An exceptional career path of a Legionnaire

Written by

6 February 2023

Updated

14 October 2026

Former NCO · 8 years in the French Foreign Legion · Independent site

Experience
This interview was published in February 2023. The ranks, roles and future plans described reflect that period.

Solveig was commissioned as head of battalion on September 1, 2022. He has passed the entrance exam to the War College (l’École de guerre) and will begin his studies in the summer of 2024. This officer, who will be called upon to exercise high-level responsibilities, began his military service as a legionnaire. This perfectly highlights the Army as a place of integration, offering everyone the prospect of social advancement.

He applied to join the Foreign Legion on January 31, 2005, at the age of 21. His sole objective was to serve. When he presented himself at the gate of the Foreign Legion Recruitment Group at Fort de Nogent 18 years ago, there was no indication that his career and life would take such a turn.

CBA Solveig is a perfect illustration of the Army’s ability to integrate all profiles, to value experience and to reward personal dedication and the desire to serve. He has brilliantly gone through all the stages over the past 18 years. From young legionnaire to foreign non-commissioned officer, and then foreign officer by graduating from EMIA. He became a French officer with the rank of captain. Solveig is now a senior officer and successful candidate for the War College.

This success is the result of outstanding personal investment, intrinsic qualities and a strong will to serve. These, plus the requirement and benevolence of the command. His testimony is an encouragement to all those who strive to achieve their ambitions.

What motivated you to join the French Foreign Legion?

I come from a family with no military tradition. However, I had a strong desire to join the army since I was about 14 years old. I joined the Foreign Legion after graduating from university. This was because I was attracted by this elite corps. I wanted to serve the French flag and wanted to go on missions.

At the time you got your first contract, were you aware of what was to come?

Signing my first contract was a proud moment, but the future was still uncertain. My goal was to join the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (REP) and above all not to make any mistakes.

At what point in your career and under what circumstances did you feel the ability, the need or the desire to evolve towards the non-commissioned officer corps, and then the officer corps?

When I arrived at the 4th Cie of the 2nd REP, I carried out orders without question. I tried to show off my athletic qualities in particular and fortunately I had good comrades and a benevolent platoon leader. I understood quite quickly that with my motivation and my abilities I could grow in rank within the institution. Then I volunteered to become a non-commissioned officer in order to be able to exercise more responsibilities. This also allowed a framework that was more in line with my aspirations at the time. When I told my unit commander that I was volunteering to take the EMIA exam, he asked me what my motivations were. I told him that my primary motivation was to one day be like him.

Over the past 18 years, you have gone from being a young legionnaire to being a battalion commander. Now, you have passed the entrance exam to War College. How would you personally assess your career?

I was particularly proud to take command of the 4th Cie in the summer of 2019. This was my starting point as a young legionnaire. I tried to give back what I had received several years earlier. I also had the honor of commanding the dismounted engagement assistance section (SAED) of the 3rd REI for 2 years. Then I commanded the parachute commando group (GCP) of the 2nd REP for 3 years. With these two units, we carried out unforgettable missions and had men of great value under my command. I am therefore very happy for this career path that I could not have imagined when I enlisted.

Now, how do you see your future?

My success in the entrance exam to the War College offers me new perspectives. My objective is now to command a regiment within the French Foreign Legion. Between the short periods of time that a commissioned officer spends in a regiment, I would like to continue to serve in the Legion as much as possible and seize the various opportunities that will arise.