HISTORY
The French Foreign Legion inherited the traditions of foreign units that served France as far back as the Middle Ages: the Scottish Guards of Charles VII, the Swiss Guards who served at the court of the Bourbons, and Napoleon's Polish lancers. The French Legion as such was created by Louis Philippe on March 10, 1831. It consisted exclusively of volunteers aged 18 to 40, some of whom enlisted anonymously. Immediately after its formation, the Legion was sent to fight in Algeria. A second legion was created for the wars in Algeria, Crimea (1855), Italy (1859), and Mexico (1863). During the Mexican campaign, one of the most famous battles in Legion history took place: on April 30, 1863, near the Camaron Hacienda, not far from Pueblo, three officers and 62 legionnaires managed to resist two thousand advancing Mexicans. After a day of heroic resistance, the five surviving soldiers, with bayonets fixed, went on the attack. This battle remains among legionnaires a symbol of service to the cause until the bitter end.
In 1870, the Legion fought in France. Later, the battlefields for legionnaires included Sudan, Madagascar, Morocco, and the Middle East. During World War I, in 1914, the scattered regiments were consolidated into one unit, the "Regiment de Marche," led by the famous Colonel Rollet, called the "father of the Legion." During World War II, the thirteenth battalion of the Legion distinguished itself in Norway, and then, in 1942, in Libya. The reorganized Legion fought victorious battles in Tunisia, Italy, Provence, Alsace, and Germany. In 1945, the war in Indochina began. Almost all regiments of the Legion participated in this war; legionnaires earned a reputation in Indochina as men who fight to the last. In 1954, the Legion again fought in Algeria. Initially, legionnaire units were used for guard duties, but soon they were employed as main offensive forces. They also took part in border security operations.
From 1962 to the present day, the main units of the Legion are stationed in southern France, Corsica, as well as in Djibouti, Madagascar, Tahiti, and French Guiana.
In 1969-1970, the first and second regiments of the Legion took part in military operations in Chad. In May 1978, the second regiment of the Legion participated in an operation to rescue civilians, Africans and Europeans, in Kolwezi (Zaire).
LEGIONNAIRES
Legionnaires are volunteers. Most often, they join the Legion to escape their past, leaving behind either a family or personal crisis, or social or political troubles. After 1945, many recruits came to the Legion from Eastern Europe. Another part of the legionnaires are people who dislike the constraints that accompany the life of the average "middle class" from cradle to grave.
Candidates for legionnaires must pass a rigorous selection: many are rejected either for medical reasons or due to unsuitable personal qualities. Angels are rare among legionnaires, but there are no criminals among them either.
A volunteer may join the Legion under a false name if he wishes: throughout his service, no one will attempt to uncover his incognito, as the Legion strictly observes the right to anonymity. Only the legionnaire himself may, if he wishes, reveal his real name.
Soldiers flock to the Legion from all over the world. They have different origins, languages, ideals, so sometimes it may seem that there is nothing that could unite these people. But still, they have something in common: they do not want to be mediocrities. Rejecting easy solutions, they bravely break with their family and their past. Having lost his roots, the legionnaire is ready to give everything he has, even his life. The legionnaire, essentially, has nothing to lose, but it is precisely this desperation-based determination that often saves his life. The legionnaire community is characterized by cohesion, supported by discipline and solidarity.
The legionnaire is first and foremost a man of action; he craves change and cannot stand idleness and monotony. He is generous enough that, if needed, he will give another both his money and his life, and he never loses faith in his commanders. He will follow them anywhere and will not be abandoned by them even in death.
The officially cultivated myth of the Legion is the myth of a big soldier family. A man who has said goodbye to his past, family, and society brings to the Legion—and transfers to the Legion—his need for ideals. His attachment to the Legion is comparable to love for the motherland: having nothing, he is ready to sacrifice everything—that is, his life.
TRADITIONS
In both big and small matters, the life of legionnaires is entirely devoted to service. The relationship between those who give orders and those who carry them out is based on the principles of discipline, honor, and diligence. Adherence to traditions plays a significant role in the life of legionnaires.
Legionnaires have their own special uniform. The colors of the Legion are red and green, the colors of the uniform of the Swiss Guards who served the French king. The white kepi has been an official part of the uniform since July 1939, when the Legion fought in Africa. The blue sash was initially worn under clothing for protection; over time, the sash became part of the dress uniform.
Legionnaires have not only their own uniform but also their own songs and special ceremonies. The Legion's military band is well known. The band consists of about a hundred musicians; it is distinguished from other French military bands by its flutists and drummers, who carry their instruments so that the bottom ring of the drum is at knee level. On parade, legionnaires march with a special step, exactly the same as that of the former royal soldiers—88 steps per minute.
ENLISTMENT
Men aged 17 to 40 who are fit for active service for health reasons are enlisted in the Legion. For candidates under 17, special permission from parents or guardians is required. Knowledge of French is not mandatory—you will learn it while serving.
The first contract is for 5 years. The volunteer must come to France and report to a recruitment office. The Foreign Legion provides no assistance in purchasing tickets or obtaining visas for those who wish to serve in it.
After successfully passing the preliminary medical examination, the candidate is sent to the selection center, Headquarters, in Aubagne, 15 kilometers from Marseille. There, the candidate undergoes a full medical examination and tests—IQ, psychological, and physical fitness.
If everything is in order, a 5-year contract is signed with the candidate. The contract states that during this period, you are ready to serve under any conditions and in any circumstances wherever you are sent.
If the candidate fails the tests, he is told "no"—and he can go anywhere, and figure out for himself how to pay for his return to the country he came from.
SERVICE
The first four months are preparation and training. Then the young legionnaire is assigned to the Fourth Foreign Regiment, stationed in Castelnaudary. Promotion and rank assignment depend on the legionnaire's physical abilities, IQ, and ability to lead people.
After three years of service—if there have been no complaints against the legionnaire and he has a certificate of satisfactory service—the legionnaire has the right to apply for French citizenship. Whether he will be granted it is another question, but the right to demand consideration of his candidacy as a permanent resident of France remains with him for 10 years.
CODE OF HONOR
1. The legionnaire is a volunteer who serves France faithfully and with honor.
2. Every legionnaire is your brother in arms, regardless of his citizenship, nationality, training, or religion. You must demonstrate this unwavering solidarity always and everywhere.
3. While remaining faithful to the traditions of the Legion, respect your commanders, discipline, and brotherhood. This is your strength; it gives you courage and faith.
4. Be proud of the title of legionnaire. Always and everywhere remember it. Behave with dignity under all circumstances. Always watch your appearance.
5. You are a highly qualified, well-trained soldier, the elite. Always ensure that your weapon is in excellent condition; treat it as your greatest treasure. Treat your body the same way. Always be fit; train your body and harden it.
6. Once a legionnaire, always a legionnaire. Everything entrusted must be carried out under any conditions—at all costs and to the end.
7. All orders are carried out unquestioningly, regardless of your attitude toward them. Respect the defeated enemy. Never abandon your comrade—neither wounded nor dead. Under no circumstances let go of your weapon.
PROFESSIONS
During their service, legionnaires not only participate in special operations. They have the opportunity to acquire a specialty—military or civilian. For example, one can specialize in military affairs (mortars, missiles, sniping, diving, underwater work, parachuting). Or one can acquire a completely peaceful profession: secretarial work; radio; telephony; lighting equipment and light engineering; electrical engineering; equipment maintenance; construction (bricklayer, plumber, electrician, carpenter, painter); auto service (mechanic, electrician, welder, car painting). One can become a musician; medical assistant; cook; photographer; computer operator; sports trainer (instructor).
CAREER
Often, when participating in military operations on the territory of foreign states, legionnaires wear uniforms without insignia.
Since the founding of the Legion (1831), fighting for the interests of France, 902 foreign generals and colonels, 3,176 mid-level commanders, and more than 30,000 rank-and-file legionnaires have died.
The legionnaire is on full support: he is provided with clothing, food, housing, and medical care. In addition, the legionnaire receives a salary.
The amount paid to a legionnaire depends on his rank, length of service, and participation in special operations. A rank-and-file legionnaire receives an average of 5,500 francs per month ($894), a corporal 6,000 francs ($975), and a high-ranking commander 16,300 francs ($2,648).
After the end of the first contract, the legionnaire may sign a subsequent one for a period of 6 months to 3 years. A rank-and-file soldier can serve in the Legion for up to 15 years. The service period for command personnel is not limited. Nevertheless, after 15 years of service, legionnaires of any rank are entitled to a pension. But in France, it will be paid only to those former legionnaires who obtain French citizenship.
Legionnaires who return to their homeland (for example, to Ukraine) must apply for a pension to local social security authorities.
In the event of the death of a legionnaire during service (if the body is not found), the funeral is paid for by the French state.