Foreign Legion - Recruits put to the test | DW Documentary

The French Foreign Legion, an elite fighting [music] force comprising around 9 and a half thousand volunteers from around the world.

one where potential recruits endure weeks of tests to determine who is fit for service.

>> Being, a, legionary, isn't, necessarily about being the strongest, the toughest.

It's more about being someone [music] that never quits, that never gives up.

>> We, should, tough,, but, it's, the, foreign legion.

The new recruits at this barracks in southern France are finishing preparations for a long- aaited day.

Today, they'll finally be able to call themselves legionnaires.

But before the ceremony, they have to do some ironing.

If you leave this iron on here for more than four, five, six seconds, it will start to burn. This is why you must always put water cuz the water absorbs the heat.

It keeps it from burning.

>> They, measure, it, down, to, the, millimeter so every single one counts.

>> Supervisors, check, the, shirts, very carefully with a ruler.

says something.

>> How, many, must, the, distance, between, these two lines be?

>> This, one, must, be, 3.5.

See, this one is also too large.

>> Ironing, is, one, of the, great, passions, in the foreign legion. It was introduced after the Second World War, and they have a unique identifying crease. It's

why some legionnaires devote more time to ironing than to their rifle.

>> For, the, recruits,, it's, been, a, long, and arduous journey to get to this day.

They've had to endure a 4 weeks selection process, progressing through three status levels and prevailing over many other applicants.

[music] Oon around 300 km further south home to the headquarters of [music] the French Foreign Legion.

[music] This is where the journey begins for those hoping to enlist.

A group of young men have assembled in a small courtyard kitted out in blue hence their name, Leblur.

One week in, these recruits have already reached the second stage of the selection process, but they're still a long way from being accepted into the

Legion.

David del Solah is from Chile.

>> David, has, a, family, member, in, the, Legion and was impressed by the organization from a young age.

I liked the idea of becoming a different person and changing my lifestyle with more discipline and a focus on the values of sport and comradeship

>> for, my, family, and, for, myself.

Adrian is French. He worked as a truck driver and now wants to seize his last chance to join the Legion.

They only accept applicants between the ages of 17 and a half and 39 and a half.

>> Now, being, 39,, it, was, now, or, never., But

for me, as long as you're determined age doesn't matter.

>> In, addition, to, being, the, oldest, recruit here, Adrea is one of the few Frenchmen.

Applicants are permitted to adopt new first and last names and new nationalities.

So Adrian is now Canadian, which doesn't mean a new passport, just a revised military ID.

>> The, idea, is, to, strengthen, the, bond, among the men joining the Legion.

You leave your past behind and start a new life as a legionnaire.

After a year, they can reclaim their old identity, which most of them do.

>> Adrian, is, the, father, of, four, children, but like every applicant is classified as unmarried and childless.

It underlines that this is your new family, [clears throat], and, you, have, to fully commit to the Legion and its missions worldwide. So there is no other

missions worldwide. So there is no other family you can visit now and again.

>> David, and, Adriel,, two, of, many, men seeking a new future in the Legion.

The French Foreign Legion currently numbers around 9 and a half thousand men.

>> Every, year,, the, Legion, accepts, around 1,600 new recruits.

The number of applicants is many times higher.

Just one in five meet the high standards required.

other armed forces are not so discriminating.

Looking at the German armed forces overall the acceptance rate is around 30%.

Physical fitness plays a major role in the Legion selection process.

This test requires applicants to repeatedly run the same short distance but each time faster.

>> This, is, 20, m,, and, you, need, to um run with the sound. More beeps, more faster.

Adrian's the oldest here, but among the quickest.

>> [music] >> I'm, happy, because, there, are, a, lot, of 20-year-olds here and I'm at their level.

>> Alan, is, from, Croatia, where, he, was, in, the kitchen staff in the army. Now he wants to become a real soldier.

I always want to work in army. It's

what's been my happiest place where I can find myself. [snorts]

Time for a well-earned break where the applicants can use the cool down area dubbed paradise.

But here too, they're unknowingly under observation.

If they can't live in the group, if they don't respect discipline and orders or are rebellious, then they can't stay.

>> It's, also, a, test, of, resilience, dealing with boredom. Do they become aggressive? How do they interact with

aggressive? How do they interact with their rival candidates? You don't want psychopaths who are physically fit and maybe even intelligent, but turn out to be antisocial individuals.

Around a dozen firsttime applicants arrive here in Aubona every day.

Narendraiki is from Nepal.

His journey to France took him via Dubai and Malta. In each case, having to work

and Malta. In each case, having to work as a night porter to pay his way to France.

>> It's, expensive, also,, but, uh um dream is dream. We have to uh we have

to get it graph it. So I'm continuously trying to do >> new, arrivals, first, have, to, submit, their IDs. For some [music] already a first

IDs. For some [music] already a first hurdle in the old days the legion didn't check applicants [music] identities.

>> Give, me, your, passport., Don't, leave, your passport.

>> Back, then, the, legion, had, a, reputation for being a refuge for criminals and outcasts.

test technique. Okay. Uh you'll do the test here. You write your last name.

test here. You write your last name.

Okay.

>> The, applicants, have, 9, minutes, to complete the psychological test.

>> Those, who, fail, to, score, five, out, of, a possible 20 points get one more chance.

The test is largely pictograms rather than language based. as applicants hail from all over the world.

>> The, two, men, pass, the, entry, test.

>> Okay,, good., Okay.

>> And, can, stay, on, for, now.

>> Open, your, bags., You, put, everything, on the table. Okay.

the table. Okay.

>> From, now, on,, they'll, have, to, give, up privacy.

>> Okay., Ring,, bracelet, necklace, everything that you have on the table.

Applicants have their possessions listed and registered and are themselves subjected to thorough searches, leaving them looking increasingly nervous.

All their valuables and personal documents are now held by the Legion.

There's no turning back.

I understand that it's part of the process and I respect it.

I've taken your iPhone, one charger, one passport, one card identity, one peri and two bank cards bonco.

>> Okay., And, 200., Okay.

>> The, next, step, is, a, background, check, to see whether applicants have a criminal record.

>> I, have, an, identity, related, query, please.

Applicants are also screened for possible mental health issues.

>> We, do, have, everything, on, our, system, but regarding the criminal records and so on that's our responsible who is in charge and he looks after that. I don't know

exactly how >> where, the, information, comes, from, so quickly is a legion secret.

>> You, take, your, bags, you, wait, for, me outside. Okay. Uh

outside. Okay. Uh

>> after, these, initial, tests,, the, new arrivals are permitted to enter the actual barracks.

Their next stop is the recruitment center. This is where they'll be

center. This is where they'll be spending the next few weeks, provided they pass more tests and don't drop out.

Meanwhile, candidates who are further ahead in the process, Le Blur, the Blues, are already hard at work with preparations underway for a very special

event. The recruits have been tasked

event. The recruits have been tasked with putting up a pavilion for Cameroon Day and will hopefully be taking this seemingly trivial job seriously because

here, too, they're being watched.

We send them to do chores. And once

they're done, the person watching writes us a report on their performance and behavior.

Then we give them a grade which is used to classify them.

>> Legionnaires, and, officers, conduct, a rehearsal of the upcoming [music] event so that everything goes smoothly on Cameroon day.

[music] It's like Christmas, the most important day in a legionnaire's calendar.

It commemorates the famous battle in Mexico in 1863.

A small number of legionnaires made a practically last stand defense against a far superior Mexican force.

It's a symbolic celebration of the Legion giving everything, never abandoning its officers, and rather dying than failing to succeed in a mission.

>> The, next, morning,, the, first, of, an expected 6,000 guests arrive.

Cameroon is a big deal across the entire region.

>> It's, the, symbol, of, the, legion.

It was a great battle which they won despite being so few in number, the pride of the legion.

My grandfather and like him, my father who is now retired in Corsica was also a legionnaire. We like to continue the

legionnaire. We like to continue the family tradition.

[music] >> The, highlight, of, the, big, day, is, a, parade by the pioneers [music] unit. Each of them sporting a beard, an

unit. Each of them sporting a beard, an axe, and a leather apron.

[music] The pioneers were originally the men who would open up the front line. The axe

was used to cut down the surroundings and the apron served as protection against shrapnel.

An equally important symbol is the prosthetic hand of Captain Jean Donju [music] who lost his hand during combat in Algeria.

During such parades, the wooden relic is traditionally carried by [music] veterans.

The Foreign Legion played a significant role in France's colonial wars and conquests, so its history and legacy remains somewhat controversial to this day.

In the Legion, wake up time is 6:00 a.m.

at the latest. Then it's straight to washing, shaving, and making their beds with meticulous care.

All with maximum discipline and speed and silence.

And then work. The blue group of recruits have been at the center for 2 weeks now. They've taken numerous tests

weeks now. They've taken numerous tests while being observed 24/7.

And now it's time to see who will make it through.

The imposing double doors are the entrance to the selection commission which comprises doctors and psychologists and soldiers.

After 16 days of intense trials and tests, they'll decide who stays and who goes.

>> The, hopefuls, line, up, as, they, await, their fate.

Alam from Croatia and David from Chile have made it to the next round.

This isn't the Red Cross. Sure, it's

tough. Some people we didn't give the chance because they weren't physically or intellectually up to the job >> and, suddenly, they're, sent, inside, pronto

for further orders and there are new rules.

>> Okay.

They're given new clothing. Finally, a

uniform.

>> And, again,, every, millimeter, counts.

is right now he knows he still has a long road ahead of him.

>> I, think, I, need, to, first, deserve, this uniform. It's easy to put uniform on you

uniform. It's easy to put uniform on you but you need to deserve it things what you do and other things

>> has, mixed, feelings, on, one, hand, relief but on the other fear of missing his loved ones.

It's a bit emotional because it's slowly sinking in that after the entire two weeks you've actually been selected. The

hardest part is knowing you'll be cut off from your family, not being able to talk to them or be close to them.

>> While, a, new, world, beckons, for, those who've been selected, the others return to their old clothes and old lives. Adre

is among those who didn't make the cut.

Of course, I'm disappointed. But hey

that's life. I respect the decision. In

any case, I have no regrets. I gave it 100%.

>> For, him, and, 15, others,, it's, a, premature departure.

The, Legion, does, at least, take, care, of their transportation to the nearest railway station and their train ticket.

And the rejected applicants are also paid for the work they've done. A few

hundred euros, a small consolation to take home with them.

>> For, the, batch, of, new, applicants, who've just arrived, the first test is learning to stand in line properly.

One line. One line.

While they have been admitted to the barracks at the recruitment center, the real selection process has yet to begin.

Accepted applicants are given a 5-year contract.

Starting pay is around €1,500 a month with free food and lodging.

After 5 years of service and good conduct, legionnaires can apply for French citizenship a prospect that is especially appealing for men from poorer nations.

Among those hoping to make their stay permanent is Mendra from Nepal. But

being assigned a bed in the barracks will involve a lot of hard work where everything has to be done right.

>> At, first, you, take, the, water, in, here.

Okay. But this is very uh Oh >> put, water, and, clean, it.

>> Cleaning, is, also, one, of, the, applicants duties.

>> Once, that's, done,, the, men, are, sent outside.

They're only allowed inside the building when ordered, but must remain on the premises.

>> Nobody, leaves, without, my, knowledge.

Anyone who goes out for a drink, I'll turn them straight back into a civilian.

>> The, applicants, have, access, to, a, tent, and a mobile trailer.

How they spend their time there is up to them, but books are prohibited, as is any contact with the outside world.

So, no phones or computers either.

You just have to stay calm, wait and stay positive.

>> After, many, hours, of, waiting,, they, can spend their first night in the barracks one step closer to their goal.

>> I, feel, very, lucky, to, get, another, chance.

It's my chance now. So, I'm very lucky.

Although luck will not play a role in the days to come, serving in the Legion requires not just physical attributes but also mental fortitude and intelligence. Only those who score well

intelligence. Only those who score well across all areas will make the grade.

Many will not.

>> Castell, Nodali, in, southwest, France, is home to the Legion's instruction regiment.

>> The, Red's, group, have, come, to, the garrison here for 4 months of training.

If all goes as planned, they'll emerge as fullyfledged legionnaires.

>> But, they'll, be, tackling, the, final, stage, not in barracks, but on a farm.

>> There's, no, internet,, no, TV,, no, phone,, no candy bars, and no coke. There's nothing

but the standard gear, and everything's the same for every legionnaire. The only

extra thing they have is a weapon in the armory. Armory.

armory. Armory.

>> The, budging, legionnaires, get, an introduction to the sparse conditions they can expect during actual deployments with their new family >> the, Legion., [screaming]

>> The, object, is, to, disorient, them, disconnect them from the world, and train them for a month and build them up together over the next two or three months.

That's the adventure. And some find it difficult.

[crying] >> Difficult,, but, vital, for, actual, conflict scenarios where the soldiers have to fight as a unit.

>> The, comrade, on, your, right, might, be Chinese or Japanese. When we go into combat, he might save your life. Just as

a Frenchman might save the life of a Chinese or Spanish comrade. What matters

is not where you're from, but the bond between you.

>> The, Foreign, Legion, primarily, serves, in overseas missions, both for France's own military interventions and as part of NATO and UN operations.

Legionnaires are on permanent standby.

Go.

>> In, addition, to, mental, strength,, the trainees are also primed physically with countless workout sessions every day from running to pull-ups and sit-ups.

>> I, lost, I, lost, here.

>> I, come, here, with, 96 and probably now I'm 90 kilo.

[music] The regimen is more demanding than in Alona and the dropout rate is higher.

>> It's, about, 10%, which, can, rise, to, 15%, on the farm. So out of 100, 10 to 15 will

the farm. So out of 100, 10 to 15 will quit.

For the remaining recruits, growing together as a unit also means speaking the same language. And for many learning French is another major challenge.

>> The, hardest, part, is, the, grammar, because it has these very specific things like accent marks and other stuff above the letters.

>> In, the, afternoon,, the, recruits, rush, back to their dorms to fetch their keppy blanc.

They have to pass one final test to be officially awarded the famous white legionnaires hat. A distinction they've

legionnaires hat. A distinction they've been working hard toward. Every morning

when we wake up and we go to sleep to have some motivation.

>> The, men, rehearse, the, graduation, ceremony days in advance.

>> Han, will, be, leading, the, chant, of, the legion's code of honor.

Captain Jack is still not satisfied.

>> They're, still, shouting, instead, of, just speaking loudly. Three days to go.

speaking loudly. Three days to go.

>> Before, being, awarded, the, Keiplong,, the recruits have one last test to master. A

grueling two-day march in full gear.

They begin preparing for the ordeal several days ahead. And here too something else that sets the Legion apart, >> the, pace, of, marching.

>> It's, often, said, that, they, march, slower because it's so hot in southern or non-European, regions., [clears throat]

non-European, regions., [clears throat] But that's nonsense. It's actually a conscious PR ploy by the Legion to distinguish itself from the regular French army.

The Red's group has been training for four weeks on the farm, and today they will soon be embarking on the big final test, the Keiplanc March.

At least the bus ride there shouldn't be too demanding.

>> There's, no, free, time,, just, an, hour, max for lunch, so it's good to get some rest and be able to sleep a bit.

The recruits will be on the road for about 3 hours, giving them time to gather themselves mentally and physically.

[music] They'll be spending their last night before the 2-day march outdoors.

>> [music] >> So, this, is, uh, what, we, would, call, uh, day zero. So this is the day zero where we

zero. So this is the day zero where we install for the evening and uh the legioners have set up their site of the bovac where they will sleep for the evening. Uh this evening there's not too

evening. Uh this evening there's not too many activities planned. In the morning wake up is around 5:30.

Han checks his backpack one last time.

Despite containing only the bare essentials, it's still heavy.

>> Maybe 30 kilos for sure. And gun

armor is 3.5 kilos.

Water one.

Uh camel back is 3 lit. Other one is one liter.

sound like >> 40, kilos, everything, on, me.

>> Alan, and, his, fellow, recruits, will, have those 40 kilos on their shoulders for the 30 km march tomorrow and again the day after adding up to 60 km in 48

hours.

Here we need to take a big detour which is difficult.

Then, we, go, down, down down.

Then the toughest bit up and really steep a climb of 150 m over less than one kilometer.

The first day is normally the hardest.

Sure, it's tough, but it's the foreign legion. What we're asking of them is to

legion. What we're asking of them is to march to prevail and earn the keyp. And

then they're part of the family.

>> The, keppy, blanc, test, is, about, far, more than just marching.

>> The, real, focus, here, is, on, the, core values of the legion.

It's more psychological. Being a legionnaire

more psychological. Being a legionnaire isn't necessarily about being the the strongest, the smartest, the toughest.

It's more about being someone that never quits, that never gives up. I think the the the the watch word of Legionnaire is endurance resilience.

>> For, the, recruits,, their, futures, are, at stake. They've passed a series of

stake. They've passed a series of selection tests and have spent four weeks training on the farm. But if they failed to complete the two-day march, it

will all have been for nothing.

>> And, there, are, no, second, chances, with, the keppy blanc march. Typically, three or four recruits will give up and have to say goodbye to the legion.

It's before dawn when the men prepare for the first day of the decisive march.

Okay.

Breakfast is very basic. Today there's

just coffee with >> sugar, and, honey., Sugar, for, energy, and honey for some taste. Normally we eat bread, but as there's no bread, this will have to do.

Right after breakfast, David takes some final precautions.

Talcum powder for my feet and my boots too. Your feet sweat and in the morning

too. Your feet sweat and in the morning when the grass is wet, they get damp and it's dangerous if they stay damp.

The 33 candidates line up for the track that awaits them.

Third section assembled for the start of the keyp march.

>> Gentlemen, today 30 km, tomorrow back to barracks.

To pass, you have to make it to the awarding of the keppy blanc.

>> Anyone, who, fails, the, march, doesn't, get the keyp.

Simple as that.

And they're off on the make or break keppy march.

[music] Only as the recruits reach the top of the first hill do they feel the first rays of sunshine. Weatherwise at

least it's looking like a nice day ahead of them.

[music] It's a challenge we have to complete to earn the kelong.

>> [music] >> The, men, are, not, allowed, to, slow, their impressive pace, even on ascent. And

that's despite the now blazing midday heat. The drill sergeant is unrelenting.

heat. The drill sergeant is unrelenting.

>> [music] >> The, recruits, have, been, marching, with their backpacks for hours, but Alan from Croatia is determined to push through for the final brutal kilometers.

I I was work hard for this and getting best education

for this my next future in Malaysia.

>> Finally,, they're, given, a, short, break.

>> This, was, only, the, first, of, two, stages today and it's already taken a toll on their bodies.

>> [music] >> I, need, a, bandage, here, where, it, hurts most. [music]

most. [music] I have to avoid getting any more blisters.

I want to be able to finish the march.

Monkov is seemingly in the worst shape.

[music] Back home in Mongolia, he was a police officer. The new future he was hoping

officer. The new future he was hoping for with the Legion is now in danger.

[music] >> During, the, last, training, march,, my, feet cracked open. And now the skin is

cracked open. And now the skin is totally raw. I'll try to keep going.

totally raw. I'll try to keep going.

>> And, the, pressure, is, on, with, the, second stage of the day's march covering another 15 km. [music]

It will take them through the medieval village of son lio impressing the wouldbe legionnaires with its beauty and cultural heritage. It's

look amazing here.

You can see like now with f famous French history uh how they respected their traditional.

It's really really amazing. I never see something like that.

In contrast to most of his comrades Alan is still in good enough shape to actually enjoy the march a little.

A couple of hours later, the recruits reach their second overnight camp, an outpost set up by the Legion.

>> And, the, good, news, is, they're, already halfway through.

>> It's, been, a, really, long, way.

just tomorrow now and then with God's help we'll be done >> and, we'll, have, graduated but it's very nice finish first day of

Klang Mar >> [snorts] >> The, men, understand, why, they're subjecting themselves to this punishing itinerary.

Day two dawns on the keppy blanc march >> when, we'll, find, out, how, many, of, the, 33 recruits will ultimately become legionnaires.

Alan has a determined and disciplined approach.

>> I'm, calm and, I, need, to, stay stay, calm, cuz, if, I'm nervous other people around me will be nervous. That's not good for the team.

nervous. That's not good for the team.

and for us too.

>> Paramedic, Adam, finds, his, services, in demand.

>> He, patches, up, Maar, from, Mongolia, who, is refusing to let the pain stop him.

Some of them the the fit are quite you know in bad condition >> but, actually, this, uh, group, is, quite, good I think physically but also mentally

especially mentally I think the the most important thing here during the the first instruction is the here Everything is here.

>> While, David, doesn't, need, medical attention, he's worried that things might get tougher.

>> It, does, hurt,, but, you, keep, going., You

have to try to forget it. I think today is going to be like yesterday, except that today we start with yesterday's pain. So, that's a concern.

pain. So, that's a concern.

But there's no time for any doubts as the recruits set off on the final 30 km day. [music]

day. [music] And as they repeatedly march up and downhill under the hot sun, the team leader knows what's crucial now for success.

>> Motivation, is, the, most, important, thing for a legionnaire. If you're motivated you'll make it.

Montar is now limping his way through [music] the final few kilometers, and it's unclear whether he'll make it, but in keeping with the legion's code of honor, his comrades [music] will not

abandon him.

>> He's, strong,, which, is, why, he's, with, us.

He has a problem, and we don't know if he'll make it. But in the Legion, we leave nobody behind.

over. Final push. Let's get that keppy.

Mona has a very personal source of motivation.

Wanting to give his little boy back home in Mongolia a better life.

I keep thinking and thinking, I have to stick it out and carry on.

The march takes its toll not just on the men but also their equipment. Not that

that could hold Alan back. Choose the

broke.

Just need to walk straight and complete the mission. That's the first thing what

the mission. That's the first thing what I thinking.

>> And, finally, the, barracks, come, into, view.

And then they reach the finish.

>> I'm, relieved, I, don't, have, to, march, any further.

>> Do think.

>> I'm, still, hungry., I'm, still, tired, but I'm happy.

Mission is complete.

>> The, real, conclusion, of, the, selection process comes with the official ceremony when they're awarded the keppy blanc.

Out of the 33 men who set out, each one made it back.

David, and, Alan, [clears throat], have, one final challenge. dawning the flawlessly

final challenge. dawning the flawlessly ironed shirt and the blue belt of the legion.

>> We, do, this.

>> We, never, practice.

>> It's, tricky., Trickier, than, the, march.

>> But, the, recruits, are, up, to, this, job, too, >> and, proudly, line, up, for, the, ceremony, in their new uniform.

After fighting their way one day at a time through the 4-week training program, they now get to put on the famous white hat.

[screaming] respected the tradition.

After another 3 months of training they'll be assigned to a regiment, but they can now already proudly call themselves legionnaires.