What is the french foreign legion like?

Question

what do they do?
will they still hire?
how do i sign up?
what are the qualifications?
what is there basic traning like?

the US millitary has told me that i have a personality disorder,-(depression). im sure the french dont know that, now after i put on a smily face.

Answer 1

The Legion are still a part of the French Military located in Corsica, French Morocco and Guiana, as well as bases on the French mainland.

If, you join the Legion knowing you are not 100% medicaly fit, they might just put you into one of the Legion Penal Battalions as punishment for wasting the time.

A knowledge of the French language will become a must as most of the training is in French, as is learning and reciting the history of the Legion and singing their songs.

For recruiting see the French Embassy.

Its a standard 5 year contract, training is tough, some even say brutal, desertion from the Legion if succesful leaves you open to arrest if you ever set foot on French territory anywhere in the world, even as a passenger on a plane that transists via French airports.
Americans are not "flavour of the month" after one deserted last year and published a book of lies about his very short time in the Legion, he never completed basic training and all Americans are given special attention.

Germans make up quite a large number of the Recruits, and trained members in fact so much so that German is the unofficial second language.
You might encounter the odd Brit but if you go in be preapered to not hear the English language for quite a while.

Answer 2

Well I was visiting Brussels (pretty much just like France except they hate each other) with mate of mine and there was this army fair, we went there and they had all these demonstrations and booklets telling you how to join if you wish to do so, anyway the main points were the following

I would except something similar from France as well;

* Be less then 34 years old, less than 26 years old in the case of a pilot and less than 20 years old in the case of a student

* Pass the tests, physical, medical, educational, interview

* Training is just like any other military training, just don't except navy seals type stuff though

* I do not know about France but Belgium is a pretty neutral country so don't except constant engagement, however I reckon the France foreign legion should provide some decent action

* Sign up info...do not know

Answer 3

Here's a website about it. It explains everything you need to know:http://www.foreignlegionlife.com/
Here info from the French embassy:
http://www.ambafrance-us.org/atoz/legion/index.asp

Think this over before making a decision. You didn't ask for my opinion, but I really don't think this is a good idea for most people.

Answer 4

I would imagine they spend alot of time training you on how to raise a white flag......

Answer 5

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Foreign_Legion