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.

Is the French Foreign Legion tough?

Comprised of a select 8,000 men, the French Foreign Legion has a reputation for being one of the most challenging environments to serve within in any military worldwide.

Is the French Foreign Legion badass?

"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.

What fighting style does French Foreign Legion use?

The french military is trained using "corps-à-corps" or "close-combat". It is a mix of Savate ( or French boxing) and judo. The soldier is also trained to use what ever he can find as a weapon like a pen or even... a magazine !

Are the French Foreign Legion good soldiers?

Legionnaires are highly trained soldiers and the Legion is unique in that it is open to foreign recruits willing to serve in the French Armed Forces.

French Foreign Legion & Army In Heavy Combat With Taliban In Afghanistan

Is the French Foreign Legion like the Marines?

"The French Foreign Legion has a lot of similarities to the Marine Corps as far as esprit de corps." Marines and sailors with the 26th MEU train alongside the French Legionnaires.

Are 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.

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.

How much does the French Foreign Legion pay combat?

It's not a simple question. As you will see, the pay is somewhere between 1300€ and 7000€. How much they pay you in the French Foreign Legion depends on many factors such as rank, family situation, qualifications etc. The salary is higher while you are on operation in abroad.

Does America have anything like the French Foreign Legion?

The Marines would become America's equivalent to the French Foreign Legion, but while the French Foreign Legion is part of the French Army (as well as their Troupes de marine), the Marines will remain under Naval command.

What kind of people join the French Foreign Legion?

Although legionnaires may be of any nationality, all legion officers are French-born or naturalized citizens, many the elite of Saint-Cyr, the French military academy at Coëtquidan. Approximately one-tenth of the officers are former noncommissioned officers (NCOs).

Why would someone join the French Foreign Legion?

Some are hoping to leave behind disadvantaged conditions. Others are trying to escape a scandalous situation. Either way, they see the army as a place for redemption -- a place to start over and earn respect.

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.

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 pull ups for French Foreign Legion?

The “welcome to the French Foreign Legion” pull-ups.

If you cannot overcome this challenge you need to go straight home without even starting with the selection process. Officially, you only have to do 4 pull-ups but it depends on the caporal-chef's mood how many you really have to accomplish.

Do French Foreign Legion get deployed?

The French Armed Forces are heavily deployed both at home and overseas. On the security front, the terrorist threat is still assessed as high in France and operation “Sentinelle” (Guardian) is still going on.

Does the Foreign Legion have snipers?

PGM Hécate II is a standard heavy sniper, anti-materiel rifle used by the Foreign Legion and other French Army forces.

How many French Foreign Legion have died in battle?

3. More than 35,000 foreigners have been killed in action while serving with the Legion. Throughout its history, the French Foreign Legion — and the fighters who make up its ranks — were seen as expendable.

How long do you have to serve in 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 many Americans join French Foreign Legion?

In a force of roughly 8,000 men (women are still barred from serving), Americans compose no more than a dozen volunteers. However, some of the most legendary fighters have been American, from Cole Porter, to a number of Harvard University romantics during the Great War.

Are tattoos allowed in the French Foreign Legion?

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.

Do you have to speak French to join the Foreign Legion?

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.

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”.

What is the height required for 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.

What is the failure rate of the French Foreign Legion?

While that may not fly in America, this is the Legion, and there's a 80 percent attrition rate. When would-be Legionnaires give up, it's called “going civil.”