Are the French Foreign Legion Elite?

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.

Is French Foreign Legion a special force?

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. Still not a special force.

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

3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment

The most decorated regiment of the French Foreign Legion. It has been stationed at Quartier Commandant Forget in Kourou, French Guiana (South America), since September 1973…

Does the French Foreign Legion see 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.

What is the French Foreign Legion equivalent to?

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.

Why you don’t want to face the French Foreign Legion in combat | Elite Forces

Is French Foreign Legion well trained?

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.

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. Ltd. is one known example.

How tough is French Foreign Legion?

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.

Why does the French Foreign Legion change your name?

Any French citizens who want to join must change their nationality to another French-speaking country. In many ways, Legionnaires are shedding their former national identities for a new French identity.

How much does a French Foreign Legionnaire make?

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.

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.

Does USA have a Foreign Legion?

A little-known fact is that some 30,000 non-citizens are already serving in the U.S. armed forces. Although they mostly come from developing countries, they are legal immigrants to the United States, have legal papers — and, for all intents and purposes, are little different from American-born soldiers.

What is the most elite special forces in the world?

United States Navy SEALs are perhaps the finest special operations forces in the world. The competitive standard to even be considered for BUD/S training is to swim 500 yards in 10:30, 79 push-ups, 79 sit-ups, 11 pull-ups, and a 10:20 1.5 mile run. That's just to get in.

What is the French SAS called?

The Army Special Forces Command (French: Commandement des forces spéciales Terre, COM FST) regroups the various special operations forces units of the French Army and is the command charged with overseeing them. It is based in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Can you have tattoos 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.

Why does French Foreign Legion carry axes?

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.

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

One who voluntarily serves as a commissioned or non-commissioned officer in the military of a country not engaged in hostilities with the United States will lose one's U.S. citizenship only if one intended to relinquish U.S. citizenship when he/she served in the armed forces of a foreign state.

Can you leave the French Foreign Legion?

Permissons : 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.

Can you be married in the French Foreign Legion?

Joining the Foreign Legion: Introduction

As a candidate/volunteer, you will be enlisted as a single person, even if you are married. The first contract you sign is mandatory for 5 years. The entire recruiting and selection process takes usually 2 to 4 weeks (the exact period depends on each candidate).

How long 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.

Is the French Army any good?

According to Credit Suisse, the French Armed Forces are ranked as the world's sixth-most powerful military.

Can Brits join the French Foreign Legion?

The Legion will train you to become a soldier and a citizen. Can a French join the Foreign Legion? Yes. A French can join the Foreign Legion.

Are there South Africans in the French Foreign Legion?

SOUTH African rugby players make up the bulk of a foreign legion playing rugby in France.

Can anybody join the French Foreign Legion?

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.