“I believe the French Foreign Legion perfectly fits France. As a crossroads between the Western world and the East, our country had historical, geographical, and philosophical predispositions to create such an institution,” explains Lieutenant Colonel Néo, commander of the Legion’s recruitment group in the Île-de-France region.
The Legion Needs French Recruits
To begin with, contrary to popular belief, the French Foreign Legion is not made up exclusively of foreigners. In reality, French citizens also form an essential part of the Legion’s structure.
“We absolutely need to break a myth — there aren’t only foreigners in the French Foreign Legion. On the contrary, the Legion needs French men,” stresses the lieutenant colonel.
Furthermore, French recruits play a key role in transmitting the French language and cultural values to newcomers, ensuring that integration happens smoothly and efficiently.
“To make our integration model work, we need French or francophone Legionnaires. Without them, it’s difficult to optimize language training and instruction,” he adds.
On average, new recruits spend four months learning around 500 French words — enough to understand orders, communicate effectively, and integrate into daily military life.
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Fast and Demanding Integration
In addition, the recruitment process at the Legion is widely known for being both fast and efficient. Indeed, when a candidate crosses the border and knocks on the Legion’s door, he is quickly assessed and integrated into the system.
“When a man travels from abroad to serve France, we can’t leave him waiting for weeks. He must be brought into the system without delay,” says Lieutenant Colonel Néo.
Assimilation begins with language but goes far beyond it. Through discipline, training, and shared hardship, men from around the world unite under one flag and one language — French.
Solidarity: A Core Value
Beyond the battlefield, the Legion is built on a deep sense of fraternity and solidarity, particularly toward its veterans and the wounded.
Moreover, this bond is one of the Legion’s most sacred promises, reflecting its deep sense of loyalty and brotherhood. In fact, it also extends to acts of bravery:
“Every courageous act at the Legion is recognized and honored. A Legionnaire wounded in combat can even request French citizenship as an exceptional measure.”
A Legendary Fighting Force
Above all, the French Foreign Legion remains an elite assault force, famous for its toughness and battlefield performance. Rooted in nearly two centuries of tradition, it continues to embody discipline, resilience, and brotherhood — uniting men from every corner of the world under the same motto: “Honneur et Fidélité.”
