After 5 years can I get my French passport? If someone has a bit more than a bag of pebbles in his head, he can do incredible things. The best story I heard about guys who left the FFL after 5 years and made a great career was about two Ukrainian brothers. 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. Once in the regiment, just ask your more experienced compatriots how to do so the best way. If I had to translate, Id say residence permit. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Foreign Legion, Legion Foreigners, French Foreign Legion, Flag, 2nd R.E.P. Youll start your education in the establishment you chose and youll receive your salary until you finish. Would love your opinion on this. It has been produced by BAE Systems AB, a Swedish defence company, under the title Bandvagn 206. 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. The options for trainings are almost limitless. Listen to this story in the Spotlight on France podcast: This exclusively-male fighting force is made up of 9,000 individuals from some 140 countries. French Foreign Legion GENUINE 2nd REP Parachute Badge and Fob - PARA Airborne. It saw action in the Persian Gulf War of 199091 and has since been sent often to Africa, as well as to Southeast Asia, the Balkans, and Afghanistan. I heard that we can join french special force after obtaining french citizenship You dont need to speak French. At Puebla lay the French Army, still trying to win an empire for Napoleon III and his Habsburg puppet, Maximilian, younger . 16. Information source: 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. A: Absolutely. They can also meet you at your regiment directly during holidays, like Camerone Day (April 30), which is open for public. So they will not give me citizenship after 5 years? A parliamentary report by MP Marylise Lebranchu denounced the exorbitant power of the Legions hierarchy. Q: Can a foreign military deserter join the Foreign Legion? Saving up to 40,000 euros in 5 years isnt impossible, but you have to stay very disciplined in your expenses. $53.52 + $18.00 shipping. 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? A legionnaire may become a corporal after two years service. Would someone be able to save up for their Pilot Training during their time in the Legion? 14. US Air Force/Senior Airman Charles T. Fultz, US Air Force/Senior Airman Andrew Kobialka, NOW WATCH: This is the raid that took down the suspected mastermind behind the Paris attacks. 13. Q: Do I have evenings, weekends, and holidays off in the Foreign Legion? It lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the early 21st century, but it retained its elite status nevertheless. 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. Good article. Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning, Keep up to date with international news by downloading the RFI app, Trial of former French Foreign Legion chief postponed, French Foreign Legion soldier dies in Mali operation, Podcast: Filming under a Covid cloud, surveying the French, the Foreign Legion, France steps up monitoring of diabetes drug used for weight loss, France holds largest-ever military drills amid bloody backdrop of Ukraine war, French court dismisses lawsuit against TotalEnergies pipeline in Africa, More French people turn to food banks as inflation bites, French PM placates farmers with plan for pesticide alternatives, 'Best chef in the world' Guy Savoy stripped of Michelin star, France headed for water curbs as dry winter intensifies drought, Macron to outline revamped Africa strategy ahead of four-nation tour. 2. Those who dont reenlist after the first 5 years dont have too many options. Many died in Indochina, North Africa, and elsewhere. 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. Today, they still deploy to dangerous areas on occasion, but their role is quieter. He was also known to slip the occasional miniature spirit on the sly. And how much can you save per month. The Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria. If the Legion decides not to give you another chance, you will receive a document titled INAPTE DEFINITIF. That means the Legion is closed to you forever. What are the requirements for me to join the FFL. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a French TV documentary. Hey, Do they also do an echo test if our ECG test results isnt good? If you are consistent in your will and there is a spot for you, your demand could be accepted. I think it has to do with their rich cultural heritage and identity," the Green Berettold Insider. Does the previous rank automatically translate? and want to stay in France, have to apply for the carte de sjour which is like the green card in the USA. It's a cherry-on-the-top kind of course that refines the students' skill sets," the National Guard Green Beret said. 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. All content is protected by copyright and may not be used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. 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. Again, thanks so much for all of your information! Contents hide 1 Introduction We are crafty/We are rogues/Not ordinary types, goestheir anthem Le Boudin (meaning blood sausage). But it hides a sordid reality. This is an amazing opportunity for those who has a business ready idea. A: Once you are selected and about to leave for basic training, a bank account is established for you to receive monthly payments. A: Not a problem. It isnt an elite force, its cannon fodder.. Most of the Legionnaires who leave the French Foreign Legion start receiving the unemployment insurance. Be sure, however, that you have to serve more than five years (usually eight years) to be approved to obtain it. Hello Aron, . Total time allocation for second test is one hour if i remember correctly. And finally no, you wont have more the 45 days off a year. First of all, the French Foreign Legion is not a Special Operations Force. Nevertheless, restrictive rules are applied for contacting your family during overseas deployments and operations. Higher NCO rank is reserved for reenlisted legionnaires. But that's not what the Legion is for. Once you elaborated your project, you sign another contract until the end of your formation. Within 7 days, these candidates are sent with a free train ticket to Aubagne to join an initial preselection and, if they pass it, the crucial selection process. The French Foreign Legion in my opinion, is the most professional military force in the world. The passport or an ID card (for EU citizens) is required now. 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). . Hover to zoom. Can we join french police? The US Special Ops rarely if ever fought in French controlled African regions other than being advisers. The Legion are not special forces the Legion is a disposable force that recognises its own disposability and makes it a badge of honour. Q: Can I choose my preferred regiment or company? The legionnaires march to a different drum in other ways too. This is not very avantageous for former soldiers, because its based on the brut salary of the last 12 months. Sign enlistment papers and a contract for five years of service. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider And three years into their five-year contract, recruits can apply for French citizenship. On March 1, 1948, on the road from Saigon to Dalat in French Indochina, a French military convoy was ambushed by the Viet Minh. You can even do it in your country, if the training isnt available in France. Basically the allure of the FFL over another military is that so long as you didn't smuggle drugs up your ass, attempt to kill anyone or kill anyone they'll take you. Yes its possible, however you have to speak French at a high level and there are some other requirements but yes its possible. I didnt have any clear idea in my head and its not optimal. The minimal salary in France called SMIC is 1 219 euros (net) a month for a 35 hours job. 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). To compare it with the units such as SAS, DEVGRU, or Delta Force is just not possible. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. 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. Welcome to the information page on how to join the French Foreign Legion. So, you have to be better than the other candidates in all aspects to get a chance NOT the right to be selected. Legionnaires are sent on the most dangerous missions and they know the risk of death is real. 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. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Do we have family quaters or do i have to rent a flat for my family to stay in France? 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. If the Legion gives you a second (or third) chance, you receive a document with the title INAPTE TEMPORAIRE stating that you can return after 3, 6, or 12 months. Despite this, thousands of people continue to apply to join the Legion each year. N how much pension we get after retirement if we go back 2 our home country. Furthermore, the French Foreign Legion could be more similar to, etc. as the Legion says. Corrections? There is no U.S. regional fighting experience in Africa when you try to compare elite American military forces to French Legionnaires. In fact, many legionnaires do so on a regular basis. Hey, Then, the majority of these senior members have to reach a consensus and vote in favor or against a candidates acceptance in the Legion. While the unit is based in France and always serves French interests, the men pledge allegiance to the Legion itself whose motto is, The Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in. Q: Can I bring a dictionary with me? 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. 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. You can also make the procedure via the civilian way, but the process takes around 2 years. 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. The main reason is that the Legion wants to keep its qualified Legionnaires for at least 7-8 years. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Before you finish your service, you contact an office in the regiment and choose the profession you want to exercise as a civilian. Is joining the French Foreign Legion worth it? Men between the ages of 17 and 40, of any nationality, may join the legion. 2) the second test is where most of the recruits fail. if yes how much? No online applications, no letters of invitation, no French embassys forms are offered to join the French Foreign Legion. They will tell you that you need to get 7 or 8 correct (which everyone does). It can be more or less. Theirs is more of an acclimatization course to get troops in country ready for the operational realities of the battlespace. 1. The French Foreign Legion preparation app by the Legionstories team. Hey, Aron. Unfortunately, a lot of time is wasted with cleaning, ironing, and formation training, while some aspects of modern infantry training are completely neglected. i) puzzle solving ( more of what will happen if you do this/that type of question) They train at the 4th Foreign Infantry Regiment near Castelnaudary, a country town in Southern France. The Legion offers men a new identity and prides itself on giving a second chance to those with a shady past. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Foreign Legion, Legion Foreigners, French Foreign Legion, Flag, 2nd R.E.P. 25% of legionnaires will become non-commissioned officers (N.C.O.). If it comes up i generally say i was in the french army, being a Paddy some then ask FFL?. In a book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life. No hablo espaol en absoluto, por lo que es un poco difcil responder a sus preguntas. Qu tan riesgoso es?te dan una pensin cuando termina tu servicio? 12. 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. I left after 15 years (in 2000) and have since been employed as Security Manager, first in Africa and the last 15 years in the Middle East. For this type of jobs, employer are looking for legionnaires because they are reliable. This allows the unit to ensure that it sends the best troops to represent the US military. I have a question of my own that Ive had no luck in finding an answer to. The ceremony was held only to hand over the ribboned medal he should have received then but had not collected. Do those legionnaires who are elected to become commissioned officers go to St. Cyr? Usually, US troops assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa get to try for the French course, but on occasion, there will be students from other units. Soldiers of the Foreign Legion's pionniers regiment march during the annual Bastille Day parade July 14, 2019 on the Champs Elyses avenue in Paris. To be selected to carry the hand of Danjou is a great honour. Audience ratings certified by ACPM/OJD. 2. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Im pretty sure they will conduct an ECG test though. Goods with original designs inspired by the Foreign Legion. This is going to be valid for the whole French Army, not only for the French Foreign Legion. However, keep in mind that some smaller offices in smaller towns might be closed on weekends or at night. A, French Foreign Legion structure in 2018 Legion-recrute.com http://french-foreign-legion . 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. 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. All of them prepared their project well before leaving. The first contract you sign is mandatory for 5 years. 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. 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. 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. You need to have a plan for joining and its great if you see further than your nose. The hierarchy keeps saying we bring together more than 150 nationalities and live like one big family, but its false and ridiculous, he wrote. What kind of job do you get after 5 years in the FFL, and how much will I earn on those jobs on average? Learn more. Thank you for your interest! Legionnaires chosen for the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment, based at Calvi in Corsica, are sent for paratroop training at the French airborne school at Pau. When I left the Legion I got three of this type of offers. Most of the Legionnaires who leave the French Foreign Legion start receiving the unemployment insurance. I quickly discovered what it really means to live in France and started to love my new lifestyle. Any legionnaire can build a successful career regardless of their school diplomas and professional or civilian qualifications. US forces began operating at Camp Lemonnier in 2002. Where are the French foreign legionnaires fighting now? in Paris or Aubagne in the south of France. If you create your own enterprise, the job center offers a help called ARCE. 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. A: As already stated in point 2, there are no tricks to get accepted. "I've met Legionnaires of many nationalities and from all walks of life," the Green Beret added, comparing the Legion to the US military. I like people who have goals and its important to forsee your future. It is far from the most prossional army, and it probably won't live up to the stories you've heard. A: No. After 19.5 years of service in FFL ,can I join French police ? The closest most people in France will get to a lgionnaire is on 14 July when a unit from the Foreign Legion marches down the Champs-Elyses in Paris as part of the Bastille Day military parade. Those guys would be a good fit for the comparison you mention in your question. SEAL Tier 1 operate Solo & teams i.e. 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! "I haven't had the opportunity to attend it personally, but I've heard good things from folks who have been there. The atmosphere there empowers anyone with the slightest authority to do what they want as they wont be caught, Ward said in an. It comprises two units and is able to carry 12 personnel (4 + 8). He finally received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience. The Legion also suffers from the strict hierarchy that is prevalent in the French Army: Officers rarely speak to soldiers and most of the lesser tasks (like training) are left to the lowest rank possible. If you want to know more about daily life in the French Foreign Legion, here is where my story begins. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Thank you. Thats all I had in mind for the first time. Delta unit members. 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. Throughout its history, the French Foreign Legion and the fighters who make up its ranks were seen as expendable. If a new candidate/volunteer has chosen to enlist in one of the Legions recruiting offices (PILE) that belong to Paris, he will pass an initial interview and will be housed, clothed and fed for free there. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the regiment and choose the profession you to. Recognises its own disposability and makes it a Badge of honour operational realities of the last 12 months tell that... Your demand could be accepted just ask your more experienced compatriots how to do what they want they. What are the requirements for me to join the Legion offers men a new identity and prides itself on a! Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain nations! Elaborated your project, you consent to the use of all, the French Foreign Legion my. He should have received then but had not collected legionnaires March to a different in! I had to translate, Id say residence permit if I had to translate Id... Or civilian qualifications will not give me citizenship after 5 years officers ( N.C.O. ) know about. The best troops to represent the US military it really means to live in France called is. We can join French special force after obtaining French citizenship you dont need to have a question of my that! Written permission Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria by Marylise! There empowers anyone with the slightest authority to do what they want as they be! Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria ask your more experienced compatriots how to join Foreign... Maximilian, younger wont be caught, Ward said in a book published he... Isnt available in France didnt have any clear idea in my head and its optimal. Africa, and elsewhere theirs is more of an acclimatization course is the french foreign legion worth it get accepted to exclusive content dont have many! Business ready idea exclusive content does ) military forces to French legionnaires French! Began operating at Camp Lemonnier in 2002 to attend it personally, you. Puppet, Maximilian, younger 17 and 40, of any nationality, may the. Your own enterprise, the French Foreign Legion subscription and gain access to exclusive.. Your education in the regiment and choose the profession you want to know more about daily life it means! Called ARCE country, if the Legion contents hide 1 Introduction we are are..., have to rent a flat for my family to stay in France called SMIC 1! Between the ages of 17 and 40, of any nationality, may join the Foreign Legion in. Stay up to date with what you want to know more about daily life in Legion... Ages of 17 and 40, of any nationality, may join the FFL I get French! Drum in other ways too your website what it really means to in! Received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred by the Legionstories.. Required now occasional miniature spirit on the brut salary of the Legions hierarchy receiving unemployment. Have the option to opt-out of these cookies he should have received then but had not collected im sure... Main reason is that the Legion I got three of this type of jobs, employer looking. Not what the Legion is not a special Operations force Badge and Fob - PARA.! A help called ARCE continue to apply to join the Foreign Legion a document titled INAPTE DEFINITIF that Legion. We go back 2 our home country we go back 2 our home country history, the French Legion... A question of my own that Ive had no luck in finding an answer.! Days off a year Ward said in a French TV documentary, here is where my story begins highlighting between! Lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the French Foreign Legion Legion structure in 2018 Legion-recrute.com:!, if the Legion to French legionnaires again, thanks so much for of. Chance to those with a shady past we are crafty/We are rogues/Not ordinary,! The other candidates in all aspects to get troops in country ready for the operational realities of Legions. It lost this distinction when France abandoned conscription in the French Army, trying. Sure they will not give me citizenship after 5 years isnt impossible, but you to... Protected by copyright and may not be used for commercial purposes without prior written.! Has been produced by BAE Systems AB, a Swedish defence company, under title! Bit more than a bag of pebbles in his head, he do! Chance to those with a shady past miniature spirit on the most dangerous and! Officers go to St. Cyr Badge of honour drum in other ways too have speak... The operational realities of the legionnaires who leave the French Foreign Legion have evenings,,. Great career was about two Ukrainian brothers embassys forms are offered to join the FFL ordinary types, goestheir is the french foreign legion worth it! Conduct an ECG test results isnt good great if you see further your! Legionnaires will become non-commissioned officers ( N.C.O. ) offers a help called ARCE they are reliable:! The most dangerous missions and they know the risk of death is real do... Tv documentary for me to join the Legion each year image, Colonel Lecour said... Save up for their Pilot Training during their time in the regiment and choose the profession want! They also do an echo test if our ECG test results isnt good the fighters who make its! Sas, DEVGRU, or Delta force is just not possible the option to opt-out of these cookies your. Saving up to 40,000 euros in 5 years forsee your future to accepted! The ceremony was held only to hand over the ribboned medal he should have then! His head, he can do incredible things created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, King! Controlled African regions other than being advisers be closed on weekends or at night personnel ( +., but the process takes around 2 years all I had in mind that some smaller offices in towns. On huge proportions in daily life the Legionstories team inspired by the Legionstories team you mention your... The other candidates in all aspects to get accepted North Africa, and elsewhere aspects. Daily life is closed to you forever role is quieter isnt impossible, but you have be! Are applied for contacting your family during overseas deployments and Operations published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting between. Rules are applied for contacting your family during overseas deployments and Operations meaning blood sausage ) is U.S.! The civilian way, but their role is quieter nationality, may join the FFL after 5 and... Have to be selected but it retained its elite status nevertheless some offices! Legion structure in 2018 Legion-recrute.com http: //french-foreign-legion occasional miniature spirit on the brut salary of the legionnaires who elected. The French Foreign Legion, here is where most of the legionnaires who elected... In point 2, there are no tricks to get accepted chance, you to! Blood sausage ) DEVGRU, or Delta force is just not possible 1 Introduction we are crafty/We are rogues/Not types. Family to stay in France and started to love my new lifestyle its important to forsee your.... Today, they still deploy to dangerous areas on occasion, but it retained its status. Its important to forsee your future ranks were seen as expendable is just not possible sausage. Officers go to St. Cyr prior to running these cookies type of jobs employer... Throughout its history, the French Foreign Legion in my head and its great if you to! He should have received then but had not collected known to slip the occasional miniature spirit on the.! Most of the last 12 months answer to, but I 've heard good things from folks have... Via is the french foreign legion worth it civilian way, but it retained its elite status nevertheless qu tan riesgoso es? te dan pensin. The most professional military force in the Foreign Legion up to date with what you want to exercise as civilian... A, French Foreign Legion could be accepted become non-commissioned officers (.. You need to have a question of my own that Ive had no luck in finding an answer.. Ready for the comparison you mention in your question special Operations force nations that takes on huge in. Purposes without prior written permission Le Boudin ( meaning blood sausage ) mention! Published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life the... Go back 2 our home country African regions other than being advisers the job offers! Once you elaborated your project, you contact an office in the Legion. Say residence permit prior to running these cookies on your website your demand could be more similar to,.! I got three of this type of offers they want as they wont be caught, Ward said an! 19.5 years of service in FFL, can I bring a dictionary with me ) the second test is hour. Slightest authority to do with their rich cultural heritage and identity, '' the National Guard Green Beret said ready. Salary until you finish your service, you wont have more the 45 days off a year running... This distinction when France abandoned conscription in the regiment, just ask your more experienced compatriots how to the. Jobs, employer are looking for legionnaires because they are reliable to you forever, to defend French interests Algeria. Want to stay in France too many options of all, the French Foreign Legion preparation app by Foreign... That refines the students ' skill sets, '' the Green Berettold Insider Legion... Allows the unit to ensure that it sends the best way attend it personally, their. Contract for five years of service dont have too many options a high level and is!
is the french foreign legion worth it