About 2-3 weeks into your stay at
Aubagne, if all goes well you will be redded and be given army fatigues to wear
instead of the old French Army track suits the candidates are given. You will
undergo a week with your future instructors in Aubagne before taking the train
to the most traumaticized regiment in the Legion. 4eme Regiment Etrangere. I
hate that town. You will spend a weekend there before your whole instruction
platoon will take all of its kit, weapons off to one of 3 instruction farms out
in the surrounding countryside of Castelnaudary.
Out here, the whole platoon is at the mercy of its Platoon leader, its NCOs,
and the Corporals. Usually the days are spend with running in the morning,
french lessons, combat and military training, marching exercises. The evenings
are usually spent by learning Legion songs( The Legion takes singing very
seriously) or Night Marches. Before lunch and dinner you can be expected to do a
series of pushups, pullups, stretching exercises and most importantly climbing
the rope(6 m). After about one month on the farm, you will do the Kepi Blanc
march. Usually 80-100 km in 2-3 days with full gear. If and only if completed
successfully will the candidate be allowed to wear the infamous Kepi Blanc. Only
then does he become a legionnaire. Following the farm, the legionnaires will
return to Castelnaudary for 2-3 months to complete there training. At the end of
the training session, the legionnaires undergo final exams:
Shooting tests: FAMAS accuracy
Sport exams: 8km full kit run, timed rope climb, obstacle course, swimming
test
Military exams: Map-reading, Weapons knowledge,
French tests: Basic comprehension and writing capabilities
Legion tests: Legion history, drill-marching
Upon completion of instruction the legionnaires are generally able to choose
the Operational Regiment where they serve. There are so many spots available for
each regiment. The legionnaire who finishes first in the final exams will be
able to pick the regiment of his choice. The legionnaire who finishes second
will be able to pick from what is left over. You should try to finish as high as
you can if you wish to get the regiment of your choice. Generally, the overseas
regiments are considered valuable along with the REP spots. Although, I have
seen the bottom of the barrel sent to REP because nobody wanted to go.
Physical requirements: You should be able
to do at least 2800 metres in 12 minutes to join. This is only a rough estimate,
at times where there are alot of candidates higher performances may be demanded
and vice versa.
Also, you will be required to climb a 6 metre rope with only arms, at the end
of instruction, so you should be doing alot of pullups and strengthen your grip
because sliding down the rope burns your hands(ouch)
You will all choose your regiment in Castelnaudary but this choice is not
final until you go back to Aubagne where they will officially send you to your
regiments. Some can threaten to quit the Legion if they only want to go overseas
and it did work for a Hungarian I did instruction with.
To get your old identity back, you must go through a process called
rectification. To be rectified, you must first wait, to my knowledge, 3 years
and then you can request to be rectified. Then you must get approval. When you
get this approval, you must provide 2 birth certificate documents no older than
6 months, and then the Legion will process your rectification. When you get
rectified, you will take back your old name, and can officially exist in France,
ie. get a civilian driver's license, etc. You cannot get married or have a bank
account outside of the Legion unless you are rectified.
Glasses can be worn by Legionnaires. I am not sure of the exact prescription
requirements, this may be worth a phone call. If you don't have a heavy
prescription then I would not worry about it.
Charle Stoeng phoned Aubagne about colour-blindness:
In the Legion selection process the colour-blindness are classified in four
different groups:
C1 - Is normal eye sight.
C2 - Is the most common type of colour-blindness (green-red).
C3 - and C4 are complicated (the doctor says that I'm to stupid to
understand) and decided by the specialists in an military hospital.
Only the C4 will actually make you unfit for serving in the Legion, and it is
apparently an serious medical problem that can not be fixed.
The doctor also says that it is extremely seldom that anybody is not accepted
due to this problem. (Less than 10 every year).
To get married in the Legion one must be rectified and either be a sergent or
have at least 7 years service.
A legionnaire is given leave based only on the number of years service.
Saturdays and Sundays are free and are not counted against your leave days. In
your 1st year you can have 15 days leave, 2nd year 20 days, 3rd year 25 days,
more than 3 is 45 days.
In the Legion, you work Monday to Friday and usually Saturday mornings til
Noon. Usually, once a month, your Company may give you a 48 hour pass which
means you get the whole weekend off.
To get a pension, one must serve at least 15 years in the Legion. If you
leave after 8 years or more you are entitled to a retraining course in a trade
of your choice.
One starts out as an Engage Volontaire until you have finished your Kepi
Blanc march when you become a Legionnaire. At 10 months service, you become a
Premiere Class Legionnaire. One can expect to be sent on the Corporal's course
anywhere from a year and a half service to 3 years service. Of course, this
depends on how well you perform and if they need corporals in your platoon. To
become sergeant, you can do it at 4 years if you are lucky, but they will, most
likely ask you to sign on at least an additional year.
Special Forces in the Legion:
There are the CRAP(Commandos de Recherche et d'Action dans la Profondeur) in
2 REP. They are sort of like pathfinders. Entry requirements involve a 30 km run
with full kit, map reading, obstacle course, etc. Very difficult to get into.
There are the DINOPS in 6 REG as well:
Detachment Intervention Nautique Operations de Profondeur Subaquatique.
Attached to all of the French Combat Engineer Regiments, in the Legion this
would be the 1er & 2e REG. To qualify, you need to have served in a combat
company for a minimum of one year and be a caporal or ready to take the caporal
course. They have selection tests whenever they have spots open. Selection is
done over a week period, where you train with the team and complete numerous
timed events. The French Military set the standards, but to make Legion DINOPS
you need to blow-away the regular French Army standards. These tests include 5
mile pack-runs, pool and open water swims, etc. After the test week, you get
evaluated and either excepted or refused. If Excepted you go to "SAF" school for
a few months and then to jump school for a few weeks. At this point you are
considered SAF (Section D'aide Franchissement) not DINOPS. After a probationary
period with the team (SAF and DINOPS are considered the same team just different
qualifications) you will be sent to IO (Intervention Offensive) school for a
couple months learning Closed circuit scuba etc. After this school you are
considered DINOPS.
REGIMENTAL PROFILES:
These are as accurate as I can get please
correct me if any errors are detected.
There are 10 Regiments and 1
detachement in the Legion at present. The 5 RE will soon be closing.
1RE
(Premier Regiment Etranger) Aubagne approx. 800 legionnaires
3 companies:
- CCSR Support Unit for 1 RE
- CSLE Administrative unit for the whole Legion(also contains the Musique
Prinicipale which is the Legion's musical band)
All the recruitment staff
belong to this company
- CAPLE Transfer Company for the whole Legion
1REC(Premiere
Regiment Etranger de Cavalerie) Orange approx. 900 legionnaires
formed in
1921
very strict regiment and the regiment prides itself in tradition
only regiment which has Escadrons instead of Compagnies
only regiment to
where silver on their uniforms instead of the standard gold
6 squadrons
- ESC Support Squadron
- 1,2,3,5 Escadrons Tank Units
- 4 Escadron Reconnaisance Unit
 |
AMX 10RC Tank used in Premier
REC |
1REG(Premier Regiment Etranger de
Genie) St. Christol approx. 800 legionnaires
used to be 6 REG but recently
changed its name
regiment designed for heavy engineering and explosive work
formed in 1999
6 Companies:
- 1 Support Company (CCL)
- 4 Engineering Companies
- 1 Company specializing in water crossings, etc.
 |
VAB (VEHICULE DE L'AVANT BLINDE)
Troop Transport used throughout the
Legion |
2REG(Deuxieme Regiment Etrangere
de Genie) Avignon approx.950 legionnaires
newest regiment
regiment
designed for engineering and explosive work
formed in 1984
4 Companies:
- 1 Support Company (CCL)
- 3 Combat Companies
- 1 Advance Company
2REI(Deuxieme Regiment Etranger
d'Infanterie) Nimes approx 1100 legionnaires
very well equipped regiment
with good lifestyle and located in a big town
Infantry Regiment in France
6 Companies:
- CCL
- 4 Combat Companies
- CAC Company specializing in HOT anti-tank missiles
2REP(Deuxieme Regiment Etranger de Parachutistes) Calvi,
Corsica approx. 1300 legionnaires
get approx. 30% more than the regiments in
France due to jump pay.
7 Companies:
- CCS Support Company(administration, mechanics, medics, etc.)
- 1 Cie Urban Warfare
- 2 Cie Mountain
- 3 Cie Amphibious
- 4 Cie Explosives and Snipers
- CEA Mortars and artillery
- 1 Support Company(Material and Equipment Support)
 |
Sniper(Tireur d'Elite) at the
shooting range with the FRF2 sniper rifle
Thanks Andy for the
pic! |
3REI(Troisieme Regiment Etrangere
d'Infanterie) Kourou approx. 700 legionnaires
approx. 30% more pay than in
France
Infantry Regiment located in French Guyana, South America
do alot
of interesting things in the jungle (ie. survival, combat, commando training)
5 Companies:
- CCS Support Company(administration, mechanics, medics, etc.)
- 1 Combat Company
- 1 Mortar Company
- 1 Visiting Company
- 1 Backup Company
4RE(Quatrieme Regiment Etranger)
Castelnaudary approx 550 legionnaires
Training Regiment for the whole Legion
6 Companies:
- 1 Support Company
- 3 Engage Volontaire Companies(ie. boot camp instruction companies)
- 1 Corporal and Sergent Training Company
- 1 Specialist Training Company(ie. medic, mechanic, secretary, radio, etc.)
5RE(Cinquieme Regiment
Etranger) HAO, Tahiti approx. 200 legionnaires
approx 70% more pay than in
France
cannot go here right after boot camp
soon to be closed
located in Tahiti and do alot of construction work there
2 Companies:
- 1 Management Company
- 1 Work Company
13DBLE(Treizieme Demi Brigade de la Legion
Etrangere) Djibouti approx. 700 legionnaires
at least double the money than
in France
highest paid regiment
saw some action in Somalia, and Rwanda
4 Companies/Squadrons:
- 1 Support Company
- 1 Engineering Company
- 1 Combat Company
- 1 Reconnaisance Squadron(Light Tanks)
DLEM(Detachement
Legion Etrangere a Mayotte) Mayotte approx. 100 legionnaires
around 70% more
money than in France
usually for legionnaires with more than 5 years service
3 Companies:
- 1 Support Company
- 1 Visiting Company
- 1 Mortar Company
A posting by Robert Beaver, June 11, 2001(mailto:ksbrig@yahoo.com?subject=http://home.talkcity.com/spiritcir/lediable/
I am just back from selection in Aubagne. I spent 2 weeks there, and
made rouge before i volunteered to go "civile". It would take a book to explain
everything i experienced, but i will put to rest some of the "myths" and rumors
about selection. First of all, why i decided to go civile is really nobody's
fucking business, but because i know there are others in my situation, i will
explain briefly. I was a white power skinhead in America for many years and had
all the tattoos skinheads have. Now, of course i grew up and changed, but could
not easily get rid of the tattoos. I was the center of EVERYBODY'S attention. My
first day, I had to see 4 different officers (with the last being the Colonel of
the 1st Regiment)and explain my story. None of them wanted me. they told me to
go home. The ONLY things that saved my ass was that i had no return ticket, had
a spotless record, had just graduated police training in the US (and had the
papers to prove it), and i was honest about everything. They made an exception
for me on the condition that after Castel (if i passed selection) i would have
to have most of my tattoos removed BEFORE i went to my Regiment. They advised me
to do it BEFORE Castel, but i insisted to do the selection and instruction
first, so they decided to let me try. I had many problems with the other EV's
right off the bat. They didnt like me and they didnt even know me. I stayed out
of trouble and only had words with a few people and i dont think we even
understood what the other was saying. I passed the run and all the tests. The
interviews with the Gestapo were hell, but everything came back ok (like i knew
it would) and i made rogue. There was an American Adjudant Chef that made the
"interrogations" somewhat easier. He was a very pleasant man but was very
detailed in his questions. Anyway, I decided no to risk going to Castel with all
my tattoos and running into a Caporal Chef who might use them against me. I also
didnt want to spend every hour fighting someone who either didnt understand or
didnt care. The Legion might see me as trouble and get rid of me out of
instruction. So i volunteered to go civil. My Caporal Chefs were shocked and
pissed at me at first. I busted my ass and they knew i was not a trouble maker,
but after i explained, they understood and agreed. One Caporal Chef told me that
if i did not return, he would hunt me down and beat the shit out of me (and i
believe him!). Well the Lieutenant who i talked to last, asked me how long i
needed to cover my tattoos and heal. We agreed 6 months was enough and so in 6
months, voilą! I will return. OK, now you know. I dont give a fuck about your
opinions of my decision. It's my life not yours. In less than one year i will be
wearing my Kepi, so it doesnt matter what anyone says to me now. Now to the
myths and rumors: -If you want an extra week of hell, sign in at Paris and bon
chance. The EV's i met who went through there said they regretted it. But maybe
you need to find out for yourself. -the Caporals and Caporal Chefs in Aubagne do
hit EV's. I do not care what you have heard. I was there. i saw it. SEVERAL
TIMES. As long as you are not a total fuck up or a smart ass, you have nothing
to worry about. -I read "learn to take 2 minute showers".....you better learn to
take 30-45 second showers...and all the showers on one side had only cold water.
I wont say which side. It would ruin the surprise. -Wake up is at 0400 on week
days and 0600 on weekends. -The food is OUTSTANDING and you always get enough to
eat. (the only exception is when the cook is off or sick -French rations SUCK!)
-You only get to piss, shit and drink wateer during meals or at night after
lights out. if you have a weak bladder, you are in for a nightmare (just let a
Caporal Chef catch you pissing outside in the waiting area) -no sleeping at
anytime, anywhere except you bed at night -Keep you mouth shut AT ALL TIMES
unless asked a question -If you speak only english, be prepared to be very
confused at all times or be able to learn french VERY quickly. I met only 3 or 4
Legionnaires out of 100 who spoke enough english for me to communicate with. My
first 3 days, i spoke absolutely no english with anyone. I also speak some
spanish, i survived. -no one who ran 7 laps got sent civile. I took my time, ran
7.5 and had no troubles. Some guys ran 8 and 8.5. No one got let go for running
2 many although i was told buy some of the EV's that had been there longer that
it was not good to run more than 9. So my point is, run 7 to 8.5 laps (2800-3400
meters) in 12 mins. and you'll have no problems. -You will not do any pushups
(pressups for you UK guys), situps or any kind of rope climb. Maybe that happens
in Castel, but not selection. The only time you will be doing pushups is when
you piss off Caporal Chef. -Get a good tan before you go. I did, and it payed
off. We spent several hours everyday (10+ on the weekends) working in the sun
with NO shade. After the first weekend 6 buys were sent civil (temporary) for
betting burned. -fights do happen, and when they do, BOTH men are sent civile,
no questions asked. -dont come to Aubagne being a tough guy or asshole. If you
do, The Gestapo will send you home. - You are being watched ALL THE TIME. act
accordingly. - and finally, if you have racist tattoos or any that are
questionable (if you have to ask, it is no good, get them covered or removed
BEFORE you go or you will not even get in the front door. They strip you within
minutes of arriving and will send you out the door if they see anything they
dont like without telling you why. OK, enough for now. Good luck to all you guys
who are going. I was the only American. I heard of several who came before me
and went civile. The selection is not a day camp. keep that in mind and you will
do fine.
