The French Foreign Legion: Wage , Contracts and Ranks

#thelegionnaire #legionetrangere #thelegion #frenchforeignlegion
What ist the basic wage of a légionnaire?
How long are the different contracts?
The ranks?
Here are the answers!
- By the way - Here is my Fanshop --
alfashirt.de/k...
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Here is my channel in German language.
/ @thomasgastlegion
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This channel aims to give information about the French Foreign Legion. The author - Thomas Gast - knows what he's talking about. He spent seventeen years in the French Foreign Legion. He voluntary talks about his life and his adventures in the FFL and he gives young applicants accurate advices.

[@gypsymanjeff2184]

My pops was a MSTR SARGENT form algers to vietnam and middle east,, spoke 7 language's shot 11x regreted leaving every day,,went in lieing he was only 16 but from CZ and had no choise but to leave n not return ,,he loved it was buried in his uniform ,,, when i was going to get married he said join ,,I should have 5 kids later and a divorce losing everything ,,, i wish i would of listened,, he was a very talented man,, miss him DEARLY taught me how to survive...

[@sethboooooi23245]

G-d bless your father, and you and your family sir. I’m an American of mostly Czech origin too. I hope to join and better myself and the Legion. G-d bless you too, Sir Gast.

[@humaner3527]

Marriage is a death sentence

[@markcollins2666]

@@humaner3527 no, more like a life sentence! No actual death date!

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

Hmmm... 1,400 euros a month starting pay for a private in the Legion and fine French dining. As long as they don't force you to drink French beer, not a bad offer.

[@elyasjohnson7224]

Are you planning to join ?

[@occasionalmarksman4865]

@@elyasjohnson7224 naw, i like to sleep late in the morning. but I like the hats!

[@ericghostleon879]

Very good 👍 1400 euro.. Good

[@MrImpli]

Pour tes années au service de la France : Merci. Tout mon respect et toute ma gratitude.

[@michaelrs8010]

So sad. Two years after serving in the US Air Force I went to France to join the legion in 1983. Was going through the process for just over 3 weeks with all of a sudden and much to my surprise I was mustered out. I was giving my pay up to that time and a little slip of paper to show the police that I was not a deserter and I and several others who were leaving that day were escorted to the gate and said goodbye to. The reason? They said I had flat feet. I do not. I never found out the real reason, but I was very depressed when I found my way into a pub just outside the gate at Aubagne. Naturally it was full of legionnaires. With my shaved head and dejected look it was obvious what had happened and some of the English-speaking guys started to talk to me and bought me a few beers and and joked about how lucky I was because "the Legion is shit". But I knew they were just teasing. Sitting around there talking with them and laughing and joking of course made me feel a little better but sad at the same time knowing that I was never going to have that. Never have the pride that went with having been a legionnaire. So back to the states I went where me and my not flat feet join the Army reserve which got me and my still not flat feet deployed to Desert Storm 7 years later. And of course I hardly mention it to anybody because nobody believe that you left California to go to France to join the French Foreign Legion. A few of my clothes lifelong friends no but that's about it. The only satisfaction I have is that I actually went and tried to do it, as opposed to those guys that back then just sat around and reading Soldier of Fortune and talked about what a badass Rambo they would be if only given the chance.

[@michaelrs8010]

@Antoine Casalonga Cheers 😁

[@michaelrs8010]

@@llamamanism from what I have read the first couple of promotions are fairly automatic. After that it's competitive or contingent on completing related training.

[@markcollins2666]

@@llamamanism, no. Up or out. It's the same with officers worldwide. If you don't hit the marks, better than most, you will be left by the wayside, and cashed out.

[@llamamanism]

@@markcollins2666 you are quite right of course. I foolishly made that comment before I’d watched all the vid. Thomas made that clear later on in his film I was going to delete it but fell asleep.

[@josullivan92]

bullshit

[@InformalGreeting]

Every single day I regret not heading to France after I left the Marines. Special group of people doing something that most can’t understand well enough to even properly dream about doing it.

[@collguyjoe99]

Same thing here.... but after I got medical'd from Army Infantry....and could still do it after a few tours in the sandbox.

[@heli0s101]

The five year contract is the biggest hurdle for me. If I sign up today, I'll be over 30 when I leave. But as they say - you'll be 30 anyway, so you might as well be 30 and a legionnaire.

[@tramlad2]

I am a big fan Thomas, you are an inspiration , i have massive respect for all Legionnaires, great brave group of men

[@Katmando376]

Thank you Thomas for another great Video we have missed you Mon Adjutant!

[@Tom-ou2zf]

Thomas , so well done Legionnaire ! Fascinating ! As a kid I watched the FFL movies , always very cool ! A proud tradition , well respected for their professional fighting history all over the world. Thanks again Thomas , good luck to you my friend. ✌️

[@justinstaines997]

Damn damn damn I’m 52 years old nearly but in my 20s I wanted to be a legionnair but never followed my dream now to late and regret it but done now

[@UseAnAdblocker]

Thankyou leigonnaires. Your supreme honour keeps us all safe.

[@81conor]

I’ve only watched this for 10 seconds and I like this already.

[@bennybenitez2461]

Outstanding presentation from Post Commander American Legion Post 346 of Miami, Florida. Awesome T-Shirt.

[@masterwrench4252]

Tres Bien! 😊 Very informative! Alas, I missed my window.

[@CasualKillZz]

Such an interesting history the Legion has. Always love learning new stuff about them 👍🏻

[@sailelerosewarrior2145]

If i had to do it all over again, i would join the French Legion, I know for sure they do allot of running, explains their type of body built! Warriors!

[@johnmaliskey7951]

I was stationed in the Middle East in '72 and we had a port call in Djibouti .... Lucky me I had my parachute with me and got to skydive with some of the Legionnaires ...... The highlight of my visit..................... enjoy

[@DonTako47]

Always wanted to join the legion when I was younger. Wish I did

[@stainlesssteelrat2821]

I tried to join the legion back in 88 ... Went to Fort de Nogent in Paris then to Aubagne ... Didn't get in which I am eternally grateful for

[@falangi4850]

Why do say that? 🙄

[@markcollins2666]

@@falangi4850, I had a co worker, next door neighbor, and friend, who was a Legonairre. We bonded because we were Army soldiers in Europe, serving with NATO at the same time. He was a Muslim from Morocco. And he told me about a 14 day field exercise in the French Alps, with no food, and they were forced to eat their own feces, and drink their own urine. ON A FIELD EXCERSISE! He could never forgive the Legion for that. And it had nothing to do with that he was Muslim, American, or name it! So... Up for the challenge?

[@jjr1728]

​@@markcollins2666thats hot.

[@sampson1377]

😂😂

[@alanwitton5980]

Great video very informative Thomas! Thanks for uploading it

[@tonynapoli5549]

Thanks for sharing Thomas 👌

[@philipbuttler8474]

Thomas I appreciate your words. September 2023.. wish we could chat before. Keep doing what you do brother.

[@rogerauger7766]

Very informative. Thank you for the information.

[@juandiegomonge2420]

hello thomas,i love your videos,i hope some day i will be part of the elite!! by the way can you make a video explaining the benefits of being a legionnaire,if we dont have to pay some taxes etc..

[@gkhanjriii91-04]

Very educational video 👍🏼

[@perjrgensen8280]

Greetings from Denmark.

[@Saryu.Mr.Rai19]

Thanks big brother... And I love both👍

[@ngweleonardbequicke2814]

Thanks 👍👍👍😊👍 Sir Thomas Gasp!

[@lordlucan7655]

1380 Euros for a single young guy is massive money . This is basic money that vastly improves with tours and grades . Compare what I was earning as a young single corporal in Bosnia ( come home from tour with lots of savings ) to my civilian job as a parent nowadays and there is no contest as to which paid better . Back in those days if you had no cash you didn’t leave camp and got beer on credit .. nowadays you just don’t eat and lose your house ... think about it and do 15 ...

[@matejlovric2718]

Its a low wage, when you think how much hours and hard work goes in to it. Money should not be a motivation for going to legion.

[@lordlucan7655]

@@matejlovric2718 ok go work at mcdonalds and see how much you make .... or go ask the guys sleeping in you might change your mind . the truck stops all weekend how much they take home hour per hour .... most young guys with few qualifications except being good at sport and taking orders would never be as well off in civvie street . i remember coming home from tours and buying things cash that i could never do nowadays . Its low compared to say a company owner or pop star but if you think all civvie jobs are 35 hrs then you have little to no experience . i left as caporal chef and went straight into a well paid international job . Work was well paid but 7 days per week and you didn’t ask how many hours .....

[@matejlovric2718]

@@lordlucan7655 in france you can earn more as construction worker if you put the same hours.

[@lordlucan7655]

@@matejlovric2718 maybe so but can a construction worker be sure to have a job next week or next year ? can a construction worker get time off after tours and get bonus for overseas work etc if french construction workers are so well paid , please explain the huge employment hole in the industry ? in any industry in any country you can earn more money by working more hours , but can someone with little qualifications even get to start in most industries ?

[@hakanozcelik3752]

@@lordlucan7655 1360€ is nothing. I thought you get something like 3-4k€ as starting money. In Germany you get normaly 1800-2000€ into your bank account which gets more and more in a normal job. 1360€ for risiking my life? Better not. Think the Legion is rly for people that dont know what to do, ex soldiers or people that come from a poor country where the 1360€ are much money.

[@youtubePremiumMember]

In some North European countries you get more money from the government for being unemployed, compared to legionaires

[@Pheng_Lee]

I m a high school student. After I finish the high school I'll try to join French Foreign Legion.

[@dermin3060]

Good luck

[@oliviervece6121]

Bonne chance a toi.

[@nornje]

Thomas is a very nice gentleman. Impressive!

[@ms.annthrope415]

A legend among militaries. LEGIONAIRE!

[@johnclaytondias9255]

Greetings my friend, your videos are awesome, thanks for sharing it.

[@josefhyatt2780]

As a USMC Combat Veteran of OIF I, I have always respected The Legion. Semper Fidelis warriors!

[@spartanlukas]

If you did 17 years, why not just do 20 years? Do you get a retirement pension after you leave the Legion after 20 years of service like the US military or not? Do you get a pension after your 17 years of service.

[@jacksondexter7705]

Pension is after 17 years.

[@spartanlukas]

In the US Army, a SSG with 19 years of service makes $7200 USD a month with BAH. A SFC makes around $8500 a month with BAH.

[@josesuave7405]

Where at? Hawaii? lol

[@spartanlukas]

@@josesuave7405 Washington DC.

[@josesuave7405]

@@spartanlukas that I could agree with

[@dadhatdaddy5911]

Depending on your location only

[@leecallaway1350]

Merci , Adjutant Thomas !!!

[@aldobreedt3402]

Thank you sir I've felt lost my whole life. But your videos showed the way.

[@Xajsjs]

how did you lose your life?

[@Conn30Mtenor]

if I was a young man, I'd reach for the kepi blanc.

[@donkeylzc]

Thanks for sharing.

[@chestersabajo5527]

Respect to the Legion from South America

[@James-hs3tu]

What do get after serving?? Medical benefits. Special discounts Here in the U.S. if your a police fire man you get a discount on car insurance Home insurance Take out a mortgage And there is a company that only prior military is entitled to

[@marioskyriacou1365]

thank u brother for this advice

[@reneperrin1628]

Salutations du MDL Perrin (VLD). Ancien du 35eme RAP, detache au 6eme RIP. Stationne a Catamaran, rattaché a Drakar. Beyrouth. September 1983 - Janvier 1984

[@itsjacob7239]

How much time off for Legionaires get? I know there's something like 21-45 days of holiday/vacation per year. Is there any other time off? How many weekends? Do you ever get time off due to the fact you're not on operations and there's just not much work to do?

[@richardmcgonigle1160]

Hi Thomas hope you are well n good brother. Legio patria nostra.

[@geserbanchikov6896]

Danke für die Information

[@vitalijsgrigorjevs7249]

Thanks Tomas

[@vulpsturm]

What an interesting channel!

[@RottiDog100]

Awesome channel.

[@bighoursefitness4780]

Been researching the Legion, and honestly more and more I'm being convinced of selling all my shit and joining the Legion

[@lindawhite4881]

Go do it! Just do it!

[@Andrei-ld3gw]

Are you japanese?

[@bighoursefitness4780]

No I am South African

[@Andrei-ld3gw]

@@bighoursefitness4780 cool, you will have a better chance! How old are you?

[@johnbhoy8813]

MORE VIDEOS PLEASE TOMAS

[@teller1290]

The Legion is my big brother! Believe me, in America that big brother is infinitely superior to the big brother we're facing now! Lol.

[@12354andyb]

I served in the REP for 5 years 4eme CIE in the 80s we where very well paid.

[@ronbrewer6633]

Very interesting video, what about leave?

[@teller1290]

In follow-up contracts, what is benefit in signing a two-year contract over a one-year or six-month contract?

[@gunner678]

There isn't a one year contract. 2 years or five years. You can only leave after five months (or six months if you dont like it) of the first five year contract period. You can leave at any period if you have a reason and the Legion agrees.

[@williamblunt9269]

Many blessings Mr Gast.

[@leejames7915]

Good on ya mate ..

[@Phxphenom]

Whatever happened to the 3 boys you were training?

[@entropy_of_principles]

Haha, you’re cool, man, allez La Legion !

[@toddandangelbrowning2920]

Is there a retirement? After one spends their entire lives in service, to the legion, is there some kind of pension?

[@JamesDeWeaver]

15yrs service then retirement in FFL.

[@gunner678]

Of course; there is a pension, attributable for 15 years continuous services based on service record rank and pay. It's basically similar to the French army system with some differences.

[@johng4250]

@@JamesDeWeaver you

[@johnfischer3142]

Thomas, there are not many men left on this Planet like you, to many "Snowflakes" have found their way into the Military by now. - I really admire your strife and discipline for the best, and you belong to the best hart as "Krupp Steal" a true worrier. "The Fish"

[@bennybenitez2461]

1982 Lebanon yeah, I was there off the coast onboard the USS Independence CV-62 aircraft carrier with US Navy Fighter Sqd. VF-32

[@justinstaines997]

Well said my friend

[@ea1347]

Quick question regarding family and relationship life, if you have a girlfriend/ wife/ kids as a legionnaire, roughly how often are you actually able to see them ? How much time off would you get for summer, Christmas or any other public holiday if not on operations ? Thank you

[@ankles632]

He didnt mention the Legion flag. White star on a while background.

[@sailinbob11]

Love to have the T-shirt, but I live in the southern USA. Wish I'd had this info in the 70s. If I wore that awesome shirt, I'd have it ripped off my chest in a second. I live on my sailboat in Tampa Bay right next to CENTCOM. Way to many country's military personnel here to not get questions. I did graduate from a southern military college with a degree in history, but was rejected by the navy ,and the Legion never occurred to me. At 6ft, 200 lbs, and in shape ,when I would have entertained the idea , all I knew was Beau Geste. Wish it had been more. I did, however, get my civilian certification to Captain up to a 100 ton Vessel recently retired. Capt.Bob, SV ( Sailing Vessel) 27th Chance, Tampa Fl. USA 🇺🇸

[@paulnejtek6588]

I don't think anyone would tear a shirt off ya. Get one if you like em.

[@Rayamajhi77]

Teacher, can you explain about tank regiment in ffl

[@AndyWoohoo666]

I served in 1 REC 88-93, what do you want to know?

[@AndyWoohoo666]

@@Rayamajhi77 Yes, you will be given driving lessons first in Castel for cars and trucks then at 1 REC if you're suited to be a pilot/ tank driver you will be given lessons there. But at first you will start serve as loader to learn the tank and how it works. This is unless things have changed at the regiment, I got friends serving now so I can ask next time I speak to them.

[@Rayamajhi77]

@@AndyWoohoo666 thanks a lot gentle man

[@AndyWoohoo666]

@@Rayamajhi77 No problem anything I can help out with just ask.

[@Rayamajhi77]

@@AndyWoohoo666 how to be sniper in ffl can I get some information please

[@spiritof6986]

You just shattered my dreams mon adjudant. I can't drink piss. Only Guinness!!😆.😉. Another great video monsieur. Merci beaucoup.❤️

[@itsjacob7239]

Haha Guinness is the best beer!!! 🇮🇪

[@spiritof6986]

@@itsjacob7239 God bless the Irish.😉👍

[@gedientfurdeutschland3718]

Ich verstehe erst nach 3 whisky was du meinst,hört sich aber gut an.

[@johnbhoy8813]

Tomas, Can you get more contracts to stay for more years over the age of 39 and half if you have already been the legion before and served 5 years ?? Or is your career over once you reach 39 and half ??

[@teller1290]

39 1/2 is cut-off age to enlist. You don't have to get out at that age. They have many Legionnaires past 40, 45 and likely a few past 50.

[@gunner678]

@@teller1290 exactly

[@hasanzayn851]

One important question sir please, after serving 5 years can I take an appartement and stay with my family ? Have a nice day sir

[@gunner678]

Realistically it would be difficult but not impossible. You need permission from your commanding officer, but the biggest hurdle would be the loss of free rent and food. I suspect going in to the legion with this as a concern, is the wrong mindset for a career in the Legion. Perhaps join the army where you are if you can.

[@casualtrucker]

👍👍👍👍a spiritual warrior...very true!

[@user-om4xk7wv3r]

What about if you have a family before you join is there any legionnaire has a family before they join like wife and kids plz let me know

[@haidarsatria1639]

Excuse me, can you make a video that explaining about what administration should we bring when we want to register in the legion please

[@TheBillo733]

Nice

[@81conor]

I have a question? A little off topic, and I know there has to be a cut off regarding age i.e. it can’t become Dad’s army and fit operational men are needed. I’ve heard the legion has men fighting in combat operations at 50 years of age etc. I’m curious why they have the cut off at 39.5 years of age. There might be guy’s physically and mentally able over that age. Anyway great video.👍

[@GeneralLeeWake]

Can you make a video explaining how the 2rep and those ranks work? how can we apply for those things once we've been accepted.

[@gunner678]

You have to pass selection to go to 2eme REP, having served in one of the other legion infantry regiments for a couple of years.

[@tobiasgriffin4263]

You have to be in the top five fitness in your group to join the 2 rep

[@JesusChrist2000BC]

@@tobiasgriffin4263 Not true at all. If you want 2Rep you can get it if you want.

[@johnsakealevu3546]

I'm joining FFL next June 2023

[@D-Thang_]

And?

[@Mycotta01]

Hello Thomas, can you make a text about the Ranks and contract, sorry i don't understand so much about the Ranks Thanks Thomas

[@JJ-vv1tm]

Mr Thomas... im from Zimbabwe, Africa. it has been my dream to join the Foreign Legion... i want nothing more but the visa rules have changed due to covid... i am aware that the Legion does not assist with visas but... if i tell the french embassy about my plans to join.. do you think it can increase my chances to get a visa.

[@supreme_yahya142]

I'm in same situation too

[@luantunez8975]

I am an Argentinian, I would like to join too, what I understand is that is your, and only your responsability to get a visa, the Legion doesn't help you in that topic, but the embassy should give you help, OR advice.

[@CFox.7]

A wage is weekly a salary is monthly..

[@graykilpatrick1319]

FFL is the service where their beret is pulled to the left on the head. All unit's like the 82nd Abn have the "flop" on the right. Answer me this, why does the FFL wear their berets different? Thanks.

[@ulovaht1969]

The most honourable skilled workers ,legiinares 7 or more years due , missunderstandings,, AT home with extremly clear answers later .

[@HBRangerDriver93]

I'd wish to ask private discussion as USAF Veteran to be fair I maybe interested although 90% disabled I'd like to learn more

[@isechico]

My cousin joined, he was a screw up in the U.S. Army who was processed out, and made it through...can't be that tough. Legion is full of screw ups and criminals.

[@IEW_7]

Thank you so much... BIG BROTHER!!

[@realitytube6290]

Shultz looks shy 😆 Lol.

[@Grasshopper-SonLawnService]

Can you join the french foriegn legion if you have a warrent in the United states ?

[@goldenageflash5924]

What the name of the rock band with the cool guitar?

[@johnhannonHanno]

I missed my calling after discharged from Australian Army. As a Viet Nam Vet and having served in Malaysia, am I too old? LOL.

[@sheerjank4585]

The Foreign Legion is an elite unit of the French Army.

[@xXOxIdEXx]

Hello good sir. How quickly can you reach paratrooper salary with that operational addition? Is it after a year or two? I agree, it is not for money, but at some point, I would like to be able to support my older parents. Thank you for your video.

[@Napoleonpilled]

It depends on your performance during basic training and also your service and conduct during the duration of your contract

[@derekstudley9004]

I have a question while in the French foreign legion would I still have the ability to keep in touch with my family back in the states phone calls etc

[@haderthanuthought405]

can you do video abour probation period about first 6 months, how to leave within 6 months, I have heard that it is hard to leave in 6months

[@mikerangel1545]

It's possible that someone could be a good Sergeant but bad Corporal. Or great General but bad lieutenant. What are some ways to filter these things?

[@Samb930]

The first contract you said is for 5 years and during all these 5 year are you always at war? Please answer me

[@dolphlundgrendeariba2762]

If you renew your contract e.g. 6mos.,1 year? Etc, should you still undergo basic training again?thanks

[@Dirt9034]

if you are the good sergeant chief, do they will promote you to officer or whoops XD