Corps has had his say, the Garde commences, two men on duty at a time. The shift works on a two hours on, four hours off basis. But the four hours off is not totally relaxed since it is forbidden to 55 sit down (In case it creases the trousers), coffee may be drunk but woe betide the man who spills it on his uniform. There are usually magazines to read in the guard room. The Sergent may let you sit on two stools one on top of another with a blanket on top. (To lessen the chances of creases appearing on the trousers). The meals are brought to you by the current prisoners, who will also take away your dirty plates etc. For the two that are on guard it is a long two hours. One of the two guards has a FAMOUS slung across the front of the chest in the traditional manner. Although it is not a particularly heavy weapon it does become that way after two hours standing motionless. The only movement permitted by him is to come to the "Gardez-vous" and to "Presente arme" when a Sergent or senior rank passes or drives through the gates of the camp. The man facing him and who operates the barrier does not have a weapon, and has the luxury of being able to move slightly more often. During the shift you are not allowed to wear a watch and there are no clocks in view. For two hours you are not permitted to move a muscle. You are on show for the French Foreign Legion and must show absloute discipline. The time passes hideously slowly. The ability to judge the two hours does come after a fashion, but there are times when you're out there and you're certain without a shadow of a doubt that your relief is late. They never are. The other duties of the Guard are to raise and lower the flag on the Place D'arrne in time with the Clairon. This happens at the beginning and at the end of each day. The flag must be lowered in exact time with the Clairon's tune. The lowering starts when the tune starts and should end when the tune ends. There are numerous threats on route to the flagpole by the Sergent to shoot you if you mis-time the procedure - but it rarely happens. 56 As evening approaches you are allowed back to the block to get changed into Tenue de Combat (Normal working green uniform). This is worn from 2000Hrs onwards and comes as a great relief for everyone. From hereon you patrol the area in front of the gates with a riot baton in hand. Check peoples ID cards as they come in and get the Chef de Poste out of the guard room if there are any problems. In the morning the guard goes through the same ceremonial changeover with the next shift and you return to your Section. There is no time off for working through the night - you go straight into the next day. It is the Section's responsibility to collect your petit dejeuner. Whilst you have been doing the guard duty there will have been another Groupe that will have been acting as a "Force d'Intervention Rapide" to react to any potential threat to the Quartier. They however have a much cushier time and apart from a practice run for a call-out they spend most of their time resting, watching TV or reading. Their shift starts at the same time as yours but they will wear Tenue de Combat at all times. La Legion c'est Dur - Mais Gamelle c'est sur( - The Legion is hard - but food is for sure I The quality of food in the Legion varies considerably from Quartier to Quartier (camp to camp). In some, the food is of an exceptionally high standard, probably as good as you would eat in many a restaurant. In other camps the 57 food is of a much lower standard. If you have any ideas of eating anything really disgusting - don't worry, none of it is that bad. What the different camps do have in common is the fact that there is rarely enough to eat; leaving the Refectoir feeling really full is a rare experience. At Castelnaudary the food is of the highest standard I have ever seen on a military camp anywhere in the world - but again there was not enough to feel completely full. Most people would probably agree that they would rather leave the refectoir having enjoyed the meal and slightly hungry than full to the brim of some sludge that the duty cook has thrown together in a pot out the back. Food is after all, a morale booster and you will always look forward to in the Legion. The feeling of hunger however is one you will become accustomed to during basic training. It is, if you like; a feeling which goes hand in hand with being an Engage volontaire. It is worth remembering that when in the field and rations are issued, it is vital that you eat the food hot. The difference between eating hot and cold food can mean the difference between passing and failing a march or run. Likewise, chocolate and cakes will not give you the stamina and energy that a full meal in the refectoir will. Do not therefore pack your Sac a Dos with Mars bars thinking that this will carry you through Raid Marche. There really is enough food supplied by the refectoir and the ration packs during your training to get you through, but when you join your Regiment and you are able to miss a meal and slope off to the Foyer, remember that proper hot food will serve your body better. 58 Before making ready for Le Raid there will be a few days spent at one of the French army camps towards the centre of France. Here you will undergo training in the firing of a variety of APILAS (Armour Piercing Infantry Light Armour Systems) and various small arms. The weapons fired include the RAC112, the LRAC89, the FAMAS rifle grenade and the two inch mortar. There will of course be various shoots done using your personal weapon - the FAMAS, one of which will be a night shoot. There will also be an introduction to explosives as well - how to put together a charge and each Legionnaire will experience firing a small charge in a controlled environment. You may also be given the chance to throw a grenade, of which there are two types - Offensive and Defensive. The Defensive grenade is the more powerful of the two. The trip will last about five days and you will be staying in French army accommodation. There will of course be Le petit footing done in the morning or when time permits during the stay. In the lead up to Raid Marche there will be further lectures on the differences between the Regiments and what to expect in the line of Regimental roles and the lifestyle to be expected after basic training. As regards the system for allocating which recruits go where, it works on the basis that those that perform to the highest standard during L 'Instruction are given the first choice as to which Regiment want to serve in. If anybody is deemed to be good enough they may be offered a position as Caporal Fut Fut. (To achieve this - a reasonable command of the French language is important). 59 Le Raid - Raid March. The final week of basic training is when Le Raid takes place and the Section will be taken up into the mountains and dropped off at Perpignan near the coast to start their long march back to Quartier Capitaine Danjou. The Section marches about 150 kms in three days and culminates in a series of tests which will certify you as fully trained legionnaires. This final test is known as the CTE/00. The test will examine your ability at voice procedure on the radio (Le PPll), first aid, fieldcraft and personal weapon handling. The march is tactical and apart from crossing open areas of ground in a tactical manner, hard targeting (Moving quickly) and pepper potting (One covers - one moves), you can expect to be ambushed at any time. You will pass through villages and small holdings in the country which must likewise be approached and negotiated as if in combat. The Caporaux and Sergents will map read during the week. Evenings however will take a non-tactical line and there will be the customary wine drinking and singing of Legion songs in front of a camp fire. The route is very hilly to start with but as the Section nears Castelnaudary it begins to level out more. This will be the longest march that you will have done in the Legion. If you are hoping to go to the 2REP (Regiment Etranger Parachutistes) then this will be taste of things to come. (it is tradition in this Regiment to march across the island of Corsica, where they are based once every year - a distance of over two hundred kilometres). By the time that you do Le Raid your feet will be well used to marching and the boots will be well worn in. The night before the Section is due to re-enter the Quartier the Capitaine Compagnie will join you and there will be 60 plenty to eat and drink. The following day the Section continues the remainder of the march straight back in through the camp gates, where you will be looked upon by any other passing Sections with envy and respect. This is the point at which most Legionnaires believe that the Kepi Blanc should be issued - when the job is done. However hard you might have found the march, the lack of sleep, the sudden ambushes - there is still more work to be done before you can relax. It is a tradition of the Foreign Legion to prepare the equipment for return to the stores immediately on return to the guartier after the final march. Since this is the end of your basic training, ALL the equipment must be immaculate. Tables are brought outside into the morning sun, all the Section weapons are cleaned to the extent that there is no trace of oil, grease or dirt anywhere. You may well be using pure alcohol to remove all such traces. Likewise the Le Brouillage (The webbing) is scrubbed, scrubbed and scrubbed again. The Section will be cleaning, scrubbing and polishing for the following twenty four hours non-stop after arriving back at the Quartier. Your feet will be blistered and bleeding - you will be so tired that you are delirious. Only once the work has been done can you start to relax. This is undoubtedly the hardest part of L 'Instruction, and you will by now be looking forward to your first posting more than ever. There are always foot and body inspections after every march or excercise in the Legion. If it is just a matter of minor blisters or ailments then one of the Caporals in the training team will see to you. Anything more serious and you will become a subject for the Infirmiers who are undergoing their training at Castelnaudary to deal with. Castelnaudary is also where the "Infirmiers" (Medics) undertake their training and who better to practice their new found art on than a Section of EV's. 61 Within a few days Chef De Corps will have you all assembled on La Place O'Arme for a final talk before sending you back to Aubagne for Regiment selection. As mentioned previously - the priority of choice goes to those that worked and performed best during basic training. It will also depend on whether or not there are the spaces available at the Regiment that have been requested. The most popular choices are the 2eme REP, 13 DBLE Djbouti and the 3eme REI in French Guyana. (See section on Regiment postings). There is various paperwork to be done at Aubagne, and it is here that anyone wishing to leave the Legion has the right to do so. (They can give notice that they wish to leave but cannot actually get out of the Legion until the end of the sixth month. Any remaining time waiting for the leaving date would be spent carrying our menial tasks around the Quartier) How Hurd? Passing French Foreign Legion training is within the capability of most men in a reasonably fit condition - (in mind and in body). Physical training in the Foreign Legion is taken at a gradual pace and, like basic training in many armies, will be governed somewhat by the overall ability of the Section under instruction. The hardest part of training that you will experience, from the physical side of things will be the Piste de Combat and Le Raid. From a mental point of view, the Legion does apply considerable pressure on recruits. Whatever your expectations are when you walk through the gates of the Foreign Legion for the first time - you can be guaranteed that it will not be what you expect. Things will be sometimes done in a way which seems illogical and 62 unnecessary. If you can accept that it is being for a reason, then you will not have a problem. In order to instill military discipline into a batch of raw recruits from a wide variety of cultures - it is necessary that they learn not to question authority, but to obey it - no matter what they might think of the concept or method. It is unlikely that you will find the physical side of things your greatest obstacle in becoming a "Bon Legionnaire ". Brutality. Yes, the Legion can be a violent place, but as time goes by, the Legion is finding itself coming more and more into line with the French army and with it, French military law. The cases of violence subjected on recruits are nothing like they were even ten or fifteen years ago. The worst brutality you will hear about will probably be on your ears at the Selection centre where you will be bombarded with "War stories" by other Legionnaires or "engages volontaires" (Raw recruits) in the Aubagne sick bay. Don't listen to stories; most of it is rubbish. Sometimes a guy will get a beating, but he will probably have deserved it. It may not be by an instructor, it could well be by one of the other Legionnaires in the Section. Standard corporal punishment consists of a "Stick" - which is the palm of the hand (normally fairly large) smacked against the back of your shaven head with as much force as possible. This example however, is a sort of controlled brutality if you like and is dished out as a formal punishment (Not really in a sinister way either). It is not as if the recipient is being beaten to a pulp through uncontrollable rage. A "Stick" will sometimes makes you feel momentarily dizzy but rarely does it knock you out. It just stings a bit. The other punishment which is ritually 63 dished out in a formal manner is the "Marche (en) Canard". For this the individual or group responsible for their crime will march a distance in the squatting position, with or without equipment with their hands on top of their heads. It is a little uncomfortable but that is all. The people who receive most of the physical abuse in basic training are the Eastern block engages - a large proportion of whom have joined ultimately for a passport, good food and a wage. Since the Berlin wall came down the Legion has been inundated with Eastern block recruits. Most of them are quite open and honest about why they are there. For this, they tend to get more stick at Castelnaudary. Sooner or later there will come a time in the Legion when you must stand up for yourself. If you are weak - then you will be walked over. The Legion is a tough army and you must abide by it's unwritten rules. Respect is earned, not only as a soldier, but also as an individual - as in all walks of life. Le Contrat - The Contract. The contract in the Legion is commonly thought to be for a fixed five years. In actual fact there is a probationary six month period. If the Legion decides that you are not suitable to be a Legionnaire then they will discharge you. Likewise, you too have a choice, but not until the end of the six month period. If at the end of the six months you no longer wish to be in the Legion you have the option to leave. At the end of the six months the Legion has the option, if it so desires - to add a further six month probationary period to the contract. This will only be done 64 if they consider you are still not quite up to the grade in all areas. (This is almost unheard of however). Anybody who is deemed unfit to be a Legionnaire is normally extracted before the end of the three weeks selection, and if not then - during the four months at Castelnaudary. Bear in mind that after three weeks at Aubagne and a further four months at Castelnaudary you will then have one month to go before signing the final binding contract. It is the case however that after basic training everybody is sent back to Aubagne before departing for their respective Regiments. Here you are asked which Regiment you would like to join and it is also here that you have the option to leave the Legion. But not for another five weeks or so. If you decide to get out, then there will be five weeks of menial tasks and corvet found for you to do around the guartier. When it comes to signing your contract you will not have the paper work in front of you translated. You will be told that the contract is for five years and given the paper to sign. There is little time for questions and answers and neither will it be written in your mother tongue. You do however have the option to leave at any time during your first three weeks at Aubagne without obligation. The Legion will normally donate F500 towards any travel expenses to get you home. (Same amount applies for whichever country you have come from). Below is a translated example of what will be presented before you when you sign at the end of the three weeks selection period: 65 ACT OF ENGAGEMENT in the name of (1) JONES David as a foreigner in the Foreign Legion In the year nineteen hundred and ninety five, the eighteenth of May at 1000Hrs, presenting himself before us was(2): Mr JONES David aged: 23 years professional in the trade of: carpentry living in Bath District of Avon in the Country(3) Great Britain. Son of(4) Steven and of(4) Jane nee Smith living in Leeds . Hair: Chestnut brown Eyes: Brown Eyebrows: Heavy j oined Chin:Divided Nose:Concave Teeth: CM90% Face: Oval Additional Features: Scar r. arm, L. leg Height: 1m 94 Weight: 91Kgs Any additonal marks: Tattoo r.upper arm, who has declared his wish to serve as a foreigner in the Foreign Legion, and to this effect has presented us with: l. A certificate dated on this day 18.05. 95 by(5) the French Army Doctor BUCHENNET, Doctor in charge of the 1 ere RE, Aubange. and certifies that the applicant suffers no disablity and has reached all the physical and height requirements for service in the Foreign Legion. 66 2.His birth certificate and proof of identity(3) certifying that he was born on 19.08.72 in London (GREAT BRITAIN) and is of British Nationality. 3.Authorization has been recieved from his legal representative(6). 4. (7) After having verified the documents presented before us, he has read articles (8) 6,7 and 13 on Decree No. 77-789 as on 1st July 1977 relating to foreign military personnel. The applicant has been informed that: 1.His services are effective as of the date of his signing this present contract. 2. The present contract carries a probationary period of six months eventually renewable one time (une fois) by the military authorities. The probationary period takes effect from the date of signature on this present contract. THIS CONTRACT DOES NOT BECOME DEFINITIVE UNTIL THE END OF THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD. 3.During the initial probationary period the contract can be terminated: 3.1 Either at the request of the recruit as agreed by the military authorities for reasons of a personal or social nature or as a result of serious difficulties in adapting to the Foreign Legion during the first four months of service. In this case the final decision must have been notified by 67 the military authorities before the end of the probationary period. Or at any time, by the military authorities because of: - a pre-existing condition prior to engagement. - an inability to adjust to work which the the job entails or to serve in the ranks of the Foreign Legion. - an inability to adjust to a military way of life. 4. During the renewed probationary period this contract can be terminated by the military authorities for reasons of unsuitability for work or any inability to adjust to a military way of life. 5. At any time during the service the contract can be terminated according to the conditions laid down in article 32 of FLM no. 2500/DEF/PMAT/EG/B as modified on 4 July 1978 - notably: - on the request of the recruit for reasons of a justifiable and urgent nature, the details of which have occured since the date on which the contract was signed: - by reason of physical inability, by the military authorities regarding insufficient professionalism or as a disciplinary measure. - Considering these details the candidate has agreed to serve with honour and faithfulness for a period of five years as of this day and undertakes in the course of this contract not to take advantage of French services or qualifications previously held. The recruit has promised equally to serve within the ranks of the Foreign Legion wherever the government might 68 deem it necessary to send him, and after having read the present act has enjoined his signature; Recruit's signature. Signature of the administration Officer of the French Army or the Deputy Admininstrator. Probationary period renewable on for a period of six months starting from the date of confirmation as decided by the the Commanding Officer of the Foreign Legion. Contract: annuled - terminated - cancelled(3) - as decided by(9) on 19 Contract became effective on 19 (3) Chief Administration Officer for the French Army or the Deputy Administrator. (1) Name and surname of recruit. (2) Name of the commissioner of army ground forces or his acting local representative. (3) Delete as appropriate. (4) Once the details are known. 69 (5) Name, rank and position of the officer signing the contract. (6) If the recruit id less than 18 years old. (7) If the recruit is French and is not yet satisfied of his legal obligations, the ministry authorise engagement under a changed name. (8) If the recruit does not speak French, he will be given a reading in his language on the clauses in this act. (9) Indicate the reason. If you feel that the French Foreign Legion way of life is for you, further contracts can be signed with the Legion after the initial five years. These can be for either six months, one year, eighteen months, two years, three years, four years or five years. Whether or not the Legion accepts you for further service is dependant on your conduct during the previous years. La Vie En Tolle - Life in Jail. As a Legionnaire it is unlikely that you will experience a stretch jail during your basic training. Once you have been posted to your respective regiments however, you will find that it does not take any great crime against humanity to be sentenced to ten days in jail (The statutory period for minor offences is a ten day period). Offences 70 which might earn you a ten day spell in the slammer might be arriving late on camp after a night on the town, failing to top up the electrolyte in the vehicle batteries, being badly turned out for guard duty. For more serious misdeeds, the period of time becomes longer, up to a maximum period of forty days. Desertion carries the maximum Legion penalty of forty days but if the crime were really serious, then you would do the forty days followed by a period in a French civilian jail. This could be many years - if the crime were serious enough. Initially you would be paraded in front of the Chef Du Corps, who will be examining your case. It is up to him to decide whether or not your are to go to jail. He may decide that a period of "Consignes" is more appropriate in the case. (A period of time, normally between three and ten days, when extra corvet duties are allocated during your spare time and you are restricted to the Quartier - apart from that you would work a normal day like the rest of the section. This might be awarded for having dirt on your weapon during an inspection, generally speaking more menial offences). If the Chef Du Corps decides that you are going to jail then all of your kit issued, and and all of your personal kit is listed, item by item and put away ready for your release. During the period in jail, you will wear overalls and a dayglow orange waistcoat, and a forage cap. This identifies you as a prisoner to everyone on and around the Quartier. The laces from your boots will be removed. (To prevent you from injuring yourself) Every morning there will be some form of physical training done - to the tune of a five kilometre run with Sac a Dos around the quartier. The rest of the day will be doing corvette or painting curb stones, gardening around the quartier, sweeping leaves and waiting on the Legionnaires that are doing the guard duty. 71 It is tradition in the Legion that your medals are pinned to the door of your cell. Whatever medals you have been awarded during your years of service in the Legion - they must also have been awarded to the inspecting officer. For example, if the medal is of a some valour; such as the Legion D'Honneur - then the inspecting officer must also hold that medal - even if it means coming from another Quartier. In days gone by the Legion jail was the last hell on earth. Legionnaires would break rocks in a quarry all day - or march through the jungle for one year solid in a straight line cutting and thrashing their way through dense jungle, always under the direction of the Gardes de Tolle. They would sleep on concrete slabs with no roof over their heads. Even ten years ago it was a brutal place to be. Prisoners would be beaten on a regular basis and lived in fear of the Garde de tolle. Today it is still not a fun place to be. The days start at 5.00 am and end at 8.00pm and they are long and hard. Prisoners are not allowed to smoke, work like dogs and are kept on tenterhooks until the day of their release. Cumerone - Camerone Day. On the 30 April every year the Legion celebrates Camerone Day. It was on this day in 1863 that the Legion's show of bravery was marked down in history forever. Battle weary and with their numbers being cut down until there were only ten men left, no ammunition and in a foreign country, a handful of Legionnaires 72 refused surrender against odds of nearly two thousand marauding Mexicans. The Capitaine Danjou had made them promise not to surrender, shortly before dying himself. The men were slowly being killed one by one until there were only three Legionnaires left. They faced the enemy with bayonets and prepared themselves to die with honour. The Mexicans did not kill them but persuaded a surrender under the Legionnaires terms. It is as a result of this bravery that the 30th April is celebrated with such enthusiasm every year. Camerone is as important as Le Noel - if not more so. It matters not, wherever the Legion is in the world - the 30 of April is always celebrated. The preparation for the festivities begins months in advance. Stands are built, games are devised, marquees errected. The day is not just for Legionnaires but also for a select number of family and friends of the Legion. It is the one day of the year that the Legion opens its doors to outsiders. Only the very leanest and meanest looking Legionnaires will have the honour of being on guard on this day. Their uniforms being prepared with even more care and attention than usual. The day begins with the roles reversed in every section of the Quartier. Le Legionnaire le plus jeune (The most recent legionnaire to join the section) becomes the Caporal du Jour for the day. It is he who allocates the corvette duties, and marches the section onto La Place D 'Arrne. And it is the Sous officiers and the Officiers who do the corvet. They will clean the toilets, the showers, the corridors - every job normally allocated to the Legionnaires. The day will initially start with the Sous o/iciers bringing the Petit dejeuner to the Legionnaires in their rooms. They will serve the Legionnaires their cafe and bring them their croissants (pastries). After which they will start the corvette as directed by the Caporal du jour. The tradition 73 is warmly welcomed by the Legionnaires and no-one is offended. Each Regiment may run the day differently according to the wishes of the respective Chef Du Corps. It may start with a run, ending with whiskey and black pudding and Legion songs. On returning to the Quartier there is a parade by the Legionnaires in full Tenue de Parade, followed by the festivities which have been so carefully prepared. Much wine is drunk and food consumed. It is a relaxed day and enjoyed by all. At Aubagne the Legion's Anciens (Former members) come to relive their past and to pay hommage to their family. On this day every year the wooden hand of Capitaine Danjou is on display, paraded before the Legion and its guests. This act epitomizes the spirit of the French Foreign Legion. If you are unlucky enough to find yourself in jail towards the end of April - you could be in for a reprieve. It is tradition in the Legion that if less than ten days are remaining on your sentence on Camerone Day, then you are released as a form of amnesty in remembrance of all the Legionnaires who died at Camerone in Mexico. Legion Rules. There are many rules that apply in the Legion which have been carried on from tradition. Below are listed but a few: 1. As a Legionnaire you are not allowed to leave the "Quartier" in civilian clothing except when going on "Permission". 74 2. Marriage is only permitted when the rank of Sergent is achieved. 3. Legionnaires are not permitted to live off camp. (Although some do). They go home in the evening and return by 6.00am. It is normally the Caporaux who do this since Legionnaires generally don't earn enough money, especially in France. 4. You are not allowed to own a car or a motorbike. You may own a push bike if you join the Legion Cycle club. If you do this you may only exit the camp wearing the correct Legion cycle wear. These rules do not apply to Caporaux chefs, Sergents or above. 5. You are not allowed to own a bank account or to borrow money off others. 6. Legionnaires should be addressed by their Surnames not their Christian names. 7. If allowed out for the evening - you must be back by 6.00am the following morning. If you are late; the punishment is a statutory 10 days in jail. 8. During the first 3 years you are not allowed to leave the country during permission. (Legionnaires do however go abroad using only their "Carte O'Identite" (ID card) and their "Titres de Permission" (Leave papers). An extra rule applies to the "Deuxieme REP" (2nd REP) at Corsica: they are not allowed to leave the island for the first year of their first tour at Calvi where they are based - tradition. 75 The Regiment Postings in the Legion. There are eight Regiments in the French Foreign Legion plus half a brigade based in Djbouti, Africa. On top of this there are other detachments situated around the world. At present the Legion strength amounts to approximately ten thousand men. 1 er REC. (Regiment Etranger de Cavalerie) ORANGE - France. This is situated next to a beautiful town in S. Eastern France. It is a Regt for those who like a slightly easier life. Their role is to service and maintain the tanks - the AMX 10's. They were used extensively during the Gulf war and proved extremely reliable. Operating in three man teams, a less stressful life is to be had in this Regiment. There is a more relaxed atmosphere here plus there is the advantage of actually being able to see a bit of France - which for some people never happens in the whole contract due to the hectic schedule of their regiment. The 1 REC forms part of France's Force d'Action Rapide along with the 2 REI and the 6 REG. 4 erne Regiment . (Regiment D'Instruction) CASTELNAUDARY. Nr Toulouse - France. This is where you will carry out your basic training. A small town situated close to Toulouse. Not that you would see a lot of it during your first stay here. A railway track runs through the centre of the town and that is where you will arrive before being picked up by a coach to take you to the guartier. There are two quartiers in Castelnaudary - the new Quartier was built around 1985 and is very plush. The old camp in Castelnaudary (Quartier Lepasset) is where many of the Legion courses take place. 76 The Caporaux courses (CT1), the Sergents courses (CT2) etc. At Quartier Capitaine Danjou there are three companies of E.V's and one company for trained ranks who are undertaking courses in the technical trades, mechanical trades and signals. It should be noted that the medics who do their training here will be practicing their new found skills on you, should you become injured. (Not advisable). The camp is one of the most modernised of all the Legion quartiers and is an impressive set-up. It is also situated near a town called Carcassonne, home of the French Paras where there is sometimes a ban on visitation due to the trouble that has ensued between the Legionnaires and the Paras over years. The food at Castelnaudary is of a very high standard. lere Regiment. (Regiment De Selection et d'administration) AUBAGNE. Nr Marseilles. This is the Mother Regiment of the Legion. You will start your time in the Legion here and you will end it here. This regiment deals predominantly with administration and support as well as personnel movements and maintaining all aspects of the Legion's contact with the outside world. It is also the home of the Legion Band and the museum. The Quartier (guartier Vienot) is close to Marseilles so there is a fair bit to see and do if you have the time. A large proportion of the community in Marseille are Arabs who have immigrated from Tunisia, N.Africa. Again the same sort of pay as Castelnaudary but unlikely that this would be a first posting for a "non Francophone." (Someone who does not speak French). On entering the Legion the Band is always keen to recruit new blood especially anyone with a musical background - so if you have played a musical instrument but don't want to be in the band keep quiet about your past. 77 2 eme REP. (Regiment Etranger des Parachutists) CALVI - Corsica This is the most prestigious and most professional of all the Regiments. The only Regt in the Legion to have an Airborne capability. It is here that you will also find "Les Groupe de Commandos Paracutistes (Formerly Les C.R.A.P 's - Commandos de Recherche et D 'Action dans la Profondeur) - This is the creme de la creme of the Legion - A sort of recce troop specialising in a wide range of special forces ops. They have a reputation for being the best in the Legion. The REP is made up to a large extent of Brits and Germans. With this built in cultural discipline there is firm ground for quality soldiering to be built upon. For their professionalism and their parachuting capability they are paid one of the highest salaries in the Legion - around about E650 per month for a Legionnaire deuxieme classe. (Everything is however very expensive on Corsica). There are frequent fracas with the locals and plenty of good looking German and Italian talent on the beaches in the summertime. This is also the Regiment most renowned for bullshit. In the 2eme REP there are three "Apels" per day. First thing in the morning, after lunch and at 9.00pm in the evening. The island is however a very beautiful one and if you're into physical training then maybe this is the Regiment for you. Along with the relatively high pay, the prestige and the emphasis on sport - this is a popular choice for Legionnaires leaving Castelnaudary. The uniform sports the Deurieme REP cap badge (The winged dagger) and the Fourragere (Lanyard) is red. This all adds to the attraction of the 2eme REP. The contract will last probably 2 yrs before being posted, but many opt to stay longer. This particular Regt is frequently away on detachments; normally for four months at a time. Places 78 such as Djibouti, Central Africa. French Guyana S.America. Promotion is slow and courses are harder since the competition is tougher. If you are out to be the best then the 2eme REP has a lot to offer. On arriving at Camp Rafalli in Corsica - the initial four months or so are spent on further training and doing the "Jumps course" - until you have completed this you cannot be effected to a fighting company and are consequently not regarded as a trained rank. Indeed you will probably feel exactly the same as if you were still under instruction. Further fieldcraft training and combat experience will be gained during your first year. Only after then can you consider yourself to have taken your place properly in the 2 REP. Once in "The REP" there is much emphasis on physical training and there are plenty of clubs on camp, Kick boxing, Cycling, Clay pigeon shooting etc etc. It is tradition in this regiment to be confined to the island for the first year of the first posting there. It is also tradition for the whole regiment to march across the island from one side to the other once a year - a distance of about 200kms (Very hilly, barren and rugged country). 3 REI. (Regiment Etranger D'Infanterie). F. GUYANE - S.America This Regiment is either loved or hated. Based in Kourou, French Guyana, it is a unique world of action and adventure. The pay is not the greatest in the world but there are plenty of stories to be told after a two year tour here. A lot of the Legion's work here is run from boats hollowed out of trees known as "pirogues", as are used by the natives of the country. The role of the Legion in this area is to protect the rocket sight "Ariane", to man the surveillance posts between Brazil and Surinam and to ensure the safety of the regional headquarters at Martinique. There has been a war going on in nearby 79 Suriname for some years and every now and again a body is seen floating down the river as a result of mercenary operations that go on. French Guyana consists of hundreds of square miles of tropical jungle and is extremely hot and humid. You are permanently wet and fungal infections are rife. The jungle is full of natural dangers and whether it is animal or vegetable it will either bite you or sting you. The constant noise of birdsong can also drive you to insanity. The hardest part of jungle training is often considered to be the assault course which has to be one of the toughest in the world. Pay for this Regiment is about F4500 per month. The beer is cheap and there was, until recently a brothel run by the Legion on camp (this was the last Regiment to run its own brothel). Their were four local girls who were changed once every couple of months. 13 DBLE (13eme Demi-Brigade de la Legion Etrangere) DJBOUTI - NE Africa. This unit is re-inforced by a rotating company of the 2eme REP or the 2eme REI. It's duties are to guarantee the defence, territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Djbouti. Geographically the 13 DBLE is situated in a very strategic position - It has instant access to the Indian ocean and is close enough to facilitate control of the Red Sea and the Suez canal. As a Legionnaire posted in Djbouti you can expect to be on bush tours and nomadisation exercises as well as amphibious training. Soldiering in Djbouti can be tense and tribal friction is commonplace. There are constant patrols along the northern frontier of the Ethiopean and Eritrean borders. Normally Legionnaires are posted to Quartier Gabode after several years of service. This is the only regiment 80 where there is a lot of money to be made. Not only do you earn a lot more money here but you have little to spend it on, everything is cheap in this part of the world and you have no Permission during your time in Djbouti. (You do have a big back-log of permission after the tour though - so you can end up with several thousand pounds in cash plus three months leave after a two year stint in Djbouti - even as a Legionnaire.) On top of that every legionnaire recieves a bounty of twenty thousand Francs at the end of his tour. A Sergent can be putting away many thousands of Francs away each week whilst in Djbouti. On completion of his two years posting he will have accrued a lot of money. There are normally about one or two places allowed per Section after basic training - if you are good enough in basic training, you could be sent here directly aAer Castelnaudary. Prostitution is rife in the towns and the beer is cheap. In fact everything is cheap and anything can be bought. Life is a little more relaxed in Djbouti since there are very few that are fresh out of training. Since the area is of Muslim faith the Legion also pays heed to the local traditions and work is done on Saturday and Sunday whilst Thursday and Friday takes the form of a weekend. Every legionnaire who serves in Djbouti recieves a bounty of twenty thousand Francs on completion of the tour of duty. 5 RE (5eme Regiment Etranger) Mururoa - Tahiti, S.Pacific. This is where the Legion are responsible for overseeing the nuclear testing grounds and for representing France in the furthest corner of French Polynesia. It is a very small detachment made up of the Legionnaires of some experience. The money is not particularly great and there are long journeys at sea as well as isolation and little to occupy yourselves. They concern themselves mainly with building and road construction, security of the test site, 81 maintaining a clean water supply and good communications link. DLEM (Detachement De La Legion Etrangere De Mayotte) Mayotte - Indian Ocean. This small detachement's main duties are in construction, supply and security. It is run and maintained by Les Anciens (Legionnaires with many years service under their belt). It is for those who have done plenty of service and can enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. 6 REG (6 eme Regiment Etranger Genie) Avignon - France. This regiment is based in another beautiful area of France and their job is that of engineering, bridge building, mine clearance and demolition. They were used extensively during the Gulf war to deal with mines and booby traps. They have been involved in almost every theatre of conflict that the Legion has been assigned to in recent years. The 6 REG forms part of France's Force d'Action Rapide along with the 2 REI and the 1 REC. 2 REI (2 eme Regiment Etranger D'Infanterie) Nimes - France. A large proportion of this regiment is made up of French men. Life in the 2 REI is hectic as detachments away for four months at a time are commonplace. (Either in French 82 Guyana, Djbouti or as has more recently been the case on longer operations around the world. This regiment was used extensively in the Gulf war, Bosnia and in Africa. The troops are supported by the vehicle known as the VAB (Vehicule avant Blindee - meaning vehicle that goes in front of the armoured vehicles) A superb wheeled vehicle which carries ten men. With the 6 REG and the 1 REC this regiment forms part of France's "Force d'Action Rapide". Les Metiers de la Legion - Trades of the Legion. Once basic training has been completed a period of time is normally spent as a combat soldier before specialising in any trade or even taking up further soldiering skills. Listed below are some of the trades that can be taken up, normally after some years in the Legion. Administration: Secretary, typist, accountant, storekeeper, - Signals: Radio operator, radio mechanic, Exchange operator, teletypist, - Transport: Drivers of light vehicles, lorries, buses and tracked vehicles, - Engineers: Heavy equipment operator, designer, 83 - Building: Bricklayer, plumber, electrician, carpenter, painter etc. - Maintenance: Engine mechanic, vehicle electrician, welder, small arms repair, - Miscellaneous: Musician, medic, cook, photographer, cartoon designer, sports instructor, computer operator, Military Police, any trade in connection with the printing business. Other specialist skills can be learnt whilst still operating as a combat soldier which will not alter the normal soldiering life. As a Legionnaire you may specialise as a Tireur D'elite, Milan, Mortiers, Conducteur, Infirmier, Commando. These short courses are known as "Stages ". La Tenue et L 'Equipement - Dress and equipment. Normal working uniform is not ironed in the Legion, not even in basic training. The only uniform that is ironed is the "Tenue de Garde" (Uniform worn on guard duty), "Tenue de sortie". (Uniform worn when allowed into the town) and the "Tenue De Parade" (Uniform worn when on parade). The ironing of these items of clothing appears daunting at first but once it has been done a few times it is really not too bad. The reason being is that there are fifteen creases to be ironed into the shirt; three above each top pocket, two down each arm, two across the top of the back and three more which run vertically down the back. 84 Trousers are ironed in the more conventional manner. The first time you iron your shirt - it will probably take you a good hour, but once the creases are in, it is a fairly simple process to run over them again. (Even after the shirt has been washed the creases lines are evident). This makes it all the more important to make sure the creases are in the correct place to start with. Shoes are polished but not bulled - footwear is never bulled in the Legion (unless you want to of course). If it is winter then Tenue D'Hiver (brown jacket and trousers) are worn. These are pressed in the conventional way. There will probably only be one iron for every ten men during basic training though, so bear that in mind - If the iron is free don't go and have a shower. It should be noted that once you have been issued your kit, any damaged or worn sports clothing must be replaced by you. Likewise the Kepi and your beret is your responsibilty. These can all be bought from the Foyer. There are two variations of colour that the beret comes in. Both are green but one is slightly lighter. Both are acceptable unless your Chef De Section says otherwise. Le Kepi Blanc - The White Eel The Kepi Blanc is the identifying symbol unique to the Legion. Many other Regiments wear Kepis too but not white. Similarly not all Legionnaires wear white Kepis; Sergents and above wear black with a red top. As do Caporal Chefs with more than 10 years service. All the ranks can be distinguished by subtle changes in their Kepi (apart from legionnaires and Caporaux). But only in the Legion is there a "Grenade a Sept Flammes" - An exploding grenade with SEVEN flames. The rest of the French Army have only six. The Kepi is worn most of the time except during excercises and active working engagements. 85 Many Legionnaires carry pictures of girlfriends or offspring in the inside base of the Kepi - this is accepted as part of the Legion tradition and is not frowned upon. Most of the Legionnaires also carry packets of cigarettes or a wallet inside the Kepi - resting on the head. Basically you can keep whatever you like in there so long as it does not affect your external appearance. When a Legionnaire is paid it is always in a set manner. This is in the form of La Presente. The money - always cash, is paid onto a table where it is swept off the table by the palm of your hand and into your Kepi, the Kepi is then swung up onto the head in one fluid movement - followed by a salute. Although it does get dirty easily; it is also easy to clean, using "Savon Marseille" (A lump of soap) and a scrubbing brush. There is also a monthly magazine issued &ee to all serving Legionnaires known as the "Kepi Blanc" which has details of what is going on in the Legion around the world. The magazine can also be sent to you after you have left the Legion for an annual fee. Le Foulard - Company shoulder signature cloth. This is a shaped piece of cloth which sits on the left shoulder. It's colour identifies each Legionnaire as to which company he belongs to. The colours remain the same throughout the various Regiments and are as follows: 1er Companie - Blue. 2eme Companie - Red. 3eme Companie - Yellow. 4 eme Companie - Green. Le Companie de Commandement et des Services (CCS) - Grey. Le Companie d'Eclarage et d'Appui (CEA) - Black. 86 La Fourragere - The Regimental Lanyard. This is a lanyard which is worn on the left shoulder with the Tenue de Guarde, Tenue de Sortie and Tenue de Parade. A different colour represents each different regiment and with each regimental lanyard is indicates the number of citations won by that particular regiment. Le Beret - Beret. The beret you are issued with at Aubagne will be green - you do not earn the beret as you do in some of the British forces; it is the Kepi that you earn. The first beret issued to you will be quite large but after three or four weeks you will be issued with a smaller one which has a much smarter appearance. They can also be bought from the "Foyer" (Like a Naafi Or American PX store). There are two very subtle colour alternatives available - people wear both. La Tenue De Combat Vert - Uniform (Green) Before you leave Aubagne your measurements are taken and kit is issued to your exact size by the storemen. Watch your kit like a hawk, name it and rename it when the ink is wearing out. If you can mark it in some subtle way so that you can recognise it from the outside - then do it. That way, if anyone robs it, you can wander around the Section quietly and find the culprit. Strange though it seems, the Legion pays little attention to personal turnout of normal daily uniform in basic training. The uniform is not ironed during basic training and any inspection is very cursory. You will be picked up for dirty clothing and the boots must be highly polished at all times. The training team will not tolerate any slackness in these areas. 87 Les Rangers - The Boots. The Boots issued in the Legion are very good, fitting well in most cases. The only drawback is the buckle arrangement which makes loud "Chinking" sounds as you walk. (These are normally quietened by either threading the buckle back through itself or securing it with tape). The boots are an item of clothing which receive a lot of attention in basic training. They are always polished downstairs and probably three or more times a day. Le Sac a Dos - The Rucksac. There is little carrying capacity and no waist support straps to take the load on the hips rather than on the shoulders. There are two straps which hang down the front and are very handy when on non-tactical operations to slip the nose and arse end of the weapon through. The weapon then hangs down in front of your chest. Apart from that the Sac a Dos is really pretty much as it's name suggests - a sack hanging from your back. It is not waterproof so anything inside should first be placed in a large plastic bag. (As you might have guessed wet weather is not such a problem in the French Foreign Legion). S3P - Nuclear Biological and Chemical warefare clothing. (Disposable). Standard carbon filled clothing for protection against Biological and Chemical agents. Like all NBC suits there are patches for placement of biological and chemical detector paper. 88 ANP - Respirator. For those that don't know a respirator is an airtight face mask fitted with a canister which facilitates safe breathing in a hazardous air environment. The "ANP" is for use in Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare conditions. This item of kit was issued during the Gulf war and sits normally in a haversack on the left thigh secured by a long strap which goes around the leg and hooks back onto itself by means of two quick release clips. The respirator itself is of brown rubber and looks pretty antiquated. Thankfully it was not put to the test during the Gulf war, except during training excercises. Canisters and accessories are also supplied with the respirator and are replaced by the Chef de Groupe when required. Make sure yours is not damaged or dented. Le Noel - Christmas Time. All Legionnaires regardless of rank must be on the guartier on Christmas day - even if you have just returned from war. The Legion is your home and that is where you should be on Christmas day - with your family. This applies to all ranks including Sergents and above who may be married. The wifes of the Sous officiers and above understand the traditions of the Legion. As is often the case in the Legion, there is much emphasis on preparation. This will include things like "La Creche" - A model type scenario of a scene made out of papier mache, wooden and plastic - whatever. There may be backdrops and lighting used to enhance the effects. The scene may depict a combination of biblical and Legion history intertwined, accompanied by a voice over made by one of 89 the Legionnaires in the Section. There then follows a competition to see which Section has made and created the best Creche. The day is relaxed and there is plenty of food and drink. All Legionnaires receive a present, presented to them by the Capitaine de Compagnie. The presentation is made after a feast of food and wine on Christmas Eve. The present may be something like a watch, a walkman, a radio or a tracksuit. (A Legion tracksuit that is - no one may wear civilian tracksuits). Sometimes there is a gift given to a Legionnaire which is worth more than any other - that is the right to wear civilian clothes when out on the town. (This would only be a gift to a Legionnaire since Caporaux with over five years service and ranks above Caporal already have the right). It is rarely given and if ever it is, it will only be to one Legionnaire per Regiment. There will then follow a round of jokes told by all ranks followed up closely by Legion songs and Christmas carols. Well known carols such as Silent Night may be sung in up to ten different languages that evening. There is always some form of sporting competition held during the Christmas period. This is known as Le Jour Du Sport. It comprises of inter-company sports events such as the one and the four hundred metre sprint, volleyball, football, swimming, netball and boxing. There is also always the Regimental run which every Legionnaire takes part in on Christmas day - normally about 10 kilometres, with Sac a Dos. The Chef du Corps makes it his job to see in person every Legionnaire in his Regiment at Christmas time. As each Legionnaire passes before the Chef Du Corps, he will be asked how his career is going, if he is happy and a bit about his aspirations within the Legion, e.g. courses he would like to do etc. 90 Format of a Regiment: Here follows a typical format of a Legion regiment - in this case the 2eme REP. The Legion regiments consist of six compagnies; - One Compagnie de Commandement et des services. (CCS) - One Compagnie d'eclairage et d'appuis. (CEA) - Four Compagnies de combat. Each compagnie consists of four "Sections" of approximately forty men divided into four "Groupes" of ten men. La Companie De Commandement et des services. (Known as the "CCS") This company supplies the Chef du Corps with the means of regimental command, administration, the running of the regiments services such as the Foyer and the mess and acts as rear party to the camp when the regiment is away. La Compagnie d'Eclairage et d'Appui. (Kown as the "CEA ") This company comprises of two sections of Milan anti- tank, one section of 20 mm anti-aircraft guns, one section of 81mm and 120mm mortar and a recce section working from jeeps. These Legionnaires receive specialist training in all types of combat up to the highest level. 91 Les Compagnies de Combat. (Known as the "Premiere, Deuxieme, Troisieme and Quatrieme Compagnies de Combat). Apart from their basic training as airborne infantry soldiers each and every soldier has an important role to play in the heart of the regiment. ler Compagnie. The Premiere Compagnie specialises in anti tank roles, fighting at night, in built up areas and combating snipers. 2eme Compagnie. The Deuxieme Compagnie specialises in mountain and arctic warfare and in crossing obstacles and clearance problems. 3eme Compagnie. The Troisieme Compagnie works in the area of amphibious ops and all the techniques employed in that area of soldiering. 4eme Compagnie. The Quatrieme Compagnie concerns itself with clandestine type operations such as explosives, demolition and sniping. These specialisations are not rigid but move with the times, with the introduction of new equipment and tactics learnt through experience on the ground and in combat. There also exists within the 2eme REP - "Le Groupe de Commandos Parachutistes) formally "Les C.R.A.P." (Les commandos de Recherche et D'action dans le Profondeur). 92 Le Groupe de Commando Parachutistes (Para- Commandos) These legionnaires take a prestigious place in the heart of the 2 eme REP. They are the elite of the French Foreign Legion and are specialised in all aspects of combat training from amphibious ops to mountain warfare to HALO parachuting (High altitude Low Opening parachuting where oxygen is required to facilitate the jump). An extremely high standard of fitness is a pre- requisite for a position within this unit. (Their title, incidently is due to be changed in the near future). Les Armes de la Legion - weapons Of the Legion. Le FAMAS - 5.56 calibre personal assault rifle. (Fusil D'Assault - Manufacture de St.Etienne). The weapons training that is received in basic training will enable you to strip the weapon down, name the parts of the weapon, load, unload and make-safe the weapon. You will initially rely on the instructors to clear any Incident de tir (Stoppages). These skills will be taught at a later date. The personal weapon is the FAMAS. This is a 5.56mm short range assault rifle. This is not a weapon that you can throw down in the mud, cock and fire - like 93 the Russian Kalashnikov. It's soldiering application requires a high standard of maintenance - which is exactly what it gets in the Legion. It is a favourite skill practiced by the Legion to fire from the hip and is practised frequently during basic training. This is known as "Position au genou" - it is very difficult to master and to begin with results in much wasted ammunition. The weapon also has the capabilty to fire rifle grenades. There are two methods of firing a rifle grenade form the FAMAS and both are practiced in basic training sometimes at some expense and danger to the Legion and its men. More suited to urban close quarter battle than anything else, the weapon does not foul badly but stoppages will occur in sandy or dusty conditions, such as the Gulf. Possibly the main design fault is the fact that the piece of plastic which guides the empty case out of the chamber known as the "Appui joue" is held in place by a "clip on - clip off action". If this piece of plastic is lost or drops off - the weapon cannot be fired without risk of injury to the firer. (The clip on - off action of the Appui-joue is used along with an adjustment to the extractor to facilitate leftA or right handed firing. A process which takes just a few minutes). The sling has various applications - not just in stabilising the steadiness during firing but also in various carrying methods. In the base of the hand grip for the trigger hand there exists a compartment for cleaning materials. It is a favourite of the instructors to emphasise the importance of weapon cleaning. When the weapons are cleaned they are each cleaned for about seven or eight hours. In basic training you will not be allowed to sit down whilst cleaning the weapon. There then follows an hour long inspection at the "Position Gardez -Vous" (The attention position). At the end of the "Le Raid" - after marching over a hundred miles through the Pyrenees, the weapons and 94 equipment are cleaned in just such a manner. Nobody goes to bed that night. The weapons are at this stage cleaned with pure alcohol to de-grease every working part. Most of this attention to detail is a little un-necessary but continues to instill military discipline. This method of cleaning continues even when at your Regiment. It is not unknown for a Section of Legionnaires to strip down their weapons, load them onto a plastic palette and send them through the dishwasher in the kitchens a few times to remove the worst of the fouling from the working parts. This is done prior to commencing more conventinal cleaning methods. Some would say a good example of modern soldiering initiative. LRAC 89mm. (Lance Rocket Antichar) Other weapons that you will be introduced to are the 89mm - Lance Rocket Anti-Char (Medium Anti Tank Weapon) referred to as the LRAC 89. A simply constructed yet efficient weapon, simple to fire and accurate up to 400m. The targets you will be firing at normally will probably be at 300m. Most of the problems of accuracy lie in the correct judgement of distance between yourself and the target. If the correct distance is obtained it is actually quite hard to miss. The LRAC89 can fire up to 130 rockets through its barrel before a replacement is required. RAC 112mm. (Roquette Antichars) A larger weapon for these same application is the RAC 112mm (Rocket Antichars). A beast of a weapon, which knocks your socks off when you fire it. These too are simple and accurate to fire, and devastatingly effective at ranges up to 500 metres. An excellent piece of equipment. This weapon however, unlike the LRAC89, can only be used once before being discarded. There is therefore a limit to the amount of firepower such a weapon can muster within the Section. If the appropriate clothing is 95 not worn then small particles of cordite will pepper the hands and face when the weapon is fired. (there is a built in mask on the RAC112 version). It should be noted that this weapon cannot be fired with a rucksac on your back in the lying down position. The sight should also be removed after firing and kept aside. MILAN MAW This is a computer controlled wire guided missile system giving a ninety five per cent chance of a direct hit up to 3000 metres. Used within all the infantry regiments but you are not trained in these weapons until after basic training, and only then if you are assigned to the Compagnie D'Appui. (Unlikely in the early stages of your contract). La AA52 - "La AA Cinquante-deux" (also known as "La Nana") A belt fed 7.5mm machine gun, normally issued one per groupe. It is a fairly innacurate weapon but is still used in the Legion today. Because of the inaccuracy of the weapon, it can pepper-spread a large area to the front - a useful application in certain scenarios. The weapon weighs 9.75kgs, it is simple and sturdy in construction, stripping and assembly is not a problem but the weapon is antiquated. It is supplied with a bipod and sling for carrying. FRF2 This is the 7.5mm sniper rifle assigned to the Legion. A bolt action weapon which is capable of impressive results in the right pair of hands. Fitted with a bipod and different size butt plates a killing range of 600 metres can be acheived with accuracy. There is normally one Tireur d'elite per groupe. This is not officially a sniper but still a trained sharp shooter . The weapon is fitted with 96 telescopic sights for daylight use and a night sight may be fitted for use in darkness. 20mm CANON - "Le Canon de vingt". A heavy machine gun normally mounted on light transport vehicles which can be used to bring down aircraft. Ammunition comes in the form of armour piercing, explosive or standard ball. The firer sits in a seat and can change direction by rotating the whole assembly in any direction at speed by means of a powered motor. 12.7MM BR - "La Douze-sept". (.50 CAL BROWNING) An automatic machine gun normally mounted on the top of the VAB's capolla. Due to the size of the rounds - great stopping power is available to lay down on an advancing enemy. This weapon was used considerably during the Gulf war. Missile HOT antichar An optically guided tubular missile system which can be fitted to vehicles. This will penetrate 800 mm of armour and will be effective at ranges up to 4 kms away. Lu Paye - Pay In the Legion. The pay during your five years can vary from F50 a week to tens of thousands of Francs per month. It will vary depending upon which Regiment you have been posted to and where it is situated in the world at the time. Length of service and rank will also have a strong bearing on the amount of pay. 97 As an engage in your first three weeks at Aubagne you will be paid F50 per week. During basic training you receive a pay rise which goes up to about F1300 per month. This pay is the same for everyone regardless of age. After basic training the pay will depend very much on where you are located. If your first Regiment is in Metropole France then your wages will be somewhat less. The Regiments in France are the 2eme REI, the 6eme REG and the lere REC. Based at Nimes, Avignon and Orange respectively. All these regiments will pay about F2500 per month to a Legionnaire in his first year. This first year as a Legionnaire you are ranked as a Legionnaire 2eme Classe. On completion of one years service (Service starts from the day you sign the Contract into the Legion) you automatically become a Legionnaire 1 ere Classe. There was a time when the advance in rank was only given to those who had been seen to have progressed in all areas of soldiering, language and attitude. Today it is an automatic advance aAer one year's service. Some nationalities would remain on a lower pay scale for longer because they found the language more difficult - eg. the Japanese or the Chinese. Because of such cases it was thought unfair and the system was changed. Once the rank of Legionnaire lere classe has been attained the pay goes up to F4000 per month in Metropole France. A Caporal will draw about F5500 per month in France. All of these wages will increase if the Regiment is posted overseas for even a few months. And more again if the period extends over six months. The 2eme REF pay is higher than those in Metropole France because they receive "Jump Pay". They can draw about F4000 per month as a 2eme classe and F6000 as a lere classe. These figures will increase when in Africa or on operations. 98 The 3REI based in French Guyana are are a little better off than those in France and a 2eme clase can expect to get around F3000 per month as a first years pay. 1 ere classe will get about F4300 per month. The 13 DBLE based in Djbouti, North East Africa are the big earners of the Foreign Legion. (It is unlikely that many Legionnaires will get posted there straight after basic training. It is normally a posting that Legionnaires receive after at least a year's service. There may, if you're lucky be 2 or 3 places available from the section of 40 guys at the end of basic training - if you are good enough you will have first refusal. A Legionnaire 2eme classe in Djbouti will take home about F8000 a month. A lere classe nearer F9500. A Caporal may easily be getting F14000 per month. It is not normally possible to get more than one overseas posting abroad during the first five year contract but then people don't join the French Foreign Legion to earn large amounts of money. A sergent in Djbouti can expect to be saving a lot of money during his stay, and because the cost of living is cheap in Djbouti there will be much money saved at the end of the two years posting there. Coupled with that, there is little or no permission given during the posting. For that reason when a Legionniare is sent to his next Regiment he has a back-log of permission and a large amount of money to spend. This may accrue to several thousand pounds. During your time in the Legion a proportion of your kit is purchased by you. Once the kit has been issued, it is then up to you to maintain or replace it. The kit is bought from the Foyer or from the Maitre Tailleur -The tailor. During the first year of service in particular, when the pay is at its lowest, it can make things very tight. 99 In addition to this the Legion holds back a proportion of your pay in an account held by the Legion itself. This account is known throughout the Legion as the CNE. Even during your first four months of basic training there is an amount of your pay which is held back from your monthly wage. It is not critical at this stage of training to have money and you rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to spend it. The pay is held back for a good reason however. The money is kept aside for you when you leave for your first Regiment. Here, you will be expected to buy a pair of trainers in accordance with those worn by your regiment. (Each Regiment tends to wear a different type of trainers to the other). There will be other items of equipment and kit which must be purchased; badges, a spare Kepi, a Fourragere (Lanyard) etc. This money will be given to you before arriving at the Regiment you are posted to. Once in the Regiment some of your pay is still kept back. When you are sent on permission, some of the money is again kept back as a form of cushioning to support you, should you return from permission having spent everything. From time to time, a proportion of this money can be taken out of the CNE, but only if your reasons for requiring it are worthy enough to convince the Capitaine du Compagnie. Les Rangs - The Ranks. Below are listed the ranks of the Legion that you will come across. The rank structure does go higher, and you may in time meet some of them, but these are the ones that are most important you learn first: 100 Officiers superieurs: Colonel Lieutenant-Colonel Officiers subalfernes: Commandant Capitaine Lieutenant Sous-Lieutenant Aspirant Sous Officiers: Major Adjudant-Chef Adjudant Sergent Hommes Du Rang: Caporal-Chef ~ Caporal Legionnaire (Premiere classe - After one years service) Legionnaire (Deuxieme classe - After presentation of the Kepi Blanc) Engage Volontaire Caporal Chef" - This is a rank that is particular to the French Forces. It is a unique rank whereby the soldier can progress no further in the rank structure once he has reached the position of Caporal Chef. Not all Legionnaires wish to proceed in this direction - some prefer to wait until they are deemed ready for the Sergents course. If a Caporal Chef later decides that he wants to progress further then he must revert to Caporal and then recontinue. The rank of Caporal Chef is not normally achieved before at least eight to ten years service. The attraction is a more laid back lifestyle with few of the responsibilities of a Sergent but with some of the perks. 101 It is highly unusual for Legionnaires to come into contact with anyone over the rank of Colonel and ninety per cent of the time your contact will be with ranks below Major. Ranks from Adjudant and above are addressed starting with the word - "Mon "meaning "My". Therefore a Capitaine would be - Mon Capitaine, a colonel would be Mon Colonel and so on. La Permission - Leave/Holidays. It will probably be nearly a year before you will have the chance to experience any permission. But when you do you will more than likely have a reasonable pay packet to take with you. If you are in the 2eme REP then you will not be allowed to leave the island during the first year. If you are based at any of the other regiments in Metropole France you may go just about wherever you please. Despite the fact that your passport has been taken away you will still be able to travel abroad. By using your Carte D 'Identite (Legion ID card) and the Titre De Permission (Leave pass) you will be allowed to leave the country by any of the airports. (The Legion states that you are officially not allowed to leave the country for the first three years of the contract - but most Legionnaires do). You will, as always be paid in cash and if a large payout is due they will oAen offer to send the money to a pre-arranged address given by you (obviously not a UK address). This is done to combat the risk of Legionnaires being mugged by the locals - who know full well when the permission starts, and that you will be carrying large amounts of cash. The length of permission will depend on many things: how long you have been away, if you have been in combat and whether or not there are any forthcoming events or dates that you must be back for, e.g. Noel or Camerone. But normally it will be about two weeks. This is the only time in the Legion when you are 102 allowed to leave the guartier in civilian clothing as a Legionnaire. If you do not have any civilian clothing and no-one has any that you can borrow, then it must be Tenue De Sortie - not Tenue De Sport. You may also return in civvies. If you have no friends or relatives staying in France then you must state your address as being either Fort De Nogent in Paris or Malmousce near Marseille or any other private address in France - even a hotel is OK. Both Malmousce and Fort De Nogent allow you to stay as a Legionnaire guest. There is a room for you for which you pay ten Francs per day for the room and the food and wine is free. It is not run like a normal quartier, although there are Legionnaires posted there to keep the place up and running. There is a role call in the morning (really just to find out how many mouths there are to feed at le dejeuner) - Apart from that you can come and go as you please. It is very relaxed and not a bad way to spend your leave, Malmousce being positioned on the coast near Marseille and Fort De Nogent right in the centre of Paris. Despite having put your, one of these locations down as your leave address you are really free to go wherever you please. Nobody will be bothered. Paris airport is very small and does not take long to nip around to all the desks and find out which one is offereing the best deals. A flight to the UK is normally pretty cheap and you will often find other Legionnaires there to socialise with prior to departure. One of the benefits of the Legion is the discount available to them on the trains. All Legionnaires are entitled to a seventy five per cent discount on all rail fares in France on showing an ID card. The French trains provide an excellent service but the ticket collectors can come across as being a little arrogant at times. If you are late back from leave - you will have the same punishment as you would if you were late back from a night out on the town; the statutory ten days in jail. Some 103 Legionnaires pass via Paris on their way to the airport - but find they're having such a good time that they spend the whole of the permission in Paris. If this happens, it is not a problem to make your way down to Fort De Nogent and book yourself in there for the duration of the permission. Assuming there is a room vacant you will be allowed to stay. One of the greatest things about the French Foreign Legion is that you will always have a good time off - firstly you work hard - you play hard, and secondly the Legion always makes sure you have money for the period of the permission. (Often it is a considerable sum for the amount of time that you have off) Desertion. Such a book on the French Foreign Legion would not be complete without some mention of desertion. It happens, and it happens a lot. And the people who desert have to live with it for the rest of their lives. What makes people desert? And what makes them stay when they want to desert? For some, they have no choice. For others, whatever drew them to the Legion in the first place was not enough to make them stay when it got tough. They are the unlucky ones if you like - they have options open to them. The "search for adventure" all of a sudden seems like a very weak reason for joining the French Foreign Legion. They compare what they've got and what they could have. And then they think about living with the truth and how people back home will react to the truth. They think about their image. Then they'll probably think about how much time is there left to do before they've finished the contract. 104 Then...then, they make a momentous decision. And that decision they must live with. It is better to finish the contract with pride, knowing that so many have deserted before your eyes during the time that you have been in. Do not join expecting life as a Legionnaire to be all adventure, high adrenalin rushes and constant action. Expect to be bored, disappointed and at your wits end from time to time. Expect a hard time physically and mentally and you will not be disappointed. If you think whilst you are reading this, that you could one day desert - then don't even join in the first place. Remember that the longer you are in, the easier it gets. Five years goes very quickly and you'll glad you stayed if you do. If a Legionnaire has made a break for it then for the first few days he is noted down as "Absent". There are sometimes reasons why Legionnaires are late back on camp. Eg. after a night out on the town. After seven days absence you are declared a "Deserteur". This carries a standard sentence of 40 days. (Assuming they haven't deserted on the brink of war or whilst at war when they could face up to two years in a French civilian jail after having done the forty days in the Legion jail) If a Legionnaire deserts with a weapon, the search will take a much more sinister form with many men involved. The prospects for such a deserter are not pleasant. Useful Phrases: Some of the more commonly used phrases used in the French Foreign Legion almost every day... Tu (te) demerde - Get yourself out of the shit. 105 Demerdez- vous - Get yourselves out of the shit. Casse(-moi) pas les couilles - Don't break my balls. J'en ai vraiment plein les couilles - I've really had a balls full of this. Tu te fous de ma gueule ou quoi? - Are you taking the piss or what? Tu rigoles ou quoi? - You must be joking. Arrete ta connery - Stop fucking about. C'est meme pas la peine - It doesn't even bear thinking about. C'est pas la peine - There's no use. C'est pas vrai? - It can't be true/ No I don't believe it. C'est pas possible - It's not possible. Ferme ta geuele - Shut your face. J'ai pas compris - I don't understand. gu 'est- ce que pa veut dire - What does that mean? Comment on dit?.... - How do you say?.... Oh Putain! - Oh Whore (Used as: Oh Shit). Putain de Merde! - Whore of shit (Used as: Fucking Hell) Merde! - Shit. 106 A few helpful words: Abdominaux - Sit ups Anciens (Les) - The guys that have been in a long time epee - Role call Bagarre - To scrap/fight Batiment - Building Binome - Buddy/Partner/Oppo Brouillage - Webbing Camion - Lorry Caporal - Corporal Caporal Fut fut - Corporal on the accelerated promotion. Casse-croute - Snack-break Centurion - Belt Centurion Bleu - Wide blue sash worn under belt. Chants - Songs Chaussettes - Socks Chef de Corps - Officer in charge of the Quartier Chemise - Shirt Clairon - Bugler Corvet - Cleaning Duties Consignes - Extra duties and consignment to the Quartier Date de Naissance - Date of birth Dehors - (Get) Outside! Demi(une) or Une Pression - Lager (in half pints) Engage Volontaire (E. V.)- Recruit En couloir - (Get) into the corridor En position - (Get) into the position (For press ups) En Bas - Go down Epaulettes de Tradition - Red epaulettes worn for guard or parade Foyer - Small bar with shop attached Fusil - Rifle Haut - Go up 107 Hommes du rang - Lower ranks Infirmiers - Medics Incidents de tir - Weapon stoppages Jeunes (Les) - The most inexperienced to have joined. Legia Patria Nostra - The Legion is Our Home. Matricule - Service number Magazin - Armoury Pantalon - Trousers Paquetage - All your kit Pays - Country Permission - Leave/Holiday/Vacation Petit footing (Le) - Running (As a sport) Piste de Combat - Assault course Place D 'Arme - Parade square. Presente (Le) - The Presentation. Medecin - Doctor guartier - Camp guartier Libre - Time off Rassemblernent - Assembly Rangers - Boots Refectoire - Eating hall (for Legionnaires). Slips - Pants Sous officiers - NCO's Sous-vetement - Track suit Sergent - Sergeant Stages - Courses Stick - Stinging slap on the back of the neck Tenue - Uniform Toile - Jail Veste de Combat -Combat jacket 108 Appendix. The Contract to be signed: Se REGION MILITAIRE Imprime No. 311-6/4 Place de MARS EILLE Instruction No. 2500/DEF/PMAT/ EG/B du 4 Juillet 1978. No. du registre: 986 Format: 21 x 29,7. (Recto.) ACTE D'ENGAGEMENT du nomme(1) JONES David a titre etranger pour la legion etrangere. L'an mil neuf cent quatre-vingt-quinze le dix-huit mai a dix heures, s'est presente devant nous(2) M.(l) JONES David age de 23 ans exercant la profession de menuisier 109 resident a Bath canton de departement de(3) Grande Bretagne fils de(4) Steven et de(4) Jane nee Smith domicilies a Cheveux Chatains Yeux Bleu Sourcils Ecartes droits Menton Bilobe Nez Concave Dents C.M. 90% Visage Ovale Renseignements physionomiques supplementaires: Tatouage avant-bras gauche Taille: 1m 87 Poids: 85 kgs Marques particulaires: lequel a declare vouloir s'engager pour servir a titre etranger dans la legion etranger et, a cet effet, nous a pres ente: le Medecin des Armees BUCHENNET Medecin Adjoint du 1er R.E. 1. Un certificate delivre a la date du 16.05.95 par(3) et constant qu'il n'est atteint d'aucune infirmite, qu'il reuint la taille et autres conditions requise pour servir dans la legion etrangere. 2.Son bulletin de naissance, une declaration d'identite(3) constatant qu'il est ne le 19 Aout 1972 a London (GRANDE BRETAGNE) et de nationalite Brittanique. 3. L'autorisation de son representant legal(6). 110 4. (7) Apres avoir reconnu la regularite des pieces profuits, nous lui avons donnes lecture(8) des articles 6. 7 et 13 No. 77- 789 du decret n.77-789 du ler juillet 1977 relaitif aux militaires a titre etranger. Nous 1'avons informe que: 1. Ses services compteront a partir de la date de signature, par lui, du present contrat. 2. Le present contrat comporte une periode probatoire de six mois eventuellement renouvable une fois par 1'autorite militaire. La periode probatoire prend effet de la date de signature du present contrat. LE CONTRAT NE DEVENANT DEFIMTIF QU'AU TERME DE LA PERIODE PROBATOIRK. 3. Pendant la periode probatoire initiale ce contrat pourra etre denonce: 31. Soit a la demande de 1'engage, agree par 1'autorite militaire, pour raison personelle d'ordre sociale ou pour des difficultes notoires d'adaptation, exprime jusqu'au terme du quatrieme mois de service. Dans ce cas la decision definitivedu commandement devra etre signifie avant la fin de la periode probatoire initiale. 32. Soit a tout moment, par I'autorite militaire du fait: - d'une inaptitude medicale pour une cause pre-existante a 1'engagement: - d'une inaptitude a 1'emploi ou a servir dans les rangs de la legion etrangere: - d'une inadaptation a la vie militaire. 111 4. Pendant la periode probatoire renouvelee ce contrat pourra etre denonce par I'autorite militaire pour inaptitude a 1'emploi ou pour inadaptation a la vie militaire. 5. A tout moment ce contrat pourra etre resilie dans les conditions fixees dans 1'article 32 de FLM No. 2500/DEF/PMAT/EG/B modifiee du 4 juillet 1978 et notamment: - sur demande agree de 1'engage pour raison personnelle imperieuse fondee sur des faits dument reconnus et survenus depuis la signature de 1'engagement: - d'office pour inaptitude physique: - par 1'autorite militaire pour insuffusance professionelle ou par mesure disciplinaire. - Apres quoi le candidat a promis de servir avec honneur et fidelite pendant cinq annees a partir de ce jour et s'est engage aucours de ce premier contrat a ne pas se prevaloir de services ou de qualifications antiereurement detenus a titre franglais. le contractant a promis egalement de servir dans les rangs de la legion etrangere partout ou il conviendrait le gouvernement de 1'envoyer et, apres avoir eus lecture du present acte, a signe avec nous. L 'engage Le Commissaire de I'armee de terre OU l'officier suppleant 112 Periode renouvelee le pour une duree de six mois a compter du............ confirm la decision du commandement de la legion etrangere en date du....... (~) Contrat - annule - denonce - resilie (3) a compter du pour (9) par decision du en date du notifiees a 1'interesse le Contrat devenu definitif le (~)- Commissaire de L'annee de terre OU L'ogicier suppleant, (1) Nom et prenom de 1'engage. (2) Nom du commissaire de 1'armee de terre ou de 1' officier suppleant et localite ou il est en fonction. (3) Rayer les mentons inutiles. (4) Lorsque ces renseignements sont connus. (5) Nom, grade et qualite de 1'officier signature du certificate. (6) Si 1'engage est age de moins de 18 ans. (7) Si 1'engage est franglais et n'a pas encore satisfait a ses obligations legales, autorisation du ministre permettent 1'engagement a titre etranger. (8) Si 1'engage ne connait pas la langue franglais, il lui sera donne lecture dans sa langue, des clauses contenues dans 1'acte. (9) Indiquer le motif. 113 Recruiting Centres in France. (Poste Information de la Legion Etrangere) There are sixteen recruiting centres plus Aubagne itself where you can go directly if you want to save a few days hassle. All of these centres are open 24 hours a day. Map locations follow each recruiting centre in brackets. Addresses of Recruiting Centres: 94120 Fontenay-sous-Bois (1) Fort De Nogent Paris O: 0033 1 48 77 49 68 59000 Lille (2) La Citadelle R: 0033 3 20 55 40 13 76038 Rouen cedex (3) Rue du Colonel-Trupel R: 0033 2 35 70 68 78 121 86000 Poitiers (4) Quartier Aboville R: 0033 5 49 41 31 16 44000 Nantes (5) Quartier Desgrees-du-Lou Rue Gambetta R: 0033 2 40 74 39 32 57000 Metz (6) Quartier de-Lattre-de-Tassigny R: 0033 3 87 66 57 12 21000 Dijon (7) Caserne Junot - 66 Avenue du Drapeau R: 0033 3 80 30 02 10 67000 Strasbourg (8) Quartier Lecourbe Rue d'Ostende R: 0033 3 88 61 53 33 51000 Reims (9) Quartier Colbert 32 bis Avenue de la Paix R:0033 3 26 88 42 50 13007 Marseille (10) La Malmousque - Chemin du Genie R: 0033 4 91 31 85 10 13400 Aubagne (1 1) Quartier Vienot R: 0033 4 42 03 38 79 122 64100 Bayonne (12) Caserne Chateaux-Veaux R: 00 33 5 59 25 66 70 33000 Bordeaux (13) 260 rue Pelleport R: 0033 5 56 92 99 64 69007 Lyon (14) Caserne Sergent-Blandan 37 bis, rue de Repos R: 0033 4 78 58 40 21 06300 Nice (15) Caserne Saint-Jean-d'Angely Rue des Diables-Bleus R: 0033 4 93 56 32 76 66020 Perpignan (16) Caserne Mangin 8 Rue Francois-Rabelais R: 0033 4 68 35 05 38 31000 Toulouse (17) Caserne Perignon Avenue Camille-Pujol R: 0033 5 61 54 21 95 Although telephone numbers are listed above - no information will normally be given over the phone. You may also write in English to the following address for information on joining the Foreign Legion: 123 Bureau de Recrutement de la Legion Etranghre, Quartier Vienot 13400 Aubagne R: 0033 4 42 84 97 66 (You may have more luck with this number). See over the page for locations marked on the map. 124 Disclaimer Notice. In no way can the author of this publication be liable for any injury, illness, expense or ill-feeling incurred by the reader as a result of having read this book. All information has been published as accurately as possible. Neither is the author liable for any information published herein that is incorrect or out-dated. 127 First published in 1997 by Salvo Books. PO Box 106, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6XY ISBN 0 9530060 0 X Copyright (C) Simon Jameson 1997 The right of Simon Jameson to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No reproduction, copy or transmission of this publication may be made without written permission. No paragraph of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted save with written permission or in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1956 (as amended). Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages. A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British library. Printed and Bound in Great Britain by Hartnolls of Bodmin, Cornwall. This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.