I passed the first “final” test by 0,5 point at the end of the 7th week. I was happy, because I didn’t know, but if I had failed, I probably couldn’t have gone to Africa next year.
Meanwhile, I was in Castel
my company started a 3 months long preparation period in a training camp in the east of France. It was hard to admit, but I was in a holiday in 4°RE compared to my comrades doing “parcours bulldog” in the mud and drilling all day (sometimes even all night) in “La Courtine”. I found the radio training physically and technically difficult, but I was still in a better situation than some of my mates were back in the reg.
As I passed the test, I could relax a bit and became more confident.
I didn’t give my new tactic up with the French language (you’ll find a short description about how I increased my French knowledge in a short time). So, I could finally make more attention on the technical part of the training. By the time, I got better in radio procedure, installing VHF/HF networks and I started to get used to the equipment.
I can’t say that it was the better thing I did during my years in the Legion and I wouldn’t recommend to everyone, but I liked and still like my specialty.
If I should choose now, probably I would change to become a medic.
I don’t know if the exact term is combat medic or paramedic, so I’ll just call it medic. In French it’s AUX-SAN for “Auxiliaire-Sanitaire”. They also have to pass several months in Castel and the training is very difficult for new legionnaires, but it worth it because they learn cool and useful things.
During the 4 months, the trainees also go up to Paris to work with the firefighters (in France the firefighters responds to accident cases like a heart attack or a broken leg). The less interesting part of this specialty is when you are a medic in a platoon, because you’ll also have to treat things like water-blister or small injuries which aren’t very interesting.
For those who want to stay for a long time in the French Foreign Legion
the army offers the possibility to follow a military medic course for NCOs, which lasts 2 years and the largest part is in a civil nursing school in Lyon. The diploma is also valid in civilian life and the military experience could interest some enterprises operating in war zones like Mali or East-Ukraine.
If you don’t think that the nursing part is for you, being a first aid specialist could still be a great opportunity. It’s a level under the medic’s, because in this specialty you’ll concentrate much more on:
- Preserve life
- Protect the casualty from further harm
- Provide pain relief
Basic levels in combat rescue and civic prevention are mandatory for everyone, but if you want to go further – and have a great level in French – you can end up as an instructor. I followed these courses until I became a rescue team member, but I didn’t have enough time for more.
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Unfortunately, the radio training isn’t one of the most useful trainings, but as I said I don’t mind being a radioman also called as Transmetteur in French.
If someone would like to read a bit more about medic trainings, visit this site. I know a former legionnaire who finished a 6 months long training here and makes pretty good money nowadays as a paramedic.
Hi Aron!
I want to join the Legion, I have only one worry, I have read that glasses are not a problem,but still I fear the medical’s. I have minor strabismus in my left eye, wich means my left eye is 5+ but with my right eye I can see perfectly (with or without glass) even thou the diaptry is 4.5+ on it. Should I give it a try or forget it? Thank you for your answer.
Hey,
The problem is that no one ever will be able to give you a correct answer, but a military doctor. I don’t know if it’s a problem or not. If I were you, I’d give it a try and if it doesn’t work you tried at least. You won’t have any regret later in your life.
Bonjour Aron, j’ai 18 ans et je suis athlète
Hello Aron, I am 18 years old and I am an athlete. Would I have an avalanche of my age?
Que tal Aron, una pregunta cuantos años de servicio debo de tener en la legión para poder hacer el curso de paramedico
I have only one question for you, please answer. I am going to join the Legion in a short time. Is death in the Legion too much?
i can answer this question. actually very rare.
during my 5yrs our 1000 people sized regiment had 1 from shooting accident, 1 from suicide, 6 from avalanche accident(which lead to a reform to mountain training programs and it is way better and safer nowadays)
0 from combat deployment.
Hi Aron,
First off all, amazing blog! Reading through it like it is nothing!
You refer in this chapter to a site of medic trainings but I don’t see a link.
Could you share it with me please?
Thanks in advance and take care!
Florian
Hey, sorry for the late reply. Here is the link https://www.ppa-int.com/
Hey Aron,
I enjoyed your blog.
Is it possible to change Specialization from Medic to Sniper in the Legion?
I really wish I weren’t 60. I’d have had a ball with this.
Yes can join the French foreign legion the requirement is one eye is ok .You pass the vision test no need to fear you can join I serve for 5 year as sniper with eye problem kick out of us navy seal and cia it possible now I a combat medic.