French Foreign Legion in World War II. Unusual, bright, curious military units of the world. French Foreign Legion. A typical legionnaire's daily routine

History of the French Foreign Legion

First, a little history. The French Foreign Legion was founded under King Louis Philippe I in 1831. The reason for the creation of the Legion was the desire of France to include the territory of Algeria and, accordingly, the need for new combat-ready units.

The basis of the rank and file in the new combat unit was made up of natives of the countries of Southern and Western Europe, the officer corps was formed from veterans of Napoleon's army. In this regard, traditions have been preserved to this day - only a citizen of France can receive an officer rank in a foreign legion, while privates and sergeants are recruited all over the world.

The French Legion took part in more than three dozen only major conflicts from Mexico to Vietnam. The most successful foreign legion showed itself in Africa and Indochina, where the positions and interests of France are traditionally strong. Nevertheless, there was one sensitive defeat in his history. In the spring of 1954, the superior troops of Ho Chi Minh managed to surround and defeat the French troops, among whom were units of the foreign legion, in the Dien Bien Phu region.

Legionnaires in "hot spots": Mali

Now the French Foreign Legion mainly performs peacekeeping functions. Although. If you want to test your strength, then try to join the foreign legion and get to the base in Djibouti. In addition to the specific climatic conditions that only a real man can withstand, it is really dangerous in this small country. And the recent events around the conflict in Mali gave some parts of the French Foreign Legion a chance to prove themselves in battle with a serious enemy.

Some units of the legion are already in Mali and several are on alert to be sent to the conflict zone. The well-trained and well-armed formations of the Tuareg, who proclaimed the independent state of Azawad, and Islamic radical militants of the Salafist persuasion from Al-Qaeda of the Islamic Maghreb, Ansar Din and other groups will oppose the legionnaires in the war in Mali.

It cannot be said that there are a lot of Russian guys among the fighters of the foreign legion. They now face a difficult task - a new battle with world terrorism. One should not underestimate the capabilities of the Islamists in Africa and consider that Mali is too far from Russia. This African country has large deposits of uranium, and it is suicidal to allow extreme radicals, who are in principle incapable of dialogue with Christian civilization, to the sources of such raw materials.

Therefore, we should now wish military luck to the Russian guys in the foreign legion. By waging war in Mali now, they are doing everything they can to ensure we don't have to fight it on the streets of Moscow and other Russian cities for the foreseeable future.

Legionary. Who is he?

There is a category of men for whom the adrenaline received in everyday life is not enough, even with the help of extreme sports. Young people who want to go through a real school that can forge men out of them, but for whom the armed forces of their home country are not exotic and sharp enough.

Former regular military men who have not reached the age of forty, who want to feel again the incomparable smell of weapon steel and powder gases. Or just tough guys who are tired of the daily hustle and bustle. All of these are potential legionnaires. By the way, in contrast to the early period, persons who have serious problems with the law in their country will not be able to enter the service in the French Foreign Legion. Nowadays, information about the background of candidates is checked through the channels of Interpol.

French Foreign Legion. How to get?

The Foreign Legion of France provides an opportunity to join its ranks for almost everyone. For this you must be:

• - a man (women are not accepted into the Legion under any circumstances);
• - between the ages of 17 and 40 (seventeen-year-olds will need permission from their parents certified by the French embassy);
• - physically fit for service in a foreign legion;
• - the holder of a valid passport and legally resides in France.

Immediately forget about all the offers of "help" when entering the foreign legion. The President of France himself will not be able to influence the decision to enroll a candidate. Those who know French can search for information themselves on the request "legion etrangere recrutement". First of all, you need to contact one of the information and recruitment points in mainland France.

They are in the following cities: Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, Nantes, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Perpignan and Aubagne. After that, you will have a preliminary interview and an initial medical examination at the selection center in Paris. Then the main stage of selection begins at the base in Aubagne near Marseille.

Candidates for admission to the foreign legion pass three types of tests: - Psychotechnical. You will be asked many questions about attention, memory and logical thinking, as well as about your background in additional tests. At this stage, it is extremely important to answer truthfully, believe me, experienced psychologists will quickly be able to recognize the deception and then your chances of admission will be close to zero. By the way, think again if you want to appear “too smart” on tests. After all, the Legion is not Oxford. - in-depth medical examination.

Be prepared for the fact that close attention will be paid to the health of your teeth, so we advise you to visit a dentist in advance. It is also mandatory to have a medical card with you. There are no chances for admission to the French Legion for candidates suffering from such serious diseases as hepatitis, HIV, diabetes and some others. - physical tests.

You will be offered to pass fairly easy standards, for example, pull yourself up on the bar at least 4 times, climb without the help of legs to a five-meter height on a rope, do 40 times a standard abdominal exercise, as well as a running standard: shuttle run or endurance run (at least 2800 meters in 12 minutes). As you can see, the standards are inferior even to the requirements adopted by the RF Armed Forces.

In case of non-receipt, you will be given monetary compensation - about 30 euros per day of being a candidate. If there are no problems at this stage, then you can be congratulated on finding a new family - Etrangere Legion! After signing a five-year contract, you will receive an "anonymous" document, in which your name, date and place of birth will be changed. By the end of the first year of service, those who wish can apply and, if approved, serve in the legion under their own surname.

material side. Salary, legionary benefits

Those who want to earn money are interested in a salary in a foreign legion. Do not believe if you are told about the golden mountains. Only an enlisted soldier will be able to earn at least 1043 euros, and will also receive free accommodation and meals. In addition, there are a number of allowances depending on the region of service, participation in hostilities, length of service, rank.

To date, the highest paid unit is the 13th Demi-Brigade of the Foreign Legion, stationed in Djibouti. An ordinary legionnaire 13 DBLE after a year of service can count on at least 3,500 euros per month of a "clean" salary. Although, the Russian legionnaires, who are now fighting the Islamists in Mali, may have even larger bonuses.

Legion fighters are entitled to annual leave - 45 working days. Those who have served for 3 years have the right to apply for French citizenship. Legionnaires who were wounded in a military operation have an unconditional right to receive French citizenship. For eight years of impeccable service, a solid bonus in the amount of two annual salaries is due. Those who served in the foreign legion of France for more than 19 years guarantee themselves a lifetime pension - at least a thousand euros.

Service in a foreign legion

So, after being accepted into the ranks of the French Foreign Legion, you have to go through the training stage on the basis of the 4th regiment. During this time, you will learn the traditions of the French legion, go through mountain and technical training, and make a number of difficult marches. Be prepared for the fact that the loads may exceed those that are familiar to those who have gone through our "training sessions". Not everyone is able to withstand them and become a full-fledged fighter of the foreign legion. The final test will be the "march of the white caps", during which the recruits will have to overcome more than 100 km of rough terrain in full gear.

After that, return to Aubagne before distribution to the unit and the place of permanent deployment. At the moment, the foreign legion of France includes 11 regiments. 7 of them have permanent locations in mainland France, and there is also a parachute regiment in Corsica, an infantry regiment guarding the French spaceport in Guiana, a unit in the Comoros and a semi-brigade in Djibouti.

In addition, parts of the legion can be quickly deployed to anywhere in the world, as is now in Mali, for example. A career in a foreign legion is made solely on the basis of success in service. According to statistics, every fourth legionnaire eventually becomes a non-commissioned officer, and every tenth reaches the officer rank.

Absolutely every legionnaire is a superbly trained fighter. At the same time, the positions of a cook, musician, computer scientist or paramedic are also replenished from the legion, without the involvement of outsiders. The fighters are given the opportunity to leave the location of the unit after 17:00, but be sure to be present at the morning formation at six o'clock. However, do not forget that the Foreign Legion is not an institution for noble maidens, but a place where real military professionals are forged, respectively, not everyone will have the strength to be fired.

People from 136 countries of the world serve in the legion, which means that manifestations of racism are a direct path to expulsion. Approximately the same as in the Soviet Army the traditions of "compatriotism" were strong, they also have strength in the foreign legion. A significant percentage of the total number are from Slavic countries: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia and others. Naturally, they try to stick together and help each other.

Many Russian guys, of course, are interested in the issue of hazing. Of course, as in any army in the world, this phenomenon is present to some extent in the French Foreign Legion, but on a much smaller scale than in our army. In addition, the command, to put it mildly, does not welcome manifestations of hazing. It is customary to speak French during working hours. Please note that the relationship between sergeants and privates is different from those that are accepted in the post-Soviet space. Especially if you want to serve in the legion longer.

Units of the Foreign Legion

In total, about 7,500 people serve in the foreign legion of France. This is not very much, but the highest professionalism of everyone, from the private to the brigadier general, makes the French Legion a formidable fighting force in conflicts of any level.

One of the most exotic places of duty is the Kourou base in French Guiana, where the 3 REI (3rd Legion Infantry Regiment) is deployed. This military unit is engaged in the protection of the cosmodrome. Those who get there should prepare in advance for the difficult tropical climate, swamps and hordes of insects. This will be especially acute for those who will undergo an internship at the C.E.P.E. in the middle of the equatorial forest. Consider well whether you are capable of such a test?

More comfortable living conditions, but no less simple service, promises distribution to the 2nd Parachute Regiment in Corsica. Despite the fact that there will be many bars and cafes at your service right on the territory of the unit, you will not be allowed to forget for a minute that you are a Legionnaire and what is behind this proud name. 2 R.E.P. - This is a regiment in which they try to collect the best of the best. Each battalion of the regiment has its own narrow specialization from night operations and urban assault to mountain and sabotage operations.

The oldest unit that carefully preserves the traditions of the Legion is the 1st Regiment, located in Aubagne and working with recruits. The main administrative services are concentrated here.

There is also a kind of "academy" for officers and sergeants. This is the 4th Regiment stationed at Castelnaudary in France. Young legionnaires are also trained here.

The 1st Armored Cavalry Regiment is located in Orange and is considered a powerful offensive unit within the Legion. The regiment is regularly sent on combat missions to different parts of the world.

Also ready to quickly leave French Nîmes and arrive at a new duty station and the 2nd Infantry Regiment.

Avignon is the only Legion unit that does not leave continental France in peacetime. It is the 1st Engineer Regiment and is considered one of the best of its kind in the world. It also includes a unit of elite swimmers-saboteurs.

The 13th semi-brigade in Djibouti is another place where not every physically and psychologically strong man can endure service.

There is also a small special unit in the Comoros - D.L.E.M.

In some of these regiments and units of the French Foreign Legion, service is a little easier, in others it is more difficult, but in each of them first-class specialists are trained, and the path to this lies through hard daily training, sweat and possibly blood.

Russian traditions in the French legion

After the Bolshevik revolution in Russia and the defeat of the white movement in the civil war, a significant number of former officers of the tsarist army, who were distinguished by excellent training and discipline, joined the ranks of the legion. In many ways, it was thanks to the Russians that France was able to achieve great success in the conflicts of the 20s against the Tuareg, Druze, Kabils and other rebellious African tribes.

No wonder recruiters began hunting for tsarist officers immediately after the entry of Wrangel's squadron into the port of Constantinople. Five representatives of that generation received general ranks in the foreign legion of France.

From the beginning of the 90s, the number of Russians in the Legion began to grow again. At their core, these were not newcomers to military affairs, but retired officers of the Soviet Army or retired sergeants, who often had combat experience, including in Africa - Angola and other countries.

Joining the French Foreign Legion for Russian guys in those years was a chance to start life from scratch. Much fell apart in our army and society, however, when the Motherland again needed real defenders, many legionnaires returned to defend Russia during the wars in Chechnya, without demanding any payment for this.

In whatever division of the Legion the Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians served, everywhere they were one of the best fighters, the most persistent and well-trained. And now we wish good luck to the brave Russian guys in the foreign legion of France in their fight against Al-Qaeda and their allies in Mali, a country otherwise called "African Afghanistan."

Although, is it worth looking for a distant shore, if we have formations and types of troops, at least no less legendary, for example, special forces of the Internal Troops, military intelligence. Try to go through first, before talking about the fact that in Russia, Belarus or Ukraine there is no worthy army elite.

The French Foreign Legion is a unique elite military unit that is part of the French armed forces. To date, it has more than 8 thousand legionnaires, who represent 136 countries of the world, including France. One thing for all of them is serving France at a high professional level.

The creation of the legion is associated with the name of King Louis Philippe I, who in 1831 signed a decree on the creation of a single military unit, which was to include several active regiments. The main purpose of the new formation was to carry out combat missions outside the French borders. To exercise command, officers were recruited from Napoleon's army, and not only natives of Italy, Spain or Switzerland were accepted as soldiers, but also French subjects who had certain problems with the law. Thus, the French government got rid of potentially dangerous people who not only had significant combat experience, but could also use it in conditions of political instability within the state.

This policy of the king was very logical. The fact is that the legionnaires were trained to conduct a large-scale campaign to colonize Algeria, which required a large number of troops. But at the same time, France could not send its subjects to Africa. That is why foreigners who lived in the vicinity of Paris were recruited into the legion.

Around the same period of time, the tradition of not asking for the real names of new soldiers also occurs. Many desperate people had the opportunity to start life anew, getting rid of the criminal past.

To date, the legion's rules also allow for the anonymous reception of soldiers. As before, volunteers are not asked for their name or country of residence. After several years of service, each legionnaire has the opportunity to obtain French citizenship and start a completely new life with a new name.

It should be noted that the first rule of legionnaires is never to give up. This tradition began as early as 1863, when three legionnaires held over 2,000 well-armed soldiers of the Mexican army. But, taken prisoner, thanks to their courage and valor, they were soon released with honors.

As at the time of its foundation, the French Legion is under the direct control of the head of state.

The modern Foreign Legion consists of tank, infantry and sapper units. Its structure includes 7 regiments, including the famous GCP paratrooper with special forces, one special detachment, one semi-brigade and one training regiment.

Legion units are deployed in the Comoros (Mayotte Island), in Northeast Africa (Djibouti), in Corsica, in French Guiana (Kourou), and also directly in France.

A feature of the French Legion is that women are not allowed into it. Contracts are awarded exclusively to men aged 18-40. The initial contract is for 5 years. All subsequent contracts can be concluded for terms from six months to 10 years. In the first five years, you can reach the rank of corporal, but only a person with French citizenship can become an officer. The main composition of the officers of the unit is, as a rule, regular military men who graduated from military educational institutions and chose the legion as their place of service.

Since mercenarism is considered a criminal offense in many countries of the world, recruitment points exist exclusively in France. For everyone who wants to join the legion, testing is carried out, which includes three stages: psychotechnical, physical and medical. In addition, a separate interview is conducted with each recruit, during which it is necessary to clearly and truthfully tell your biography. The interview is conducted in three stages, and each new stage is a repetition of the previous one. Thus, a kind of check "for lice" is carried out.

Foreign volunteers can be easily recognized by their white headgear, although only privates wear it. The unit's colors are green and red.

To date, about 7 and a half thousand soldiers are serving in the legion. The training of soldiers allows them to conduct operations in the jungle, at night. They are trained to carry out special operations to neutralize terrorists and rescue hostages. The main task of the legionnaires today is to prevent hostilities. They are called upon to carry out the evacuation of the population from the combat zone, provide humanitarian assistance, and restore infrastructure in regions of natural disasters.

Thus, there is information that the French Foreign Legion provided serious support in conducting a ground operation during the events in Libya. In August 2011, the legionnaires managed to eliminate the fuel and food supply base, which was the main one for Gaddafi's troops. According to some reports, several companies of the legion were transferred to Libya from Tunisia or Algeria. A little wound, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bEz-Zawiya, the Foreign Legion, with few losses, managed to break into the city center, providing free access to the fighters from Benghazi. The command of the legion hoped to raise the Berber population in revolt, but this was not possible.

The participation of the French Legion in the Libyan war is denied in every possible way by the official authorities of France, despite the fact that the press is actively discussing this issue. This position of Paris is quite understandable, since any invasion of the territory of Libya would be contrary to the UN resolution regarding this state, which refers only to the closure of airspace. A similar situation had already happened before, when in 1978 in Zaire the French government recognized that the Foreign Legion took part in the military conflict only after the legionnaires had completed their mission.

The Arab Spring has shown that foreign military personnel are present in many conflict zones. In addition to Libya, the French Legion also took part in hostilities in Syria. So, in Homs, 150 were arrested, and in Zadabani - 120 French legionnaires, mostly paratroopers and snipers. And although no one can confirm that they were legionnaires, such an assumption is quite logical, since this unit is completed from citizens not only of France, but also of other states. Thus, France again has the opportunity to claim that there are no French citizens in Syria.

Another place where the French Foreign Legion also noted is the conflict that broke out in Côte d'Ivoire. One gets the impression that France has set itself the goal of creating for itself the most aggressive image on the entire European continent. Very often, Paris starts the game "for big", ignoring the interests of its allies in the North Atlantic Alliance. So, in April 2011, French paratroopers occupied the airport of the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan. Thus, the total number of the French military corps stationed there was about 1,400 people.

The total number of the UN peacekeeping contingent in this country is 9 thousand people, of which only 900 were French. France independently decided to increase the size of its military corps, without coordinating actions with the UN leadership. The basis of the French military corps is the military of the Foreign Legion, which has been taking part in Operation Unicorn for several years. In addition, the French government stated that the contingent that arrived in Côte d'Ivoire is coordinating actions with unoci troops, thus actually recognizing that, in addition to the Unicorn, France is also conducting its own independent operation on the territory of the country.

Thus, the French Foreign Legion is sent to areas where France seeks to protect its interests within or "under the cover" of the European Union or the North Atlantic Alliance, as well as where there are certain historical obligations or a threat to the lives of French citizens.

Already 186 years have passed since the start of the formation of the Foreign Legion by France. On March 9, 1831, nine months after the capture of Algiers in June 1830, King Louis Philippe the First decided to create a new army unit. Its structure is identical to infantry troops, divided into battalions, the number of which varies depending on the number of recruits. The name of the mercenary army is due to the recruitment of military personnel exclusively from among foreigners. The French, in exceptional cases, were appointed as members of the command staff.

The beginning of the second period of the creation of a powerful colonial empire was associated with large losses in regular army units, and replenishment at the expense of a predominantly foreign contingent leads to the successful completion of numerous military operations.

History of the Foreign Legion

Having suffered significant losses during the Algerian conquest, additional troops were formed from professional soldiers who remained unclaimed after the end of internal wars and revolutions in European countries. With a wave of immigration, a flood of people, often left without documents, sought asylum in France. For many years, foreign soldiers served in the legion, mostly in regiments drawn up along national lines. One of the features of entering the service was the opportunity to start life from scratch, declaring one's identity, in accordance with internal needs. The outcast, the exiled, the offended were given a chance to build a change of fate.

The first legionnaires landed in Algiers in August 1831 and on April 27, 1832 received a combat mission, and with its implementation, the reputation of valiant and staunch warriors. Possessing a pickaxe and a gun equally well, the merit of the legionnaires was the construction of a base training camp and the headquarters of the 1st foreign regiment in Sidi Bel Abbes in the occupied territories in 1843.

On June 29, 1835, four years after its creation, the foreign legion took part in supporting the Spanish government and Queen Isabella II in the fight against the Carlists. Four thousand military personnel were sent to participate in the mission, and after 3 years only five hundred of them remained alive. In the course of this campaign, the need for a mixture of recruits and for the rejection of the formation of battalions along national lines became apparent. In the future, members of the units will be forced, regardless of the origin of the fighters, to communicate in French.

On December 16, 1835, the king decided to create a new foreign legion in order to solve the problem of the shortage of troops in Algiers. Thus, by 1840, the legion was divided into two parts. Without interrupting the Algerian mission, the troops take part in other hostilities designed to increase the country's colonial territories. The soldiers fought on the fronts of the Crimean War against the Russian Empire in 1854-1856, besieged Sevastopol. In 1859 they supported the Italians in the second war of independence.

During the Franco-Mexican War, they gained fame in the battle of Cameron. Heroic resistance was adopted as a model of courage to emulate by all units of the Legion.

In 1883, the government revives the policy of colonial expansion and strengthens the forces of the legion, sending them to the front line.

Legion Companies:

• Tonkin in 1883;
• Formosa Island in 1885;
• Sudan from 1892 to 1893;
• African Dahomey from 1892 to 1894;
• Madagascar from 1895 to 1905;
• Morocco from 1900 to 1934.

The Legion was actively involved in the development of civilian infrastructure in the colonies.

During the First World War, five infantry regiments were formed for command in Morocco. Four years of fighting were spent by soldiers under the flag of the colonial infantry regiment of the French army.

Since 1920, units have been serving in Syria, Lebanon and Morocco as peacekeepers. An impressive road tunnel drilled into granite for many years immortalized the stay of the pioneers of the third foreign brigade.

At the beginning of World War II, the number of the legion was significantly increased, reaching 45 thousand fighters. The established 11th and 12th Foreign Infantry Regiments (REI), the 97th Group, and the 22nd and 23rd Regiments of the 21st Foreign Volunteer Infantry Unit (RMVE) fight in the turmoil of 1940. Recruits serve in Norway, bringing victory at Narvik. The Foreign Legion, which has made a great contribution to the liberation of Europe, does not know peace.

In 1946 the first foreign cavalry regiment (REC) landed in Indochina. It included a new type of unit: a foreign parachute battalion. The number of troops reaches 30 thousand people, a significant part of which is occupied by the Germans defeated in the Second World War. I remember Dien Bien Ph in Indochina for its colossal losses. The army is losing 300 officers, including four corps commanders, more than ten thousand sergeants and privates. This campaign became the deadliest in its history. Even before the end of the conflict in Indochina, there is a new combat mission in North Africa.

Between 1962 and 1969, the foreign legion was constantly present in Madagascar and Guyana, in Djibouti, French Polynesia and the Comoros archipelago. The 5th Foreign Regiment (RE), stationed in French Polynesia, was preparing a nuclear test site. In Guyana, a cosmodrome and a space center were developed.

It was in the century of the legion that he stayed in Chad from 1969 to 1970, and returned there from 1978 to 1988. In 1983, the legion was sent to Beirut as part of the multinational security forces. In 1991, during the war in Iraq, more than two and a half thousand legionnaires participate in the victorious Operation Desert Storm. Since 1992, peacekeeping operations have begun under the auspices of the United Nations. The legion is located in Cambodia, Somalia, Rwanda. In 1993, legion units are sent to the former Yugoslavia. In 1996, in Bangui and in 1997 in Brazzaville, fighters participate in an operation to protect civilians.

In 2003, units were sent to Afghanistan, as part of the Pamir operation, to Côte d'Ivoire under the auspices of UNICORN, to Chad, Djibouti, Gabon and French Guiana.

Legionnaire's code of honor

In the Foreign Legion, brotherhood in arms is a fundamental value. The code of honor itself is a relatively new document that emerged in the 80s of the last century. The rules for military personnel are clear and strict. The concept of voluntary discipline, comradeship, pride in one's status, respect for the defeated enemy, the sacredness of the mission - the legionnaire learns at the stage of training. When entering the contract service, each recruit receives a brochure in their native language containing a set of rules and ethical standards that distinguish an employee in an elite military unit. Instructions on everyday issues are also important: from the peculiarities of wearing a uniform to recommendations for communicating with fellow soldiers. The main parting word to the young is a set of instructions on the topic of combat. The code is strictly observed so that the glory of the fallen in battles does not fade away, and the young change becomes worthy of the memory of the heroes.

Important points of the legionnaire's code:

• The legionnaire serves France with all honor and loyalty on a voluntary basis.
• Soldiers are brothers in arms, and it does not matter what nationality a comrade belongs to and what religion he professes. The fighters are in solidarity, like members of the same family.
• Honor traditions, respect the commander. Discipline and a sense of elbow are strength, and dignity is courage and loyalty.
• The warrior is proud, modest. He wears an impeccably prepared uniform, regularly cleans the barracks.
• A representative of the elite troops must train hard, tirelessly improve their skills in handling weapons, constantly confirming their qualifications.
• The fulfillment of a combat mission is a sacred duty that must be fulfilled even at the risk of life.
• To enter into battle without fear and hatred, to respect the vanquished, not to leave a wounded or dead comrade and weapons on the battlefield.

This military formation is part of the history of France. Open to technical innovation, adaptable to reorganization, the Legion is always at the forefront of the war effort. Much of this success is due to personnel policy. The best warriors in the world, from 18 to 40 years old, whose vocation is military service, healthy in mind and body, even today prefer to serve under French command.

Economic necessity or indefatigable fighting spirit often leads compatriots to seek new opportunities "abroad". Service in the Foreign Legion of France gives them such a chance.

The French Foreign Legion was founded in 1831 by King Louis Philippe I. The king was going to colonize Algeria, he needed additional troops. Foreigners and French were recruited into the Legion, "unclean" before the law. Now mostly immigrants from Eastern Europe serve.

The Legion has 11 recruitment points, one of them in Paris. All of them work around the clock. In some countries, recruiting into the Legion is prohibited.

Legionnaires training

After registering at one of the recruiting centers, the recruit goes through the primary medical examination. This may take up to four days. Further, a more detailed medical examination is carried out at the headquarters of the Legion, including tests for mental abilities and physical fitness.

Primary fitness check

Approximate requirements in the physical fitness test:

• climbing a rope 6 meters long without the help of legs;
• 50 squats;
• 30 pushups;
• shuttle run or run for 12 minutes (must run at least 2.8 km);
• pull-ups on the crossbar at least 4 times.

The "introductory" physical test in its complexity is significantly inferior to the standards adopted in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

If the recruit has successfully passed all the entrance tests, he is sent first to the city of Aubagne for 2-3 weeks, then to the training building in the city of Castelnaudary (4th regiment). There, recruits are trained for four months.

Loads in the "training"

Many legionnaires recall these months of study with a shudder. Here, recruits are made into real fighters capable of overcoming all the hardships of military life. Recruits are forced to work on the edge of their own capabilities:

• bread and cheese;
• heavy physical activity;
• cruel drill;
• chronic sleep deprivation.

Due to the conditions in the training regiment, many recruits drop out before the end of the training process.

Also, recruits are not exempt from the usual hardships of "army" life - night rises "on alarm", cleaning, washing.

Discipline and order in the Legion are highly valued, so any violation of the charter will result in punishment - a guardhouse or outfit.

It is possible to single out the main disciplines studied in the 4th regiment:

• mountain training;
• technical training;
• traditions of the French Legion.

In addition to this, a number of difficult forced marches will have to be made. The final test of eligibility will be the "White Cap March", in which recruits will have to cover more than 100 km of cross-country in full gear.

Legion soldier training

Recruits who have passed all the standards are sent to Aubagne for distribution to the regiments of the Legion. They are given the coveted white caps and assigned the status of legionnaires.

Sport is an integral part of serving in the Foreign Legion. The main focus is on the following workouts:

• running - a variety of obstacle courses, races in ammunition;
• martial arts, hand-to-hand fights - the calculation is made for the quick elimination of the opponent, and not for the duration of the duel;
• swimming.

Soldiers also visit the gym and go cycling. Particular attention is paid to stretching, daily classes are held similar to yoga.

Legionnaires are accustomed to frequent trips, spending the night in the fresh air. At the same time, they are completely self-service - they wash themselves, put up tents, and cook. Legionnaires are constantly improving in the use of weapons, regularly undergoing fire training. The soldiers actually do not let go of their weapons around the clock.

A completely inhospitable place, such as Guiana, can become a permanent place of deployment. Severe weather conditions, swampy terrain, malarial mosquitoes make the service very difficult.

Selection criteria for the Legion:

• only men 17-40 years old - seventeen-year-old applicants will have to present parental permission;
• not wanted by Interpol;
• with the absence of serious diseases - oncology, HIV, hepatitis.

Particular attention at the medical examination is given to the health of recruits' teeth. They must be healthy or cured, no more than 6 teeth should be missing.

It can be concluded that service in the Foreign Legion of France is not a resort. Each legionnaire is a real trained fighter, able to overcome not only the hardships of a camp life, but also work at the limit of his abilities.

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Instruction

Almost everyone is accepted into the French Foreign Legion. In practice, because there are still exceptions:
age from 17 to 40 years

In order to enlist in the French Foreign Legion, you need to arrive at one of the recruitment points in France with an identity card. Outside of France, recruiting is not possible, so you should choose a recruiting point that will be the easiest for you to get to. To date, France has 17 recruitment centers, each of which accepts volunteers around the clock.
You can get to the recruiting point by choosing either of two options: on a tourist voucher to France or on an invitation visa of one of your French acquaintances. At any recruiting station, a guard is posted, which allows applicants to enter the territory of the recruiting center as soon as they report their desire to join the ranks of the Foreign Legion. Having passed the gate, all candidates, without exception, will be subject to a comprehensive check for a long three.

Candidates for the Legionnaires pass quite complex and multi-stage psychotechnical, medical tests, as well as a check of the level of physical fitness. In addition, while the volunteers are being tested and loaded with public utility, the Foreign Legion's security service checks the identity of the candidate against the Interpol databases.
Finding out the details of the past life of volunteers that are of interest to the security service also occurs during a personal conversation. In total, checking a candidate for compliance with all the requirements of the Foreign Legion lasts about three weeks. At the end of this period, the lucky ones will sign a contract for five years, will be shaved bald, and sent to the Training Center in a brand new uniform.

Recruits of the French Foreign Legion are provided with everything necessary to successfully serve the interests of France, receive fairly solid cash payments, can qualify for a lifelong pension and French citizenship. However, the Legionnaire will be able to evaluate all these positive aspects a little later, but for now, the harsh soldier everyday life awaits the newcomer.

note

Service in the French Foreign Legion falls under the article "Mercenary" of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

According to paragraph 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation of June 13, 1996 N 63-FZ, “Participation of a mercenary in an armed conflict or hostilities is punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to seven years with or without restriction of freedom for a term of up to one year. A person is recognized as a mercenary who is acting for the purpose of receiving material remuneration and is not a citizen of a state participating in an armed conflict or hostilities, who does not permanently reside on its territory, and who is not a person sent to perform official duties"