Understanding the Differences Between Ranks in the French Foreign Legion and the Regular French Army

Eric Sof

Operator from French Foreign Legion during the deployment in Mali
Operator from French Foreign Legion during the deployment in Mali (Photo: French Foreign Legion)

The ranks in the French Foreign Legion are similar to those in the regular French Army. All recruits are volunteers and are known as basic legionnaires. Over time, about 25% will become non-commissioned officers (sous-officiers). Upon joining, a new legionnaire receives a monthly salary of €1,200 and food and lodgings. They are also given a new rifle, which must never be left on the battlefield according to the Legion’s tradition. Promotions within the French Foreign Legion align with those in the regular French Army.

Ranks in the French Foreign Legion

Ranks in the French Foreign Legion are divided into three categories: ordinary legionaries (soldier ranks), non-commissioned officers, and commissioned officers (officiers). These ranks are similar to those used in the regular French Armed Forces and are organized in a hierarchical structure.

Ranks in the French Foreign Legion: Legionnaires marching on the French Foreign Legion day
Ranks in the French Foreign Legion: Legionnaires marching on the French Foreign Legion day (Photo: Pinterest)

Ordinary Legionnaires (Soldats du rang)

French Foreign Legion rank:Equivalent rank (English):NATO Code for the position:Period of service before being eligible for promotion:Insignia
Engagé VolontaireRecruitFifteen weeks of basic training.None
Legionnaire 2e ClassePrivate / 2nd Class LegionnaireOR-1On completion of training and Marche képi blanc (March of the White Kepi)None
Legionnaire 1e ClasseLance Corporal / 1st Class LegionnaireOR-2After ten months of servicePremière classe Légion.PNG
CaporalCorporalOR-3Possible after one year of service, known as the Fonctionnaire Caporal (or Caporal “Fut Fut”) course. Recruits selected for this course must show exemplary leadership skills during basic training.Caporal Légion.png
Caporal ChefSenior CorporalOR-4After six years of service.Caporal-chef Legion.png

No further promotions are given to non-French Legionnaires on attaining the rank of Caporal Chef.

Non-commissioned officers (Sous-officiers)

Non-commissioned officers (Sous-officiers) account for 25% of the current Foreign Legion’s total manpower.

French Foreign Legion rank:Equivalent rank (English):NATO Code for the position:Period of service before being eligible for promotion:Insignia
SergentSergeantOR-5After three years of service as Caporal.Sergent.png
Sergent ChefSenior SergeantOR-6After three years as Sergent and between 7 to 14 years of service.Sergent-chef.png
AdjudantWarrant OfficerOR-8After three years as Sergent Chef.Adjudant.png
Adjudant ChefSenior Warrant OfficerOR-9After four years as an Adjutant and at least 14 years of service.Adjudant-chef.png
MajorRegimental Sergeant MajorOR-9Appointment by either: (i) passing an examination or
(ii) promotion after a minimum of 14 years of service
(without a review).
Major-French-Army.png

The rank of major in the French military has been associated with the non-commissioned officers (sous-officiers) since January 1, 2009. Before this, major was a standalone rank between non-commissioned and commissioned officers. The role of a major within the French Foreign Legion and French Army is to oversee senior administration, standards, and discipline within a regiment or demi-brigade.

Commissioned officers (Officiers)

Most commissioned officers are seconded from the French Army, though roughly 10% are former non-commissioned officers promoted from the regular ranks.

French Foreign Legion rank:Equivalent rank (English):NATO Code for the position:Command responsibility:Insignia
AspirantCadetOF(D)Aspirant de l'armée de terre.png
Sous-LieutenantSecond lieutenantOF-1Junior section leaderSous-lieutenant.png
LieutenantFirst lieutenantOF-1A section.Lieutenant.png
CapitaineCaptainOF-2A company.Capitaine.png
CommandantMajorOF-3A battalion.Commandant.png
Lieutenant-ColonelLieutenant colonelOF-4Junior régiment or demi-brigade leader.Lieutenant-colonel.png
ColonelColonelOF-5A régiment or demi-brigade.Colonel.png
Général de BrigadeBrigadier generalOF-6Entire French Foreign LegionInsigne général de brigade.png

Chevrons of seniority (Chevrons d’ancienneté)

The French Foreign Legion is the only branch of the French Army that still uses chevrons to denote seniority. These gold chevrons, worn by ordinary legionnaires and non-commissioned officers, represent five years of service in the Legion. They are worn beneath the rank insignia.

Operator from French Foreign Legion during the deployment in Mali
Ranks in the French Foreign Legion: An operator from the French Foreign Legion during the deployment in Mali in 2016 (Photo: French Foreign Legion)

Today, the French Foreign Legion serves France in locations around the world. While it has a rich history, the Legion is not as secretive as it once was. Much information is available about life in the Legion, including enlistment, selection, and training. Despite this, the Legion is still an elite military force highly respected for its dedication and service to France.

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