Can foreigners join the French military?

F. French Foreign Legion (Légion Étrangère) – The Legion is a corps of the French Army. Formed in 1831, it is destined to foreigners willing to serve in the French Armed Forces. Legionnaires come from around the world and applicants must be aged between 17.5 and 39.5.

Can anyone join the French military?

The legion today

Men between the ages of 17 and 40, of any nationality, may join the legion. Recruits enlist under an assumed name—a requirement known as the anonymat—but a legionnaire may request to serve under his true name after a year of service.

Can a US citizen join the French Army?

The only way a recruit can join the legion is to turn up in mainland France and knock on the door of one of the numerous Foreign Legion recruiting centres. Once through the centre door, recruits are given free food, accommodation, and clothing. Recruitment centres are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

Can you join the French Foreign Legion without knowing French?

1. Q: Do I need to speak French to join the French Foreign Legion? A: No. In fact, the vast majority of candidates do not speak French.

Do you lose US citizenship if you join the French Foreign Legion?

Do you lose US citizenship if you join the French Foreign Legion? No you do not. Service in a foreign military is not grounds for loss of US citizenship unless that military is engaged in active hostilities with the United States.

Why Do Men From All Over the World Want to Join the Foreign Legion?

Can US citizens join foreign armies?

It is illegal for Americans to join foreign armies “within the jurisdiction” of the United States (Sec. 958) or “within the United States” (Sec. 959). Similarly, organizing or beginning a private military campaign against a polity at peace with the United States is illegal “within the United States” (Sec.

What happens if you fail French Foreign Legion?

In the event of a definitive failure in the selection, this means that the command of the Foreign Legion considered that despite the qualities of the candidate, he does not have the necessary skills to become a legionnaire. This decision is irrevocable, and the candidate then leaves the selection process.

How many Americans are in the French Foreign Legion?

The Legion operates as a highly disciplined and motivated army of nearly every nationality in the world. Americans have traditionally composed a tiny contingent of fighting men. In a force of roughly 8,000 men (women are still barred from serving), Americans compose no more than a dozen volunteers.

What crimes does the French Foreign Legion not accept?

In the past, the Legion was very relaxed about who could join, so it could be a way for those with a complicated history to restart their lives and seek anonymity. Today, he said, it does not take those with a record of very serious crimes such as “murder, drug trafficking or terrorism”.

Do you lose U.S. citizenship if you join a foreign army?

You might lose your U.S. citizenship in specific cases, including if you: Run for public office in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship.

Does the French Foreign Legion accept Americans?

For anyone unaware, the French Foreign Legion is a highly-trained, highly capable fighting force fighting for France – but is open to anyone from any nation. What makes serving in the unit unique is that after three years, members can apply for French citizenship.

Is the French Foreign Legion elite?

The French Foreign Legion is an elite section of the French Army made up almost entirely of foreigners. Men volunteer for many different reasons. Some come for the adventure—and the money. Others desperately want the French passport and the fresh start that comes with being a Légionnaire.

Is there a height requirement for the French Army?

Believe it or not, the Foreign Legion has NO height or weight requirements nor official limits. The only aspect the Legion takes into account is your Body Mass Index (BMI), which can simply be calculated using your height and weight. The BMI easily determines whether you aren't obese or skinny.

Can you have tattoos in the French Army?

Tattoos are a long tradition within the Foreign Legion. In France, around 1900, only legionnaires, French soldiers from BILA African battalions (nicknamed the Bat'd'Af), mariners, and prisoners were well-known for being tattooed. So, there is no problem with you having a tattoo if you want to become a legionnaire.

How badass is the French Foreign Legion?

"The Legion dies; It does not surrender!" The French Foreign Legion is without a doubt one of the most hardcore military units ever assembled, and is probably one of the most badass organizations this side of the Praetorian Guard or the original N.W.A. lineup.

Are wives allowed in the French Foreign Legion?

The French Foreign Legion or La Legion Etrangere is one of the world's elite military forces; it currently has roughly 1,800 members, and all of them are men. Since its foundation in 1831 by King Louise-Philippe, only one woman has ever been allowed in.

Is French Foreign Legion hard?

First of all, the French Foreign Legion is not a Special Operations Force. Yes, they are some of the toughest men on the planet, which for some spend their life training and in operation fighting all over the world and are recognized among warriors for it.

What are the physical requirements for the French Foreign Legion?

What is the most elite unit in the French Foreign Legion?

3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment

3e Régiment Étranger d'Infanterie, 3e REI. The most decorated regiment of the French Foreign Legion.

Are French Foreign Legion mercenaries?

The members of the French Foreign Legion, likewise, are not mercenaries. It does happen that companies offer military expertise for hire: Executive Outcomes Pty.

Does the French Foreign Legion see a lot of combat?

Throughout its long history since its inception on March 9, 1831, elements of the French Foreign Legion have engaged in combat on the behalf of France and its interests with distinction. The Foreign Legion has seen battle on five different continents against numerous foes.

How many years can you serve in the French Foreign Legion?

The initial contract is for 5 years. At the end of this first contract, the legionary can choose to continue his career by means of successive contracts whose duration varies between 6 months and 5 years.

How much leave do you get in the French Foreign Legion?

A legionary is entitled to 45 days of leave per year (by agreement of the command). If he is not taken by the service his weekends are free. Any legionary under 5 years of service must wear the uniform during free time.