55 Years Ago: A Campaign Ended in Africa

55 years ago, in late 1970, the last men of the French Foreign Legion returned from Central Africa, where they had been deployed as part of Operation Limousin in Chad – the first French operation of this scale since the end of the Algerian War. For the Legion, playing the leading role, it confirmed its ability to conduct prolonged interventions far from its bases, under demanding conditions and with limited resources. This website is the first medium, in France and beyond, to offer a complete and detailed study of the Legion’s involvement in this campaign.

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50 Years Ago: The Foreign Legion’s First Counterterrorism Operation

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.

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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.

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2e REP: 2025 Pre-Selection for GPAT Army Combat Divers

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.

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Foreign Legion: 2025 Bastille Day

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.

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