How to Join the French Foreign Legion
The French Foreign Legion is a military branch of the French Army, created for foreign nationals who wished to serve in the French Armed Forces. Though at one time the Legion attracted criminals on the run, to join the French Foreign Legion today requires a background check, and includes a series of steps that are outlined on the Legion’s website.
- Learn some basic French words. The Legion enlists men of all nationalities, but it helps to know some basic French words.
- Board a plane headed to France. There are several preselection recruiting offices in the country. The applicant pays for his travel and visa expenses, and the Legion supplies free board, lodging and clothing. The Aubagne recruiting office is where selection is done.
- Take a valid identification, which can be a passport or driver’s license. If you are under 18 years of age, parental consent is required. Regardless of whether you are single or married, you will be enlisted as single.
- Decide whether you want to serve under your real name or declare a new identity. If you wish, you can get your real identity back after a year of service by a procedure called “Military regularization of situation.”
- Try not to bring a lot of personal items. Former Legionnaires recommend bringing an overnight bag with a change of clothes, shaving supplies, a watch and a dictionary. Limit the amount of cash.
- Be physically fit. The sports test for enlistment includes running, pull-ups, rope climbing and rigorous abdominal exercises.
- Be ready to undergo some medical tests, including an HIV blood test, a flu shot and dental x-rays.
- Make sure you have a clean criminal record. Minor offenses may be overlooked, but felonies, or drug-related crimes will not go overlooked by Legion personnel.
- Go through the preselection process that includes a medical check-up. The selection process includes the psychotechnical tests, a thorough medical exam, sports test, and a motivation and security interview. Personality tests are also administered at this time.
- Sign a five-year contract and begin training.