How to become a reservist ?

The French Foreign Legion's operational reserve is for those who wish to serve in a practical capacity, reinforcing a regiment in missions related to territorial defense, security, and providing assistance to the population. Volunteers from civilian life as well as former military personnel can join the reserve and serve within a structured environment where high standards, discipline, and teamwork are paramount.

 

Understanding the operational reserve in the Legion

The operational reserve is presented as a complementary force composed of volunteer citizens and former military personnel. Reservists serve directly for the benefit of a Foreign Legion regiment and operate within a framework of discipline, courage, and camaraderie.

Recruitment requirements

  • Be French;
  • Be at least 17 years old;
  • Have completed (or been exempted from) the Defense and Citizenship Day (JDC);
  • Enjoy full civic rights;
  • Be medically fit as determined by the Armed Forces Health Service.

There is a special provision: a former soldier who served in the Foreign Legion “as a foreigner” can, in some cases, then serve as a reservist in the Legion

 

The commitment contract (ESR)

Commitment is made through a Commitment to Serve in the Reserve (ESR). This availability contract is concluded for 1 to 5 years (renewable). The activity generally takes place over 30 to 60 days per year, depending on your availability and the needs, and the periods worked are paid.

What profile is needed to become a reservist?

  • Young people without military experience: Candidates without a military background can take Initial Military Training for Reservists (FMIR), an intensive course covering the fundamentals (community living, weapons handling, combat first aid/PSC1, small group operations);
  • Former military (professional or conscripted): For former military personnel, the reserves offer a way to balance civilian life with occasional military activity. Refresher training can be arranged if necessary (combat shooting instruction/ISTC, first aid, driving);
  • Former legionnaires: A way to maintain a strong connection with the Legion while utilizing acquired skills on a part-time basis.

Reservist missions

Depending on the needs, a reservist's activities can fall into three types of missions: 

  • Contributing to the protection of the territory and security (including Operation SENTINEL and the protection of sites);
  • Reinforcing the day-to-day operations of units (patrols, search and rescue, security for public events);
  • Participating in rescue and assistance to populations in the event of natural disasters (floods, storms) or major accidents, in support of civil authorities.

What are the possible assignments?

After validation, the assignment can be made as an individual supplement (functions within a staff) or in an elementary reserve unit, in particular a UIR or a USR.

“Specialist” reservists

The Legion can also recruit reservists with specific civilian skills (examples mentioned: lawyers, archivists, curators, communications specialists, etc.). These roles may not require specific military training, and an equivalent rank may be awarded depending on the level of specialization.

How to apply to become a reservist?

  • Through the “centralized” channel (COMLE): Candidates (particularly former military personnel or those from the citizen reserve, according to the text) can contact the reserve unit at COMLE headquarters, which will then direct them to the appropriate regiments based on their needs;
  • Through the “direct” channel (regiment): Each regiment can conduct its own recruitment drive within the limits of authorized positions; it is possible to contact the reserve office of the desired regiment directly;
  • In both cases, you can send your CV and cover letter to recrutement-reserve@legion-etrangere.com