THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION

I had to throw this idea about joining the French Foreign Legion. This is the ultimate of disappearing in plain sight with the protection of a government and some kick-ass hombre’s at your side.

 

FROM: www.legion-recrute.com

 

Whatever your origins, nationality or religion might be, whatever qualifications you may or may not have, whatever your social or professional status might be, whether you are married or single, the French Foreign Legion offers you a chance to start a new life...

 

Join the 7699 legionnaires and non-commissioned officers hailing from 136 different countries, including France. Build yourself an exceptional future in which “honour” and “fidelity” are fundamental values.

 

Q. Am I obliged to join under a declared identity?

 

A. No, since September 20, 2010, the recruited candidates can sign their contract under the real identity. Except those who asked for the change of name. The definitive decision for this change is taken by the commission of selection.

 

Q. Can I subsequently get back my real identity?

 

A. Yes. We have a procedure known as “Military regularization of situation” which can be used by any legionnaire after one year's service. It is useful for those who have no particular problems outside the Legion. Fresh identity papers must be obtained from the legionnaire’s original country. A legionnaire, if he so wishes, can spend his entire career under “declared identity”.

 

Q. Which documents must be carrier a candidate for the recruitment?

 

A. The presentation of any identity cards (on current validity) delivered by the State of membership of the candidate is asked so as to facilitate the process of selection and recruitment (ID card, passport, driving licenses, diplomas of state). In every case, an act or a birth certificate with filiation will be required before the end of the first year of contract.

 

Q. Conversely, can a foreign born legionnaire become French?

 

A. Yes. A legionnaire of foreign nationality can ask for French nationality after three years’ service. He must have been through “military regularization of situation” and be serving under his real name. He must no longer have problems with the authorities, and he must have served with “honour and fidelity” for at last three years.

 

French nationality cannot be granted under declared identity.

 

Q. Is discipline in the Foreign Legion much harder than in the regular French Army?

 

A. No. The discipline enforced in the French foreign Legion is exactly the same as that of the French Regular Army. However, our traditions of an elite force allow us to enforce this discipline with a greater rigor. We have a tradition of excellence and selection criteria, which allow as to surpass the Regular Army.

 

Q. What are the specific constraints of this elite force?

 

A.  A legionnaire with less than five years’ service must always wear a uniform. N.C.O.S whatever their service may wear civilian clothes when off duty.

 

Motor vehicles may not be purchased by a legionnaire of less than five years’ service and who has not undergone “military regularization of situation”.

 

N.C.O.S must have undergone “military regularization of situation”.

 

Marriage is authorized only to those having undergone “military regularization of situation”. N.C.O.S. without limits of service. Legionnaires after seven years’ service.

 

Civilian bank accounts are only available to those who have undergone “military regularization of situation”.

 

Q. Can a legionnaire go abroad on leave?

 

A. Yes. Leave abroad is only available to those having undergone “military regularization of situation” and in possession of a valid identity document or passport. Those who wish to return to their own country on leave, must have accomplished their military obligations in that country (where applicable), and must not be wanted by the police of that country. Some destinations are however subject to precautionary restrictions (Iraq, Afghanistan...).

 

Q. Are there reception facilities for legionnaires who wish to spend their leave in France?

 

A. There are reception facilities for legionnaires wanting to spend leave in France, for example, the leisure centre of “La Malmousque” in Marseille. These facilities are available on request. N.C.O.S or legionnaires who have not undergone “military regularization of situation” must spend their leave in mainland France.

 

Q. Can I join the Legion never having been a soldier before?

 

A. Yes. Even if many Foreign Legion candidates have previous military experience, this is not an essential requirement. Our basic training teaches all legionnaires enough military know-how to be able to serve with “honour and fidelity”. Previous knowledge of the French language is not required either. French is taught to legionnaires during basic training.

 

 

Q. Can a Frenchman join the Foreign Legion?

 

A. Yes, according to the needs of the legion or the wishes of the candidate, he can be engaged under his real identity or under the declared one.

 

Hey, you never know…