History

The most recent of the Foreign Legion’s formations (2007), the Foreign Legion Recruiting Group (GRLE) is an integral part of the Legion’s foundation. Its headquarters is stationed at Fort de Nogent in Fontenay-sous-Bois, while the ten Foreign Legion Information Posts (PILE) recruit across the entire metropolitan national territory from France’s largest cities. Since 30 April 2018, the GRLE has been the regiment entrusted with the traditions and Memory of the 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment, having been given custody of its colors.

Mission

The unit is responsible for recruiting and selecting candidates who wish to enlist in the Foreign Legion.

Composition

The Foreign Legion transit company. Its purpose is to provide functional support to the central portion of the GRLE. It also provides assistance to the wounded, hospitalized personnel and their families in Paris. Finally, it offers full support to Foreign Legion detachments in transit and to families during overseas postings.

The Foreign Legion recruiting company. A distinctive unit, it lies at the heart of the GRLE’s mission. It informs, recruits and pre-selects candidates. Thanks to the personnel of its ten information posts (Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon, Nice, Perpignan, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes and Paris), this company is the first point of contact for volunteers seeking to join the Legion. Its staff conducts outreach across the national territory, both on its premises and at forums, fairs or during mobile operations.