Contents:
Introduction 1
History 3
Joining . 10
The Language Problem 13
Aubagne and Selection . 14
Castelnaudary - Basic Training '75
Your Instructors 27
The Numbers 30
The Songs 34
La Present 36
Bel-Air . 39
Presentation of the Kepi Blanc 41
Le Code D'Honneur 43
A Typical Day 46
Time Off 50
Guard Duty 54
La Legion C'est Dur Mais Gammel C'est Sur 57
Le Raid. 60
How Hard? 62
Brutality 63
The Contract 64
Life in Jail 70
Camerone Day 72
Legion Rules 74
Regiment Postings 76
Trades within the Legion 83
Dress & Equipement 84
Christmas Time 89
Format of a Regiment 91
Weapons of the Legion . 93
Pay in the Legion 97
The Ranks 100
Leave / Holidays 102
Desertion 104
Useful Phrases 105
A few helpful words 107
Appendix 109
Recruiting Centres in France 121
Bibliography 126
THE FRENCH FOREIGN
LEGION
(La Legion Etrangere)
Introduction.
There are those in life that dream of doing things and
those that turn dreams into reality. The French Foreign
Legion today, is alive and kicking and as always, actively
recruiting. It is an army surrounded by romance, myth and
intrigue, with over a hundred and fifty years of history
and a reputation that's a tough one to beat. It is one of
those things that most people only hear about or had a
friend of a friend who actually went and did it.
But for some who have bought this book - it will not be
enough to just read through, and put down. You will take
it upon yourselves to make the dream become a reality. It
may be that you are merely in search of adventure -
perhaps you are trying to escape your past, or maybe you
feel that you are in some real danger. Many people join
the French Foreign Legion because they think they have a
problem and they come to the Legion to overcome that
problem - it is up to you to decide whether the Legion is
the right solution to that particular dilemma. Sometimes,
not an easy decision to make.
And then there are those from the former eastern block
countries, or for that matter absolutely any country in the
world, who seek a new life in the western world
accompanied by the French passport. (On completion of
the first five year contract). For these people it is a golden
opportunity.
The Legion, if it does decide to take you into its fold, will
provide you with a new identity and will protect you from
your past if necessary. Your time served with the Foreign
Legion will certainly take you on many adventures. From
the moment you join, the Legion is your home and from
then on it is your family. (The Legion motto - "Legio
Patria Nostra" means exactly that - The Legion is our
home) There are Legionnaires who have served many
years of service and have only revisited their native
country once or twice in all their years of service. They
find that they are happier and more contented to spend
their time in France. One thing that should be said
however is that it is an experience in life that cannot be
explained or learnt from tales recounted or books read -
no matter how many. To understand the Foreign Legion -
it has to be done. An ex-Legionnaire with five years
service could sit you down and talk to you for five years
and a similar Legionnaire with fifteen years service could
sit you down and talk to you for fifteen years - but you
still would not really know what it is like until you have
actually been there and done it yourself. This book is no
different in that respect, but what it tries to do, is to give
you the information required to get you into the French
Foreign Legion, to equip you with the knowledge of what
to expect and what not to expect, how best to get along
and how to make the most of your time in the Legion.
Perhaps how to prepare you for some of the times ahead
which may lead you to frustration for lack of
understanding. It can be a bewildering experience
learning the ways of the Legion during the first year.
More often than not though, there is method in their
madness.
The decision to join is rarely made on the spur of the
moment - at very least it has been in the back of the
"engage volontaire 's " (recruit's) mind for some time - if
2
not many years. The potential Legionnaire has probably
read books about the Legion and talked to people who
have been there and done it. If they do decide to join, they
will experience adventures which are second to none, meet
friends that will last a lifetime. They will travel all over
the world and carry with them memories that will stay
with them till their last dying breath. Make no mistake
however, that serving five years in the French Foreign
Legion is not easy. Rest assured that all Legionnaires at
sometime during their contract feel at their wits end, they
feel like a prisoner in a cell, they sink to their deepest
depths of depression and doom. It will not be easy -
especially from the mental point of view. Few who join
the French Foreign Legion know what to expect - some
find it so hard mentally to adjust to their new way of life
that they try to desert - and some take it to even greater
lengths and try to dispose of their life altogether. The
longer you serve in the Foreign Legion - the easier life
becomes. With promotion and time served comes it's just
rewards as it does in any army. The one great advantage
in the French Foreign Legion is that promotion can come
relatively quickly for those that are deserving.
History of the French Foreign Legion.
Formation: 9' March 1831.
The French Foreign Legion was formed on the 9 of
March 1831. It's authority was signed by Louis-Philippe -
the King of France. His position as King was weakening
and the Legion was readily formed in order that Louis-
Philippe could maintain his position on the throne.
The oAicers were gathered in from Napoleon's Grande
Armee and the men were recruited from Italy, Spain,
Switzerland and other European countries. There were
3
also some Frenchmen recruits who were trying to escape
the attention of their local Police.
Sebastopol 1853 - 1856.
It was the aim of France to assist Turkey in their fight to
win over free passage of the Black Sea to the
Mediterranean. After a brief victory the 1 ere and 2eme
RE's final attempt to win the town of Sebastopol ended in
a blockade which lasted a year. After suffering a year of
horrendous weather and illness, the Legion could wait no
longer and attempted to take the town but failed badly and
took heavy casulaties. They tried again, but it was not
until their third attempt on the 8 September 1855 that
they succeeded.
Camerone 1863.
On the 30 April 1863 the 3eme company of the RE in
Mexico were given a mission - to ensure the safe arrival
of vital supplies down the road from Vera Cruz to Puebla
in Mexico. This would assist in the blockade of Puebla.
Before they had time to arrive at their destination they
were attacked by nearly a thousand Mexican troops. They
had just stopped for a morning coffee when they were
attacked. Capitaine Danjou started to reposition his men
in a derelict building they had passed only minutes
earlier. He knew this would afford them some cover from
enemy fire. Before they could get there, the cavalry were
charging. They staved off the attack and continued
towards the building. They had barely arrived and a
second wave arrived. There were sixty five Legionnaires
to fight the ensueing hoards - numbered at nearly two
thousand. Quickly they prepared a hasty defence and were
greeted by a Mexican messenger who offered them an
honourable surrender. On top of the roof lay a Polish
legionnaire Sergent who told the Mexicans what they
could do with their surrender. The cavalry charged once
more, but the Legionnaires beat them back yet again. Not
4
without loss however - the Capitaine Danjou had been
badly injured. Before he died though, he made all his men
promise that they would never surrender.
By mid morning the Legionnaires were almost out of
ammunition. They had no food and no water. Again the
Legionnaires refused to surrender.
By late that afternoon there were just twelve Legionnaires
leA and no more ammunition - It then turned to hand to
hand fighting and soon there were just five Legionaires
who remained to face two thousand. The Legionnaires
advanced towards the enemy. Two of the five were shot
down as they advanced.
At that point - the Mexican Colonel arrived and saw the
situation - he again offered a surrender. The Legionnaires
agreed - but only if they could keep their weapons. The
Mexican Colonel agreed saying "I can refuse nothing to
men like you". The Legionnaires had indeed achieved their
mission - they had made safe the passage of supplies to
Puebla by alerting nearby troops of the hoarding
Mexicans and had occupied the enemy for nearly a full
day.
Every year, on the 30 April, in every quarter of the
French Foreign Legion - this day is remembered and is
known simply as Camerone Day. It is celebrated with
great zealousness and pride. At Aubagne, the wooden
hand of Capitaine Danjou is paraded before the Regiment
and all its privileged guests.
Mexico 1863-1867.
The Legion continued fighting in Mexico for a further
four years before being ordered back to France to deal
with more pressing matters at home. The Mexicans were
now being backed by the Americans and there was little
chance of victory. Besides, France's security was
threatened and that was far more important than any
foreign soil. The Legion had however made a name for
themselves and so assured their own future existence -
5
All was not lost. Had it not been for the war in Mexico -
perhaps the Legion would not be here today.
Tonkin 1883.
Tonkin was a French Protectorate in Indo-China overrun
by pirates. The French Commander, Admiral Courbet
attacked the Fort Son Tay and Fort Bac Ninh and then
had the task of defending the Fort Tuyen Quang. For
nearly two months the Legion held out against constant
attacks from the Chinese but eventually help arrived - The
Legion had however lost a third of its company strength.
To the North a battle was going on but came swiftly to a
close and a treaty was signed on 1" April 1885. From
thereon the Legion's role was to promote peace and
tranquility and rebuild the damage done.
Madagscar 1895.
Following a disagreement between the Queen of
Madagascar and the French Republic, an expeditionary
force was sent to Dahomey and then on to Madagascar.
The Legionnaires immediately started to build a road from
where they docked to the objective - a place called
Tananarive. A distance of 250 miles. They built and
fought their way to the objective and when they finally
arrived, after three and a half months, the enemy gave up
without a fight.
The 1" World War 1914-1918.
In 1914 the II/1" RE saw action at the battle of Artois
where heavy losses were taken. (nearly two thousand in
all). They were reformed and one month later were again
heavily defeated at Givenchy. They were finally defeated
so badly that they had to be disbanded in September 1914.
As a result of this the RMLE was formed (French Foreign
Legion Marching regiment) whose job it was to preceed
any troops into battle.
6
The RMLE took part in many battles around France and
took many thousands of casulaties. Their most memorable
was the skilful soldiering which took place in the trenches
of Rheims. They cleared over four miles of enemy
trenches, with just their rifles, bayonets and grenades. The
next great feat was in the Verdun sector where the Legion
succeeded in its mission of recapturing many of its old
positions. This they did in double quick time and with few
losses. Swiftly, the Legion was shifted to Amiens where
they again took heavy casualties and were forced to
retreat. It was not long before they were again diverted to
hold shut the passageway to Paris. Again they succeeded -
but only after much blood letting of it's own men. In July
1918 the French made their offensive and despite still
further heavy losses, much progress was made. For nearly
two weeks the Legion battered, clawed and fought their
way through the Hindeburg Line.
For their efforts in the first world war the Legion had
become highly decorated.
World War 1939-45
In June 1940 the 11 REI was almost entirely wiped out
by a German division in Verdun. The remaining men were
captured but nearly all of them managed to escape to fight
again. The Regiment was however disbanded. In the same
year the 13DBLE was sent to Norway to ultimately
capture Narvik from the Germans. On the way to Narvik
they caused much damage and destruction to German
forces and aircraft. Due to German advances towards
Paris, the Legion had to quickly re-deploy and assist in
the defence of the Parisien quarter. It was not long after
the troubles had been qwelled in the Parisian region, that
the Legion's services were again required. It was this time
the Italians in Eritrea, Africa who required their attention.
7
Indo-China 1940-1954.
Thailand attempted a takeover of Cambodia in 1940 but
were briefly prevented from doing so by the Legion. The
Legion's efforts were wasted however, and as a result of
conciliation Cambodia was handed over anyway. There
was really only one unit of the Legion that was now based
here, that being the 5REI. Again the Legion avoided
combat in the South, due to further negotiation - but this
was not to be for long and the Legionnaires based at the
garrison at Ha Giang were soon massacred. Two
battalions remained and started a death march towards
China.
Before arriving in China the war had ended but was
quickly replaced by another, this time with Ho Chi Minh
and his communists. This war would last nine years. In
1945 the 5REI left to be replaced by a long line of legion
Regiments - The 2 REI, 13DBLE, 1 REC and the 3 REI.
In the meantime the 3REI remained to fight in other areas.
In 1948 they too suffered heavy losses. In 1950 access to
the border with Indo-China was granted to the Chinese
People's army. In 1950 the 3 REI were ordered to move
location but were caught up in a massive ambush which
almost completely wiped out the French forces in the
region. The 13DBLE had more luck however and saw
many victories during 1951. The 3REI which had also
been reformed saw victory also in 1952 at Strongpoint 24.
Soon afterwards the 1BEP jumped into Dien Bien Phu
and took the area and quickly installed a garrison. They
were attacked and despite support provided by the 2 BEP,
were all but completely wiped out. For the Legionnaires in
Indo China the war was now over.
Algeria 1953 - 1961.
Before they could so much as go on Permission, they
found themselves back in Algieria, ready to fight another
war. This time against the Algerian National Liberation
8
Army. Although the Legion had deployed nearly twenty
thousand men to the region they were to come across little
more than enthusiastic skirmishes in the years that
followed. These were to deteriorate to petty guerilla
tactics after not too long. Let down by the politicians, the
Legion were ordered home in 1961. There losses
amounted to little more than a thousand men. Feeling let
down - there was a mutiny and the 1 REP was, as a result
disbanded.
Kolwezi 1978.
As a result of an attempted takeover by Angolan Tiger
Rebels, Kolwezi in Zaire, was seized. They violated the
town, raping and pillaging wherever they pleased. There
were many Europeans caught up in the crisis - some taken
hostage. A distress signal was sent out requesting help
from Europe, to which the 2 REF was activated. After a
lightning deployment, the 2 REP dropped in after only
fifteen hours. After a solid week of fighting and close
quarter battles the Legionnaires had all but wiped out the
Tiger rebels and freed the petrified European hostages.
This was one of the Legion's most successful missions
which earnt them recognition all over the world.
Lebanon 1982 - 1983.
It was again the 2REP who were chosen in this
peacekeeping role, accompanied later by the 2REI, 1RE
and the 1 REC. Like many peacekeeping roles it was not
an easy job, but one which, as usual, the Legion carried
out meticulously and without complaint.
Gulf War 1991.
In September 1990 the 2REI, the 6REG and the 1 REC
were sent to the Gulf in anticipation of Saddam Husseins
threats against the world. After six long months waiting
and a build up of world forces which had not been seen
9
since World War Two, the war began. The air offensive
was won first - this took four weeks, after which the
coalition forces penetrated deep into Iraq. It was referred
to as a Blitzkrieg (Lightning war) and only three
Legionnaires died. Al Salman airport was taken by the
Legion forces with little resistance. The Legion's task was
then to safeguard any retreat by the Republican Guarde to
the West. Very light casualties were taken and after one
hundred hours fighting on the ground the war was over.
Mogadishu 4k, Bosnia 1992-96.
More recently the Legion was again asked to carry out
peace keeping roles in war torn areas of the globe. Under
the direction of the United Nations, the 2 REP were kept
on a tight leash in Mogadishu but the 2 REI accompanied
by the 1 REC managed to carry out various clandestine
operations in Bosnia in 1992-1995. The Legion were able
to make use of the mother tongue of its men in such
scenarios to great effect. Casualties were light in both
areas of conflict.
L'Engagement- Joining.
Joining the French Foreign Legion is a relatively simple
task. In simple terms all that is required is to present
yourself in front of the gates of the French Foreign Legion
and inform the guard that you wish to enlist. To enter
France from Great Britain there are ferry crossings from
Plymouth, Portsmouth and Dover. There are also of
course the airports which will connect you directly to
France's main cities. Some flights are extremely cheap and
it is worth shopping around when at the airport itself or
nowadays you can use the teletext service on television.
The routes into France and the direction from which you
10
come are many and varied, and none of this is any more a
problem than it would be for an everyday tourist.
When you arrive at the gates of one of the recruiting
centres (All of which are listed towards the end of this
book) most people, wherever they come from, manage to
mumble a few words to express a wish to join - some of
which include Legion Etrangere. The Legionnaire on duty
knows exactly what you've come for - particularly if
you've got a bag over your shoulder. If you want to be
more precise in your initial approach you could say
something like this:
"Bonjour - Je suis Anglais, Je suis venus pour joindre
La Legion Etrangere".
Pronounced as follows:
"Bonjoor, - Jer sweez Onglay, Jer swee venoo poor joo-
wondre La Lejon Ay-tranj-air. "
This little parole may initially work against you since they
may assume that you speak a reasonable level of French -
and then you're all of a sudden, going to go all quiet on
them. But they will at least get the message loud and clear
that you want to join.
Once in France however there are 17 recruiting centres to
choose from; situated in most of the major cities. For the
most hassle free route into the Legion you should make
your way down to Aubagne near Marseille in the south.
This approach will cut out 2-3 days administration at one
of the other "sub recruiting centres". If you are stuck for
cash though, and want to get in quickly, the northern most
recruiting centre is Lille. Some centres are more difficult
to find than others but the local Gendarme will help you if
you have difficulty. It is illegal for France to advertise a
11
career in the Foreign Legion in any other country than its
own, but you will see posters all over France saying
"Regarde la Vie Autrement" promoting you to "Have a
look at the alternative life" - images of hardened
Legionnaires stood in their Tenue De Garde gazing across
the desert sands.
When you first arrive they will take your details and kit
you out with a track suit. Apart from an initial medical
and the signing of a provisional five year contract there is
little to do here. Your time will be spent working on the
Quartier (Camp) doing any jobs that are in need of being
done until a reasonable number of engages volontaires
have turned up. Once you have been at the sub-recruiting
centre for a few days and there are enough recruits ready,
a Caporal Chef or a Sergent will accompany you down to
Aubagne itself to start the three week selection procedure.
This journey is nearly always taken by train.
The age limits are officially 18-40. Candidates over
seventeen and one day are accepted but must have a
written consent from either parent, made out in front of an
official witness. All expenses to get to France must be
paid for by yourself. On arriving in France - Lille is the
closest recruiting office. Anybody who is ex-forces would
be well advised to take a photocopy of their certificate of
discharge with them. (Any members of British forces who
are found to be still serving under HM are immediately
refused entry). Although the recruiting ages will extend to
forty years of age - they will expect you to be in good
shape if you are of that vintage. If the Legion does not
think that you look like you're going to be up to it - they
can turn you away without even giving you a crack at the
first test.
12
Once you have walked through the Legion gates you are
allowed no further contact with the outside world - neither
by phone or by mail, for at least three to four months.
Le Langage - The Language Problem.
There really is not a problem in this area - it is an area
which most people dread and feel will present the biggest
problem of all, and it is true to say that there is no
requirement to speak any level of French at the time of
joining. Having said that - any time spent learning the
French language prior to joining will pay dividends very
quickly once you have arrived. Even a basic knowledge of
verbs, nouns and tenses will set you in good stead with the
rest of the Section. It is certainly not something to worry
about however - Even if you don't have the time or are in
a rush to join, the language comes very quickly for most
English speaking people. The ones who find it most
difficult are undoubtedly the Japanese, the Chinese and
those who come from countries whose language is far
removed from the French language. Initially there will be
somebody of your own tongue to help explain the contract
and to fill in the forms during the first few weeks at
Aubagne. Likewise the "Gestapo interview" is also
carried out by somebody of your own tongue. As
mentioned previously, if you take a small phrase book
with a built in dictionary, it will speed up the language
learning process no end. Mixing with the French and
talking French will also accelerate your learning curve.
The sooner you're speaking fluent French and are classed
as a "Francophone" (French speaking person) the sooner
life becomes easier - You don't have to rely on the French
members of your Section or Groupe to translate after
every assembly. It will also mean less press-ups and
13
running around because of misunderstood orders.
Remember that the top dogs during basic training are
given a choice of which Regiment they are sent to on
completion of "L 'Instruction" (Basic training). If you
are deemed to be a good enough recruit they will probably
offer you a place as a Caporal (Corporal) at
Castelnaudary. This assessment will depend very much on
the standard of your conversational French as well as
your soldiering skills. The written side of the French
language is not so important at this stage and will not
become really important until much later on in your
career.
Aubugne and the Selection Procedure:
(Centre de Selection et Incorporation - CSI)
Aubagne is situated about an hour's train journey north of
Marseille and it is here that you will begin and end your
service with the French Foreign Legion. It is also the
home of the ler REI and the Legion Band. The guartier
(Camp) is sometimes known as the Mother regiment of
the Foreign Legion.
The Legion must now decide for sure whether or not to
take you into the fold. It is here that they will find out
about your past, they will test you mentally, physically
and psychologically. You will be assessed and watched
very closely. Any misconduct (Particularly fighting and
ill-discipline) will leave you standing on the outside of the
Qguartier gates. The Legion are not looking for nutters,
psychopaths or macho men. They will also attempt to find
out any details about any crimes that you have committed
in the past. They work very closely with Interpol and if
you happen to be on their wanted list you can expect little
refuge in the Legion. You will be handed straight over to
the Gendarmes. Similarly, anybody found to be still
serving with a foreign army will be denied entry to the
14
Foreign Legion. It is therefore advisable to carry your
discharge papers if you have recently left the forces and
have the appearance of having had a military background.
In days gone by the Legion used to accept almost anyone
into their fold. Today however, the story is a little
different and they are much more choosy as to who they
accept. About two thirds of those who arrive at Aubagne
will go on to commence basic training at Castelnaudary
(The centre for instruction for the French Foreign Legion).
Although the Legion is more choosy they are still keen to
recruit and if you are in reasonable shape, not wanted by
Interpol and pass all the tests which are put before you -
(None of which are extremely difficult) then the chances
are that they will snap you up. Because there is so much
mis-information about the Foreign Legion there are
sometimes men who resemble little more than beggars
who turn up at the Legion's gates to join - people whose
teeth are rotting, are grossly overweight or have vile
infections - they are all turned away.
On arrival at Aubagne your belongings will be removed
and deposited in a plastic bag with a record of all its
contents put on file. If during the first three weeks you
decide to leave (And you are allowed to do this at any
time prior to "La Declaration"- a solemn declaration of
fidelity to serve the French Foreign Legion) or are deemed
to be unsuitable for service with the French Foreign
Legion they will all be returned to you. The only items of
kit that may be retained by you are toiletries, a watch,
underwear and socks and a French dictionary/phrase
book. If however you are accepted into the Legion the
clothing is lost forever - do not therefore wear expensive
clothing when you come to enlist. Your passport will also
be removed until you either opt to leave within the three
weeks selection or at the end of your contract.
15
For these first three weeks you will assigned to duties
around the Quartier. They may be cleaning, gardening,
administration, loading or unloading of vehicles or just
helping in the stores. In fact you can be assigned to just
about anything. Even here you are being watched and if a
bad attitude is shown it will be noted. There will probably
be up to about fifty or sixty engages volontaires at
Aubagne at any one time, all at various stages of their
three weeks selection. A coach load of new recruits
arrives every couple of days and likewise, every day,
some are rejected. Once every couple of weeks a coach
load of the successful E.V's (Engages volontaires) are
taken down to the train station to make their way to
Castelnaudary to begin their basic training.
During your first few days you will be amazed at the
diversity of nationalities that have managed to get
themselves all the way to France - people from China,
Japan, America, Africa, Iceland. In fact - any country in
the world. There are approximately ninety to a hundred
different nationalities serving in the French Foreign
Legion at any one time. Officially however, there are no
Frenchmen in the Foreign Legion (Apart from the
Officiers). Any French people who join have their identity
changed along with their nationality to one of French
Canadian or French Swiss for the purpose of their
records. They have no choice in this matter. There are
some people amongst you though, who have had a very
colourful life - some have been terrorists, drug traffickers,
mercenaries - you name it they've done it. But for all
these people the same rule applies that if they are wanted
by Interpol - it's no go.
If for any reason you want your identity changed and you
are open and honest with the interviewer, it is nowadays a
very simple step to take and probably 80% of
Legionnaires choose to take this road. For some it is a
very serious business and if ever they have inadvertedly
had their picture taken by swarming journalists (As in the
Gulf war) and are aware of it they will very quickly see
their Section Lieutenant to arrange a quick change of
16
identity. (Normally if any journalists are known to be in
the area, the Legionnaires present are asked it they have a
problem with journalists - if they do - they are taken out
of that area and kept well out of the way until the media
have left.
If, during your stay at Aubagne any relatives come
looking for you they will be kept at the main gates. You
will be asked if you wish to see them and if you do not
they will be told politely you are not in the Legion and
asked to leave.
After a minimum of three years service in the Legion a
legionnaire is allowed to rectify his name - meaning to
revert back to his original name or to confirm that the
name being used is correct. Once this is done a
Legionnaire is allowed to wear any foreign medals earnt
in a previous army, he may also leave the country during
permission.
For the first week you will be in a track suit and thereby
identifiable as having just arrived. During the second
week you will be issued a set of combats and will wear a
green flash on the shoulders. In the third week you will
wear the same combats but wearing a red flash on the
epaulettes. When you depart for Castelnaudary you will
be wearing the uniform that has offically been issued,
which includes the Legion beret.
There are five main areas that you will be tested/assessed
on during the three weeks. They are as follows:
Physical health.
Psychotechnical Test.
Security clearance.
Physical fitness.
Two interviews.
17
Physical Health. (Infirmier - Medicaux - Visite
d'Incorporation - Bilan) (Medical assistant - Doctors -
Recruitment examination - Results)
You will pass before the doctors at Aubagne and given a
full medical. Tests will include good all round general
health, bone structure, flexibility of limbs and all bodily
movements, heart and lungs, eyesight, hearing, ear, nose
throat inspection, drug tests, blood tests, urine tests.
Every area that is imaginable will be inspected. If there
are any areas that require further investigation, you will
be taken to the Hospital in Toulon. You will be asked
various questions on your medical history with someone
of your own tongue. If your eyesight is only slightly
defective then you will probably still be allowed in and
glasses will be provided for you at Castelnaudary. The
glasses are specifically designed for use with the NBC
(Nucleaire, Biologique, et chimique) respirator.
Pschotechnical Test.
(Groupe D'Evaluation Psychotechnique)
This is broken down into two parts. The two parts will
examine the aptitude of the candidate, the level of
intelligence and the psycholgical stability.
Niveau General et Niveau Culturel.
These written tests will be taken in a classroom with other
engages volontaires. They are done to try and find out
what you trade or skill you might be suited to in the
Foreign Legion. You might be technically minded or have
a mechanical way of thinking. The test will show
diagrams of pulleys or levers and you may be asked to
work out which one would be the most effective at
carrying out the task illustrated in the diagram.
Another part of the test takes the standard form of a
mathematical questions. This test of intelligence test is not
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particularly hard and most pass without any real problem.
Some of the questions may be using shapes and asking
which one fits into the other or working out the next
number in a sequence.
A final written test done in the classroom are in your own
tongue and will pose questions of an opinionated nature -
perhaps requiring some form of self assessment. Your
answers will be assessed by a specialist afterwards.
Questions may seem bizarre to you - they could be
something like: Do you like nature? Are you considered to
be a hard man in your home town? Do you prefer male
company to female? This test will take about twenty
minutes. Depending on your score - you will be allowed
entry into the French Foreign Legion. The scores achieved
will also determine whether or not you will be able to
progress higher up the rank structure at a later date. (The
tests are repeated throughout you career however)
Security Clearance. (Beaureau Des Statistiques de la
Legion Etrangere - BSLE)
Here, it is up to the Legion to decide whether or not to
accept you into their fold from the security point of view.
But they will make every effort to find out every detail
about you starting from the year dot. The information will
be gathered by means of a personal interview between
yourself and someone of your own tongue. This is part of
the French Foreign Legion Intelligence service and they
are very good at their job. They are referred to as "Le
Gestapo" by the Legionnaires.
Although the Legion will accept people of various
backgrounds they will not accept murderers or those they
consider to be of a dangerous nature. They have in the
past accepted former terrorists and people caught up in
the troubles of their country. For these people it is a
chance to to escape any danger they might be in and to
start life again. The interview will take about two hours
and they will delve into every minute detail of your life;
your family, your schooling - your previous jobs - why
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you want to join. They will ask you about your friends,
where you have been in the world. And if they feel they
are not happy with your story they will invite you back
again for further interviews until they are happy. Your
fingerprints will also be taken during this stage and held
on record.
Physical Fitness. (La Forme Physique)
These tests are done to ensure that you are in a reasonable
condition to take on the tasks that lie ahead at
Castelnaudary. As well as various upper body tests in the
form of pull-ups and sit ups there is a 2600 metre run to
be completed in twelve minutes. If you take longer than
the time allowed then you will have failed selection. (this
equates to just over a mile and a half in 12 mins or just
over eight minute miles). Failures are allowed to re-apply
in three months time.
Interviews. (Les entrevues)
There will be a brief interview, probably with a Caporal
Chef and a second interview with the Major. Both
interviews will take on a similar line of questioning - Why
do you want to join? What have you done in your
previous life? Have you done much physical training in
your life? Do you know and understand what the contract
means? Soon after you have had your second interview
you will be informed of whether or not you have been
accepted into the French Foreign Legion.
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At Aubagne the days will start early, probably at about
5.00am, firstly with Le petit dejeuner (breakfast) - a bowl
of hot coffee or chocolate with some bread, butter and
jam. The coffee will be served in a bowl which you drink
from. This is France now and you will learn to do
everything the French way. As you become known to
more and more Legionnaires you will quickly learn that it
is also customary to shake hands first thing in the morning
or for the first time you meet them during the day. This
happens every day.
There is much to do during the three weeks at Aubagne,
so you will quickly be marched back to the block to start
cleaning. After this the days' activities will begin. It could
be any one of the tests previously mentioned or it could be
something more mundane like cleaning or helping out in
the kitchens.
Throughout each day you will be working in one place or
another, getting called away to carry out another test or
interview and then returning to your present job. If you're
not doing either of these things then you will be getting to
know the other engages volontaires in a sort of a
recreational area at the back of the building. Here there is
a pull up bar and trees to sit under and relax. The days
are long and they can be tiring but it is also an interesting
time for you. You are on the edge of an unknown quantity
- about to embark on a great adventure - with some fairly
bizarre and adventurous members of your planet. You will
probably come across those that like to pull up a sandbag
and tell tall stories - take the things you hear with a pinch
of salt. Especially when it comes to what lies ahead.
You are essentially now in the French Foreign Legion and
it is a tough army with a tough lifestyle. You must stand
up for yourself and don't get walked over. But be warned
that if you are caught fighting and causing trouble - then
you will be turned away. At Castelnaudary they will be
more lenient - and it is sometimes required in life, to earn
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some respect, not least of all in the French Foreign
Legion. Here, however - if they see you as a trouble
maker then you will soon find yourself packing your bags.
There will probably be two days out of the three weeks
that will be spent at one of two Legion camps helping out:
Malmousce and Puyoublier.
Malmousce is a small Legion complex situated on the
seafront close to Marseille. It is an idyllic setting and it's
purpose is to provide for Legionnaires who have no family
or friends, a place for them to spend their Permission
(Holiday). They will go here or alternatively to "Fort De
Nogent" in Paris.
As an engage volontaire you will more than likely be
taken here to Malmousce to carry out any jobs that are
necessary - such as odd jobbing or helping out in the
kitchens. There will probably be about ten to fifteen
Legionnaires there at any one time, all at various stages of
their contract. For them, during the weeks they spend
there, life is easy and they will probably be more than
happy to tell you about life in the Legion and what's in
store for you. The food is normally of a high standard as
it is on most Legion camps.
The other place that you, as an engage volontaire will be
likely to visit is Puyoublier. This is the home for the
former Legionnaires who have completed more than three
contracts in the Legion. In the Legion such men are
known as "Les Anciens ". Most of them have seen action
on more than one occasion during their careers. Some
have seen a lot of action in some of the Legion's most
memorable battles. They are friendly people and only too
happy to talk to "Les Jeunes "(The in-experienced or
latest to arrive). At Puyoublier the men make their own
wine and work the land. There are livestock to look after
and even a crafts centre where they make souvenirs to sell
to tourists. It is their home - they eat well - have company
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they can relate to - and they of course drink well.
Puyoublier continues to give them a purpose in life.
Your job whilst there will again be to help out wherever
needed. By this stage you will be beginning to learn what
hard work is all about.
During your time at Aubagne you will be getting paid a
small amount of money. This will amount to about F100
per week. With this money you will be allowed, probably
once a week, to go to the Foyer (A bar with small shop
attached - There is one on every guartier) - you will be
allowed an hour or so to have a beer or two and buy
anything you need such as razors, cigarettes etc.
It will be very noticeable how all the nationalities gather
together in groups of their own tongue - non more so than
the British. With the "Brits", will be Canadians,
Australians, Scandinavians (who often speak English) and
Americans. Whenever the English speakers gather
together they are known as "La Mafia Anglaise " or
sometimes if they are British "Les Hooligans ".
(Individually, you may find yourself being called
"Johhny" from time to time, particularly by Les Anciens).
But you will notice the Spanish and Brazilians stick
together, the Eastern block countries will stick together.
The French will be in their little group and so on. It is
important to make an effort to mix - if not with the other
nationalities - at least with the French. It is after all, the
French that you will be relying on to learn the language
and, during the initial stages, to translate what has been
said by the Caporal or Sergent.
As well as various lectures and videos covering life in the
French Foreign Legion and the postings that exist, there
will also be a visit to the Legion Museum. Probably one
of the most impressive to be seen. You will be given about
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an hour to wander around during an afternoon and
examine some of the Legion's past.
At some time during the three weeks you will also be
interviewed (albeit it in a very casual manner) on the
subject of music. That is whether or not you play an
instrument or have any inclination to become a musiciain
and any desire to play in the Legion band. The Legion
band is always keen to recruit - any hint of interest and
you will be encouraged all the way in this direction. No-
one is ever forced to join the band however - but if you
are an experienced musician and definitely do not want to
work in the Legion band then it is probably better if you
tell them you are destined to be in the 2 REP and
wouldn't know one end of a trumpet from the other.
(There are some perks to the job of being a bandsman and
the Legion band does travel worldwide every year). All
bandsmen go through French Foreign Legion basic
training just the same as any other Legionnaire.
After a long three weeks of cleaning, tests and interviews
you will finally be told whether you have passed the
selection procedure or not. The successful ones will be
issued with the Legion haircut and be taken down to the
stores to be kitted out with Le Paquetage. This is the
equipment that you will take with you to Castelnaudary
and last you through your contract. It will be contained
within a large green sausage bag called a Sac Moraine.
When you have been issued your paquetage you will
know that very soon you will comme