The 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1er REC) was created in 1921 in Sousse, Tunisia, from elements of the mounted companies of the 2e REI. At that time, the Foreign Legion consisted only of infantry regiments. It was the Russian legionnaires, drawing on their seasoned horsemanship, who enabled the Legion to distinguish itself in a new discipline.

The 13th Demi-Brigade of the Foreign Legion is a French Army unit created in 1940. It is part of the Foreign Legion. Created in 1940, it was, together with the RTST, one of the two regiments that joined the Free French Forces (FFL) as a formed unit. It took part in most of the French Army’s campaigns during the Second World War.

The 1st Foreign Regiment (1er RE) is the oldest regiment of the French Foreign Legion in the French Army. Known as the “Camerone regiment,” it has been stationed at the “Camp de la Demande,” renamed “Quartier Vienot,” in Aubagne since 1962, the year the Legion relocated to mainland France after being based in Sidi Bel Abbès. Created in 1841, it is the senior regiment of the Legion. Beyond this historical status, the 1er RE marks a pivotal stage in every legionnaire’s journey: careers begin here at the Selection and Incorporation Center (CSI), and departing personnel complete their out‑processing here as well.

The 4th Foreign Regiment, created in 1920, is the crucible and the school of the Foreign Legion. Established in Castelnaudary for 44 years now, it serves as the CFIM, ENSOA, and specialist schools for every legionnaire—either to be trained or instructed there, or to take part in training the younger ones and thus pass on the torch.