3e REI: 2025 Elite SAED Selection | French Foreign Legion Information

The 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) of the Foreign Legion in French Guiana, South America, is currently conducting its annual selection for new members of the elite Dismounted Combat Support Platoon (SAED). This demanding process identifies those capable of operating particularly in tropical jungle terrain, where the 3e REI is primarily deployed.

The SAED is a specialized unit, unique to each operational infantry regiment in the Legion. It functions as a commando-style infantry force, which provides precise and autonomous support during key phases of ground force operations, from preparation to disengagement.

Candidates face a series of intense physical and technical tests. These include utility swimming and water obstacle courses to ensure readiness for amphibious environments. Rope descent from helicopters evaluates their comfort with heights — a key skill, as the SAED is frequently deployed this way in the jungle. Successful candidates then begin operational training focused on marksmanship, team tactics, and jungle combat, including land navigation, stealth, combat first aid, and canoe movement.

Training emphasizes both individual resilience and teamwork. The goal is to forge highly capable commandos ready for missions in some of the world’s most challenging terrain.

Short video clips from the selection and training phases offer a closer look at what it takes to join the ranks of the 3e REI’s SAED.

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