Each year, the Letestu Challenge is organized by the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (2e REI). Watch a short video of this year’s edition, which took place at the end of February.
85 years ago: Foreign Legion regiment was constituted in France
85 years ago, on February 25, 1940, a Foreign Legion regiment was constituted in France. Its task was to defend the country against Nazi Germany during the first stage of the Second World War. A few weeks after its constitution, the men were heading for combat.
Read more85 years ago: Foreign Legion regiment was constituted in France
Foreign Legion Band: Great Britain in 2025
In early February 2025, an international military tattoo took place in Great Britain. Musicians of the French Foreign Legion successfully participated. See videos.
2e REP: 4th Company in Guiana in 2025
Recently, in early February 2025, a short-term deployment (MCD) to South America started for a company of the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP). The Legion paratroopers would stay there for four months.
1er REG: 2nd Company – Martinique in 2025
Two weeks ago, on January 29, 2025, a company from the 1st Foreign Engineer Regiment (1er REG) officially began its short-term deployment (MCD) to the Caribbean Sea. It would remain there for four months.
PHOTOS: 1st Battalion 2e REI in Vietnam’s Faifo around 1950
Another part of the PHOTOS series. See a small set of nice pictures taken in French Indochina’s Vietnam from 1950 to early 1951, during the First Indochina War (1946-1954). These few photographs belonged to a German legionnaire serving with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (2e REI) there at the time.
Read morePHOTOS: 1st Battalion 2e REI in Vietnam’s Faifo around 1950
4e RE: 2025 Remise de Kepi blanc in Avignonet-Lauragais
In early February 2025, a platoon of enlisted volunteers from the French Foreign Legion’s 4th Foreign Regiment (4e RE) completed their initial four-week instruction on a remote farm and were entitled to take the oath, earn the White kepi (Képi blanc), and be called legionnaires.
Read more4e RE: 2025 Remise de Kepi blanc in Avignonet-Lauragais
1er REG, 1er REC: Djibouti in 2025
Legionnaires from the 1st Foreign Engineer Regiment (1er REG) and 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1er REC) continue their mission in the Horn of Africa. See images.
1er REC: 5th Squadron becoming SGRC
Take a look at some pictures of the 5th Squadron, 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1er REC) performing intelligence tasks for its brigade during the military exercise Griffon 2025.
170 years ago: Another Foreign Legion was created in France
In 1854, fearing the growth of influence of the Russian Empire, the British and French decided to attack Russia’s main naval base in Crimea. To reinforce their expeditionary forces, both European powers agreed to recruit Swiss volunteers. Therefore, in mid-January 1855, a second Foreign Legion was created in France.
Read more170 years ago: Another Foreign Legion was created in France
French Foreign Legion in 2025
Created in 1831, the French Foreign Legion is an integral part of the French (Land) Army (Armée de Terre) and thus an element of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces. In 2025, the Foreign Legion consists of more than 9,600 officers, NCOs, and legionnaires, representing around 150 nationalities from all over the world. They comprise 12% of France’s Land Operational Force (FOT).