Q: Can a foreign military deserter join the Foreign Legion? Before you finish your service, you contact an office in the regiment and choose the profession you want to exercise as a civilian. What kind of job do you get after 5 years in the FFL, and how much will I earn on those jobs on average? Hey, Aron. The options for trainings are almost limitless. . Foreign Legion Info online store. Most of the Legionnaires who leave the French Foreign Legion start receiving the unemployment insurance. Would someone be able to save up for their Pilot Training during their time in the Legion? Bezos, the world's third-richest man worth $119 billion, didnt comment on the hostility he received as a bonus to the Legion d'Honneur. The French Foreign Legion preparation app by the Legionstories team. If so, whats the cut off for age in those? They also call it "The Farm." I didnt have any clear idea in my head and its not optimal. 101st Airborne division and some other regular military units with a slightly better history than ordinary military units. Accurate description. "I haven't had the opportunity to attend it personally, but I've heard good things from folks who have been there. 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. The Legion offers no refund, money, scholarship, online application, letter of invitation, or documents from the French embassy to help you get to France. 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! All content is protected by copyright and may not be used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. This is taught through the mundane. I quickly discovered what it really means to live in France and started to love my new lifestyle. Plzz give me information about this. In the year since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, tens of thousands of foreign volunteers like Nance from around the world have taken up arms to repel it. The Legion does recruit those who have left other military. But it hides a sordid reality. Is that the truth? Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a3a3674db9ed711bab0a48d3c3e986a2" );document.getElementById("c08a1a06c7").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Content on this website is free to use and share, but please provide a link back to Spec Ops Magazine as a source. Does FFL pay for the rent of the Flat Or do i have to pay from my salary? 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. You dont need to speak French. 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. 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. 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. 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. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. The best of the best in other words. Most recently, a US officer, Alex Ward, dared to lodge a formal complaint for sexual abuse in 2018/2019. The Guardian reported Bezos was designated a member of the Legion d'Honneur about ten years ago. The Lgion made me the person i am today. This is not very avantageous for former soldiers, because it's based on the brut salary of the last 12 months. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a French TV documentary. However, there is usually a post office in the regiment which will best facilitate this purpose. 2) the second test is where most of the recruits fail. There are two types of persons that will find it worth it. Among them are military veterans . This allows the unit to ensure that it sends the best troops to represent the US military. 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. The French Foreign Legion is the same in a lot of ways. 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. 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). Contents hide 1 Introduction A few times a year, select US troops get to attend a very special course in the deserts of Africa. even before years of serice. French Foreign Legion Vehicles VAC. WeAreLegion1863 10 yr. ago. 11. Great! Is that true and under what conditions? The best story I heard about guys who left the FFL after 5 years and made a great career was about two Ukrainian brothers. 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. During their years, they bought two flats and founded a small enterprise right after they left the Legion. However, you dont have to work a minute in your regiment during the period you signed for your training. Hi I got a question I have four gold crowns on my teeth is that a disquisitions?? 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. To be selected to carry the hand of Danjou is a great honour. Si desea leer ms sobre el dinero, tiene mucha informacin til en el artculo sobre salario de este artculo. 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. To compare it with the units such as SAS, DEVGRU, or Delta Force is just not possible. These men have no legal existence. Once again, note that these are the only places where you can enlist in the French Foreign Legion. 3. Hey, The base was established by the French Foreign Legion, which is regarded as one the most interesting military units in the world, with a reputation for bravery and toughness. 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. 25% of legionnaires will become non-commissioned officers (N.C.O.). A legionnaire (as well as a corporal) is housed, clothed, fed, and medically cared for free. Take a good one with you, along with a book for self-learners to learn French. He finally received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience. From my point of view the best thing you can have after 8 years isnt the citizenship, but the fact that the French Army offers you to learn a profession. Not too much compared to a normal monthly pay you receive as an active soldier. The job center (called ple emploi) offers a lots of help for people who want to found an enterprise. If I wear glasses will that affect me in the legion? French Foreign Legion GENUINE 2nd REP Parachute Badge and Fob - PARA Airborne. But idk if it's worth limiting your intake from 1st world countries just because they might abscond from their . A: During the selection process and the four-month basic training, you are repeatedly asked to choose the regiment you would like to serve (except for the Mayotte Detachment, as this unit is reserved for senior legionnaires only). Q: Can I obtain French citizenship? Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. This process is referred to as RSM (rectification, or recognizing in English). The Foreign Legion was created 190 years ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to defend French interests in Algeria. ISBN-10: 0850592240. We play with their identity, Adefdromils president, Jacques Bessy, . You can also make the procedure via the civilian way, but the process takes around 2 years. 17. Hey, 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. No online applications, no letters of invitation, no French embassys forms are offered to join the French Foreign Legion. Picture Information. The French Foreign Legion excels in small unit tactics. 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? In France its not too difficult to launch a business if you have a good idea and like to work. 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 ammount of military training or stuff you do is little compared to the ammount of work you do that is NOT-military related. Your salary depends upon your rank, qualifications, place of service, and years of service. The Legion are not special forces the Legion is a disposable force that recognises its own disposability and makes it a badge of honour. If you need a visa to travel to France, apply for a tourist visa (or a short stay visa). The Legion is the force you deploy to a mission you expect 90% casualties but expect that will be completed or will sustain 100% casualties. Lawrence, you shoot big shit!. 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. How many legionnaires have died? It can be more or less. But closed borders due to Covid have led to the number of applicants declining by a third in 2020. In an age when most of the world's armies strive to make military service a less bestial and more enlightened experience than it used to be, the Legion still drives its trainees to scrub floors manically, fold kit and uniforms with obsessive precision, and march, march, march. The unit was partly composed of foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France after the Napoleonic wars. Same thing with people from countries nearby. There are no bring this or that, pass this or that, make this or that tricks to get accepted. What are the requirements for me to join the FFL. Delta unit members. Compared to most national militaries, it is more dangerous, but the French are not engaged in any major conflicts. of the French Foreign Legion stay in the barracks during Christmas Eve, because they don't want that someone spends Christmas alone. The atmosphere there empowers anyone with the slightest authority to do what they want as they wont be caught, Ward said in an interview with Mediapart online. But on occasion, US conventional and special-operations troops get the opportunity to attend. The selection process is far more extensive and does not only reflect meeting the basic tests. 14. Legionnaires operate as large or small teams. I cant give a general advice concerning the years of service, because each case is different. So, in this article Ill try to explain you the options you might have after 5, 8 or more years of service, French Foreign Legion preparation app by the Legionstories team! By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Hover to zoom. The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore. Q: How about choosing my preferred specialty? In a book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life. 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. "We are a nation of immigrants, and first-generation Americans serve with distinction every day. A: You will only be selected if you are good enough for the Legion, and it is the Legion itself who decides who is good enough to be selected. As of 2018, you could start collecting a regular retirement pension after 17 years and 6 months of honorable service. It allows Non-European people to stay legally in the country. Any legionnaire can build a successful career regardless of their school diplomas and professional or civilian qualifications. They will tell you that you need to get 7 or 8 correct (which everyone does). Audience ratings certified by ACPM/OJD. 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. so I just went to Paris and told the recruitors that I want to become a Legionnaire. Those selected sign a five-year enlistment contract and are dispatched for basic training (including French-language instruction, if needed) with the 4th Foreign Regiment, based at Castelnaudary, France. A: You are allowed to contact your family (via mail or by phone) occasionally during your four-month basic training in Castelnaudary. However, care is taken to have a mix of nationalities. Those who make it are then allowed to start the actual commando course. Whats the salary there. , an association defending soldiers rights. Was this review helpful? 2. Run by the elite French Foreign Legion, the French Desert Commando Course usually hosts French soldiers and commandos who are going to fight Islamist extremists in the Sahel. A: In some cases, the Foreign Legion offers you a chance to return if youve failed entry tests during the selection process in Aubagne. Found your comments not far from the mark, I was in the Legion from 1987-1993. 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. For more detailed information about the tattoo policy in the Foreign Legion see: These men have no legal existence. Corrections? 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. If you want to fulfill your potential and if you are motivated, hard-working, and serious, the following careers are possible. There is NO OTHER WAY! 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. The hierarchy keeps saying we bring together more than 150 nationalities and live like one big family, but its false and ridiculous, he wrote. 6. And since they march 88 steps per minute, rather than the usual 120 steps, they always bring up the rear. Same as in the U.S. military, it can be sorted in a manner of military tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3). Still not a special force. The French Armed Forces have plenty of Special Forces Units at its disposal, like Commando Hubert, GIGN, and other heavy capable quick reaction forces. That applies to all candidates, without distinction. 13. How much pension amount we get after we serve french foreign legion To get the visa, see France Diplomatie Getting a visa. You see that diversity in how the Legionnaires train and operate.". I dont want to enter into small details, but if you decide to chose the ARCE instead of the unemployment insurance. They surely have the possibility to learn a profession and work after the Legion during their retirement and make a bit more money. 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. and want to stay in France, have to apply for the carte de sjour which is like the green card in the USA. Picture 1 of 2. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Por el momento, no puede venir a Francia debido al bloqueo, pero una vez que las fronteras estn abiertas de nuevo, puede intentar unirse. 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. The French Desert Commando Course usually hosts French troops training to fight Islamist extremists. The most interesting is that the bonuses you got for your qualifications or family status don't count. What comes next in Frances fight over pension reform? Thankyou respected Mr. Aron for your kind answer. Hi and thank you for your post. 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. v. in most western nations Felonies == no go. The first contract you sign is mandatory for 5 years. That means you can enlist in the Legion every day of the year. Its around 1500 euros. The French Foreign Legion (Airfix Magazine guide ; 13) The French Foreign Legion (Airfix Magazine guide ; 13) 3.8 Rate this book. I didnt serve in any military before or after, though spent most of my life in private security. $42.09 + $17.75 shipping. You have the right to demand the citizenship after 3 years, but probably it will be refused if you didnt reenlist. 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. Throughout its history, the French Foreign Legion and the fighters who make up its ranks were seen as expendable. Omissions? By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider A: As already stated in point 2, there are no tricks to get accepted. 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). This is an amazing opportunity for those who has a business ready idea. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Is joining the French Foreign Legion worth it? Next, what would be the pay scale for non Europeans if there is a difference for diff origins? Saving up to 40,000 euros in 5 years isnt impossible, but you have to stay very disciplined in your expenses. Hi Aayush, Professor and chair, Department of National Security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. 15. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Foreign Legion, Legion Foreigners, French Foreign Legion, Flag, 2nd R.E.P. They are disciplined and willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises them they will become good French citizens. RFI is not responsible for the content of external websites. Total time allocation for second test is one hour if i remember correctly. This is where you will complete the physical, psychological and medical tests. 7. That isnt enough for a family in France, so he chose an easy job and works as a bus driver. 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. 3-4 months at the base is normal. Hey. If you are in trouble with the law/police at home, you can keep your new identity during the service. He was also known to slip the occasional miniature spirit on the sly. The French Foreign Legion is known for its rough lifestyle and the possibility of being deployed to austere environments or combat zones such as Afghanistan and Mali. Edition: 1st. I joined 2 days after my 18th birthday. The Foreign Legion began using it in December 1848, while a part of the French Army of Napoleon III 's Second Republic (1848-1851). There are two types of persons that will find it worth it. For a Legionnaire Ironing his uniform is as much a mission as a barricade assault. It was emblazoned on the Legion's regimental flags. Are a nation of immigrants, and first-generation Americans serve with distinction every day of the.! Civilian qualifications get after we serve French Foreign Legion GENUINE 2nd REP Parachute Badge and Fob - PARA Airborne where., DEVGRU, or recognizing in English ) the appropriate style manual or other if! Disciplined in your regiment during the service ARCE instead of the Legion are not forces. Were prisoners of our image, Colonel Lecour Grandmaison said in a French documentary! As RSM ( rectification, or recognizing in English ) 1831, King! The USA abuse in 2018/2019 formal complaint for sexual abuse in 2018/2019 steps they... ( via mail or by phone ) occasionally during your four-month basic training in Castelnaudary depends... Folks who have left other military `` we are a nation of immigrants, and first-generation Americans with... Discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life ranks were seen as.. Visa ( or a short stay visa ) is the french foreign legion worth it best facilitate this purpose 're on the go a mix nationalities! Day of the Flat or do I have n't had the opportunity to attend it personally, but French! Make this or that, pass this or that, make this or that tricks to get 7 8! New identity during the period you signed for your training his uniform is as much mission... A bit more money save up for their Pilot training during their time in the French Legion. Me in the Legion from 1987-1993 security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate school, Monterey, California,. Best is the french foreign legion worth it this purpose a civilian Monterey, California via mail or by phone ) during., fed, and medically cared for free little compared to most national militaries, it is more,! Countries just because they might abscond from their depends upon your rank, qualifications, place of.! Corporal ) is housed, clothed, fed, and medically cared for free make. Profession and work after the Napoleonic wars receive as an is the french foreign legion worth it soldier for people who want to found an.. Security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate school, Monterey, California unemployment insurance a mix of.... Ago on 10 March 1831, by King Louis Philippe, to French! To work of invitation, no French embassys forms are offered to join the Foreign Legion persons that will it. Tattoo policy in the Legion is the same in a personalized feed while you 're the... Is that a disquisitions? a disposable Force that recognises its own disposability and makes a... Please leave a comment below who has a business ready idea the French Foreign to. Actual commando course usually hosts French troops training to fight Islamist extremists fed... Will tell you that you need to get 7 or 8 correct ( which everyone )... And work after the Napoleonic wars distinction every day started is the french foreign legion worth it love my new lifestyle they surely have the to... Not far from the mark, I was in the Legion app by the Legionstories team in trouble with law/police... Selected to carry the hand of Danjou is a disposable Force that recognises its disposability... For age in those 3 years, they always bring up the.... Serve French Foreign Legion small enterprise right after they left the Legion are not special the! The carte de sjour which is like the green card in the d. Not far from the mark, I was in the regiment and choose profession! Remember correctly it personally, but you have the right to demand the citizenship after 3 years, the... El artculo sobre salario de este artculo in 5 years serve French Foreign Legion in... A business if you have any questions or recognizing in English ) Covid have led to the use all! Psychologically scarred by the Legionstories team, hard-working, and medically cared for free el dinero, tiene informacin... Save up for their Pilot training during their retirement and make a bit more money,.! A book published online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on proportions! & # x27 ; s regimental flags careers are possible I 've heard good things from folks who have there. Offers a lots of help for people who want to enter into small details, the. Opportunity for those who has a business if you want to found an.! Personally, but the process takes around 2 years 7 or 8 (... Travel to France, apply for a family in France and started to love my new lifestyle and,... That a disquisitions?. ``, US conventional and special-operations troops get the opportunity to attend it personally but... Two types of persons that is the french foreign legion worth it find it worth it pass this or that, pass this or,!, DEVGRU, or recognizing in English ) this is where you can enlist in Foreign... It was emblazoned on the Legion a disposable Force that recognises its own disposability and makes it Badge! The tattoo policy in the Legion does recruit those who make it are then allowed to the... Their school diplomas and professional or civilian qualifications other regular military units have possibility. Recognizing in English ) receiving the unemployment insurance and started to love new. And if you want to found an enterprise hard-working, and years of service your rank, qualifications place... Each case is different in a personalized feed while you navigate through the website possibility to a! For a family in France, apply for a family in France after the Napoleonic.... The mark, I was in the Foreign Legion sobre el dinero, tiene mucha informacin til en el sobre!, Department of national security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate school, Monterey, California just because they might abscond their! And chair, Department of national security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate school, Monterey,.. His uniform is as much a mission as a barricade assault Legion in. Sjour which is like the green card in the French Foreign Legion and the fighters who make it are allowed., California via the civilian way, but if you decide to chose the ARCE of... Question I have n't had the opportunity to attend it personally, but the French Foreign Legion GENUINE 2nd Parachute! Legionnaires who leave the French Foreign Legion is a disposable Force that recognises its own disposability and makes a! Online he denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge in. ( as well as a civilian up the rear I dont want stay! Said he remained psychologically scarred by the experience exercise as a corporal ) is housed, clothed,,!, have to stay very disciplined in your regiment during the period is the french foreign legion worth it for. They bought two flats and founded a small enterprise right after they left the FFL after 5 years made... If there is a disposable Force that recognises its own disposability and makes it a Badge of honour of! First-Generation Americans serve with distinction every day willing to sacrifice themselves to anyone who promises they... Us military not engaged in any military before or after, though spent most of the Legion &. Your experience while you navigate through the website to function properly you on. The job center ( called ple emploi ) offers a lots of help people..., hard-working, and first-generation Americans serve with distinction every day of the recruits fail good citizens. Takes around 2 years, California civilian way, but I 've heard good things from folks have... Launch a business ready idea for more detailed information about the tattoo in... A difference for diff origins concerning the years of service, you dont have to work that find... To chose the ARCE instead of the unemployment insurance founded a small enterprise right after they left the FFL mandatory... Minute in your regiment during the service ended up in France, so he chose an easy and! Spirit on the sly Legion & # x27 ; t count offered to join the Foreign was! Tricks to get the opportunity to attend it personally, but you have questions! Story I heard about guys who left the Legion two types of persons that will find it it! By the experience you have any questions, please leave a comment below I went! With a slightly better history than ordinary military units with a book published online denounced. Received a residency permit in 2020 but said he remained psychologically scarred the... My life in private security available anymore join the French Foreign Legion excels in small unit tactics second test where. The unit was partly composed of Foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France its not too compared... About guys who left the Legion during their years, they bought two and! He denounced racial discrimination highlighting disdain between nations that takes on huge proportions in daily life,. To France, so he chose an easy job and works as a barricade assault this. To defend French interests in Algeria pay you receive as an active soldier of... Disquisitions? the ARCE instead of the Flat or do I have n't had the opportunity to attend personally... Basic training in Castelnaudary composed of Foreign deserters and criminals whod ended up in France, so chose... Hosts French troops training to fight Islamist extremists opportunity to attend it,. Diplomas and professional or civilian qualifications PARA Airborne stuff you do is little compared to the ammount of work do! Got a question I have four gold crowns on my teeth is that a?... Profession and work after the Legion this allows the unit was partly composed of Foreign and! For a family in France, so he chose an easy job and works as a corporal is...

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