The French Foreign Legion is a mercenary military corps that accepts recruits from all over the world. This organization advertises a "chance for a better life". Men who are accepted into the ranks can attain French citizenship and choose between a five-year contract and a life as a career soldier.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Meet the Basic Requirements
Step 1. Make sure you are a man between the ages of 17 and 40
Young people aged 17 and a half can enroll with the consent of their parents or guardians. You must report to the recruiting office before your 40th birthday.
Step 2. Apply for your passport
You must prove that you are a citizen of a country and that you can travel abroad.
Step 3. You must have a clean criminal record
You cannot be wanted by Interpol or have pending warrants against you. In some cases, people with a criminal record may not be accepted.
Step 4. Keep fit
You may need to exercise to pass rigorous physical fitness standards.
Step 5. Make sure you have extreme flexibility
The French Foreign Legion requires a commitment of five years of continuous service. Your marital status, nationality, religion, education or professional preferences are not taken into account if you join.
Step 6. Learn basic French
All written and oral communications will be in French, so you must at least be able to read documents and recognize commands.
Part 2 of 3: Pass the Essential Exams
Step 1. Buy a ticket to go to a preselection in Paris or Aubagne
You don't have to enroll in advance, but once you've introduced yourself to Aubagne, you need to be ready to enlist for five years. Room and board will be paid for while you enlist for the Foreign Legion.
- Make sure you bring all travel expenses, documents, linens, sportswear, toiletries, and anything else you need with you.
- You will not be authorized to keep weapons, cameras, electronic devices or large amounts of money.
- You will need enough money to apply for a residence permit.
Step 2. Undergo physical exams
You will need to do at least four pull-ups, complete a 2800-meter run in 12 minutes, and complete a Léger shuttle test, completing at least seven 20-meter cycles.
Step 3. Take the psycho-aptitude test
This consists of a series of interviews. You will be asked to tell the truth about your past and past experiences.
Step 4. Pass a medical exam
The following requirements are necessary:
- You shouldn't be missing more than six teeth.
- As far as vision is concerned, you must have a vision of at least 9/10 overall, without correction. If you wear glasses, the maximum corrections allowed for each lens are: -10 diopters for the nearsighted; +8 diopters for farsighted persons.
- You must provide proof that all of your previous illnesses have been treated and cured.
- You don't have to have tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, diabetes, psychic dysfunction or recurring hernia problems.
- You shouldn't be missing any fingers.
Part 3 of 3: Making a Career in the Foreign Legion
Step 1. Go through the pre-selection process in Paris or Aubagne
Step 2. Sign enrollment documents and a five-year contract
Step 3. Pass the selection process to Aubagne
Here you will complete physical, psychological and medical exams. You will be informed if you have been selected to join the Foreign Legion.
Step 4. Reconfirm your five year service contract
Enlist in the Legion.
Step 5. Go to your initial training program for four weeks
You will learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the legion.
Step 6. Pass the basic training
Introduce yourself to the three-week technical-practical training.
Step 7. Go to the French Pyrenees to complete the week-long mountain training
Step 8. Return for further technical and practical training
So you will have to pass exams.
Step 9. Enter the light vehicle school
Then return to Aubagne to be assigned to your regiment. Sign your five-year contract.