French Foreign Legion information. An online project dedicated to the famous Foreign Legion.
Since October 2025, the 3rd Company of the French Foreign Legion’s 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP) has been deployed to New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the Pacific, on a Short-Term Mission (Mission de Courte Durée, MCD).
Read more2e REP: 3rd Company in New Caledonia from 2025 to 2026
In early February 1976, two French Foreign Legion units participated in an counterterrorism operation to rescue 31 French children kidnapped by Somali militants in the Horn of Africa. The extraordinary operation constitutes a significant episode in the history of the French Foreign Legion.
Read more50 Years Ago: The Foreign Legion’s First Counterterrorism Operation
In mid-December 2025, a series of Challenges de Noël (Christmas Challenges) took place in regiments of the French Foreign Legion, both in France and abroad. These anual events are friendly competitions between companies of the same regiment. They are not about winning alone, but about building fighting spirit, teamwork, and unit cohesion. For hard-working legionnaires, the challenges also bring a moment of fun and relaxation. They are usually organized shortly before Christmas.
In Corsica in late November 2025, the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP) received its first Serval light armored vehicles. The Legion paratroopers have started technical and tactical training to learn how to integrate this new equipment, which will replace the older VAB (Armored Vanguard Vehicle) that has been in service since the late 1970s.
On November 11, 2025, detachments of the French Foreign Legion participated in ceremonies marking Armistice Day, honoring the memory of military veterans and those who died in the line of duty.
From October 19 to 30, 2025, the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP) of the French Foreign Legion conducted Exercise Vent d’Automne (Autumn Wind) in Corsica. This annual training aims to enhance combat readiness and interoperability in realistic coastal and urban environments.
On September 21, 2025, the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP) of the French Foreign Legion commemorated Saint Michael the Archangel, their patron saint, at Camp Raffalli in Calvi, Corsica. The celebration, held a week earlier than usual, featured a formal military ceremony.
The 3rd Company of the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP) specializes in amphibious operations and includes the Army Divers Group (GPAT), whose combat divers infiltrate underwater using closed-circuit rebreathers, carry out reconnaissance, and mark approaches to waterborne objectives. Only the most capable candidates will earn their place among these elite combat divers.
Read more2e REP: 2025 Pre-Selection for GPAT Army Combat Divers
On July 14, 2025, units of the French Foreign Legion took part in regional ceremonies across France to mark the country’s national holiday, Bastille Day. Each regiment participated in local commemorative events held in the vicinity of their respective garrisons, in coordination with civil and military authorities. In some cases, Legion elements were also present at celebrations held outside their usual locations.
On July 14, 2025, the traditional military parade marking France’s national Bastille Day holiday was held along the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris, an event that has been regularly organized in the French capital since 1880. Four detachments of the Foreign Legion participated.
From June 30 to August 29, 2025, the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP) invites the public to explore an exclusive exhibition at the heart of the historic Citadel of Calvi, Corsica.