SLAJD 1 HISTORY

The French Foreign Legion (Légion étrangère), was established in 1831 by King Louis-Philippe I as part of the
French army. The Foreign Legion was intended to serve as a troop composed mainly of foreigners who did not
have French citizenship. Its original purpose was to support French interests abroad and to allow foreigners the
opportunity to serve in the French army.

The origins of the Foreign Legion are linked to the conflict in Algeria, where France was engaged in a long-
running colonial campaign. The first Legion units were sent to Algeria to participate in the fighting and stabilize
the French presence in the region.

One of the key moments in the history of the Foreign Legion was its involvement in fighting on behalf of France
during World Wars I and II. In both conflicts, the Legion played an important role, fighting on various fronts and
enjoying a reputation as an elite unit of extraordinary determination and loyalty to its mission.

The Foreign Legion became a well-known symbol due to its extraordinary discipline, secret customs and
combat effectiveness. Recruitment to the Legion was open to men from all over the world who were willing to
take an oath to French service and submit to the rigors of the special formation.

Today, the Foreign Legion still exists as an integral part of the French Army, continuing its tradition as an elite
special unit that is ready to operate in various regions of the world in defense of French interests and security.
The Legion attracts men from different nationalities who seek a challenge and are willing to serve under one
banner.

SLAJD 2 REKRUTACJA

At the very beginning, the Foreign Legion consisted mainly of ex-prisoners, fugitives, foreigners and people of
dubious reputation who came to France in search of new opportunities or were recruited to serve for various
reasons. They were people with no permanent residence in France, often without French citizenship. Many
were desperate or on the margins of society, making the Legion their chance for a new life or an opportunity to
avoid punishment for crimes.

The first members of the Foreign Legion came from different countries and cultures, which gave the formation
a kind of international character. These soldiers, though they came from different places, were united by a
common goal of serving in the French army and a willingness to make sacrifices in the name of that goal. From
its inception, the Foreign Legion attracted individuals seeking adventure, challenge and a chance to change
their fortunes, while offering them structure, discipline and the opportunity to find a place in society.

SLAJD 3 MISJE

These are just a few of the events in which the Foreign Legion took part, but I chose these specifically because
they show how well-trained the Legion was and is, and show what courage and valor the soldiers have shown

These battle sites are just some of the many where the Foreign Legion demonstrated heroism, determination
and loyalty to its mission.

Place: Battle of Bir Hakeim

Date: May-June 1942

Course of the clash: During the North African campaign, the Foreign Legion defended positions in the Bir
Hakeim oasis against the German Afrikakorps. Despite being cut off and attacked from three sides, the
Legionnaires persevered in their defense for more than two weeks, which allowed them to delay the German
march east.

Division: 1st Foreign Regiment (1er Régiment Étranger de Parachutistes).

Number of Legionnaires: About 300 Legionnaires fought during the Battle of Bir Hakeim.

Place: Battle of Camarón

Date: April 30, 1863

Course of the clash: During the French intervention in Mexico, 65 legionnaires from Captain Jean Danjou's unit
were surrounded by overwhelming Mexican forces in the town of Camarón. Despite the lack of hope for
reinforcements, the legionnaires managed to persevere in battle throughout the day, until the last bullet and
grenade.

Division: 3rd Company of the Foreign Legion.

Number of Legionnaires: 65 Legionnaires defended during the Battle of Camarón.

Place: Algeria

Date: 1954-1962

Course of the clash: The Foreign Legion played a key role in the Algerian War of Independence, which lasted
from 1954 to 1962. The fighting in Algeria was complex and brutal, and the Legion took part in many
operations to combat Algerian independence movements. Legion troops conducted numerous patrols, anti-
apartheid operations and operations against FLN (National Liberation Front) forces. The Legionnaires were
known for their determination and decisiveness in battle, but also for their ability to operate in Algeria's
difficult terrain, such as mountainous regions and the Sahara desert areas. Their mission was not only to wage
armed struggle, but also to maintain control over Algerian territory and ensure the safety of civilians.

Unit: Various units of the Foreign Legion, including 1er REC (1st Foreign Regiment), 2e REP (2nd Parachute
Regiment) and others.

Number of Legionnaires: The number of Legionnaires taking part in the fighting in Algeria was variable
depending on the period and the specific operation. It is estimated that at different points in the conflict the
number could have reached several thousand soldiers.

SLAJD 4 STRUKTURA
Today's structure of the Foreign Legion is complex and flexible, allowing for a variety of missions and tasks
within the French Army. Below is the general structure of the Foreign Legion:

Command and Staff:

Responsible for the overall management and direction of the Foreign Legion, planning operations and
coordinating activities.

Regiments and Combat Units:

1er REC (1st Foreign Regiment): Specializes in armored cavalry, reconnaissance and fire support operations.

1er REG (1st Engineering Regiment): Like the 2e REG, deals with engineering tasks, but focused on different
aspects such as construction, repair and maintenance of infrastructure.

2e REI (2nd Marine Infantry Regiment): Is a naval infantry unit, specializing in land combat and naval landings.

2e REP (2nd Parachute Regiment): Logistics, medical and fire support subunits, supporting parachute and
special operations.

SLAJD 5 WYPOSAŻENIE

As we can see from the photos, the soldiers are equipped with a helmet, webbing, personal weapon, vest,
mask, radio, ear deafenders, gloves and bottle of wather

SLAJD 6 TRENING

Training in the Foreign Legion is very intense and based on the principles of discipline, determination and
preparation for a variety of combat situations.

Here I have prepared some training modules.

Field marches: Long marches with a full load of equipment to improve physical endurance and resistance to
fatigue.

Hand-to-hand combat: Training in hand-to-hand combat techniques, including self-defense techniques,

incapacitating the opponent and techniques for using white weapons.

Shooting: Practice with various firearms, both in static and dynamic conditions, to ensure precision and
effectiveness when shooting.

Combat Tactics: Simulated combat situations, tactical exercises and maneuvers to develop tactical skills and the
ability to react quickly to changing battlefield conditions.

Physical training: Intense strength, endurance and conditioning training aimed at strengthening the body and
improving the overall physical fitness of soldiers.
Field navigation: Field orientation exercises, mapping, compass use and navigation in field conditions so that
Legionnaires can navigate efficiently in a variety of terrain conditions.

Survival Tactics Training: Learning basic survival skills in extreme conditions, such as building shelter, obtaining
water and food, and first aid.

SLAJD 7 KODEKS

Legionnaires also have their own code which talks about mutual cooperation, tradition and pride in being a
Legionnaire

SLAJD 8 TRADYCJA

The Legion's anthem: "Le Boudin" is the official anthem of the Foreign Legion, which has accompanied it for
many years. It is a march that accompanies soldiers during parades and ceremonies and is sung as part of
traditional Legion events.

Discipline and Honor: Legionnaires place great emphasis on discipline and honor. Observance of the rules,
loyalty to the unit and willingness to make sacrifices are key values that are passed on to every soldier from his
first days of service.

Naming of Names: Each company in the Foreign Legion is given a name, usually relating to heroes or battles
associated with the history of the formation. These names are sacred to Legionnaires, and units regularly refer
to them during ceremonies and events.

Legionnaire Tattooing: Many Legionnaires opt for tattoos that symbolize their membership in the Foreign
Legion and their courage and determination. Some tattoos have special meanings, such as the popular scorpion
motif, which symbolizes danger and combat.