French Foreign Legion. My friend wants to go to France and join the foreign legion. Units of the Foreign Legion

Military history has many pages that mention various military formations that are directly involved in hostilities and located in the hottest spots on our planet. The most famous among them is the French Foreign Legion. This is a truly legendary military unit, the military glory of which is fanned by various myths and stories. Many books have been written about this elite unit and more than a dozen films have been shot. For generations of men, service in this unit was considered the ultimate dream. Many have dreamed and continue to dream of how to become legionnaires and quickly put on a special military uniform. However, in reality, instead of bravado and ostentation, the foreign legion is a hard service and work associated with constant risk and danger. Is a person ready to voluntarily give up all the advantages that civil life promises, starting his military career in accordance with the harsh and strict military Charter?

You can refer to weighty arguments in favor of making such a decision: a good salary, full social security, the possibility of obtaining French citizenship as a result. However, a great price must be paid for all this: personal freedom, hard physical labor and deprivation, and finally, the constant danger and threat to life, despite the fact that the romance of military service, future privileges and decent pay are a serious motivation.

French Foreign Legion - what is it really?

It should be noted right away that the legion is not an interest club in which everyone does what they want. This is a full-fledged military unit belonging to the armed forces of the French Republic. Here, not only the military Charter applies, but also a number of provisions that regulate the procedure for serving. Unlike traditional armed forces, the legion has a different system of recruitment and recruitment. The servicemen of this unit undergo a completely different, transcendent level of training. Subsequent service in the Legion takes place in conditions as close as possible to combat, in various parts of the world.

Only representatives of the stronger sex can become legionnaires. The way is ordered for women to serve in the foreign legion!

The history of this legendary military unit has less than two hundred years. In 1831, King Louis Philippe I of France launched an adventurous military operation in North Africa. The military campaign, according to the plan of the French court, was to divert the attention of civil society from internal problems in the state. The purpose of the military expedition to Algeria was the declared expansion of the borders of the colonial empire.

This dubious undertaking required a significant number of troops, which France at that time was clearly not enough. In addition, the French generals were not happy with the military adventure of the French king and opposed in every possible way the sending of units of the regular French army to overseas possessions. Life itself suggested a way out of this situation.

France in the first half of the 19th century was going through hard times. The economy was in decline, the population of the country was in distress. The consequences of fifteen years of continuous wars that France waged under Napoleon Bonaparte were showing. Inside the country, a huge number of idle males appeared, who were looking for any ways and opportunities to improve their plight, not disdaining robbery at the same time. Neither the police, nor the gendarmerie, nor the army could cope with such negative phenomena. The only way out of this situation was a royal decree on the creation of a new paramilitary unit under the leadership of French officers, which could be recruited by people who had problems with the law.

In this way, it was possible to immediately solve two problems:

• by means of legalization, remove criminal and unreliable elements from the streets of French cities and from the roads;
• collect the necessary number of people for subsequent preparation and sending to the colonies.

The only condition that was stipulated in the royal decree was that the newly created paramilitary formation could not be used on the territory of the metropolis. As a result of such actions, in just a few months, the required number of people were recruited through recruiting centers. The set did not differ in special requirements. The recruits were not asked, neither name nor social background. It was enough for a man from the street to become a legionnaire to have tolerable health and to have an idea of ​​​​how to hold a gun.

Shortly after the first months of basic military training, recruits were sent to Algiers to suppress the uprising of local natives and to participate in the expansion of colonial possessions. The new army was given the name - Foreign Legion.

The first combat experience showed that the chosen tactics fully justified themselves. Legionnaires, unlike the soldiers of the regular army, knew what they were fighting for. Having shown enviable ingenuity, perseverance and steadfastness on the battlefield, the soldiers and officers of the foreign legion were able to quickly suppress not only the centers of the rebellious Arabs, but also establish a strict and harsh colonial regime in the colony. From that moment on, the foreign legion began to be involved in almost all the wars waged by France. In the 19th century, legionnaires had to fight in Spain and Mexico. The French foreign legion also participated in the Crimean War, fighting the Russian troops near Sevastopol.

In the next XX century, legionnaires became participants in the largest military conflicts that affected not only France, but also shocked the whole world. The conquest of Indochina, participation in hostilities in the French colonies in Madagascar, Morocco, then the First World War. Everywhere in the most dangerous areas, soldiers and officers of the foreign legion were involved. The French Foreign Legion became a kind of special forces that solved the most complex tactical and strategic tasks. At some points, the number of units of the Foreign Legion was about 50 thousand people. The soldiers of this unit had to serve in various parts of the world, from hotel islands in the Pacific Ocean to the dense jungles of South America and tropical Africa.

The essence of the Foreign Legion as a unit and how to get into it

Despite the fact that the Foreign Legion is officially part of the structure of the French army, in fact it is a separate military unit that reports directly to the head of state. At first it was the King of France, the Emperor, and in modern times, the President of the French Republic. Neither army charters nor orders of the Minister of Defense apply here. To date, the legion has its own, developed infrastructure. Each regiment that is part of the legion has its own place of quartering, with barracks, with headquarters and even with its own guardhouse. At its core, it is a closed organization, reminiscent of medieval knightly orders in its structure.

Financing of the legion is carried out at the expense of the state treasury and thanks to sponsorship. A large part of the budget of the Foreign Legion is made up of income from financial and economic groups and lobbyists, who have a lot of weight in the domestic and foreign policy of France. In other words, there are no permanent and fixed appropriations for the upkeep of the legion. Unlike the regular French army, legionnaires do not have broad social state guarantees.

The French Foreign Legion is also distinguished by its military doctrine. There is an unspoken restriction on the equipment of units that are part of the Foreign Legion. There are no full-fledged tank formations and own aviation here. Armed with armored personnel carriers, light artillery systems, helicopters. The bulk of the combat work has to be done by infantry units. To date, the legion includes:

• one armored cavalry regiment;
• two airborne units;
• engineer-sapper regiment;
• infantry and training regiments.

Some military units are stationed on the territory of continental France and on the island of Corsica. In the town of Aubagne, Bouches-du-Rhone department, on the territory of the 1st regiment is the Headquarters of the Foreign Legion. Other units are located in overseas territories controlled by France.

The procedure for recruiting military units belonging to the French Legion is curious. Unlike the earlier recruitment methods, when citizens of any reputation and any nationality could become legionnaires, today the recruitment conditions for this elite unit have been tightened.

In order to become a legionnaire today, it is enough to know the mechanism of the admission procedure and have a relatively clean reputation. Gone are the days when the Legion was a convenient hiding place for those who tried to hide from the law, even from another realm. The main and main condition for starting the process is a voluntary desire, which, together with your passport, must be shown at the recruiting center. This is followed by a rigorous medical board and an assessment of your physical abilities. Today, the Legion is not ready to support soldiers with poor health and not fully aware of what they have to deal with. The first contract is signed for a period of 5 years, and the main article of the contract directly indicates that you will not have to sit out in the rear in a warm resort. The main function of legionnaires is service in hot spots, where the likelihood of hostilities and clashes is always high.

Not only a person of French origin can become a legionnaire, but also a foreigner. Over the years of the existence of this unit, representatives of more than 130 states served in the Foreign Legion. Only privates and sergeants are recruited into the Legion. Command at all stages is carried out by French officers, so French is the main command language.

After the end of the first contract, military personnel who have shown valor, courage and have an impeccable reputation receive either French citizenship or a residence permit in France. Having received a wound during operations, there is a chance to immediately receive not only French citizenship, but also a serious increase in salary. The service life of a legionnaire is limited only by the period of the contract. In other words, if the legionnaire's contract has ended and he is tired of fighting, you can leave. For those who have served under the banner of the Foreign Legion for 19 years or more, a lifetime pension with the right to provide housing is assigned.

Despite the fact that today the number of military conflicts in which the French Foreign Legion is involved is limited, the life of a legionnaire is not sugar. In parallel with high salaries and relative comfort in peacetime, the soldiers of the foreign legion, as before, experience the hardships and hardships of military service in a double or triple volume.

The French Foreign Legion (French: Legion étrangère) is a unique unit in the French army created in 1831. The Legion was specially created for foreign citizens who wish to serve in the armed forces of France, but under the command of French officers.

However, it is also open to French citizens who make up 24% of the recruits. After the July Revolution of 1830, foreigners were prohibited from being drafted into the French army, and so the Legion was created to allow France to circumvent this restriction. The Legion is also seen as a convenient way to command the many newly arrived foreign citizens. (thus gaining an opportunity to test their political views) by sending them to Algiers.

The Legion was primarily used to defend and expand the French colonial empire in the 19th century, but they also fought in almost all French wars, including the Franco-Prussian War and both World Wars. The Foreign Legion remains an important part of the French military, having survived one empire, two world wars, the rise and fall of armies, the fall of the French colonial empire, and the loss of the Legion's homeland, Algiers.

LEGION forms one inseparable whole ...

FRENCH-FOREIGN-LEGIONF - all legionnaires have one goal: to serve France professionally and well.
The relationship between those who give orders and those who receive them is based on several basic principles:
- discipline and honor;
- reward for a job well done;
- Attachment to the past, backed by strong traditions.

Traditions in the Foreign Legion are expressed as follows:
- its special form;
- their music and songs;
- his pace for the solemn procession;
- his honor ceremonies in the Foreign Legion.

After three years of service, a legionnaire may apply for French citizenship and may also be eligible for a residence permit. The residence permit is valid for ten years and can be renewed. At the end of his career, a legionnaire is assisted in his return to civilian life.

New opportunities for a new life...

Regardless of origin, nationality or religion, regardless of your social or professional status, the French Foreign Legion gives you the chance to start a new life. Join 7699 legionnaires from 136 different countries, including France. Build yourself an exceptional future where “honor” and “loyalty” are fundamental values.

French Foreign Legion today:

The Legion is today known as an elite military unit, whose training focuses not only on traditional military skills, but also on a strong collective spirit. People from different countries with different cultures come to the Legion, it is a common decision to strengthen them enough to work as a team. Consequently, preparation is often not only physically difficult, but also extremely difficult psychologically.

As an integral part of the French army, the French Foreign Legion is a professional fighting unit. Legionnaires are primarily volunteers, of any nationality, race or creed, always ready to serve France.

They are able to perform tasks anywhere at any time. Upon joining the French Foreign Legion, you become part of the events, not in France on maneuvers, but will take part in operations abroad (French Guyana, New Caledonia, Mayotte, Reunion, French West Indies, etc.).

The Legion was able to adapt to any situation in all the hot spots where it was used (wars in the Persian Gulf in 1990-1991; Kampuchea, Somalia in 1992-1993; Rwanda in 1994; Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia in 1993 to 2003; Central African Republic in 1996...).

Today, legionnaires serve in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Chad, and wherever they may be needed by France.
Vienot district, Aubagne, near Marseille, France - the headquarters of the French Foreign Legion is located here.

How to get into the French Foreign Legion? Silently!

You must have heard of the French Legion at some point. Oh, I'm not afraid of this word, the legendary French Foreign Legion! It is covered with 170 years of glory of battles and peacekeeping actions. Many men dream of entering the French Foreign Legion in order to break with the whole world, and even if women don’t dream, they don’t belong there!

So, you decided to enter the French Foreign Legion in order to return to your homeland as a brave officer, or even not to return at all. First think... Is it worth it?

As soon as you give yourself into the hands of the Legion, you will lose contact with the outside world for five years, the Legion will become your homeland, your family and home. No wonder the motto of the legion: "The Legion is our fatherland." And, quite naturally, you are not welcome there with open arms.

I suppose you have thought about it and decided everything for yourself. And if you still decide to try yourself in the military field, then read these, in essence, simple recommendations.

If ignorance of the language stops you, you will be taught French, and you will have plenty of practice.

Mercenary in most countries is punishable by law, so the selection points are only in France itself. No one will help you get there - everything is a scam, even embassies will not help. Go to Paris, be sure on Sunday or Tuesday. From Paris on Mondays and Wednesdays there is a dispatch to Aubagne, you may be late. Here is the address: Paris 94120, Fontenay-sous-Bois - Fort de Nogent. And phone: 01 49 74 50 65.

There are several options to get to the recruiting center: on a tourist voucher or illegally. I do not advise illegally - problems may arise upon returning to their homeland, and even at the time of recruitment.

If you get to the recruiting center, you will see a military unit. There is always a legionnaire at the entrance - go up to him and be silent. Be careful not to let go. Then he will ask you about your nationality (you answer "rus") and demand your passport. After that, you will be led inside, and then, after some time, they will search and conduct a physical examination. This is the primary selection. For a while you will get up at 5.00 in the morning, make your bed, clean up, help in the kitchen, carry something ... For disobedience - push-ups or a slap.

Before leaving for Aubagne, you will undergo another medical examination - a more complete one. You will then be taken by train to Marseille. From there to Aubagne. In Aubagne you will be searched even more thoroughly, and then you will be given clothes, toiletries - everything you need. Then they will settle. You will work again, but it's even better for you - not so boring.

Most importantly, you will pass additional tests. That is why you have come to Aubagne. Presumably (!), if nothing has changed, you will pass three types of tests: psychotechnical, medical, physical.

Psychotechnical: tests for attentiveness, memory. It all depends on your promptness. Medical: medical examination and questions about injuries, illnesses. I recommend getting your teeth fixed. Physical: cross 2.8 km in 12 minutes, it is desirable to have time to run more. I also recommend doing more push-ups, for any wrongdoing you will have to do push-ups.

You will also pass an interview where you must tell your entire biography. The main thing is to answer truthfully, quickly, clearly. The interview will take place in three stages. Each next repeats the previous one, this is a test for lice.

Then everyone will be lined up and the names of those who have passed the selection will be shouted out. There are usually about twenty of them. If you don't make it into this top twenty, you get paid money (25 euros for every day you lost). Not enough for a ticket home, but at least something. Maybe the next attempt will be more successful.

Otherwise, they start chasing you. Cross-country, swimming... Then you take the oath and go to boot camp.

In the first third of the 19th century, France planned an invasion of Algiers. An expeditionary corps was needed for a military operation. King Louis-Philippe decided to create a new formation with the involvement of foreigners, who were in abundance in the capital at that time. Thus, the government got rid of objectionable elements, including those who were in trouble with the law. Since then, it has become customary not to ask the name of the recruit. The officers were appointed from Napoleon's former army. On March 9, 1831, the monarch issues a decree that the Foreign French Legion can only be used outside of mainland France. Despite the fact that the formation is part of the French ground forces, in emergency cases it is subordinate to only one person - the head of state. The government can dispose of fighters without the consent of the National Assembly, which turns the Legion into a universal tool for achieving political goals.

Legendary division

For one hundred and eighty-four years of existence of the expeditionary corps, about 650,000 people served in it. More than 36,000 of them died in battle. The unit was not spared by the colonial operations of France and not a single significant warrior of the world. The French Foreign Legion participated in two world wars and more than thirty local armed conflicts in Europe, Africa, the Middle and Far East, and even Mexico. He also happened to fight on the territory of Russia: in November 1854, the Legion took part in one of the episodes of the Crimean War - in the battle of Inkerman. It had the largest number at the beginning of the First World War - almost 43,000 fighters of more than fifty nationalities.

Elite of the Armed Forces of Europe

Over the decades, the Foreign French Legion has evolved from a gang of cutthroats and renegades into an elite unit of constant combat readiness. The personnel of representatives of 140 countries of the world has 5,545 privates, 1,741 non-commissioned officers and 413 officers. 11 divisions of the Legion are deployed both on the territory of France itself (continental, on the islands of Corsica and Sardinia), and in overseas possessions. Among them:

• Kourou (French Guiana) - the European space center is located here.
• Mururoa Atoll in the Pacific Ocean is a nuclear weapons test site.
• Mayotte Island (Comorian archipelago) is an overseas department of France.
• UAE - protection of oil refining facilities.

The regiments are also deployed in Afghanistan, New Caledonia, Côte d'Ivoire and Djibouti. The Foreign French Legion performs the tasks of restoring and maintaining peace, and also carries out special operations in the interests of the foreign policy of the state (fighting in the jungle, neutralizing terrorists, releasing hostages). Personnel are involved in the provision of humanitarian assistance. The command is located in the city of Aubagne, 15 km from Marseille.

The formation is equipped with the most advanced military and engineering equipment, small arms. The standard weapon is the French-made Famas G2 5.56 mm automatic rifle. The soldiers have at their disposal 81-mm and 120-mm mortars, effective sniper systems, guided anti-tank missile systems, automatic anti-aircraft guns, and armored personnel carriers. According to many analysts, the combat training of the foreign corps is much higher than that of similar formations in other European countries.

Heraldry, form and unique traditions

The emblem of the French Foreign Legion is a 19th-century graphic stylized image of the rising flame of an exploding grenade. This kind of coat of arms is also depicted on the standard of the formation. The flag is a diagonally divided vertical rectangle. The upper green segment means the new homeland of the legionnaires, the red one - the blood of a warrior. During the battle, the flag is turned over - blood in the homeland.

The motto is the exclamation: “Legio Patria Nostra” (The Legion is our homeland). The uniform of the French Foreign Legion contains some extravagant attributes that at first glance have nothing to do with military affairs. The legionnaires marching in the front square are dressed in gray trousers. The waist is intercepted a blue scarf made of sheep's wool.Its length is exactly 4.2 meters, width - 40 cm. Legionnaires began to use scarves since 1930 in Algeria in order to protect the lower back from hypothermia in the sands at night.Headdress - classic French cut snow-white caps, protection from the relentless African sun.For decades, the boots of the French Foreign Legion have been an invariable attribute.The shoes are made of nubuck.Despite the seeming massiveness, they are very comfortable for use in the desert.It is made in two standard colors: black and chestnut.The cockade on the cap depicts the same grenade explosion with seven bursts of fire But that's not all.

March of the Pioneers

During parades and other festive events, you can watch an exclusive spectacle: marching soldiers in strange ammunition. By the way, the chased step of the legionnaires is original, slow: 88 steps per minute - one and a half times less than the traditionally accepted one. This emphasizes the privilege and special mission of the desert soldiers on distant frontiers. You can't really march on the sand. There is also a unique category of warriors called pioneers. The Pioneers of the French Foreign Legion are an elite unit that marches at the forefront of any parade. These warriors look intimidating: on top of their uniform they put on an apron made of buffalo leather on one strap, and a one and a half kilogram ax lies on their shoulder.

But in fact, there is no bloodlust in this guise. Pioneers are sappers, those who ensure the advancement of military units in any situation. They clear roads and build crossings, take care of logistics. The sappers of the foreign corps are the only unit in the French army that has preserved the tradition of marching warriors with axes since the 18th century. Although there is still a hidden subtext: the Foreign French Legion is always ready to clear the way for the regular units of the French army that follow.

Where do they recruit

The personnel is recruited from men aged 17 to 40 years. If anyone is interested in the question of how to get into the French Foreign Legion, then you should know that recruiting centers are located only in France. There are fifteen bureaus in major cities, including Paris. Embassies, consulates and the Legion itself do not provide any assistance in issuing migration documents. Moreover, a recruit who intends to cross the threshold of a mobilization point must be legally in the country. It should not be overlooked that mercenarism is punishable by law in many CIS countries, but there are legal loopholes. You can go on a tourist visa to one of the countries of the Schengen agreement, and then get to any recruiting center by train or bus. The central filtration camp is located near Marseille, in the city of Aubagne. From collection points in French cities, volunteers are sent here once or twice a week.

Recruit Trials

The requirements for recruits are simple: stamina and health. The candidate will undergo a physical fitness test, a standard medical examination and psychological tests. The fitness exam consists of a cross-country race: you need to run at least 2.8 km in 12 minutes. You need to pull yourself up on the crossbar at least five times. Press press - at least 40 times. If the candidate is physically prepared, then the next step is the standard procedure for a medical examination for the absence of diseases or their complete cure. Medical cards must confirm good health. The absence of 4 teeth is allowed, but the rest must be healthy. If at this stage they were not rejected, then a number of psychological tests will have to be passed, including mental stability and attentiveness. A volunteer who has passed all three types of selection is offered a five-year contract. Knowledge of French is not required. The selection lasts for two weeks. After the conclusion of the contract, identity documents are confiscated from the recruit, and in return they are given the so-called anonymity - a metric with a fictitious name, surname and place of birth.

Financial reward

Service in this unit is very prestigious. All hired personnel (from privates to corporals) are provided with food, uniforms and housing. The Élysée Palace has long since abolished compulsory military service. The recruitment of the armed forces is built on a contract basis. One of the highest paid military formations of the armed forces of the Fifth Republic is the French Foreign Legion. Salary depends on many factors. Recruits receive a monthly salary of € 1,040. Bonuses are based on seniority, service in the airborne unit, in difficult climatic conditions of overseas departments, participation in foreign missions and combat operations. The approximate range of material remuneration after a year of service is as follows:

Military personnel are entitled to 45 days of vacation per year. After 19 years of conscientious service, legionnaires are assigned a lifetime pension of € 1,000. A former legionnaire can receive pension payments in any region of the globe.

Service growth

The first fixed-term contract is signed for five years. Upon completion, the serviceman, at his discretion, may extend the contract for a period of six months to ten years. Officers in the Legion can only be persons with French citizenship who have graduated from military schools. During the first five years of service, a distinguished legionnaire may be awarded the rank of corporal, and after three years he is given the opportunity to apply for French citizenship or obtain a residence permit. In 1999, the Senate passed a law according to which a legionnaire who was wounded during the fighting has the right to obtain citizenship, regardless of the length of service. The awards of the French Foreign Legion are the same as in other formations of the armed forces. As in any professional army, they do not provide any benefits. According to statistics, every fourth legionnaire rises to the rank of non-commissioned officer. In addition, if desired, military personnel can acquire civilian specialties: from handicraft (mason, carpenter) to high-tech (system administrator).

Only chance

The principle of recruiting rank and file from foreigners is preserved to this day. For many residents of third world countries, service in the French Foreign Legion is the only chance to get out into the people. A third of the personnel are from Eastern Europe, a quarter are representatives of the Latin American world, the rest are French who want to start life from scratch. After five years of service, natives of the country are given the opportunity to change any two letters in their surnames and receive new documents.

Our compatriots in the Legion

For the first time, Russians in the French Foreign Legion appeared in 1921, when the First Cavalry Regiment was formed from the remnants of the defeated Wrangel army. At the same time, the career of the elder brother Y. M. Sverdlov and the godson of M. Gorky Z. A. Peshkov began. Zinovy ​​Alekseevich rose to the rank of lieutenant general. From 1917 to 1919, the future Marshal of the Soviet Union R. Ya. Malinovsky served in the 1st Moroccan Division. Today, according to various estimates, there are about a thousand people from the CIS countries in the Legion, including several hundred Russian speakers. Compatriots are in good standing, many have real combat experience.

French Foreign Legion. Reviews. Service

Those who have devoted many years of their lives to the Legion speak of a special atmosphere of military fraternity. This spirit in the first months of service is brought up by ruthless drill. All the concepts of a past life are mercilessly etched out of a recruit. It is not for nothing that unflattering comparisons are assigned to this squad: "a legion of lost souls", "a tomb of Europeans". However, such psychological selection is quite natural for any special forces unit, which in fact is the French Foreign Legion. Reviews of mature and morally strong people are filled with other rhetoric, calling it a legion of honor, in which officers share all the hardships of service with soldiers. Cruel disciplinary measures are designed to instill iron will, devotion to the state and the dignity of a warrior. One of our compatriots said that here foreigners are given a great honor: to prove their allegiance to France by dying for her. As well as possible, the result of psychological processing reflects the anthem of the French Foreign Legion:

"The share of a knight is honor and loyalty.
We are proud to be one of those
Who is going to die.

At the same time, the military leadership pays enough attention to the rest of the legionnaires. The formation has its own hotels for leisure activities. There is also a house for the disabled for life-long screening of those who have received severe injuries.

The Foreign Legion of France was created on March 9, 1831 in accordance with the decree of King Louis Philippe of Orleans. Then for the first time seven battalions went to conquer Algeria.

At the same time, the Legion was forbidden to serve in France due to the fact that it included emigrants - participants in the Polish and Italian uprisings, fighters of the foreign troops of Napoleon I, as well as mercenaries of Charles X. Thus, the king wanted to get rid of potentially dangerous for the existing regime foreign soldiers, while at the same time strengthening the expansion of France in the territories of North Africa.

Foreign Legion of France today

Currently serving in the French Legion 7699 legionnaires, arrived from 136 countries not excluding France itself. All legionnaires are formed into 11 regiments and, depending on the rank, are divided into:

1. Officers - 413 people,
2. Non-commissioned officers - 1741 people,
3. Ordinary - 5545 people.

Legionnaires are located territorially both in France itself (internal operations, exercises and maneuvers are carried out here), and in other countries and territories of the world.

This Antilles, New Caledonia, Guiana, Reunion, Mayotte and other territories where external Legion operations may take place.

The external operations of the French legion include the restoration or maintenance of peace, riot control, mediation military operations and other tasks that the Government of France puts before the legionnaires.

Today, the regiments of the Legion are deployed in the territories Afghanistan, Guyana, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti and other places where required by French foreign policy.

How to get into the foreign legion?

In order to try to enter the Legion, you need to apply for a visa yourself and get to France at your own expense. Reception points for potential recruits are available in the following cities:

• Paris, which also includes , and ,
• Auban, which includes , and .

These recruitment centers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Legion recruitment requirements and conditions

Healthy men have a chance to get into the foreign legion of France (exclusively) aged 18 to 40 years physically fit for military service and holding a valid passport.

Primary selection - an interview and a medical examination are held in Paris, then, if the recruit passes, he is waiting for the main qualifying round at the base in the city of Aubagne.

Here you need to go through 3 stages of selection:

1.Medical examination which includes:

• Dental requirements - healthy or cured teeth, the number of missing teeth - no more than 4-6;
• General medical and surgical requirements: the absence of serious diseases or confirmation of their complete cure, medical cards and certificates confirming good health, etc.

2. Sports tests:

• Shuttle run with sound signals: at least 7 approaches in which you need to run 6 times 20 meters (Luc-Leger test),
• Pull-ups on the bar - at least 4 times,
• Rope climbing 5 meters long
• Press exercises - at least 40 times.

3. Psychotechnical tests, including tasks for memory, attention, logical thinking, and questions about the recruit's past will also be asked.

As a result of the selection, the recruit will be offered five year contract, after the signing of which the title of legionnaire is awarded.

Also, after the conclusion of the contract, the newly-minted legionnaire is issued "anonymous" - a document with a changed name, surname, date and place of birth.

After a year of service, you can apply and, if agreed, continue to serve under your last name.

What is the salary in the foreign legion of France?

All employees of the foreign legion of France from ordinary legionnaires to corporals inclusive (service period from 2 to 4 years) fully provided with food, clothing and housing. Plus, recruits receive a salary of 1043 Euros.

Also, each legionnaire has the right to leave - 45 working days a year.

Examples of minimum and maximum salaries in the Legion

* - The maximum salary depends on the allowance for service as a paratrooper, the allowance for service in the overseas department and the supplement for staying abroad.

In addition, compensation payments are added to the surcharges.

Legionnaires' benefits also include their right to obtain French citizenship at the end of three years of service.

After 15 years of service, legionnaires receive a lifetime pension of 1,000 Euros.

Career in the Legion

If a recruit has qualities such as hard work, dedication, motivation and ability for military service, he has a great opportunity to advance in the service.

Promotion does not depend on professional success in civilian life or on education, promotion is carried out solely on merit, military and / or technical success during service.

According to Legion statistics, every fourth legionnaire reaches the rank of non-commissioned officer.

Typically, a recruit serves in the rank of legionnaire from 1 to 6 years, while after 2 years of service he can be promoted to corporal.

After receiving the rank of corporal or corporal chief, after 3 years of service, you can get the rank of sergeant. After serving 3 years in the rank of sergeant, you can expect to receive the rank of sergeant-chief, then adjunct and, finally, adjunct chief.

After 4 years of service in the rank of adjuntant chief, one can be elected to the highest rank in the Legion - major. This is the chief non-commissioned officer who is appointed by the command or wins as a result of the ongoing competition.

For more than 170 years of its existence, the regiments of the Legion have participated in a variety of operations around the world, and the French Foreign Legion itself has turned from a gang of thugs into an elite unit, where the best representatives of many countries of the world strive to get into.

French Foreign Legion – VIDEO

How to prepare fighters in the Legion, see this video

Tips for those who want to get into the French Foreign Legion and serve in it

These tips are written from the words of Russians who have served in the legion, and they should in many ways help those who decide to become a legionnaire.

How to get into the Legion.

Do not trust travel agencies that promise to make you a legionnaire. Most likely, you will be deceived and, at best, will be taken to France, “teared like sticky”. It is best to prepare a passport in advance, get a pre-visa at the French embassy or consulate for an independent "tourist" trip. A visa will also work for one of the EU countries due to the openness of the borders between them. You can go on a tour of France through one of the travel agencies, but in any case, do not talk about your real purpose of visiting this country. Otherwise, instead of serving in the Legion, you can “rattle” under the corresponding 359th article of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. If you are not a complete layman, then, of course, it will not cost you anything to avoid punishment, but all the same - why such complications? Moreover, you should not believe that some firms will be able to guarantee you admission to the Legion. Except for the legion authorities themselves, no one can guarantee this to you. Some "peck" on the proposals of other travel agencies, which swear to those who want to become a legionnaire that in case of non-receipt, they will take him home on account of the money already paid for delivery to Europe. Do not believe this, because enrollment in legionnaires sometimes lasts up to 3 months, and by this time the travel agency will have already forgotten about your existence. Upon arrival in France, you need to find the Legion reception point. It is best to come to Strasbourg or Marseille. There are its large depots. It goes without saying that a person who has never been in these cities himself, without outside help, will not be able to find such points. But this is not a problem: it is enough to say or show the phrase written on a piece of paper: “Legion Etrangere” to any taxi driver and you will certainly be taken there. If there is no money, you can contact the police and then you can be taken to the legion point at public expense, although this is not suitable for everyone and instead of the Legion you can be at best at home. You can try to find the location of a regular French military unit and declare at the reception point the purpose of your visit. To find such a part, you need to pay attention to the signs. If you see: "0uartier", "Fort" or "Camp", then you are on the right track. What to do and what not to do when thinking about the decision to go to the Legion In no case do not bring any narcotic or narcotic substances with you to the reception center and then, if you are accepted into the legionnaires. If you find even a small fraction of a gram of the potion, you can say goodbye to the idea of ​​becoming a legionnaire forever. What matters here is not the amount of “dope” found, but the fact that you have a certain inclination towards it. For the same reason, it is not recommended to take any medications with you. They can be identified by their analyzes as belonging to the drug group. You don’t have to worry about your health in the Legion: local doctors, unlike the old days of the Legion, are responsible for you and “will not let you die”, unless it is the specific conditions of the colonies. Before sending to the Legion, carefully check with the maximum number of doctors, ranging from an ophthalmologist and dentist. This is for your own good. The fact is that otherwise, due to the slightest deviations in health, even such trifles as a hole in the tooth or a scar on the knee, you can be turned back home. This is at best, and at worst, if you managed to hide some serious illness, it threatens you with the fact that you can aggravate your health and even die if you find yourself in a desert or jungle. If you have at least a hint of some, even at first glance, a trifling disease, it is better not to waste your money and time. Sooner or later it will manifest itself, and it will happen at the most inopportune moment. Before leaving for the Legion, it is better to stock up on the most comfortable sports shoes for you, which will be very useful at the time of physical exercise. Be prepared for the fact that you will have to live for a long time, at least up to 3 years, and possibly forever, under a different name, under a different surname, have a different day, month and place of birth, a different nationality and people completely unfamiliar to you as parents.

How to behave immediately outside the gates of the Legion reception point

First, present official documents to interrogators. It can be a passport, driving license, etc. Even if it is a fake, it can still easily help. Be as sincere and respectful as possible. No one needs your "coolness" at the first stage, and such people are quickly and with pleasure "break off". Some people are trying to download rights from the first step to the threshold of the Legion's reception point, demanding to let him through. Such too impudent types are not honored even to be heard. One of the first questions asked of you here may be a question about your nationality. Do not hesitate and boldly say that you are Russian, although you will be more likely to become a legionnaire if you are a representative of another, preferably the most obscure nationality. The fact is that the command of the Legion pursues a policy of preventing the dominance of one or another nationality here. But the Russians are in good standing here, so there is nothing to be afraid of belonging to our nation. Do not give in if they start to assert to you that there are an overabundance of Russians here and that they are not being accepted now. This is a lie and at the same time a "test of character." Stand your ground, and soon you will be admitted to further tests. Speaking of this, it should be noted that in order to become a legionnaire, you also need luck. The fact is that if a thousand Russians and 20 Frenchmen came to the reception point, and there are, say, 4 places, they will take, at best, 2 Russians and 2 Frenchmen, regardless of their fighting qualities. It is not surprising if another time 1 Russian and 3 French are selected from this number, so that there is a ratio in favor of the French, who are recorded here mainly as Swiss and Canadians. The fact is that Western Europeans here do not get along for very long even against the general background, and the Slavs, mainly Russians, hold on mainly because of the desire to get money or citizenship. Therefore, the number of Russians here is steadily increasing, not declining. Therefore, the legionary authorities are forced to "level" the number of legionnaires of different nations. If you want to become a legionnaire, you must remember that the first six months will be a continuous physical, moral and moral torment for you. And this is regardless of who you were "in a past life", even as a colonel-order-bearer of special forces and a professional warrior. This must be noted when filling out the questionnaire and taken into account. However, it will take time for your best qualities to be revealed here, and at first everyone here will be “on the same face”. You need to be ready at first for the most difficult and dirty work - from cleaning toilets to the work of a loader. Do not hesitate to refuse such work, unless, of course, you want to lose your service in the Legion. True, refusing to perform such work can also cause severe beatings, no matter how strong you are. In the Legion, even the “coolest” know how to break off the horns”, for almost 200 years of history, everyone has been seen here. Remember that order is valued above all else and you need to clean the room in which you are located without warning and especially carefully. Remember that the construction here is treated very zealously and any violations are punished quite harshly. So do not be late for it, do not try to talk or make any movements without the permission of the commanders. Otherwise, at least, the outfits and the guardhouse and the bad attitude of the authorities are provided to you. Much attention in the Legion is also paid to hand-to-hand combat. His system here does not boil down to a long duel, as it used to be in the Soviet Army, but to destroying the enemy with a minimum number of blows. God forbid you, even if you are a master of sports in one of the martial arts, to show your superiority over the instructors. The legion of the self-confident does not tolerate, and you will certainly be “lowered”, putting up a tougher or tougher fighters at the same time, you can be sure of that.

Be prepared for constant hikes and exercises.

If in the Soviet and Russian armies many held weapons in their hands only a few times, then here you will almost never let go of it, constantly improving your fire training. Constantly, while hiking, you will spend the night in the open air, cook for yourself, wash clothes, put up tents or hang hammocks. The legion of whitehands will not tolerate it, so be prepared for this. You should also consider whether you can jokingly do 50 push-ups if the sergeant, for example, did not like how your boots were polished; whether you can endure undeserved beatings and just kicks if the authorities do not like the pace of cleaning the premises, etc. Remember that physical punishment of this kind in the Legion is not a violation of the charter. If you come here only for money and for nothing else, then it will be doubly difficult for you to adapt here, and then you will not survive here for more than 3 years. In addition, legionary service is contraindicated for "creative individuals." In this case, the work of a legionnaire will be in conflict with your nature, and you will be forced to stop further service. Contract The future legionnaire needs to know as much information as possible about the details of his imprisonment. It is concluded shortly after coming here, and a 5-year term of service begins with it. But the future legionnaire should not be deceived much: he is not yet in the service. Officially, the contract comes into force with the oath of the legionnaire. First comes a preliminary contract of 6 months. During this period, the contract can be terminated by superiors without any explanation. The reason for this can be anything: you can not pass various tests, show poor physical fitness or inability to adapt to the conditions of the Legion, etc. But even after the expiration of the 6-month period, you should not think that you grabbed God by the beard and that after that you can do everything. The French Ministry of War has the right to terminate the contract with you even after 6 months before the expiration of the 5-year contract, when you are already estimating how much you will receive for your long-suffering service. The legionnaire himself can easily terminate the contract within the first 4 months. Further it is more difficult to do this, motivating it with serious reasons, for example, poor health. The negative here is that a legionnaire cannot marry and buy cars in the first 5 years. It is necessary to say especially about how the legionary authorities encourage the longest possible service of a simple legionnaire and lure him, given the above-described naturalization procedure. If a person got into the Legion, then if he firmly decided to make a career as a legionnaire, he must remember that he receives French citizenship after 7 years, and he can apply for a bonus of 30 thousand euros after 8 years of service; he earns a pension of 1,000 euros after 15 years of service, which, at the request of the legionnaire, will be delivered to any part of the world.

Exams and tests

In Aubagne, for the newly-minted legionnaire, a “streak” of trials and tests begins, which can last up to 2 months. The most important thing here is the running test. As legionnaires testify, “a person who managed to run 8 standard 400-meter laps in a stadium in 12 minutes has a 100 percent chance of entering. The closer the candidate is to this result, the higher his chances.” In general, be prepared for the fact that you have to run here every day for 15 kilometers. Those who do not perform well enough in running and other indicators should know that all his labors upon arrival in the Legion may be in vain and that he can be sent home very quickly without any compensation. The loads here are monstrous, and the fulfillment of legion standards is quite difficult even for very well-trained people. Former legionnaires write that, even when they were already in the Legion, these loads not only did not decrease, but even increased. So, once after such exercises, the legionnaires were supposed to engage in fire training, but they could not fire a shot, because they fell asleep from incredible fatigue. It is important to pass other tests, especially important of which are the test for 10 - for mental abilities and for quick thinking and a psychological test. Regarding the first one, it must be said that it is better to practice with this type of tests at home, since textbooks with similar tests are available to anyone today. The highest score here is 20, but despite the fact that the level of the “average” person is 9-11 points, 7 or 8 is enough to enter the legionnaires, but, as you know, the more the better. Regarding the psychological test - this is "how it will fall on an eagle." It has its own selection methodology, but, as you know, obvious psychopaths and people with mental disabilities in general will not pass this test - you never know how you behave in battle! But as mentioned above, great running is key to Legion admission, and all other tests are looked at through that lens. Even if you have a level 10 close to zero and in addition you are a person with a manic-depressive syndrome, but if you cover the above indicators in running, you can consider yourself a legionnaire. Do not despair if, despite the high performance in passing tests and exams, you were not picked up and told to come later, at such and such a time. There is almost 100 percent certainty that next time you will do. The second visit will be credited to you in the future on the positive side: the Legion appreciates perseverance and perseverance in achieving the goal. There is another important test, the language test, but more on that below.

"Legend-biography"

Among those who dream of becoming legionnaires, a false opinion is widespread that in order to be admitted to the Legion, one must invent some beautiful “miracle legend”. As mentioned above, it’s better not to lie and tell it like it is, unless, of course, you are a drug addict, a suicidal person and an international criminal. According to Russian legionnaires, you don't have to show that you are too smart. Here, as elsewhere, they are not very fond of. It is better to seem like a sort of "hillbilly", but a capable person, from whom you can fashion everything that the legionary authorities need. There is no need to hide the fact that you have already served in the military before. This is another erroneous opinion that the Legion does not take those who have already passed the army. Another thing is that the combat experience you have already gained here may not be in demand, especially when fighting in urban conditions. The methodology of urban combat in the Legion has been worked out to the smallest detail, and it implies other methods of action than, for example, in the same Russian army. On the other hand, the experience of the military in domestic matters will undoubtedly help you adapt better here. Language In order to quickly adapt to the Legion, the legionnaire needs to learn French as soon as possible and better, and it is better to join the legionnaires with his knowledge. Otherwise, he will be in big trouble and will not get a promotion, which may lead to premature sending home. We must also remember that communication between legionnaires in a language other than French is punishable here. Firstly, for the benefit of the legionnaire himself, so that he knows the language better, knowledge of which can subsequently, in combat conditions, save his life, and secondly, for reasons of tact. After all, it is quite unpleasant when your partners, or even subordinates, speak in a language that others do not understand on purpose. You need to get used to the fact that if your French is weak or “not at all”, then you will be given a French partner, a “binoma”, with whom you will learn the language together, doing everything together. He will teach you "colloquial vocabulary". Remember that in the Legion there is an incentive to "study, study and study again." The better you improved your score in the language from the moment you studied to the new test on a 5-point system, the better you are. This indicator will be included in the sum of the total marks, and if your scores from the issue are among the best, then you, among the few lucky ones, will be able to choose your own place of service and 1 of 10 Legion regiments. In general, it must be said that the Legion has a well-developed system for stimulating the work of a fighter. Here you have to be, if not the first, then among the first. Being the last here is not only shameful, but also “harmful” for oneself, because then all the “bumps” will fall on you. Here it is better not to mow from physical exercises, otherwise you will lose your shape and become the last one. It must be remembered that here, in the very unit where you yourself are, they do not like those who are lagging behind. The fact is that between the individual units of the regiment there are constantly competitions for achieving the best results. This is interesting and financially beneficial, since the winning unit will go on a 4-month trip outside of France, and the salary will be raised from 1.5 to 3 times during this time. One of the most desirable trips can be a business trip to Gabon, where the legionnaires actually have a rest. This approach to the training of personnel fully justifies itself, since it is a powerful incentive for self-improvement.

Relations with superiors

Basically, you will have to deal not with officers, but with non-commissioned officers. I must say that over the long decades, the legionary authorities have done a great job in order to bring the command and rank and file as close as possible, between which there is an impassable abyss in other armies. But what has remained unchanged is that the sergeant in the Legion is still "king and god." This is a serious and positive difference between the Legion and the Russian army, where often, if you are physically stronger, then you can “score” on the sergeant, “send” him or even punch him in the face. Doing it here is suicidal. In the best case, you will simply find yourself in a "citizen" without having time to understand what happened. At worst, you can simply be maimed or even left in the Legion, but after that your whole life here can turn into hell. In the Legion there is a powerful layer of non-commissioned officers, consisting of 5 "categories": corporal, sergeant, major, ajudan, senior ajudan. To become a non-commissioned officer yourself, you need to serve at least 1 contract, after which you can be sent to non-commissioned officer school. To do this, you must have a high level of intelligence and you must be respected by your colleagues and superiors. It is thanks to this powerful non-commissioned officer layer that the intensive and high-quality training of legionnaires is successfully carried out, which is not the case in other armies of the world. Despite the fact that the interaction between ordinary legionnaires and non-commissioned officers takes place constantly and the latter do not miss the barracks without attention for a second, we must remember that it is not customary to ask “extra” questions during training and in general here, so as not to tire the authorities.

Relations between legionnaires

As in any army, clashes between simple legionnaires are not uncommon here. But, since everything is kept under the control of non-commissioned officers, such conflicts are quickly extinguished. That is why there is no "hazing" here. It should also be noted that strong friendship is often established between legionnaires of different nationalities, which often serves as the basis for joint business projects in the future.