What nationalities are in 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).

Where are most people in the French Foreign Legion from?

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.

How many nationalities are represented in the French Foreign Legion?

With more than 140 nationalities and 8000 members, the French Foreign Legion could be a melting pot of cultures. But it's not! Instead, the Legion has its own culture, training and traditions.

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.

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.

The French Foreign Legion

Are there females in the French Foreign Legion?

Susan Mary Gillian Travers (23 September 1909 – 18 December 2003) was a British nurse and ambulance driver who served in the French Red Cross during the Second World War. She later became the only woman to be enlisted in the French Foreign Legion, having also served in French Indochina, during the First Indochina War.

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.

Can an American felon join the French Foreign Legion?

Can criminals join the French Foreign Legion? This common query around running away from crimes, or moving on from earlier dalliances with the law, is one of the most frequently asked questions about joining the legion. If we were discussing this 100 years ago, the answer would be straightforward: yes.

What are the chances of joining the French Foreign Legion?

Q: What are my chances of getting selected? A: You will only be selected if you are good enough for the Legion, and it is the Legion itself who decides who is good enough to be selected. For about 100 candidates applying to serve in the Legion, only 10-15 are accepted.

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

EVERY Legion recruit receives a new name once they complete the “psychotechnic” testing portion of selection (the first thing you do, basic mathematics and reasoning problems in your native language). You keep three things about your identity. Your initials, your birth year, and (usually) your country of origin.

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.

How tough is the French Foreign Legion?

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 dental requirements for the French Foreign Legion?

What is medically necessary for applicants for employment. At the dental level: Healthy or well-groomed teeth. Masticatory coefficient greater than or equal to 40%.

What are the physical requirements for the French Foreign Legion?

Who Cannot join the Foreign Legion?

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.

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.

Is the French Foreign Legion elite?

Several times every year, a few select US troops get to attend a very special course in the deserts of Africa. Run by the elite French Foreign Legion, the French Desert Commando Course usually hosts French soldiers and commandos who are going to fight Islamist extremists in the Sahel.

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.

How much time off do French Foreign Legions get?

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.

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.

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 many French Foreign Legion have died in Afghanistan?

A total of 86 servicemen have been killed.

Where are the French Foreign Legion currently deployed?

Since March 16, 2022, the men of the Foreign Legion Detachment in Mayotte (DLEM) have been deployed to the Glorioso Islands, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, located north of Madagascar.