As we reported earlier, the French Foreign Legion went through a whole series of changes of command this summer, with several of its regiments getting new commanding officers. One of them was the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI), the only Legion unit permanently stationed in South America. On July 23, 2026, Colonel Grossin handed over command of the regiment to Colonel Gauzence de Lastours at a ceremony held at its home base in Kourou, French Guiana, a French overseas department on the northeastern coast of the continent.
Foreign Legion: 2026 Changes of Command in Five Regiments
In summer 2026, the French Foreign Legion saw five changes of command at the regimental level, reflecting the French Army’s regular two-year command rotation cycle. These changes affected units stationed in metropolitan France and overseas, including some of the Legion’s most prominent operational formations.
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Foreign Legion: 2026 Bastille Day
July 14 marks France’s national holiday, Bastille Day. Beyond the main military parade in Paris, where the French Foreign Legion was represented once again this year, Legion units also take part in local celebrations held across the country and in France’s overseas territories.
Foreign Legion: 2026 Victory in Europe Day
On May 8, 2026, French Foreign Legion units commemorated the 81st anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, marking the definitive overall surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces in 1945. As every year, legionnaires took part in ceremonies held both in France and overseas to honor the veterans and fallen soldiers of the conflict.
3e REI: Camp Fabert Returns to Service
In mid-March 2026, the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI), based in Kourou, French Guiana, officially reopened Camp Fabert following several months of renovation work.
3e REI: 2026 Ariane 64 Rocket Launch
On February 12, 2026, legionnaires from the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI), based in Kourou, French Guiana, helped secure the area around the Guiana Space Center (CSG) during Operation Titan. Their mission was to protect the spaceport and the Ariane 64 launch campaign from any external threat, including intrusion or disruption from outside the site.
Foreign Legion: 2025 Christmas Challenges
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.
Foreign Legion: 2025 Armistice Day
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.
3e REI: 2025 Fourragere Day
On October 17, 2025, the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) gathered in Kourou, French Guiana, to celebrate the regimental day, Fourragere Day.
3e REI: 2025 Elite SAED Selection
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.
3e REI: 2025 Vega-C Rocket Launch
On July 25, 2025, the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) of the French Foreign Legion ensured perimeter security and area protection during the successful launch of the European Vega-C rocket from the Guiana Space Center.