Kenyans and other foreigners interested in a career in one of the world’s most storied military forces can now look toward the French Foreign Legion, a unique branch of the French Army that actively recruits non-citizens from around the globe.
Created in 1831, the French Foreign Legion is part of France’s Land Army (Armée de Terre) and contributes to NATO operations.
Today, it consists of more than 9,600 legionnaires representing over 150 nationalities, including Africans, Asians, Europeans, and Americans.
But joining the Legion isn’t as simple as applying online. The only way to enlist is by physically traveling to mainland France and presenting yourself at one of the Foreign Legion’s recruitment centers.
There are no online applications, no embassy forms, and no letters of invitation. “You must knock on the Legion’s door,” its official guidelines state.
French Foreign Legion: Requirements and Recruitment Process
Recruitment is open year-round, 24/7, and only men aged 17.5 to 39.5 years are eligible.
Upon joining, all recruits are enlisted under a false identity and as single men, regardless of their marital status, and must sign a mandatory five-year contract.
The selection process takes an average of three weeks, starting when a valid passport or national ID is handed to a serving legionnaire at a recruitment center.
Throughout the process, candidates receive free accommodation, meals, and clothing.
Recruits undergo psychotechnical assessments, including IQ and personality tests, physical fitness tests like the beep test, swimming, and pull-ups, and a thorough medical examination.
Applicants must also meet strict dental and eyesight requirements and must not be wanted by Interpol for serious crimes like drug trafficking or murder.
The maximum number of missing teeth allowed is 4 to 6 (depending on the condition of the other teeth).
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Minimum Requirements
- A valid passport (non-European Union (EU) or ID card (EU)
- A recent certified copy of your birth certificate (translated into English or French)
- Basic literacy in your native language
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 30
- No serious ongoing health conditions
Volunteers may leave at any point during the selection period.
What to Bring
Applicants must bring:
- Travel documents (ID, passport, birth certificate)
- Personal items: 3 T-shirts, 3 briefs, 3 socks, running shoes, towel, bath slippers, and toiletries
- €10 (Ksh 1500) to €50 (Ksh 7,500) in cash
Life and Pay in the Legion
Once enlisted, recruits start at a basic monthly salary of €1,600 net (approx. Ksh 226,000), which increases with rank, mission type, and length of service.
Housing, food, clothing, and medical care are provided free of charge.
After completing three years of service, legionnaires can apply for French citizenship, automatically granted if one is seriously injured in service.
Those who complete 17.5 years become eligible for a retirement pension.
Legionnaires can also obtain a French work permit after finishing their initial five-year contract.
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Work of the Legionnaires
The French Foreign Legion maintains six fully deployable operational units, including two motorized infantry regiments — the 2e REI and 13e DBLE — and an airborne regiment, the 2e REP, each comprising approximately 1,300 soldiers.
These are supported by a cavalry regiment, the 1er REC, with about 900 personnel, and two combat engineer regiments — the 1er REG and 2e REG — each made up of roughly 1,000 troops.
Legionnaires are often deployed for anti-terrorism patrols in France, peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and Africa, and short-term overseas assignments in territories like New Caledonia, Djibouti, Reunion, and French Guiana.
They may also participate in maritime missions or be posted to joint NATO exercises.
The Legion is known for its distinctive white képi, green beret, and red epaulettes. Training is intense, and life in the Legion demands loyalty, resilience, and discipline.
Joining the French Foreign Legion is more than just a military career—it’s a chance to start anew, earn respect, and serve under one of the most unique flags in the world.
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