How many Russians are in the French Foreign Legion?

The legion includes an estimated 710 soldiers of Ukrainian origin and 450 of Russian origin. The Foreign Legion Command is an elite corps of the French army and essentially a fighting force made up of infantry, cavalry, and combat engineers regiments.

How many Ukrainian soldiers are in the French Foreign Legion?

In the current Legion, which number 9,000 men, about 700 legionnaires are Ukrainians; some 200 of them have already got a French citizenship.

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.

Where do most French Foreign Legion come from?

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).

What percentage of the French Foreign Legion is French?

Approximately 150 nationalities are today represented in the Legion: 25% of the Legionnaires come from the Slavic world and North Asia, 10% from Asia, 20% from Central Europe and the Balkans, 10% from Africa and the Arab world, 18% from Western Europe and North America, 6% from Latin America. Currently 11% are French.

The General Lardet, Commanding the French foreign Legion, addresses his Ukrainian Legionnaires.

Are there Americans in the French Foreign Legion?

The service currently includes more than 7,000 members, and was established in 1831 as part of the French army, but with a key difference: Its enlisted force is heavily comprised of men from other countries — including the United States.

Are Americans allowed in the French Foreign Legion?

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.

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.

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.

What is the acceptance rate for the French Foreign Legion?

For about 100 candidates applying to serve in the Legion, only 10-15 are accepted. So, you have to be better than the other candidates in all aspects to get a chance — NOT the right — to be selected. There are no “bring this or that, pass this or that, make this or that” tricks to get accepted.

Do you get a new identity when you join the French Foreign Legion?

Yes. A French can join the Foreign Legion. He is just going to change his nationality while he is hired to comply with the statutes of the legion.

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.

How much do you get paid in the Foreign Legion Ukraine?

The necessary probation period is the duration of the war. A British volunteer said that the contract required to join the International Legion limits pay to ₴7,000 a month (US$230) and extends for the duration of the war, although some volunteers were allowed to leave after signing.

What happens if you desert the French Foreign Legion?

If caught you ll be subjected to 2000€ fee to up to 3 years in jail depending of the situation, and of course all those territories are going to be of limit for you for the test of your life!

Did the French Foreign Legion fight in Mexico?

Battle of Camarón, (30 April 1863). A defensive action fought with suicidal courage during France's ill-fated intervention in Mexico, the Battle of Camarón founded the legend of the French Foreign Legion.

How many French Foreign Legion have died in Afghanistan?

A total of 86 servicemen have been killed.

How much free time do you get in the French Foreign Legion?

45 days off a year. As a French soldier, you'll have 45 days off from your second year. It's one of the biggest privileges I had because as a civilian you'll get a bit more than 20 days off a year and it's not too much.

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”.

Why do French Foreign Legion carry axes?

Uniform of Tradition

The Legion Pionniers distinguish themselves by their specific and unique dress uniform : Axe (French: Hache): serves to destroy obstacles of wood dressed by the enemy.

Can a female join 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.

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 are the physical requirements for the French Legion?