Voting Station

French Foreign Legion

Please vote to return to collections.

Organization

The Resume

    (March 10, 1831- )
    Born in France
    Branch of French Armed Forces intended for foreign nationals
    Open to physically fit males between 17-40 years of any nationality
    Consists of 7699 legionnaires in 11 regiments (as of 2009)
    Commanded by Brigade General Alain Bouquin (as of 2009)
    Motto: Legio Patria Nostra (The Legion is our Homeland)

Why French Foreign Legion might be annoying:

    It was founded to bypass a law that forbade non-French citizens from joining the French army.
    Although created for foreigners, one quarter of its recruits are French.
    In addition, most of its officers are French.
    It played a key role in the growth of the French empire.
    It was once notorious as a refuge for foreigners on the run from the law.
    An Algerian regiment staged a failed coup against the De Gaulle government (1961).
    It has resisted efforts to open its ranks to women.

Why French Foreign Legion might not be annoying:

    It is one of the world’s most prestigious and romanticized military units.
    It allows recruits to join under a pseudonym.
    It requires soldiers to treat each other as brothers-in-arms no matter their nationalities.
    After five years of service (or being injured) recruits are eligible for French citizenship.
    It was falsely rumored that many former Nazis joined after World War Two.
    Its recruits have traditionally been an interesting mixture of idealists, criminals and mercenaries.
    It plays a key role in the novel ‘Beau Geste’ and several movie adaptations.

Credit: Georgina


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 4 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 16 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 9 Votes: 44.44% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 10 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 8 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 7 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 8 Votes: 12.50% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 19 Votes: 10.53% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 18 Votes: 38.89% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 144 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 36 Votes: 36.11% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 49 Votes: 36.73% Annoying