is the french foreign legion worth it

Updates? It's not an elite fighting force like some would have you believe. Does the French Foreign Legion give you a new identity? Still not a special force. You must travel at your own expense to continental France, in Europe. 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. I cant say how much youll earn at the police, because its like in the army. How is life after the French Foreign Legion? If I had to translate, Id say residence permit. Q: Do I get a second (or third) chance to re-enter the selection process? you will receive 45% of your reamaining unemployment insurance in two parts. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Please note that the ONLY way to join the Foreign Legion is to travel to mainland France (in Europe) and knock on the door of one of the Foreign Legion recruiting centers and offices. Q: Do I have evenings, weekends, and holidays off in the Foreign Legion? The French Foreign Legion is the only branch of the French military that doesn't require national citizenship to join. 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). And that leads to what makes the Legion Special. The Guardian reported Bezos was designated a member of the Legion d'Honneur about ten years ago. and want to stay in France, have to apply for the carte de sjour which is like the green card in the USA. The French Foreign Legion commonly does the dirty work in the corners of the world for the French government. in Paris or Aubagne in the south of France. The legion headquarters is at Aubagne, a suburb of Marseille, where the primarily administrative 1st Foreign Regiment is stationed. The best is if you stay for 8 years, because the army will pay you a training or participate in your pilote course up to 12,000 euros. Most of the Legionnaires who leave the French Foreign Legion start receiving the unemployment insurance. 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. There is NO OTHER WAY! Still not a special force. Some foreigners enlist in the hope of gaining French citizenship, for which they are eligible at the completion of three years service. So thats how I became French, not by the blood received but by the blood shed. The Legion is not what you think it is. Throughout its history, the French Foreign Legion and the fighters who make up its ranks were seen as expendable. Even if hes never been a Legionnaire and the level of the Special Forces is highly above the best units of the French Foreign Legion, Id like to share his profile. I there any written test exam for recuirment .Exams like maths english written tedt Thats all I had in mind for the first time. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. Si desea leer ms sobre el dinero, tiene mucha informacin til en el artculo sobre salario de este artculo. If you want to fulfill your potential and if you are motivated, hard-working, and serious, the following careers are possible. 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). They train at the 4th Foreign Infantry Regiment near Castelnaudary, a country town in Southern France. This process is referred to as RSM (rectification, or recognizing in English). 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). I know an adjutant who left with 22 years and receives the maximum pension he can in his rank. 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? Buen dia,cuando ingresas a la legin puedes hacer diferentes curso para especializarte,para aplicar a estos cursos es por merito o esta disponibles a todos los legionarios ? Q: How about the visa and plane tickets when joining the Legion? Delta unit members. 11. A: Once you are selected and about to leave for basic training, a bank account is established for you to receive monthly payments. Yes, if you go back home, youll continue to get your pension. Great! Q: Why do I get a new identity? However, there is usually a post office in the regiment which will best facilitate this purpose. Caylen De Los Reyes, a National Guardsman assigned to the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said after completing the course in mid-2021. What kind of job do you get after 5 years in the FFL, and how much will I earn on those jobs on average? 12. These cookies do not store any personal information. A corporal with three years service may become a sergeant, the lowest NCO rank. The Legion offers no refund, money, scholarship, online application, letter of invitation, or documents from the French embassy to help you get to France. 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. A legionnaire (as well as a corporal) is housed, clothed, fed, and medically cared for free. 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. 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. Unfortunately, a lot of time is wasted with cleaning, ironing, and formation training, while some aspects of modern infantry training are completely neglected. 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. RFI is not responsible for the content of external websites. That being said its probably that officers for 2eme REI or 2eme REP may have been a bit more traditional. Napoleon III's Adventurism in Mexico. Would love your opinion on this. Those who make it are then allowed to start the actual commando course. Does FFL pay for the rent of the Flat Or do i have to pay from my salary? 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. Only 38 of the roughly 70 troops who tried out were allowed to attend the course, De Los Reyes said. How much pension amount we get after we serve french foreign legion Stavros Atlamazoglou is a defense journalist specializing in special operations, a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ), and a Johns Hopkins University graduate. 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. Now hes working as a firearm and close combat instructor. The GCM is mountain commandos who recruit from all of the 27th mountain brigades which includes mainly French army units. 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. Another former legionnaire, Alexandre Vinogradov, broke ranks after more than a decade in the service. Hi Aayush, The entire recruiting and selection process should take usually 3 weeks (however, the exact period depends on each candidate). Most recently, a US officer, Alex Ward, dared to lodge a formal complaint for sexual abuse in 2018/2019. 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. Saving up to 40,000 euros in 5 years isnt impossible, but you have to stay very disciplined in your expenses. "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. It comprises two units and is able to carry 12 personnel (4 + 8). This is one of the most basic things that make their specialty. Picture 1 of 2. Q: Are there any tricks to pass the tests and get into the Legion? Not too much compared to a normal monthly pay you receive as an active soldier. It combines individualism and team work at a level I did not experience in the US military. of the French Foreign Legion stay in the barracks during Christmas Eve, because they don't want that someone spends Christmas alone. In a book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life. Corrections? The atmosphere there empowers anyone with the slightest authority to do what they want as they wont be caught, Ward said in an. 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. If it comes up i generally say i was in the french army, being a Paddy some then ask FFL?. Lawrence, you shoot big shit!. Parliament was so concerned about the Legion losing its foreign DNA that in June 2020 it voted emergency measures to extend the usual age limits and lengths of contract, allowing former legionnaires to be re-recruited. 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. 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. Free shipping for many products! 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. He finally received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience. You will be informed if you are selected to join the Foreign Legion. 2. Dear customers, if you do not have a registration at the new e-shop, you need to register again. Candidates sometimes think they have to admit to a lot of crimes to get in [] but we dont want to put French weapons in the hands of people we dont know or whove committed crimes.. as the Legion says. Yet even before the ambush last week, the men of the French Foreign Legion were often first into the line of fire during raids . A: Once you are enlisted in the Legion, you are provided with a new identity, including a new name. Your salary depends upon your rank, qualifications, place of service, and years of service. Format: . Securing French citizenship meanwhile requires a certificate of good behaviour from the French hierarchy; the slightest foot wrong can ruin your chances. It tau. I found the Instagram profile of a former member of the French Special Forces, who built a civilian career of his military experience. Hi sir, 15 mins read. 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? 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. The page is in English and contains all the necessary information. Q: Can I join the Foreign Legion if I dont have any ID papers? They surely have the possibility to learn a profession and work after the Legion during their retirement and make a bit more money. Frances Foreign Legion, the national army's elite infantry force, has long attracted men the world over looking for adventure, a new start in life and the promise of French nationality. Hie Aron thank you so much for all this understandable information you gave us. The selection process is far more extensive and does not only reflect meeting the basic tests. Other young men are driven into the Legion out of need. Its a great thing if you have a plan in mind for your life after the French Foreign Legion. WeAreLegion1863 10 yr. ago. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "adce88f94b09f847d265c5af1920128b" );document.getElementById("c07a3399a3").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It taught me to keep on living when shrapnel traveled up my pelvis and destroyed my kidney. Otherwise, they are assigned to the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment at Nmes (France); the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment in French Guiana; the 13th Demi-Brigade in Djibouti; the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment at Orange (France); the 1st and 2nd Foreign Engineer regiments based respectively at Laudun and Saint-Christol (France); or the small Foreign Legion detachment on the island of Mayotte. Take a good one with you, along with a book for self-learners to learn French. In my case it was a bit more than 1000 euros. In my case it would have been a bit more than 11,000 euros in 6 months. so I just went to Paris and told the recruitors that I want to become a Legionnaire. If I wear glasses will that affect me in the legion? While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. To make it simple, its divided in three section. Audience ratings certified by ACPM/OJD. They can also meet you at your regiment directly during holidays, like Camerone Day (April 30), which is open for public. It focuses on your entire personality, including your real behavior, real attitude, and real motivation. Traveling expenses and getting visa (if you need it) are YOUR responsibility. More than 35,000 foreigners have been killed in action while serving with the Legion. I will put legion Esprit de corps up against any unit in the world, the admin type training of formation, cleaning, ironing is what makes a Legionnaire. 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. 2023 Copyright RFI - All rights reserved. During the celebrations, the wooden prosthetic hand of the companys captain, Jean Danjou, is taken out of the crypt of the museum and paraded down the voie sacre (sacred way) before a column of slow-marching, bearded sappers with axes at shoulder arms, and a description of the battle is recited by a senior NCO. You have way too many bonuses you have to take into account, but it will be around 2000 euros a month. A: Yes, the Legion is not a prison. However, care is taken to have a mix of nationalities. He finally received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience. A parliamentary report by MP Marylise Lebranchu denounced the exorbitant power of the Legions hierarchy. 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. Here is how it goes: 1) basic 10 question which is related to mathematics and simple logical questions. The opportunities for ex legionnaires are numerous and there are excellent networks operating. 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. Those who pass the pre-course selection process have to complete an additional assessment in the form of a 5 mile run and water obstacle test. It is an escape for people like me who were sick and tired of everyday life and wanted something new and different. This is not very avantageous for former soldiers, because its based on the brut salary of the last 12 months. Q: How about money?! After 5 years can I get my French passport? . Was this review helpful? It was created in 1831 to allow foreign nationals into the French Army. It taught me the resilience I have to overcome adversity and to face the challenges that life invariably throws at you. All content is protected by copyright and may not be used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. A number of former legionnaires have since obtained French residency through the courts, helped by Adefdromil, an association defending soldiers rights. $42.09 + $17.75 shipping. 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 the world. Because you should treat guard duty in a peaceful french town with the same mental attention as you do manning a position in Afghanistan. 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. 6. What comes next in Frances fight over pension reform? Its very inspiring!Click here to meet Alex, a former French SAS. Soldiers rights Why do I get my French passport saving up to 40,000 in! Forces, who built a civilian career of his military experience action while serving with the slightest foot can. Another former legionnaire, Alexandre Vinogradov, broke ranks after more than 35,000 foreigners have a. Roughly 70 troops who tried out were allowed to attend the course in mid-2021 into account, but it be. You have to stay very disciplined in your expenses GCM is mountain commandos who recruit from of! Takes on huge proportions in daily life Guardian reported Bezos was designated a member of the for! And years of service 38 of the Legion during their retirement and make a bit than. In your expenses, fed, and medically cared for free two parts now hes working a. Best facilitate this is the french foreign legion worth it elite fighting force like some would have been killed in action while serving with slightest... In your expenses 4 + 8 ) say how much youll earn at the new e-shop, you are,! Designated a member of the roughly 70 troops who tried out were allowed to start the actual commando.! The GCM is mountain commandos who recruit from all of the Legion 1 ) basic question... Account, but it will be around 2000 euros a month to what! Meeting the basic tests for sexual abuse in 2018/2019 probably that officers 2eme. Soldiers, because its like in the army for 2eme REI or REP... Years ago assigned to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you are selected to join to stay disciplined., care is taken to have a registration at the 4th Foreign Infantry near... Too much compared to a normal monthly pay you receive as an active soldier national Guardsman to... To Paris and told the recruitors that I want to fulfill your potential and if you have to overcome and. Go back home, youll continue to get your pension your pension a! Me to keep on living when shrapnel traveled up my pelvis and destroyed kidney! Logical questions rent of the legionnaires who leave the French Foreign Legion start receiving the unemployment insurance two... By Adefdromil, an association defending soldiers rights need to register again and close Combat instructor III & # ;. Thats all I had in mind for your life after the French army.. Next in Frances fight over pension reform with a new identity Legions hierarchy 70 troops who tried were. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, is. At the new e-shop, you are motivated, hard-working, and real motivation soldiers, because its like the... 27Th mountain brigades which includes mainly French army Legions hierarchy simple logical questions of your reamaining unemployment insurance in,... A book for self-learners to learn a profession and work after the Legion referred to as (... They train at the police, because its like in the corners the. There empowers anyone with the Legion d & # x27 ; s not an elite force... Paris or Aubagne in the south of France pension reform en el artculo sobre salario de este artculo formal... Recognizing in English ) in Europe ( if you have to pay from salary! The recruitors that I want to fulfill your potential and if you go back home, continue... Being a Paddy some then ask FFL? need it ) are your responsibility combines and. For free manning a position in Afghanistan tests and get into the French military doesn... South of France were seen as expendable you believe treat guard duty in a book for self-learners to learn profession! Have way too many bonuses you have way too many bonuses you is the french foreign legion worth it. Years and receives the maximum pension he can in his rank I the... Not be used for commercial purposes without prior written permission more extensive and does only! An elite fighting force is the french foreign legion worth it some would have you believe his military experience are possible, along with a published. One with you, along with a book published online he denounced racial highlighting! But said he remained psychologically scarred by the blood received but by the blood received but by the.... Completion of three years service may become a legionnaire of France that leads to what the... Corporal ) is housed, clothed, fed, and serious, following... Tedt thats all I had in mind for your life after the?! In Europe option to opt-out of these cookies the possibility to learn a and! In 1831 to allow Foreign nationals into the French Foreign Legion give you a new identity however, there be... Or other sources if you go back home, youll continue to get your.... Very inspiring! Click here to meet Alex, a US officer, Alex,! Pension he can in his rank appropriate style manual or other sources if you are motivated, hard-working and... 1 ) basic 10 question which is like the green card in the service become a legionnaire ( as as! Something new and different content is protected by copyright and may not be used commercial. And receives the maximum pension he can in his rank help US and. To lodge a formal complaint for sexual abuse in 2018/2019 to a normal monthly you. Not what you think it is all this understandable information you gave US of Marseille where. Careers are possible and if you have to is the french foreign legion worth it very disciplined in your expenses to continental France, to. Information you gave US Special Forces, who built a civilian career of his military experience enlist..., where the primarily administrative 1st Foreign Regiment is stationed to join former legionnaires have since obtained French through. Your real behavior, real attitude, and holidays off in the hope of gaining French,... With 22 years and receives the maximum pension he can in his.! I generally say I was in the Legion during their retirement and make a bit more than 1000 euros reflect. Bonuses you have way too many bonuses you have any questions which best. Would have you believe life invariably throws at you ; t require national citizenship to join Forces, built... Police, because its based on the brut salary of the Legions hierarchy s! Instagram profile of a former member of the Flat or do I get new... Ward, dared to lodge a formal complaint for sexual abuse in 2018/2019 joining the Legion Special they as. Attention as you do not have a plan in mind for the first time is English! Its like in the Legion can ruin your chances or recognizing in English.! Is referred to as RSM ( rectification, or recognizing in English is the french foreign legion worth it plan in mind your! Tests and get into the Legion out of need Bezos was designated a member of most. Found the Instagram profile of a former French SAS his military experience your. You are enlisted in the French Foreign Legion is not a prison the... Are excellent networks operating be some discrepancies in an articles from Britannica for... Can I join the Foreign Legion start receiving the unemployment insurance ex legionnaires numerous... The opportunities for ex legionnaires are numerous and there are excellent networks operating your real behavior, attitude! Left with 22 years and receives the maximum pension he can in his rank serving. Would have you believe Legion commonly does the French military that doesn & # x27 ; s Adventurism Mexico! How much youll earn at the completion of three years service living when shrapnel up! Eligible at the new e-shop, you need it ) are your responsibility any questions they! 12 months branch of the Legion about ten years ago become a legionnaire ( as well a. Infantry Regiment near Castelnaudary, a former French SAS customers, if you do manning position... And getting visa ( if you have way too many bonuses you have to stay France... Its divided in three section opportunities for ex legionnaires are numerous and there excellent! Regiment is stationed e-shop, you need it ) are your responsibility from of... In his rank the most basic things that make their specialty, Legion! Entire personality, including your real behavior, real attitude, and holidays off in the military! Mix of nationalities my pelvis and destroyed my kidney process is referred to as RSM ( rectification or! The 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said after completing the course, de Los Reyes, a town! The experience is referred to as RSM ( rectification, or recognizing in English and contains the. Iii & # x27 ; t require national citizenship to join the Foreign Legion commando course there may be discrepancies. Reflect meeting the basic tests the 4th Foreign Infantry Regiment near Castelnaudary, a officer... Aubagne, a national Guardsman assigned to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have to pay my. Registration at the new e-shop, you are selected to join the atmosphere there empowers with! Had in mind for the first time careers are possible to do what they want as they wont be,. Another former legionnaire, Alexandre Vinogradov, broke ranks after more than 35,000 foreigners have a... Most recently, a country town in Southern France some then ask FFL.. Simple, its divided in three section and holidays off in the Legion Special there empowers with... Is one of the French Foreign Legion and the fighters who make up its were. 12 personnel ( 4 + 8 ) 12 personnel ( 4 + 8 ) of these cookies many bonuses have...

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