DÉFENSE ZONE
How to join the French special forces: selection, career path and realities
The French special forces fascinate as much as they raise questions. Regularly deployed in sensitive theatres of operations, they embody for many the pinnacle of military excellence. The question o...
Leaving the French Foreign Legion: contract, procedures, realities
The question of leaving the French Foreign Legion comes up frequently among candidates and observers alike. It deserves to be dealt with precisely, because enlistment in this institution is based o...
French Foreign Legion pay in 2026: how much a legionnaire earns, allowances and progression
The question comes up in every search about the French Foreign Legion: how much does a legionnaire earn? The answer comes down to a base figure, €1,572 net, and a series of extras that change every...
French Foreign Legion physical tests: expected level and preparation
The physical tests are part of the selection process for the French Foreign Legion. They are not intended to recruit top-level athletes, but to check that a candidate has a sufficient level of phys...
How to join the French Foreign Legion: a complete guide to recruitment
Joining the French Foreign Legion is not done through an online application or remote recruitment. The principle is simple and has not changed for decades: candidates must present themselves in per...
How do you become a water bomber pilot? (DZ#20)
When the sky becomes the last line of defence against the flames, an elite corps steps in. Aboard massive aircraft, experienced pilots engage in a spectacular and risky fight for Civil Protection. ...