Légion étrangère Information

Since 1831, the French Foreign Legion (Légion étrangère) has given France a combat force made up of foreigners, whose characteristics and qualities are today known and recognized throughout the world. This force is commanded by French officers. Its organization forms a coherent and humane system, in keeping with the status of service as a foreigner. The general commanding the French Foreign Legion (COMLE) is the technical adviser to the Chief of Staff of the Army (CEMAT) on all questions specific to the Foreign Legion. He guarantees the cohesion and consistency of the Légion étrangère as a combat force in the service of France. To accomplish this mission, the general has a General Staff, which serves as the level of synthesis and design, and three executing units (1st RE, 4th RE and GRLE) that allow him to exercise the full range of his prerogatives. Six regiments (2nd REP, 2nd REI, 13th DBLE, 1st REC, 1st REG, 2nd REG) are assigned to combined arms brigades for employment within the Land Operational Force (FOT). They are engaged in all overseas operations and on national territory. Two regiments (3rd REI, 5th RE) make up the land elements of the overseas sovereignty forces and contribute to the operational contract of the armed forces in French Guiana and Mayotte.