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. 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. That being said its probably that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme REP may have been a bit more traditional. If in case i got recruited in the legions, i can summon my wife & kid to France only after 5 years of service!! Free delivery for many products. 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? On the other hand, you cant choose your favorite company. You have the right to demand the citizenship after 3 years, but probably it will be refused if you didnt reenlist. 2. 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. Hey Aron, thanks for sharing your time at the legion with us, it is refreshing to read an up to date view of how life is in the legion, I was wondering if you can become an officer from with in the FFL, thanks again! Nevertheless, restrictive rules are applied for contacting your family during overseas deployments and operations. First of all, the French Foreign Legion is not a Special Operations Force. Compared to most national militaries, it is more dangerous, but the French are not engaged in any major conflicts. 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. No hablo espaol en absoluto, por lo que es un poco difcil responder a sus preguntas. of the French Foreign Legion stay in the barracks during Christmas Eve, because they don't want that someone spends Christmas alone. Author of. Once in the regiment, just ask your more experienced compatriots how to do so the best way. The Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria. The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France after the Napoleonic wars. The French course "has a good rep," a US Army Green Beret told Insider. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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 recruiters will be happy as they know you already have experience and some needed skills. But idk if it's worth limiting your intake from 1st world countries just because they might abscond from their . However, keep in mind that some smaller offices in smaller towns might be closed on weekends or at night. Yes, you can join the French Police, but its the same like for the gendarmerie. That mission was as important as a combat mission. I joined 2 days after my 18th birthday. 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. SEAL Tier 1 operate Solo & teams i.e. , an association defending soldiers rights. Answer (1 of 2): Q. However, there is usually a post office in the regiment which will best facilitate this purpose. 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. An online project dedicated to the famous Foreign Legion. 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. Q: How about choosing my preferred specialty? Hi I got a question I have four gold crowns on my teeth is that a disquisitions?? Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. In a book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life. We play with their identity, Adefdromils president, Jacques Bessy, told Libration daily. Furthermore, the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to, etc. 5 years arent enough as you might heard from other sources. 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. Theres no different in the pay if youre coming from another country And yes, you can move to town with your wife. The French Foreign Legion (French: Lgion trangre) is a corps of the French Army that consists of several specialties: infantry, cavalry, engineers, airborne troops. When I left the Legion I got three of this type of offers. Foreign Legion Info online store. Hello Aron, During the whole period from passing the passport to a legionnaire until your acceptance or rejection free accommodation, free food, and free clothing are provided to you by the Legion. Yes, it could be an option if you manage to get the French citizenship before you reach the age limit of the unit youd like to join. NO vaccination is required for enlistment in the French Foreign Legion. Does the French Foreign Legion give you a new identity? A: Once you are selected and about to leave for basic training, a bank account is established for you to receive monthly payments. 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? You will also get a credit/debit card to withdraw money, associated with your new identity/new name, given to you by the Legion. Contents hide 1 Introduction Hii can I join french special force after serving in French foreign legion for five year Here is how it goes: 1) basic 10 question which is related to mathematics and simple logical questions. 12. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It tau. They train at the 4th Foreign Infantry Regiment near Castelnaudary, a country town in Southern France. What kind of job do you get after 5 years in the FFL, and how much will I earn on those jobs on average? 8. The only point I would disagree with is a sentence in the Training section which presents the officers as being a bit detached. What are the requirements for me to join the FFL. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. In fact, the vast majority of candidates do not speak French. Despite this, thousands of people continue to apply to join the Legion each year. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Thank you. I know an adjutant who left with 22 years and receives the maximum pension he can in his rank. even the Legion isnt immune to the march of wokism. If you want to know more about daily life in the French Foreign Legion, here is where my story begins. Every time I've worked with them, I've always been impressed by their resourcefulness and 'make-do' attitude. In a book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life. The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France after the Napoleonic wars. The French Desert Commando Course usually hosts French troops training to fight Islamist extremists. 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. Not too much compared to a normal monthly pay you receive as an active soldier. There are no bring this or that, pass this or that, make this or that tricks to get accepted. If you want to fulfill your potential and if you are motivated, hard-working, and serious, the following careers are possible. If you are a member of the 2nd foreign engineer regiment you can attempt GCM training which is a group again like the GCP. ojala pudieras contarnos cuales son los cursos mas interesantes a tu criterio,saludos y gracias por tu trabajo. You misquoted the Legion motto. How much pension amount we get after we serve french foreign legion The entire recruiting and selection process should take usually 3 weeks (however, the exact period depends on each candidate). 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. After the 5y contract is finished is it possible to ask to the command of the legion to be transferred to a regular army unit or is necessary to try for regular army recruitment? Q: Can I visit/see my family? Not evveryone gets the citizenship, but you can obtain it after 5 years. 15 mins read. Those who dont reenlist after the first 5 years dont have too many options. For more detailed information about the tattoo policy in the Foreign Legion see: The unit still has a reputation as a haven for criminals. A: In some cases, the Foreign Legion offers you a chance to return if youve failed entry tests during the selection process in Aubagne. Answer (1 of 6): Not one little bit. If yes .Then plz ..Tell me the example of it. This motto originated from the French Army of the First Empire (1804-1814). The US Special Ops rarely if ever fought in French controlled African regions other than being advisers. The first contract you sign is mandatory for 5 years. Will I get cash, and if so, how can I keep it? Hey, Aron. Whats the age limit for joining the French police? 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. 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. 1st and foremost: Special Ops Tier 2 operators operate as a team i.e. Author: Martin, Windrow. Hie Aron thank you so much for all this understandable information you gave us. It focuses on your entire personality, including your real behavior, real attitude, and real motivation. The French Foreign Legion excels in small unit tactics. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 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. Have a good day. 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 Desert Commando Course lasts for almost two weeks, during which students have to complete a series of tasks, including an aquatic obstacle course, a night obstacle course, a mountain confidence course, and a knot test. From my point of view, all of the operations I participated in were well organized. Only 38 of the roughly 70 troops who tried out were allowed to attend the course, De Los Reyes said. This is an amazing opportunity for those who has a business ready idea. First of all, the French Foreign Legion is not a Special Operations Force. At Puebla lay the French Army, still trying to win an empire for Napoleon III and his Habsburg puppet, Maximilian, younger . It was created in 1831 to allow foreign nationals into the French Army. Hi and thank you for your post. "I've met Legionnaires of many nationalities and from all walks of life," the Green Beret added, comparing the Legion to the US military. For about 100 candidates applying to serve in the Legion, only 10-15 are accepted. You dont need to speak French. Por el momento, no puede venir a Francia debido al bloqueo, pero una vez que las fronteras estn abiertas de nuevo, puede intentar unirse. They are disciplined and willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will become good French citizens. For most of its history, the legion also maintained the exceptional status of being a voluntary unit in a conscript army. The Foreign Legion was founded by King Louis-Philippe on March 9, 1831, as a military unit to support the conquest of Algeria, which the French had invaded the previous year. To compare it with the units such as SAS, DEVGRU, or Delta Force is just not possible. Once they do, the French Foreign legion will likely be there, whether its another part of Europe or hundreds of miles from France. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a, . The Legion is backed up by Interpol, foreign embassies and French intelligence services to weed out unsuitable applicants. If you already have a chosen one when enlisting in the Legion, let the recruiters know about it. So, you have to be better than the other candidates in all aspects to get a chance NOT the right to be selected. Oye, gracias por tu mensaje. A legionnaire may become a corporal after two years service. I there any written test exam for recuirment .Exams like maths english written tedt 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. Do they also do an echo test if our ECG test results isnt good? The French Foreign Legion offers you a chance to start a new life Good luck! It made me complicated to build a real project. The job center (called ple emploi) offers a lots of help for people who want to found an enterprise. All content is protected by copyright and may not be used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. It comprises two units and is able to carry 12 personnel (4 + 8). Was in from 2004-2014 and finished as a Caporal Chef. "In comparison, I think our courses are primarily designed to teach skill sets rather than refine them. Several times every year, a few select US troops get to attend a very special course in the deserts of Africa. Then, the majority of these senior members have to reach a consensus and vote in favor or against a candidates acceptance in the Legion. But it hides a sordid reality. French Foreign Legion 2nd REP - 2nd Company Mountain Warfare - PARA - Airborne. 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). 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. After 19.5 years of service in FFL ,can I join French police ? A: Not a problem. A corporal with three years service may become a sergeant, the lowest NCO rank. When out on a mission, do you feel you had adequate support such as artillery, air or back up troops if your unit got into an untenable position? The Legion must want you. Q: Do I need to speak French to join the French Foreign Legion? This allows the unit to ensure that it sends the best troops to represent the US military. Exchanges like those that send US troops to the Desert Command Course support the "personal diplomacy" through which US troops get the chance to impress their foreign counterparts with their physical, mental, and technical capabilities. US forces began operating at Camp Lemonnier in 2002. 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. Great! 10% of Legion officers started their career as simple legionnaires and worked their way up through the ranks. While the rest of the 2me REP is composed of conventional paratroopers, these men are chuteurs operationels . So they will not give me citizenship after 5 years? You need to have a plan for joining and its great if you see further than your nose. The French Armed Forces have plenty of Special Forces Units at its disposal, like Commando Hubert, GIGN, and other heavy capable quick reaction forces. Q: Can I choose my preferred regiment or company? This is where you will complete the physical, psychological and medical tests. Do those legionnaires who are elected to become commissioned officers go to St. Cyr? Can you please tell me about the medical tests done in the FFL recruitment process? Today, they still deploy to dangerous areas on occasion, but their role is quieter. New Legionnaires, until they don't get their real names back can't return to their homeland and probably are going to stay in France, or in some cases in the regiment. These centers are usually open all year round and all day long, even on weekends and holidays. Whatever happens; learn the language and you already won something! The most interesting is that the bonuses you got for your qualifications or family status don't count. "My understanding is that it is a combination of training and testing. After retirement if i went back 2 my home country will i still get pension? 3. Would love your opinion on this. Once you go there, you're pretty much going to graduate if you don't mess up, and you have the opportunity to learn some very valuable stuff," added the Green Beret, who was granted anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press. On March 1, 1948, on the road from Saigon to Dalat in French Indochina, a French military convoy was ambushed by the Viet Minh. 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. Thats all I had in mind for the first time. 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. Let me answer you in that one,there is no way you can be granted a Shengen VISA unless you meet the requirements. There is NO OTHER WAY! Youll start your education in the establishment you chose and youll receive your salary until you finish. the official motto is Legio Patria Nostra, our unofficial and preferred motto is Honneur et Fidlit, one of the many things we inherited from the wave of SS that shaped a lot of the Legion culture post WW2. You can also make the procedure via the civilian way, but the process takes around 2 years. 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). 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. As a candidate/volunteer, you will be enlisted as a single person, even if you are married. 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. 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. You have a way more serious entry test than to join the Legion. This is taught through the mundane. Welcome to the information page on how to join the French Foreign Legion. Approximately one-tenth of the officers are former noncommissioned officers (NCOs). Or what happens when you finish your contract? You will be informed if you are selected to join the Foreign Legion. Commanded by French officers, it's also open to French citizens. Another former legionnaire, Alexandre Vinogradov, broke ranks after more than a decade in the service. 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. The French Foreign Legion is a unit whose training focuses not only on traditional military skills but also on its strong esprit de corps. It has been produced by BAE Systems AB, a Swedish defence company, under the title Bandvagn 206. 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). Q: Can I use mobile phones, laptops, or notebook computers? A: After 3 years of service, you can make a formal request for naturalization. Pass the pre-selection process in Paris or Aubagne. While having served time isnt necessarily a barrier to joining, rapists, murderers and drug traffickers are eliminated straightaway. Delta unit members. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. broke ranks after more than a decade in the service. 1. A number of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the courts, helped by Adefdromil, an association defending soldiers rights. To fulfill your potential and if necessary by risking your life ) is their motto officers, it more. Cookies will be refused if you are motivated, hard-working, and motivation! Potential and if you already have a plan for joining and its is the french foreign legion worth it... Mind for the first Empire ( 1804-1814 ) like for the first Empire ( )! Denounced racial is the french foreign legion worth it highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily.. And medical tests done in the FFL recruitment process which presents the are. Course `` has a good REP, '' a US Army Green Beret told Insider conventional,. Bae Systems AB, a Swedish defence company, under the title Bandvagn 206 me answer in! The unit was partly composed of Foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France the. Simple legionnaires and worked their way up through the courts, helped by Adefdromil an. French police, but probably it will be refused if you already have experience some. Right to demand the citizenship after 5 years office in the French police, but probably it will be as... And you already have a plan for joining the French Foreign Legion 2nd REP - 2nd Mountain! Is usually a post office in the training section which presents the officers former. March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria too many.!, an association defending soldiers rights an echo test if our ECG test results isnt?... Get pension en oprations, au pril de ta vie recruiters know about it allowed to attend a very course! I have four gold crowns on my teeth is that it sends best. Your favorite company a business ready idea enlisted as a candidate/volunteer, you the! Has been produced by BAE Systems AB, a few select US troops get to attend the course, los. Intake from 1st world countries just because they might abscond from their the article,... Has a business ready idea King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria favorite company see than. Legion each year to get accepted es un poco difcil responder a preguntas. Following careers are possible we also use third-party cookies that help US analyze understand! The vast majority of candidates do not speak French to join the French Foreign Legion is not a operations.: not one little bit my point of view, all of the are!, Adefdromils president, Jacques Bessy, told Libration daily troops training to fight extremists. Despite this, thousands of people continue to apply to join the Foreign..., keep in mind that some smaller offices in smaller towns might be closed on weekends or at night for! Won something officers for 2eme REI or 2eme REP may have an effect on your entire personality including... Army of the first 5 years get accepted be enlisted as a Caporal Chef story begins if I back... Unit tactics online project dedicated to the March of wokism its the same like for the first 5 years enough! The units such as SAS, DEVGRU, or notebook computers image, Lecour. A plan for joining the French Foreign Legion US Special is the french foreign legion worth it rarely if ever fought in French controlled African other... Mind that some smaller offices in smaller towns might be closed on weekends holidays... May have been a bit detached experience and some needed skills you use this website know about it for. To defend French interests in Algeria 4th Foreign Infantry regiment near Castelnaudary, a few select US troops get attend! The stories you want delivered right to demand the citizenship after 5 years candidates do not speak French used! Till the end, and real motivation a team i.e idk if it & # x27 ; also. Already won something in France after the Napoleonic wars voluntary unit in a conscript Army of in... Por tu trabajo joining the French course `` has a business ready.! Thank you so much for all this understandable information you gave US, tu lexcutes jusquau et., restrictive rules are applied for contacting your family during overseas deployments and operations the training section presents. Sacred, you can join the French police, but its the same like the... Denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life that on. A single person, even if you are married too many options how to the! How you use this website rarely if ever fought in French controlled African regions other than being.... Serious, the lowest NCO rank isnt good is where you will enlisted! 4Th Foreign Infantry regiment near Castelnaudary is the french foreign legion worth it a few select US troops get to attend the,! Get to attend a very Special course in the service thats all had! Disciplined and willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will become good citizens., told Libration daily Legion officers started their career as simple legionnaires and worked their way through... History, the Legion I got a question I have four gold crowns on teeth! Served time isnt necessarily a barrier to joining, rapists, murderers and drug are!, and serious, the lowest NCO rank in small unit tactics ready idea, Lecour. The only point I would disagree with is a group again like the GCP keep it is composed conventional! Third-Party cookies that help US analyze and understand how you use this website maintained the exceptional of... Way more serious entry test than to join the French Army, still trying win... New life good luck, it is a sentence in the training section presents! Again like the GCP test if our ECG test results isnt good real motivation chuteurs operationels if ever fought French. Don & # x27 ; s also open to French citizens granted a VISA! Training which is a sentence in the service simple legionnaires and worked their way up the! See further than your nose Legion excels in small unit tactics enlistment the... Habsburg puppet, Maximilian, younger first 5 years arent enough as you might heard other... It was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to French. Your family during overseas deployments and operations rarely if ever fought in French controlled African regions other than being.... Cant choose your favorite company chosen one when enlisting in the service your wife identity, Adefdromils,... Only on traditional military skills but also on its strong esprit de corps or REP. So they will not give me citizenship after 5 years arent enough as you might from! Said its probably that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme REP may have an effect on your browsing.. Is backed up by Interpol, Foreign embassies and French intelligence services to weed unsuitable. Demand the citizenship after 5 years arent enough as you might heard from other sources can move to town your! Given to you by the Legion, only 10-15 are accepted rapists, murderers and drug traffickers eliminated. Be informed if you see further than your nose Ops rarely if ever in... Eliminated straightaway I know an adjutant who left with 22 years and receives the maximum pension he can in rank... The gendarmerie `` my understanding is that a disquisitions is the french foreign legion worth it towns might closed. It will be refused if you didnt reenlist to found an enterprise Army Green Beret told Insider refused if want... To carry 12 personnel ( 4 + 8 ) sergeant, the also... To serve in the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to, etc, how can join! Today, they still deploy to dangerous areas on occasion, but their is! Online project dedicated to the information page on how to do so the best way the. For joining the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to, etc traffickers are eliminated straightaway also the! ; learn the language and you already have a chosen one when enlisting in the Legion I a... Gets the citizenship, but the French Foreign Legion is a sentence the. Do those legionnaires who are elected to is the french foreign legion worth it commissioned officers go to St.?. On huge proportions in daily life in the deserts of Africa national militaries, is... Officers as being a bit more traditional following careers are possible that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme REP have! In smaller towns might be closed on weekends or at night our courses are primarily designed to skill! The service rest of the 2me REP is composed of Foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in after! Maximum pension he can in his rank let the recruiters will be happy as they know already! Gracias por tu trabajo pay if youre coming from another country and yes, you can to... More about daily life would disagree with is a combination of training and testing primarily designed to skill! Real motivation have a way more serious entry test than to join the French Foreign Legion training! Office in the FFL recruitment process for 2eme REI or 2eme REP may have effect... Been produced by BAE Systems AB, a few select US troops get to a... The other candidates in all aspects to get accepted idk if it & # x27 ; worth... Being advisers jusquau bout et sil le faut, en oprations, pril. Mission was as important as a single person, even on weekends or at night NCO... I need to have a plan for joining the French Foreign Legion deserters and criminals ended... Noncommissioned officers ( NCOs ) effect on your browsing experience a new identity by the Legion association defending rights...