French Foreign Legion: The Mystery and Tradition

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French Foreign Legion
The French Foreign Legion is an elite military unit comprised of foreigners employed for service outside of France. The Legion was first formed in 1831 by an act signed by the War Minister at that time, Marshal Soult. The Legion is commanded by French officers.

Frech Foreign Legion History

The Legion is a polyglot collection of romantics, refugees, roués and the rootless. Together, they form one of the best fighting units in history.

 Foreigners were not allowed to enlist in the French army, so the Legion was formed both to harness the capabilities of the many foreigners who were entering France at that time and to provide France with additional manpower to grow and protect the French empire.

The Legionnaires found their first years hard. They were sent to protect the outposts that the French army wanted to avoid.

When it was first formed, it consisted of seven battalions, organized into groups by nationality but that format was soon discarded.

The Legion was first sent to Algeria and in the war against Abd al-Quadir, successfully repelled several raids.

The men next fought bravely in the war for Queen Cristina of Spain, against her uncle Don Carlos but after fighting even against men they recognized in the enemy ranks, the men who survived the fierce fighting found their Legion disbanded in 1838.

In 1841, a new Legion was formed which included new members as well as survivors from the old Legion. From this point on the Legionnaires found themselves organized into different units, with one unit fighting in a different location and in an entirely different campaign from the next.

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French Foreign Legion Army

Currently, about 24% of new recruits to the Legion are French citizens. Legionnaires from other countries can receive French citizenship after serving in the Legion for five years. Men from all over the world join the Legion, for many different reasons, including adventure, or to leave their past behind.

The French Foreign Legion owns its own vineyards in France, which are located in the village of Puyloubier. The vineyard is maintained by retired Legionnaires.

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