How to Join as a foreigner
The French Foreign Legion (Légion étrangère) offers a unique opportunity for men from all nations to serve in the French Army. Known for its rigorous selection and demanding service, the Legion provides a path to a clean slate, a military career, and eventually, French citizenship. This guide outlines the mandatory requirements, the step-by-step recruitment process, and the physical standards for aspiring Foreign Legion recruits.
I. Essential Requirements for Foreign Legion Recruits
Unlike traditional armed forces, the French Foreign Legion maintains few restrictions based on nationality, education, or social status. However, basic administrative, age, and legal conditions must be met.
Quick Links to Key Information
- Official Recruitment Site (Conditions): For the latest rules on age, physical requirements, and documents.
- Recruitment Offices (Locations): Find the nearest pre-selection center in mainland France.
- Physical Preparation Guide: Resources detailing the Luc Léger test and minimum required strength standards.
Basic Eligibility Checklist:
- Gender: You must be a man.
- Age Limit: Must be between 17.5 and 39.5 years old on the day you present yourself at a recruitment office. (Minors require notarized parental consent translated into French).
- Legal Standing: You cannot be wanted by Interpol or be guilty of particularly serious crimes (e.g., murder, major drug trafficking). Minor criminal history may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Commitment: Must be prepared to commit to a minimum of five years of service under contract.
- Documents: You must possess a valid passport (or national ID for Schengen/Associated countries). You must travel to France at your own expense.
- Visa: The Legion does not assist with VISAs or travel arrangements. You must legally enter the Schengen area (usually via a Standard Visitor Visa, though you should not mention Legion recruitment on the application).
II. Step-by-Step Recruitment Process
The only way to join the French Foreign Legion is to physically present yourself at one of the selection centers in mainland France. The entire process, from arrival to contract signing, typically takes 3 to 5 weeks.
Phase 1: Pre-Selection and Initial Screening (Information Post)
- Arrival in France: Travel to a Foreign Legion recruitment center (e.g., Fort de Nogent in Paris or the main center in Aubagne) 24/7. You must travel at your own expense.
- Voluntary Commitment: Upon arrival, you declare your intent to enlist. Your identity documents (passport) are secured, and you sign a voluntary commitment to begin the selection process.
- Basic Checks: Initial administrative checks are completed. You are issued basic clothing and quarters. Room and board are provided by the Legion for the duration of the recruitment.
- Initial Physical Test: You will undergo an immediate fitness assessment, typically focusing on pull-ups (minimum of 4 is required, but aiming for 8+ is strongly recommended).
Phase 2: Main Selection in Aubagne
If you pass the initial screening (often done in Paris), you will be transferred to the central selection center in Aubagne, near Marseille, where the comprehensive testing takes place.
- Psychometric and IQ Tests: You will complete a series of non-academic tests (logic, IQ, personality) to assess your mental capacity and stability.
- Psychological Interviews: You will undergo multiple interviews, including the Gestapo interview, where recruiters will challenge your motivation, question your past, and determine your resilience. Honesty, discipline, and strong motivation are critical.
- Physical Fitness Tests (PFT): These are mandatory elimination tests.
- Luc Léger Test (Beep Test): The main cardio test, measuring aerobic capacity. You must achieve a minimum of Level 7 (though competition often requires Level 9 or higher).
- Endurance Run: Typically a 2400m or 3000m timed run.
- Pull-ups: Assessed for upper body strength and form.
- Swimming: A 25-meter swim is required as a pass/fail event.
- Medical Examination: A comprehensive medical check is conducted using the military SIGYCOP profile system. This includes vision, hearing, dental checks, ECGs, blood tests, and urinalysis (to detect drug use or high protein levels, which can temporarily disqualify you).
Phase 3: Final Selection and Enlistment
- Security Screening: Your background is checked, specifically against serious international crime databases (Interpol).
- Selection Committee: A final committee reviews your scores from the PFT, medical exam, and psychological interviews.
- Contract Signing: If selected, you sign an initial five-year contract for service. Upon signing, you are given a new identity (Dossier Anonyme) which you will serve under for a minimum of six months.
- Initial Training (Basic Training): You are immediately transferred to the 4th Foreign Regiment (4e RE) in Castelnaudary for intensive basic training.
III. Physical and Medical Standards (SIGYCOP Profile)
The physical standards for French Foreign Legion recruits are non-negotiable and designed for global deployment in extreme conditions.
| Component | Standard Requirement | Detail / Disqualification Examples |
| Age | 17.5 to 39.5 years | Strict limit; no exceptions. |
| BMI | Between 18 and 30 kg/m² | Checked rigorously upon arrival. |
| Cardio | Luc Léger Test (Beep Test) | Minimum Level 7 required. |
| Strength | Pull-ups (minimum) | Aim for 8+ reps; assessed for form. |
| Dental | Masticatory coefficient > 40% | Well-maintained and healthy teeth required. |
| Vision | Visual Acuity (SIGYCOP Y-5 minimum) | Myopia no more than -10 diopters; Hyperopia no more than +8 diopters. |
| Medical | Must be fit for all climates. | Definite Disqualifications: Active Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B/C, HIV, Diabetes, Cancer, missing fingers/limbs, or serious unresolved chronic conditions. |
IV. Life in the Legion and Citizenship
The commitment to the French Foreign Legion is a commitment to a new life, offering clear pathways for integration.
- New Identity: Recruits are initially given a new identity (anonymat) to ensure a clean start, which can be regularized to your true identity after six months of service.
- Language: French is the working language, taught intensively during basic training.
- French Citizenship: A Legionnaire can apply for French nationality after three years of service. A faster route is granted if wounded in combat (“Français par le sang versé” – French by spilled blood).http://canada
