History

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.

Mission

The 1st Foreign Regiment is organized into three companies whose manpower varies:

CCSR — Regimental Command and Services Company: brings together all services that keep the unit running day to day (kitchens, medical facility, mechanical workshops, pioneers, etc.).

CSLE — Foreign Legion Services Company: handles Legion‑wide functions (human resources, security, history and heritage, communications, the Foreign Legion band, etc.).

CAPLE — Foreign Legion Administrative Company: focuses on welcoming enlistment candidates, selection, and the administration of “out‑of‑unit” personnel (e.g., serious medical cases). It also included the cross‑country team until 2012, when it was replaced by a section within the sports club.