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French Foreign Legion - Books by JC Reardon
  • French Foreign Legion - Books by JC Reardon
  • French Foreign Legion - Books by JC Reardon
French Foreign Legion

French Foreign Legion

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The French Foreign Legion (in French: Légion étrangère) is one of the most legendary and storied military units in the world. Founded in 1831, it has earned a reputation for toughness, loyalty, and mystery. Here's a deep dive into what makes it unique:

 What Is the French Foreign Legion?

The French Foreign Legion is a military unit of the French Army that allows foreign nationals to enlist and serve France. While it is a part of the regular French Armed Forces, it maintains a separate and distinctive identity.

 Key Features

 Foreign Recruitment

  • Originally created to incorporate foreign soldiers into the French military without affecting national politics.
  • Open to men from any nationality; many legionnaires have no prior military experience.
  • Some join for adventure, escape, a second chance, or to disappear.

 Reputation for Toughness

  • Famous for its brutal training and discipline.
  • Known for a “no-questions-asked” enlistment policy (although this is now more myth than reality—modern vetting does exist).
  • Emphasis on teamwork, brotherhood, and discipline over individual identity.

 Anonymity and New Identity

  • Recruits can enlist under a declared (new) name, though in recent years, true anonymity is less common due to stricter identification protocols.
  • After serving honorably, legionnaires can request to reclaim their real identity.

 Structure & Service

 Length of Service

  • Standard contract is 5 years, though other durations are available.
  • After 3 years of honorable service, one can apply for French citizenship.

 Regiments

The Legion has several regiments, including:

  • 1er Régiment Étranger (1st RE) – Admin and training.
  • 2e REI – Infantry.
  • 1er REC – Cavalry.
  • 2e REP – Paratroopers.
  • 13e DBLE – Light armored brigade.
  • 1er REG and 2e REG – Engineers.

 Combat History

The Legion has fought in nearly every French military conflict since 1831:

  • 19th century: Algeria, Crimea, Mexico (Battle of Camarón – April 30, now Legion Day).
  • World Wars I & II: Played critical roles, with heavy casualties.
  • Indochina War: Including the disastrous Battle of Dien Bien Phu.
  • Algerian War of Independence.
  • Modern deployments: Africa (Mali, Chad), Middle East, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism.

 Culture & Traditions

 Esprit de Corps

  • Fierce loyalty to the Legion, sometimes even above France itself.
  • Emphasizes "honor and fidelity" (Honneur et Fidélité).
  • Marches slower than the rest of the French army (88 steps/min vs. 120).
  • Iconic uniform includes the white képi (kepi blanc).

Songs and Symbols

  • Legionnaires sing chant de marche (marching songs), such as "Le Boudin"—the official anthem.
  • Regimental insignias and medals are sacred and symbolic.

 Modern-Day Legion

  • Recruits today must pass background checks, health screening, physical tests, and interviews.
  • Still considered an elite force, frequently deployed in dangerous international missions.
  • Approx. 8,000–9,000 legionnaires from over 140 countries.

 Why Join?

Some motivations:

  • A fresh start in life.
  • A sense of adventure and challenge.
  • A path to French citizenship and integration.
  • Camaraderie and a strong brotherhood ethos.

 Did You Know?

  • Over 35,000 legionnaires have died in service to France.
  • The Legion has its own code of honor, followed strictly by members.
  • There’s a Legion-run museum in Aubagne, near Marseille (also the Legion’s HQ).

 

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