Foreign Legion: Meet Major Gérald | French Foreign Legion Information

Major Gérald Michiara, head of the Sports Office of the 1st Foreign Regiment (1er RE) – the Motherhouse of the French Foreign Legion – has become something of a YouTube personality. Here is a brief look at who he is, along with several well-known and lesser-known videos featuring him.

In the French Army, only first names are currently used when presenting soldiers publicly, so he is typically referred to simply as “Major Gérald.” With nearly 31 years of service in the Foreign Legion, he represents the ideal senior noncommissioned officer. (In the French system, a Major is roughly equivalent to a Command Sergeant Major or Regimental Sergeant Major in the U.S. and U.K. armies.) He is known for being strict but fair, and highly respected.

A skilled martial artist and former European kickboxing (full-contact) champion, Major Gérald joined the Legion at just 17, in February 1990. After finishing basic training, he became a paratrooper with the elite 2e REP and took part in operations in the former Yugoslavia, several African theaters – including Somalia, Chad, and Ivory Coast – and Afghanistan.

Now 48, Major Gérald remains in excellent physical and mental condition, a fact that has helped make him one of the Legion’s most recognizable public figures. Below are some of the recent and older videos featuring him, including material from his personal YouTube channel.

Major Gérald: How to Pass the Legion’s Obstacle Course

Major Gérald: Military-Style Swimming with Clément Dumais, 2019 Ninja Warrior World Champion

Major Gérald: Military Training and Personal Introduction – Featuring Clément Dumais and Paul RDB from Hit the Road

Major Gérald: Commando Course with Clément Dumais, Paul RDB, and Staff Sergeant Nicolas (21 years in the Legion, former 2e REP member and 3e REI Jungle Instructor)

Major Gérald: Two bonus videos from his personal YouTube channel – His first Pro Fight (2008) and a glimpse of his skills

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