#1 What is the French Foreign Legion?
The French Foreign Legion is part of the French Army, not a separate army or a special-forces unit. It brings together French and foreign volunteers serving in infantry, cavalry and combat-engineer units. For more detail, read our guide to the French Foreign Legion.
#2 Can women join the French Foreign Legion?
Women cannot currently enlist as legionnaires under the standard à titre étranger recruitment system. However, some women serve in Legion formations as French Army officers, including in medical, legal and human-resources roles. The commanding general explained this distinction in a 2026 Ministry of the Armed Forces interview.
#3 What is the difference between the French Army and the Legion?
The Legion belongs to the French Army. What makes it different is that it recruits volunteers from other countries, as well as French nationals, under a special military status called service à titre étranger. After basic training, legionnaires are assigned to a Legion regiment according to service needs. Changing units is not an automatic right; it depends on command approval. Our joining guide explains the recruitment process.
#4 Does the French Foreign Legion still exist?
Yes. The Legion is active and continues recruiting and deploying alongside other French Army units. You can see its current structure on the official regiments and units page. If you want to apply, recruitment is in France, not online or through embassies. Our selection preparation guide explains how to get ready.
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