What are the French Foreign Legion compared to?

"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 US equivalent of 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.

Is the French Foreign Legion an elite unit?

French Foreign Legion, French Légion étrangère, 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.

What is so special about the French Foreign Legion?

It formed part of the Armée d'Afrique, the French Army's units associated with France's colonial project in Africa, until the end of the Algerian war in 1962. 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 the best?

Created in 1831, the French Foreign Legion has evolved is now one of the most effective units in the French military and always getting picked for no-notice deployments in hot spots around the world. "The French are good, and their Foreign Legion is top-notch.

The French Foreign Legion

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.

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.

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.

Do Americans serve 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.

What happens if a American join the French Foreign Legion?

Joining the French Foreign Legion is a pathway to citizenship. However, it is not possible to do this for the initial three years of service. The legion's website says that if "he serves well, he will be entitled to a residence permit at first, the nationality will be given to him conditionally.

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.

Why do men join the French Foreign Legion?

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.

How many Americans are in the French 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.

Is the French Foreign Legion loyal to France?

Interestingly, part of the Legion was loyal to the Free French movement, yet another part was loyal to the Vichy government. A battle in Syria saw two opposing sides fight against each other in a short engagement, and later on the Vichy Legion joined its Free French brethren.

How many Americans have been in the French Foreign Legion?

More than 100 Americans joined the Foreign Legion, and for many it was suicide; nearly all were wounded and half lost their lives. One American who did not survive was the poet Alan Seeger; famous for his poem “I Have a Rendezvous with Death,” Seeger made that rendezvous on July 4, 1916, at the Somme.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

Can you ever leave the Foreign Legion?

You can even leave the base and go out to the city if you'd like to do so, however most of the legionnaires only go out during the weekend.

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.

Who are the most elite French soldiers?

The Corps of Chasseurs alpins is part of a bigger entity called “Chasseurs à pied”, created by the Duc of Orléans in 1838 and originally famous for the speed and the particular spirit of the troop (later defined by Maréchal Lyautey). The first battalions of Chasseurs alpins were created in 1888.

Will I lose my US citizenship if I 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.

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.