No, since September 20th, 2010, the recruited candidates can sign their contract under the real identity. Excepted those who asked for the change of name. The definitive decision for this change is taken by the commission of selection.

Yes. We have a procedure known as “Military regularization of situation” which can be used by any legionnaire after one year's service. It is useful for those who have no particular problems outside the Legion. Fresh identity papers must be obtained from the legionnaires original country. A legionnaire, if he so wishes, can spend his entire career under “declared identity”.

The presentation of any identity cards ( on current validity ) delivered by the State of membership of the candidate is asked so as to facilitate the process of selection and recruitment (ID card, passport, driving licences, diplomas of state). In every case, an act or a birth certificate with filiation will be required before the end of the first year of contract.

Yes. A legionnaire of foreign nationality can ask for French nationality after three years service. He must have been through “military regularization of situation” and be serving under his real name. He must no longer have problems with the authorities, and he must have served with “honour and fidelity” for at last three years. French nationality cannot be granted under declared identity.

No. The discipline enforced in the French foreign Legion is exactly the same as that of the French Regular Army. However, our traditions of an elite force allow us to enforce this discipline with a greater rigour. We have a tradition of excellence and selection criteria, which allow as to surpass the Regular Army.

A legionnaire with less than five years service must always wear a uniform. N.C.O.S whatever their service may wear civilian clothes when off duty.

Motor vehicles may not be purchased by a legionnaire of less than five years service and who has not undergone “military regularization of situation”.

N.C.O.S must have undergone “military regularisation of situation”.

• Marriage is authorized only to those having undergone “military regularisation of situation”. N.C.O.S. without limits of service. Legionnaires after seven years service.
• Civilian bank accounts are only available to those who have undergone “military regularization of situation”.

Yes. Leave abroad is only available to those having undergone “military regularization of situation” and in possession of a valid identity document or passport. Those who wish to return to their own country on leave, must have accomplished their military obligations in that country (where applicable), and must not be wanted by the police of that country. Some destinations are however subject to precautionary restrictions (Iraq, Afghanistan...).

There are reception facilities for legionnaires wanting to spend leave in France, for example, the leisure centre of “La Malmousque” in Marseille. These facilities are available on request. N.C.O.S or legionnaires who have not undergone “military regularisation of situation” must spend their leave in mainland France.

Yes. Even if many Foreign Legion candidates have previous military experience, this is not an essential requirement. Our basic training teaches all legionnaires enough military know-how to be able to serve with “honour and fidelity”. Previous knowledge of the French language is not required either. French is taught to legionnaires during basic training.

Yes, according to the needs of the legion or the wishes of the candidate, he can be engaged under his real identity or under the declared one.