French Foreign Legionnaires v.s. U.S. Navy SEALs?

Question

I was watching the training of French Foreign Legionnaires on the Military channel the other day and saw the types of training the do. I have also watched the Navy SEALs types of training and would like to know out of the two groups which one is the best. I have always heard the Seals go through the toughest training in the world but after watching the Legionnaires I was unsure of that statement. Answers well appreciated.

Answer 1

The SEALs training only begins with BUDS and that is a very small tip of a rather large and secretive iceberg. The Foreign Legion is much less secretive about their training then the SEALs so comparing the two based off of a TV show isn't really fair. This isn't to say that the Foreign Legion isn't tough. Most recruits not only have the challenges of a boot camp to contend with - they also have to learn another language. The other thing to keep in mind is that the Legion tends to lump all of its core training together in a single series of evolutions. The US military does not do that. They break it out into discrete schools. Boot Camp is followed by MOS training, that is followed by even more specialty training after the serviceman gets to their units, etc. My understanding is that the Legion's specialist schools are primarily environmental in nature.

It is ultimately pointless to argue who has the toughest training in the world. Training is only preparation for the reality. Better to ask which is the more elite unit? Despite their romantic reputation the Legion is really just a light, mobile reaction force and is not significantly different in their missions then the USMC line units or the Army's Rangers. The SEALs are a true SO unit with missions that are both more difficult and more diverse.

Answer 2

Slightly different training for different theatres you'd be better comparing the SBS (Special Boat Service) with Navy Seals, either way Navy Seals lose out but the difference is a lot closer than it was. As for attrition rates on courses, just getting on a selection course is a feat from there its less than 1 in 50 that don't get RTU'd, SAS Special Air Service, really has nothing to do with what it says the unit was named to confuse the Germans during WWII and was tasked for working behind enemy lines in quick hit and run scenarios

Answer 3

The FFL are the only part of the French military worth a damn. I will give it to them, anyone with the mantra, "March or die" I wouldn't want to mess with. The SEALs are no joke, but the French better be glad that the FFL are on their side.

Answer 4

So far as the training, it's a toss-up, in the past the main difference was the heart, or lack of it. The Legionaires had no quams about anything but winning or obtaining their objective by whatever means it took,friend or foe.Probably the "meanest of the best trained in history.

Answer 5

FFL goes through some tough stuff no doubt. Its impossible for me to say who's training is harder, but I would definitely say SEAL's training is "better", meaning if you want someone to fight your war, I would take the SEALs over the FFL any day.

Answer 6

Air Force Search and Rescue. 4 party team and rescue pilots in enemy heavily fortified areas. SEALs and Legionnaires will have heavy casualities and will ask for back-up and support.

Answer 7

well actually one time they had british SAS, USA seals, USA rangers
and spetznaz troopers try the FFL's jungle course....they ALL failed
the test...with(rumor) only the SAS coming close to doing it
right and in the right time...

FFL's are tough cookies...

Answer 8

the documentry u saw was only BUDS,and they didn't even show u all the training.
The Seals are way better than the legion,but Army Delta's better.

Answer 9

We'll probably never find out. It's France...