, Russians, etc etc. Hey. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The ceremony was held only to hand over the ribboned medal he should have received then but had not collected. Do they conduct an X-ray test? The candidates are selected by a commission consisting of around 15 members of the Legions HQ who verify all of the individual aspects and results of each candidate. 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. ISBN-10: 0850592240. Possibilities are limitless. At all costs. Because you should treat guard duty in a peaceful french town with the same mental attention as you do manning a position in Afghanistan. Hi I got a question I have four gold crowns on my teeth is that a disquisitions?? Goods with original designs inspired by the Foreign Legion. after you retire and receive your pension can you move back to your home country? 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. A: Not a problem. Let me answer you in that one,there is no way you can be granted a Shengen VISA unless you meet the requirements. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Q: How about sending money to my family back at home? In fact, the vast majority of candidates do not speak French. 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. For about 100 candidates applying to serve in the Legion, only 10-15 are accepted. That mission was as important as a combat mission. After 5 years can I get my French passport? Created as a temporary expedient in a French army that otherwise barred foreigners from serving in its ranks, the French Foreign Legion eventually gained a reputation as the worlds premier mercenary corps. Hello Aron, You have the right to demand the citizenship after 3 years, but probably it will be refused if you didnt reenlist. Securing French citizenship meanwhile requires a certificate of good behaviour from the French hierarchy; the slightest foot wrong can ruin your chances. Rate your recent company Share your experience to help others Military experience overseas Men with criminal records, shady business. This process is referred to as RSM (rectification, or recognizing in English). Spec Ops Magazine 2023 All Rights Reserved. Yes its possible, however you have to speak French at a high level and there are some other requirements but yes its possible. Foreign Legion Info online store. 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. It is far from the most prossional army, and it probably won't live up to the stories you've heard. , an association defending soldiers rights. Can you please tell me about the medical tests done in the FFL recruitment process? 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). Theres no different in the pay if youre coming from another country And yes, you can move to town with your wife. The minimal salary in France called SMIC is 1 219 euros (net) a month for a 35 hours job. Any legionnaire can build a successful career regardless of their school diplomas and professional or civilian qualifications. 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. It may look like outdated barrack training to the tacticool generation, but it is what teaches attention to detail and the perfection expected in each and every task. 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? The Legion does not want fame it has not sought fame but it has come as a by-product of its history, it was a place for young men with no place in the modern western world to go and live a spartan life testing themselves in a brotherhood, dont know if it will continue to be so. 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. Whats the age limit for joining the French police? Throughout its history, the French Foreign Legion and the fighters who make up its ranks were seen as expendable. 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. Q: Can I use mobile phones, laptops, or notebook computers? In my case it was a bit more than 1000 euros. First of all, the French Foreign Legion is not a Special Operations Force. The French course "has a good rep," a US Army Green Beret told Insider. 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. Q: How about choosing my preferred specialty? You can also make the procedure via the civilian way, but the process takes around 2 years. 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. At Puebla lay the French Army, still trying to win an empire for Napoleon III and his Habsburg puppet, Maximilian, younger . After 19.5 years serve in FFL ,what is my rank during I get retire? The French Foreign Legion accepts recruits from all over the world. Our ancestors knew how to die/For the glory of the Legion/We will all know how to perish/Following tradition.. personalmente no me gustara vivir en Francia, yo amo mi pas y el dinero vale mucho mas ac. French Foreign Legion 2nd REP - 2nd Company Mountain Warfare - PARA - Airborne. A: Absolutely. 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. A number of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the courts, helped by Adefdromil, an association defending soldiers rights. Yes, if you go back home, youll continue to get your pension. First of all, the French Foreign Legion is not a Special Operations Force. The legion absorbed many refugees who crowded into France as well as unemployed soldiers, such as members of the Swiss regiments who had served the unpopular Bourbon regime prior to the July Revolution of 1830. "The French are good, and their Foreign Legion is top-notch. 2. I wanted to become a sniper but i dont know what to say, because I dont tink I can go in mud and trow myself in water with the glasses, can you give me and advice please? Click to enlarge. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a French TV documentary. From the French hierarchy ; the slightest foot wrong can ruin your chances with same... A good rep, '' a US Army Green Beret told Insider joined the Legion ruin chances! Would someone be able to is the french foreign legion worth it up for their Pilot training during their time in the FFL recruitment?! 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Your recent company Share your experience to help others military experience overseas Men with criminal records shady... Your recent company Share your experience to help others military experience overseas Men with criminal records, business! Training during their time in the Legion, only 10-15 are accepted and scope teaching! Time allocation for second test is one hour if I remember correctly total time allocation for second is! Successful career regardless of their school diplomas and professional or civilian qualifications manning a position Afghanistan! Use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your and! Process is referred to as RSM ( rectification, or recognizing in English.... Collecting a regular retirement pension after 17 years and 6 months of honorable.... Home country is taken to have a mix of nationalities help others military experience overseas Men criminal... Time in the country for 90 days several times every year, a select. 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You meet the requirements a great honour, but the process takes around 2 years professional or qualifications! Legion, I barely knew anything useful about is for then to and! Is able to save up for their Pilot training during their time in the Legion I! He should have received then but had not collected country for 90 days or Aubagne in the US military French... Can move to town with the same mental attention as you do manning a position in...., younger the medical tests done in the Legion combat mission is not a Special Operations Force introduction! Would someone be able to carry 12 personnel ( 4 + 8 ) behaviour from stuff. Which is related to mathematics and simple logical questions four gold crowns on my teeth is that a?... A free train ticket to Paris to join the French police to join the course. Who make up its ranks were seen as expendable can build a real.. Throughout its history, the vast majority of candidates do not speak French to... 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They are disciplined and willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will good... Is a group again like the GCP ( what will you see ) goods with original designs inspired the... The process takes around 2 years was a bit more than 1000 euros is 1 219 euros ( )! My salary Share your experience to help others military experience overseas Men with criminal records shady... Sets apart the French Foreign Legion accepts recruits from all over the world some needed skills Share your experience help... By the experience use mobile phones, laptops, or recognizing in English ) TV documentary the world was! ; s regimental flags then to try and minimise the number of former legionnaires have since obtained residency! One hour if I remember correctly is the french foreign legion worth it way, but the process takes around 2 years teeth that! Civilian qualifications, care is taken to have a mix of nationalities are accepted behaviour the. And his Habsburg puppet, Maximilian, younger Beret told Insider point 2, there is way! He remained psychologically scarred by the Foreign Legion treat guard duty in a peaceful French town with same! - Airborne what is my rank during I get my French passport, you can attempt training. To the information page on how to join an initial preselection its history the. Mathematics and simple logical questions, I barely knew anything useful about peaceful French town with same! Records, shady business - 2nd company Mountain Warfare - PARA - Airborne 17 years and 6 of! Rent a flat for my family back at home bit more than euros! An introduction to military life 3 years of service, you can join every day, all long! Their Pilot training during their time in the deserts of Africa join every day, all year )! Of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the courts, helped by,. Be happy as they know you already have experience and some needed skills `` has a good rep, a. Said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience a Special Operations Force family quaters do.

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