2007-12-27 10:33:42 · 8 answers · asked by Chi Guy 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
France needed a special operations force that was expendable so the French Foreign Legion was created. A military unit of foreigners.
The primary purpose is a cheap, expendable unit used to protect and establish French interests all over the world.
By joining the Legion, even today, your past is erased. You are given a new name and upon completing five years of service you can elect to get your passport back and return to who you were or you can keep your new name and receive French citizenship and a French passport.
The Legion serves where ever France has interests, usually South America, Africa, the Middle East and Indonesia/Indo-China. Today the Legion serves primarily in Africa.
When France held Vietnam as part of their Empire in the 1950's the French Foreign Legion suffered a horrendous defeat at the hands of the Chinese backed North Vietnamese. The unit decimated was composed primarily of ex-German soldiers.
The Legion accepts about one out of every three applicants.
Essentially France does not spend much money on the Legion, but, the brotherhood of legionaries is respected world wide and if you make it through your term of service you can depend on the Legion for the rest of your life.
Schwartzkopf is an Honorary Legionnaire.
2007-12-27 10:49:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The FFL was created so persons of other nations could fight for and possibly die for France. If a soldier survived a 9 year enlistment, he was granted citizenship of France under any name he chose.
The FFL is headquartered in Corsica.
2007-12-27 18:41:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Great question I've always wondered that myself.I guess it isn't all romantic like they show in the movies though.
2007-12-27 18:58:35 · answer #3 · answered by ak6702 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Algeria.
2007-12-27 18:59:33 · answer #4 · answered by Locutus1of1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To kill people their government didn't like, the same as all armies. Stationed wherever they were told, discipline is key.
2007-12-27 18:39:59 · answer #5 · answered by . 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Most are crooks,murderers,etc.I do know they are paid Mercenaries.and most are running from some country or another.
2007-12-27 18:46:05 · answer #6 · answered by ♥ Mel 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
because they are lovers not fighters and would surrender in the face of the enemy they must have others fight for them.
2007-12-27 18:41:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
this is actually to stupid to take seriously.
2007-12-27 18:36:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋