2e REI: U.S. Marines at Camp des Garrigues in 2018 | French Foreign Legion Information

In late May 2018, Marines from 1st Battalion, 6th Marines traveled to France for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood (Bois Belleau), which took place northeast of Paris from June 6 to 26, 1918, during World War I. While in France, the Marines also visited Camp des Garrigues near Nîmes to conduct a firing exercise with the help of legionnaires from the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (2e REI).

For the U.S. Marines, the Battle of Belleau Wood is seen as a turning point in their history. The battle earned them the nickname “Devil Dogs.”

At Camp des Garrigues, a platoon of the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines was learning how to use the FAMAS, the standard French military assault rifle, and its modernized variant, the FAMAS – Félin. They were supervised by legionnaires of the 2e REI, distinguished by their green berets, the headgear of Foreign Legion units. The camp is located near Nîmes, the 2e REI’s garrison town in southern France.

VIDEO. Note: The official video contains an incorrect date.

PHOTOS. Click on the FB icon to see all the photos.

—