What is a legion in France? Advice for those wishing to join the French Foreign Legion and serve in it

The French Foreign Legion is a unique elite military unit that is part of the French armed forces. Today it has more than 8 thousand legionnaires who represent 136 countries of the world, including France. What they all have in common 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 soldiers accepted not only natives of Italy, Spain or Switzerland, 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 large quantity troops. But at the same time, France could not send its subjects to Africa. That is why foreigners living in the vicinity of Paris were recruited into the legion.

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

Today, the legion's rules also allow for anonymous recruitment of soldiers. As before, volunteers are not asked for their name or country of residence. After a few years of service, each legionnaire has the opportunity to obtain French citizenship and begin absolutely new life with a new name.

It should be noted that the first rule of foreign players is to never give up. The beginning of this tradition dates back to 1863, when three legionnaires held down more than 2 thousand 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 founding, the French Legion is under the direct control of the head of state.

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

Legion units are stationed in the Comoros Islands (Mayotte Island), in Northeast Africa (Djibouti), Corsica, French Guiana (Kourou), as well as directly in France.

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

Since mercenaryism is considered a criminal offense in many countries around the world, recruitment centers 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, each recruit is interviewed separately, during which he must clearly and truthfully tell his 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 identified by their white hats, although only privates wear them. The unit's colors are green and red.

Today, about 7 and a half thousand soldiers serve in the legion. The training of soldiers allows them to conduct operations in the jungle and in the dark. They are trained to carry out special operations to neutralize terrorists and rescue hostages. The main task of legionnaires today is to prevent military action. They are called upon to evacuate 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 ground operations 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 earlier, in the area of ​​​​Ez-Zawiya, the Foreign Legion, with minor losses, managed to break into the city center, providing free access to fighters from Benghazi. The command of the legion hoped to raise the Berber population to revolt, but this was not possible.

The participation of the French Legion in the Libyan war is strongly denied by the official French authorities, 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 contradict the UN resolution regarding this state, which only refers 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 a military conflict only after the legionnaires had completed the mission assigned to them.

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

Another place where the French Foreign Legion was also noted is the conflict that flared up in Cote 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 playing “big”, regardless of the interests of its allies in the North Atlantic Alliance. Thus, in April 2011, French paratroopers occupied the airport of the economic capital of Cote d'Ivoire, Abidjan. Thus, the total strength of the French military corps located there was about 1,400 people.

Total number peacekeeping contingent The UN in this country consists of 9 thousand people, of which only 900 were French. France independently decided to increase the size of its military corps, without coordinating the actions with the UN leadership. The basis of the French military corps is the military of the Foreign Legion, who have 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 effectively recognizing that, in addition to the Unicorn, France is also conducting its own independent operation on the country's territory.

Thus, the French Foreign Legion is sent to those 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.

So, you decided to join the French Foreign Legion in order to return to your homeland as a gallant officer, or even not return at all. Think about it first... Is it worth it?

Once you surrender yourself into the hands of the Legion, you are five years, you will lose contact with the outside world, with your Homeland, the Legion will become your family and home. No wonder the legion's motto: "The Legion is our Fatherland". And, quite naturally, you are not welcome there with open arms.

I believe you have thought about it and decided everything for yourself. And if you still decide to try yourself in the military field, then read these essentially simple recommendations.

If your lack of knowledge of the language stops you, you will be taught French, and you will have plenty of practice.

Mercenary activity is punishable by law in most countries, so selection points are only located in France itself. No one will help you get there - it’s all a scam, even embassies won’t help. Go to Paris, definitely on Sunday or Tuesday. From Paris on Mondays and Wednesdays there is a departure to Aubagne, you may be late. There you are address: Paris 94120, Fontenay-sous-Bois - Fort de Nogent. And phone number: 01 49 74 50 65.

There are several options to get to the recruitment point: on a tourist package or illegally. I don’t recommend doing it illegally - problems may arise upon returning to your homeland, and even at the time of recruitment.

If you reach the recruitment point, you will see military unit. There is always a legionnaire at the entrance - go up to him and be silent. Be diligently silent, otherwise he won’t let you in. Then he will ask you about your nationality (you answer “Rus”) and demand your passport. After that, you will be taken inside, and then, after some time, you will be searched and given a medical examination. This is the primary selection. For a while, you will get up at 5.00 in the morning, make your bed, clean, help in the kitchen, carry something... For disobedience - push-ups or a slap on the wrist.

Before leaving for Aubagne, you will undergo another medical examination - a more complete one. You will then be transferred by train to Marseille. From there it’s on to Aubagne. In Aubagne you will be searched even more thoroughly, and then given clothes, toiletries - everything you need. Then they will move in. You will work again, but it will be even better for you - it will not be so boring.

The most important thing is that you will take additional tests. This is why you came to Aubagne. Presumably (!), if nothing has changed, you will undergo three types of tests: psychotechnical, medical, physical.

Psychotechnical: tests for attentiveness, memory. It all depends on your quickness. Medical: medical examination and questions about injuries and illnesses. I recommend getting your teeth treated. Physical: 2.8 km cross-country in 12 minutes, it is advisable to run more. I also recommend doing more push-ups; for any offense you will have to do push-ups.

You will also undergo an interview where you must tell your entire biography. The main thing is to answer truthfully, quickly, and clearly. The interview will take place in three stages. Each next one repeats the previous one, this is a check for lice.

Next, everyone will be lined up and the names of those who have passed the selection will be shouted out. There are about twenty of them, as a rule. If you are not in this top twenty, you are paid money (25 euros for each day that you lost). Not enough for a ticket home, but at least it’s something. Maybe the next try will be more successful.

Otherwise, they start chasing you. Cross country, swimming... Then you take the oath and go to boot camp.

Good luck to you in your new career!

Story

The French Foreign Legion was created on March 9 by King Louis Philippe I based on several predecessor regiments. One of these regiments was Regiment de Hohenlohe under the command of the German prince and French marshal Ludwig Aloys von Hohenlohe-Bartenstein. This regiment fought for the Royalists in the Revolutionary Wars and later served the French King Charles X. As France planned the colonization of Algeria, it needed significant troops. At this time, many foreigners settled in France, and especially in Paris. With the creation of the Legion, King Louis Philippe could receive the necessary troops and at the same time reduce the number of “undesirable” segments of the population in the country. So he passed a law the next day ( la Loi du 9 mars 1831) that the foreign legion could only be used outside mainland France. The officers for the new unit were recruited from Napoleon's army, and the soldiers were recruited from Italy, Spain, Switzerland, other European countries, as well as Frenchmen who had problems with the law. At the same time, a tradition was established - not to ask the name of the recruit.

The day of glory of the Foreign Legion was April 30, 1863, when the Battle of Cameron took place during the Mexican Expedition. A company of legionnaires under the command of Captain Danjou was tasked with scouting the outskirts of Palo Verde in anticipation of a convoy with guns, equipment for the siege, as well as three million francs in cash intended for the French troops besieging Puebla. Setting out after midnight on April 30th, the legionnaires encountered the Mexicans on the morning of the same day. Realizing the undeniable advantage of the Mexicans (1,200 infantry and 800 cavalry), Captain Danjou and his men occupied a building in a village called Cameron. To ensure the safety of the convoy, the Mexicans had to be held at all costs. Knowing that they were doomed and only a miracle could save them, the legionnaires vowed to stand until the end. For more than ten hours they confronted the Mexican army. Despite offers to surrender, the legionnaires preferred death to inglorious captivity. Their sacrifice allowed the convoy to reach Puebla unhindered.

Today the Legion is used where the French state defends its interests within NATO or European Union, has historical responsibilities (for example Côte d'Ivoire) or where French citizens are at risk. It obeys, as in 1831, only one person: the French head of state, today the president.

The Foreign Legion took part in wars and operations in the following places:

French legionnaires in Kolwezi (Zaire) 1978

More than 600,000 people from all over the world served under the green and red flag of the Foreign Legion from its founding until the end of the 1980s. According to the speech of Colonel Morellon, at this time over 36,000 legionnaires fell in battle.

Nowadays, the Legion is not used to wage war, as before, but mainly to prevent military action within the framework of missions under the auspices of the UN or NATO (for example, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan), to maintain peace, to evacuate people from war regions, to provide humanitarian aid, to restore infrastructure (for example in Lebanon and after the Tsunami in South East Asia). Along with this, the Legion is ready to conduct special operations, such as fighting in the jungle, at night, against terrorists and to free hostages.

Locations

Organization and tasks

Foreign legionnaires can be recognized by their white headdress (“Képi blanc”), which, however, is worn only by the rank and file. The color of the beret in the Legion is green ( Béret vert) and icon ( Insigne beret) are worn as in all French army, on right. The Legion's coat of arms is a grenade with seven flames.

The legion's colors are green and red. (Green symbolizes country, red symbolizes blood. If a legion unit is in battle, then the triangular pennant of the Legion is hung with the red side up: “Blood on the country”).

The legion's motto: “The Legion is our Fatherland” (lat. Legio Patria Nostra). To more fully implement this slogan in the consciousness of each legionnaire, his contacts with the outside world in the first five years of service are limited and controlled - the Legion truly becomes a family and home for the legionnaire.

A special feature of the Legion is the song "Le Boudin", which, with the exception of the march, is always sung at attention! Another feature is the typical marching pace of legionnaires. While other army units march at a speed of 120 steps per minute, the Legion takes only 88. This is due to the fact that in African deployment areas there were often sandy soils, making it difficult to march at a high tempo.

Organizations of former legionnaires

Although the number of Germans in the Foreign Legion is now small, due to the significant number of former foreign legionnaires, there are dozens of clubs and organizations of former foreign legionnaires in Germany ( Amicale des Anciens de la Legion étrangère), which mostly consist of legionnaires who served in Indochina and Algeria.

They meet regularly, take care of tradition and go to France for various holidays. Most of these organizations also accept people who have never served in the Legion. Deserters and those expelled from the Legion are not accepted. For this reason, each new member (if it is a former legionnaire) is checked by the union Fédération des Sociétés d'Anciens de la Légion Étrangère.

Films about the Foreign Legion

Artistic

• - “Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion” (eng. Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion ), director: Charles Lamont, USA;
• - "March or Die" March or Die), director: Dick Richards, USA / UK;
• - “The Legion lands in Kolwezi” (fr. La Legion saute sur Kolwezi), director: Raoul Coutard, France;
• - “Adventurers” (fr. Les Morfalous), director: Henri Verneuil, France;
• - “AWOL” (eng. Lionheart), director: Sheldon Lettich, USA;
• - “Legionnaire” (English) Legionnaire), director: Peter MacDonald, USA;
• - « Good job"(fr. Beau Travail), director: Claire Denis, France;
• - “Djinns” (fr. Djinns), directors: Hugh Martin, Sandra Martin, France / Morocco;
• - “Foreign Legion”, director: Kim Nguyen, Canada;

Documentary

• - "Escape to the Legion" (eng. Escape to the Legion), presenter: Bear Grylls, USA;
• - “Warriors of the world. French Foreign Legion", director: Roman Kaygorodov, Russia; == http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pfc1z90vF0 ==

see also

Notes

1. A new chance for a new life (Russian). Archived
2. Debatte unerwünscht (German). Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2009.
3. Fremdenlegionäre in Indochina (German). Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2009.
4. Bei den Deutschen in der Fremdenlegion (German). Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2009.
5. La Guerre d "Indochine (Russian). Archived
6. Simon Jameson French Foreign Legion (Russian). Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
7. Foreign Legion (Russian). Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
8. Shadursky, V. G. Foreign policy of France (1945-2002): textbook. allowance. Minsk: BSU. 2004.
9. Conditions for concluding a contract (Russian). Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2009.
10. Admission. In Aubagne. (Russian) . Archived
11. Richard Lucas Honey, I joined the legion (Russian). Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2010.
12. Federation des Societes d "Anciens de la Legion Entrangere (French). Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2010.
13. Zinovy ​​Peshkov: how the elder brother of Yakov Sverdlov became a French brigadier general (Russian). Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2010.
14. Khreschatitsky Boris Rostislavovich (Russian). Archived from the original on February 18, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2010.
15. “The Great Defender of the Jews” Petliura (Russian). (inaccessible link - story) Retrieved February 6, 2010.
16. French Foreign Legion on the website "Heroes of the Country"

Literature

• Balmasov Sergey Foreign Legion. M.: Yauza, 2004. ISBN 5-699-06982-8
• Jean Brunon Georges Manyu: History of elite troops Foreign Legion 1831-1955. - M.: Isographus, 2003.
• Zhuravlev V.V. Everyday life French Foreign Legion: “Come to me, Legion!” - M.: Young Guard, 2010. - 347 p. - ISBN 978-5-235-03355-9
• Paul Bonnecarrere: Frankreichs fremde Söhne - Fremdenlegionäre im Indochina-Krieg. Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart 2000, ISBN 3-613-01144-1
• Rajko Cibic: Geliebte gehasste Legion - Der abenteuerliche Lebensweg eines slowenischen Fremdenlegionärs. Verlag Lutz B. Damm, Jenbach 1996, ISBN 3-85298-020-8
• Pierre Dufour: La Legion en Algerie. Editions Lavauzelle, Panazol 2002, ISBN 2-7025-0613-5
• Pierre Dufour: La Legion étrangère 1939-1945. Heimdal, Bayeux 2000, ISBN 2-84048-130-8
• Pierre Dufour: La Legion étrangère en Indochine 1945-1955. Lavauzelle, Paris 2001, ISBN 2-7025-0483-3
• Dominique Farale: Mystérieuse Legion Etrangère de 1831 à nos jours. D.I.E. Paris 2005, ISBN 2-914295-16-2
• Peter Hornung: Die Legion - Europas letzte Söldner. Meyster-Verlag, Munich 1982, ISBN 3-8131-8123-5
• Yers Keller, Frank Fosset: Frankreichs Elite - Legions-Paras und Kommandos, Gendarmerie-Sondereinsatzgruppen GIGN, Kampfschwimmerkommando Hubert. Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, ISBN 3-613-02103-X
• Peter Macdonald: Fremdenlegion - Ausbildung, Bewaffnung, Einsatz. Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart 1993, ISBN 3-613-01518-8
• Volker Mergenthaler: Völkerschau - Kannibalismus - Fremdenlegion. Zur Ästhetik der Transgression (1897-1936). Tübingen 2005, ISBN 3-484-15109-9
• Eckard Michels: Deutsche in der Fremdenlegion. 1870-1965, Mythen und Realitäten. Schöningh, Paderborn 2000, ISBN 3-506-74471-2
• Guido Schmidt: Der Cafard - Als Fallschirmjäger bei der Fremdenlegion. Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart 1997, ISBN 3-613-01795-4
• David Jordan: Die Geschichte der francösischen Fremdenlegion von 1831 bis heute. Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart 2006, ISBN 3-7276-7157-2
• Blaise Cendrars: Wind der Welt. Abenteuer eines Lebens. Suhrkamp, ​​Frankfurt/M. 1990, ISBN 3-518-40262-5
• Friedrich Glauser: Gourrama. Unionsverlag, Zurich 1999,

Military history has many pages in which various military formations are mentioned that are directly involved in hostilities and are located in the hottest spots of our planet. The most famous among them is the French Foreign Legion. This is a truly legendary military unit, whose military glory is covered in various myths and stories. Many books have been written about this elite unit and dozens of films have been made. For entire generations of men, service in this unit was considered the ultimate dream. Many have dreamed and continue to dream about how to become legionnaires and quickly put on a special military uniform. However, in reality, instead of bravado and ostentatious gloss, the foreign legion is hard service and work associated with constant risk and danger. Is a person ready to voluntarily give up all the benefits that promise civil life, starting his military career life in accordance with the harsh and strict military regulations?

You can refer to weighty arguments in favor of making such a decision: good salary, full social Security, the opportunity to subsequently obtain French citizenship. However, for all this one has to pay a high price: personal freedom, hard physical labor and deprivation, and finally, constant danger and threat to life, despite the fact that the romance of military service, future privileges and decent pay is a serious motivation.

French Foreign Legion - what is it really?

It should be noted right away that the legion is not a club of interests in which everyone does what they want. This is full military unit, relating to the armed forces of the French Republic. Not only does it apply here military regulations, but also a whole series of provisions that regulate the procedure for serving. Unlike traditional armed forces, the legion has a different recruitment and recruiting system. The military personnel of this unit undergo a completely different, exorbitant level of training. Subsequent service in the legion takes place in conditions as close as possible to combat, in various parts of the planet.

Only representatives of the stronger sex can become legionnaires. Women are not allowed to serve in the foreign legion!

The history of this legendary military unit goes back less than two hundred years. In 1831, King Louis Philippe I of France undertook an adventurous military operation in North Africa. The military campaign, according to the plan of the French court, was supposed to divert attention civil society from internal problems in the state. The purpose of the military expedition to Algeria was the declared expansion of the borders of the colonial empire.

This dubious event required a significant number of troops, which France clearly did not have enough at that time. In addition, the French generals were not delighted with the military adventure of the French king and in every possible way opposed sending units of the regular French army to overseas possessions. Life itself suggested a way out of this situation.

France first half of the 19th century haven't survived centuries better times. The economy was in decline and the country's population was in dire straits. The consequences of fifteen years of continuous wars that France waged under Napoleon Bonaparte were felt. A huge number of idle males appeared inside the country, looking for any ways and opportunities to improve their plight, without disdaining robbery. Neither the police, nor the gendarmerie, nor the army could cope with such negative phenomena. The only way out of this situation was a royal decree on the creation of a new paramilitary unit under the leadership of French officers, which could be staffed by people who had problems with the law.

In this way, it was possible to immediately solve two problems:

• by legalization, remove criminal and unreliable elements from the streets of French cities and roads;
• gather the required number of people for subsequent training and sending to the colonies.

The only condition stipulated in the royal decree was that the newly created paramilitary force could not be used on the territory of the metropolis. As a result of such actions, in just a few months the required number of people was recruited through recruitment centers. The set did not have any special requirements. The recruits were neither asked for their name nor their social background. To become a legionnaire, a man from the street only had to be in reasonable health and have an idea of ​​how to hold a gun.

Shortly after the first months of initial military training, recruits were sent to Algeria to suppress the uprising of local natives and to participate in the expansion of colonial possessions. New army was given the name Foreign Legion.

The first combat experience showed that the chosen tactics were completely justified. Legionnaires, unlike regular army soldiers, knew what they were fighting for. Having shown enviable ingenuity, tenacity and perseverance on the battlefield, the soldiers and officers of the foreign legion were able to quickly suppress not only pockets of rebel Arabs, but also establish a strict and harsh colonial regime in the colony. From that moment on, the foreign legion began to be involved in almost all wars waged by France. In the 19th century, legionnaires had to fight in Spain and Mexico. The French Foreign Legion also took part in the Crimean War, fighting Russian troops near Sevastopol.

In the next 20th century, legionnaires became participants in the largest military conflicts that affected not only France, but also shocked the whole world. Conquest of Indochina, participation in military operations in the French colonies in Madagascar, Morocco, then the First World War. Everywhere, in the most dangerous areas, soldiers and officers of the foreign legion were involved. The French Foreign Legion became a kind of special forces that solved the most complex tactical and strategic problems. At some points, the number of units of the Foreign Legion was about 50 thousand people. The servicemen of this unit had to serve in the most different parts light, starting from the hotel islands in Pacific Ocean and ending with the dense jungle South America and tropical Africa.

The essence of the Foreign Legion as a unit and how to get into it

Despite the fact that the Foreign Legion is officially part of the French army, in reality it is a separate military unit reporting directly to the head of state. At first it was the King of France, then the Emperor, and in modern times - the President of the French Republic. Neither army regulations nor orders of the Minister of Defense apply here. Today the legion has its own, developed infrastructure. Each regiment that is part of the legion has its own quarters, with barracks, headquarters and even its own guardhouse. At its core, it is a closed organization, reminiscent in its structure of medieval orders of knighthood.

The legion is financed from the state treasury and through sponsorship. A significant part of the Foreign Legion’s budget comes from financial and economic groups and lobbyists who have heavy weight in internal and foreign policy France. In other words, there are no permanent and fixed allocations for the maintenance of the legion. Unlike the regular French army, legionnaires do not have broad social government guarantees.

The French Foreign Legion is distinguished by its military doctrine. There is an unspoken limitation on the equipment of the units that are part of the Foreign Legion. There are no full-fledged tank formations or its own aviation. Armed with armored personnel carriers, light artillery systems, and helicopters. The bulk of combat work has to be performed by infantry units. Today the legion includes:

• one armored cavalry regiment;
• two airborne units;
• engineer regiment;
• infantry and training regiments.

Some military units are stationed on the territory of continental France and on the island of Corsica. In the town of Aubagne, department of Bouches-du-Rhone, on the territory of the 1st regiment, the General Headquarters of the Foreign Legion is located. Other units are located in overseas territories controlled by France.

The procedure for recruiting military units belonging to the French Legion. Unlike previously used recruitment methods, when citizens with any reputation and any nationality could become legionnaires, today the conditions for recruitment into this elite unit tightened.

In order to become a legionnaire today, it is enough to know the mechanism of the admission procedure and have a relatively unblemished reputation. Gone are the days when the Legion was a convenient shelter for those who tried to hide from the law, even from another state. The main and main condition for starting the process is a voluntary desire, which must be shown along with your passport at the recruitment point. This is followed by a strict medical examination and assessment of your physical abilities. Today, the Legion is not ready to support soldiers who are in poor health and who do not fully understand what they will have to deal with. The first contract is signed for a period of 5 years, and the main article of the contract directly indicates that you will not have to sit out in the rear at a warm resort. The main function of legionnaires is to serve in hot spots, where the likelihood of hostilities and clashes is always high.

Not only a face can become a legionnaire French origin, but also a foreigner. Over the years of the existence of this unit, representatives of more than 130 states served in the Foreign Legion. Only privates and sergeants are recruited into the Legion. Command at all stages is carried out by French officers, therefore French is the main command language.

After the end of the first contract, military personnel who have demonstrated valor, bravery and have an impeccable reputation receive either French citizenship or a residence permit in France. Having been wounded during operations, there is a chance to immediately receive not only French citizenship, but also a serious increase in salary. The service life of a legionnaire is limited only by the period of validity of the contract. In other words, if a legionnaire’s contract has expired and he is tired of fighting, he can leave. For those who served under the banners of the Foreign Legion for 19 years or more, a lifetime pension with the right to provide housing is assigned.

Despite the fact that today the number of military conflicts in which the French Foreign Legion participates is limited, the life of a legionnaire is not easy. In parallel with high salaries and relative living comfort in Peaceful time, soldiers of the foreign legion, as before, experience hardships and hardships military service in double or triple volume.

186 years have already passed since the formation of the Foreign Legion by France began. 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 infantry troops, is 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. In exceptional cases, the French 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 from a predominantly foreign contingent led 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. internal wars and revolutions in European countries. With the wave of immigration, a stream of people, often left without documents, sought refuge in France. For many years foreign soldiers served in the legion, mainly in regiments drawn up according to nationality. One of the features of entering the service was the opportunity to start life with clean slate, declaring their identity in accordance with internal needs. The rejected, exiled, and offended were given the chance to change their fate.

The first legionnaires landed in Algeria in August 1831 and on April 27, 1832 received a combat mission, and with its implementation, a reputation as valiant and persistent warriors. Wielding a pickaxe and a gun equally well, the legionnaires' merit was the construction of occupied territories basic training camp and headquarters of the 1st Foreign Regiment at Sidi Bel Abbes 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 troops were sent to participate in the mission, and after 3 years only five hundred of them remained alive. During this campaign, the need for a mix of recruits and a move away from forming battalions along ethnic lines became apparent. In the future, members of 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 to solve the problem of the shortage of troops in Algeria. Thus, by 1840 the legion was divided into two parts. Without interrupting the Algerian mission, the troops take part in other military operations designed to increase the country's colonial territories. Soldiers fought on the fronts Crimean War against Russian Empire in 1854-1856, Sevastopol was besieged. In 1859 they supported the Italians in the second war of independence.

During the Franco-Mexican War, they gained glory at the Battle of Cameron. Heroic resistance was accepted as a model of courage to be emulated by all units of the legion.

In 1883, the government revived the policy of colonial expansion and strengthened the legion's forces, sending them to the front lines.

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 actively participated in the development of civil infrastructure in the colonies.

During the First World War, five infantry regiments were formed for deployment to Morocco. Four years of fighting were carried out by soldiers under the flag of a colonial infantry regiment of the French army.

Since 1920, units have served in Syria, Lebanon and Morocco as peacekeepers. An impressive road tunnel drilled into granite on long 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 soldiers. The newly created 11th and 12th Foreign Infantry (REI), 97th Group, 22nd and 23rd Regiments of the 21st Foreign Volunteer Infantry (RMVE) fight in the turmoil of 1940. Recruits serve in Norway, bringing victory at Narvik. The Foreign Legion, which contributed huge contribution the liberation of Europe knows no rest.

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 are the Germans defeated in World War II. Dien Bienph in Indochina is remembered for its colossal losses. The army loses 300 officers, including four corps commanders, more than ten thousand sergeants and privates. This campaign became the deadliest in its entire history. Even before the end of the conflict in Indochina, a new combat mission appears in North Africa.

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

The legion lived in Chad from 1969 to 1970, and returned there from 1978 to 1988. In 1983, the legion was sent to Beirut as part of a multinational security force. In 1991, during the Iraq War, more than two and a half thousand legionnaires took part in the victorious Operation Desert Storm. Since 1992, peacekeeping activities began under the auspices of the United Nations. The Legion is located in Cambodia, Somalia, and Rwanda. In 1993, units of the legion were sent to former Yugoslavia. In 1996 in Bangui and in 1997 in Brazzaville, fighters took part in an operation to protect civilians.

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

Legionnaire's Code of Honor

In the Foreign Legion, the fundamental value is brotherhood in arms. The code of honor itself is relative new document, which arose in the 80s of the last century. The rules for military personnel are clear and strict. The concept of voluntary discipline, camaraderie, pride in one’s status, respect for a defeated enemy, the sacredness of the mission - the legionnaire learns at the training stage. Applying for contract service, each recruit receives a brochure on native language, containing a set of rules and ethical standards, highlighting an employee in an elite military unit. Instructions on everyday issues are also important: from the specifics of wearing a uniform to recommendations for communicating with fellow soldiers. The main parting word for young people is a set of instructions on the topic of combat. The Code is strictly observed so that the glory of those who fell in battle does not fade, and the young replacement becomes worthy of the memory of heroes.

Important points of the legionary code:

• The legionnaire serves France on a voluntary basis with all honor and loyalty.
• Soldiers are brothers in arms, and it doesn’t matter what nationality a comrade belongs to or what religion he professes. The fighters are in solidarity, like members of one family.
• Honor traditions, respect the commander. Discipline and teamwork are strength, and dignity is courage and loyalty.
• A warrior is proud and behaves modestly. Wears an impeccably prepared uniform and regularly cleans the barracks.
• A representative of the elite troops must train diligently, tirelessly improve his skills in handling weapons, constantly confirming his qualifications.
• Performance combat mission- a sacred duty that must be fulfilled even at the risk of life.
• Enter into battle without fear and hatred, respect the vanquished, and do not leave a wounded or dead comrade or weapon on the battlefield.

This military formation is part of French history. Open to technical innovation, easily adaptable to reorganizations, the legion always performs at cutting edge military actions. This success is largely 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, still prefer to serve under French command.