What’s the French Foreign Legion?

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The French Foreign Legion accepts volunteers of any race, creed or nationality and is an integral part of the French military. Members range in age from 17 to 40 and come from diverse backgrounds. Founded in 1831, it has played vital roles in many famous battles. Members wear a distinctive uniform and must commit to a five-year enlistment. They receive language education and undergo a four-month training camp. If called up, they are expected to serve France in accordance with the mission of the Foreign Legion.

The French Foreign Legion is a unique arm of the French military that accepts volunteers of any race, creed or nationality. The Foreign Legion is considered an integral part of the French military and accompanies other military members on missions using the same equipment and lenses. Members of the Foreign Legion range in age from 17 to 40 and come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Most members of the Foreign Legion join because they have been fascinated by the mystique of the organization, which is known worldwide, albeit imperfectly understood.

The Foreign Legion was founded in 1831 by King Louis-Philippe and was designed to be a union of volunteers interested in serving France. Since 1831, the Foreign Legion has played vital warfare in many famous battles involving the French, from Algeria to Vietnam. To many, the Foreign Legion is quite an enigma, made up entirely of people loyal to a country not of their birth.

Members of the Foreign Legion are distinguished from members of the conventional military by a number of things, starting with their uniform. The distinctive white kepi, or hat, tops a green and red uniform with a blue band. When involved in military operations, members of the Foreign Legion wear clothing appropriate to the application, ranging from camouflage uniforms to diving suits.

The Foreign Legion also has a well-known band and a traditional slow march. The Foreign Legion band uses more fifes than conventional military bands and carries the drums differently. The Foreign Legion also uses different ceremonial and parade music and has ceremonies unique to the organization. Steeped in tradition, the Foreign Legion takes the code of honor and the history of the organization very seriously.

To enlist in the Foreign Legion, an individual must meet the age requirements and be in good health. He must be willing to commit to a five-year enlistment. Knowledge of French is not required, because the Foreign Legion provides language education to those who enlist. Recruitment can be done at any recruitment center in France. Enlistment in the Foreign Legion should be considered carefully, because the organization is demanding and does not provide financial assistance.

If approved, the recruit is sent for a physical exam. Upon passing, the recruit is sent to a four-month training camp and then expected to return to civilian life in his home nation. If called up to the Foreign Legion at any time during the five-year enlistment period, the Legionnaire is expected to serve France in accordance with the mission of the Foreign Legion.




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