The French Foreign Legion Uniform is a fascinating subject for those interested in military history and attire. This article delves into the various uniforms worn by legionnaires, from standard service wear to specialized parade and combat dress. We will explore the evolution of the French Foreign Legion uniform, examining the different types used in various operational environments, including France, overseas territories, and foreign deployments. Discover the diverse range of French Foreign Legion uniforms, from combat fatigues to ceremonial dress, offering a detailed look at what sets the Legion apart.
French Foreign Legion Uniforms
French Foreign Legion Combat Uniforms
From the 1970s to the mid-2010s, the French Foreign Legion utilized the standard French Army olive Uniform F1 and, from 2000 onwards, the camouflage Uniform F2, maintaining the same design as the F1.
Between 2015 and 2020, a significant shift occurred as the Foreign Legion transitioned to new tactical French uniforms inspired by the U.S. Army style. This included the Uniform T3, initially used in Afghanistan in the late 2000s, and improved versions designed for overseas deployments: Uniform T4 S1 (less favored) and the more prevalent Uniform T4 S2. Interestingly, no single uniform gained complete dominance, resulting in legionnaires often wearing all three types within the same unit.
These combat uniforms predominantly feature a Central Europe (CE) camouflage pattern. Tailored designs are available for temperate, desert (utilizing a Daguet desert pattern), and tropical climates. The T3 and T4 S2 modern uniforms are engineered to be both lightweight and robust, suitable for demanding military operations.
Another notable change in the mid-2010s was the phasing out of the classic rangers combat boots from the French Army’s standard kit. French soldiers, including legionnaires, began using commercial outdoor boots from brands like Lowa, Haix, and Meindl. This led to a diverse range of combat boots even within the same platoon. Haix boots from Germany are potentially slated to become the standard in future combat uniforms.
Since 2020, the Legion has adopted the Uniform F3, the latest French combat uniform. Initially deployed in overseas operations, it gradually became standard issue in mainland France and Corsica garrisons by late 2020 and early 2021. Despite this transition, uniform policies remained somewhat varied into late 2021, with different uniforms still observed in garrisons. Currently, the guerrilla combat shirt is the most common non-operational uniform within the Legion, available in various designs.
Minor variations and modifications are common in combat uniforms depending on the specific regiment, company, or platoon. These differences primarily involve boots, jackets, shirts, backpacks, and load-bearing equipment, often due to commander preferences or individual legionnaire choices with permission.
1) France and Corsica
1a) Garrison Service Combat Uniform
This French Foreign Legion uniform is worn for routine military duties and tasks in garrisons across mainland France and Corsica. It is also used during emergency responses to natural disasters in these regions. This uniform is worn without weaponry.
Summer Period Uniform Composition:
- Green beret (formal headwear, paired with a jacket or combat shirt)
- Combat uniform undershirt or T-shirt (green/olive or camouflage)
- a) Combat uniform jacket (Central Europe CE camouflage pattern):
- Uniform F3 or Uniform T4 S2
- Sleeves can be rolled up or down
- Name patch
- Rank patch
- Company identification patch (or platoon patch in some cases)
- b) Guerrilla ripstop combat shirt (CE pattern), as an alternative to the jacket:
- Sleeves can be rolled up or down
- Name patch
- Rank patch
- Company identification patch (or platoon patch in some cases)
- Combat uniform trousers (F3 or T4 S2 versions, CE pattern) with a green belt
- Casual commercial outdoor boots
Winter Period Uniform Composition:
- Green beret (formal headwear)
- Wool watch cap (informal headwear for cold weather)
- Combat T-shirt (green/olive or camouflage) and long-sleeved combat shirt (dark olive)
- a) Combat uniform jacket (CE pattern):
- Uniform F3 or Uniform T4 S2
- Sleeves rolled down
- Name patch
- Rank patch
- Company identification patch (or platoon patch in some cases)
- b) Guerrilla ripstop combat shirt (CE pattern), as an alternative to the jacket:
- Sleeves rolled down
- Name patch
- Rank patch
- Company identification patch (or platoon patch in some cases)
- Camouflage fleece jacket or a green outdoor jacket (informal for cold weather)
- Green underpants (for cold weather)
- Combat uniform trousers (F3 or T4 S2 versions, CE pattern) with a green belt
- Casual commercial outdoor boots
- Gore-tex parka and trousers (CE camouflage pattern, for cold weather)
Green T-shirt and undershirt of the French Foreign Legion legionnaires in green T-shirts (with regimental emblem) or undershirts in the 2010s.
Guerrilla Shirt of the French Foreign Legion – 2e REIA commanding officer of the 2e REI in a guerrilla combat shirt (2018). This was a popular non-operational French Foreign Legion uniform in late 2021.
Guerrilla Shirt of the French Foreign Legion – 2e REPA different style of guerrilla shirt worn in the Legion, here by a 2e REP NCO (2018), showing rolled-up sleeves and a tactical belt replacing older models.
An example of uniform variation in the Legion in 2021, featuring the COMLE General (left), with the 1er REC commanding officer and deputy (center), each wearing different guerrilla combat shirts.
French Foreign Legion – Uniform T4 S2 – 2e REIA 2e REI sergeant in a Uniform T4 (version S2) combat jacket (2018), noted for shoulder straps, a feature removed in the newer Uniform F3.
French Foreign Legion – Uniform F3 – Commanding officers – 2021Foreign Legion commanding officers in the new Uniform F3 (2021). This jacket design lacks shoulder straps and bottom pockets, unlike previous versions.
French Foreign Legion – Uniform F3 – Commanding officers – 2021Six commanding officers, including the Legion’s General, in Aubagne (2021), displaying five different uniforms, highlighting the mixed uniform policy at the time.
French Foreign Legion – Outdoor boots – 1er REGA 2018 example of the varied boot policy in the Foreign Legion and French Army, showing at least four different boot types, reflecting the shift to commercial outdoor boots.
French Foreign Legion – Beret – badgesFrench Foreign Legion green berets. The standard gold badge features a circle and the Legion’s seven-flame grenade with the regimental number. 1er REC cavalrymen wear a silver badge. 2e REP members wear a French paratrooper badge.
French Foreign Legion – Company patchesCompany identification patches (2018) for the 1er REC, 2e REP, and 2e REI, replacing the old foulard scarves. Border color indicates company, grenade number indicates regiment.
1b) Military Training Combat Uniform
This French Foreign Legion uniform is designated for military training, exercises, and maneuvers within mainland France and Corsica and is worn with arms.
Uniform Composition:
- Headgear options:
- a) Green beret (not worn with T-shirts)
- b1) 1978 Helmet
- b2) FELIN ballistic helmet (replaced the 1978 Helmet in the Legion, now rarely used)
- b3) F3 ballistic helmet (replacing the FELIN helmet since 2020)
- c) Bush hat (worn with T-shirts)
- d) Baseball cap (rare, mainly for shooting range instructors)
- e) Wool watch cap (informal cold weather headwear)
- Combat T-shirt (green/olive or camouflage)
- Long-sleeved dark-olive combat shirt (for cold weather)
- a) Combat uniform jacket (CE pattern, F3)
- b) Tactical combat shirt (green or sand), replacing the jacket
- Camouflage fleece jacket or green outdoor jacket (informal cold weather wear)
- Green underpants (for cold weather)
- Combat uniform trousers (F3 or T4 S2 versions, CE pattern), with a green belt
- Casual commercial outdoor boots (since mid-2010s)
- Gore-tex parka and trousers (CE camouflage pattern, for cold or rainy weather)
- a) Lightweight plate carrier system (bulletproof vest and load carrying equipment)
- b) Load carrying equipment (with or without bulletproof vest)
- Patrol pack/rucksack/backpack (typically Camelbak Motherlode or BFM)
- NRBC suit (nuclear, radiological, biological, chemical – infrequently used)
French Foreign Legion – SMB – Plate carrier system legionnaires in the new French SMB lightweight plate carrier system (2018), serving as both bulletproof vest and load carrying equipment.
French Foreign Legion – Tactical Combat Shirt – 1er RE – 2018Legionnaires from 1er RE in different tactical combat shirts during a southern France exercise (2018). Sand versions are generally more popular. Right legionnaire wears a green military outdoor jacket.
French Foreign Legion – 2018 – Tactical Combat Shirt – 2e REI – FELIN helmet – 1978 Helmet – 2e REPA 2e REI legionnaire (left) in tactical combat shirt and FELIN ballistic helmet (used since 2010s). An older 1978 Helmet is shown right, worn by a 2e REP para-legionnaire (2018), adjusted for parachuting with gum to secure camouflage cover.
French Foreign Legion – 2021 – Helmet F3The newest French ballistic Helmet F3, pictured with the 13e DBLE in 2021, intended to replace the FELIN helmet.
French Foreign Legion – Tactical Combat Shirt – Bush hat – 2e REPA 2e REP legionnaire during PAMAS pistol shooting in Corsica (2018), wearing a DIY-adjusted bush hat, ballistic sunglasses, tactical combat shirt, and load carrying equipment without bulletproof vest.
French Foreign Legion – fleece jacket – 1er RECA 1er REC cavalry legionnaire in a beret and camouflage fleece jacket during a shooting exercise (2018).
French Foreign Legion – Parka Gore-tex – 2018 – 2e REPA 2e REP paratrooper in a Gore-tex Parka with load carrying equipment during a Corsica exercise (2018).
French Foreign Legion – NBC suit – 2018 – 1er REG legionnaires in NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, now NRBC) suits during indoor rifle shooting (2018), with FELIN helmets and load carrying equipment.
French Foreign Legion – Camelbak – Packs – 2018 – 2e REI legionnaires with various Camelbaks and similar packs (2018), replacements for the old French Musette knapsack.
French Foreign Legion – wool watch cap – 2018 – 4e REFuture corporals from 4e RE’s Leader Training Company wearing wool watch caps and fleece jackets or parkas in cold weather (2018).
1c) Military Operation Combat Uniform
This French Foreign Legion combat uniform is used during military operations, missions, or guard duties in mainland France and Corsica, such as Operation Sentinelle (anti-terrorism). It is based on the regional combat uniform and is worn with arms.
Uniform Composition:
- Headgear options:
- a) Green beret
- b1) FELIN ballistic helmet
- b2) F3 ballistic helmet
- Combat T-shirt (green/olive or camouflage)
- Long-sleeved dark-olive combat shirt (for cold weather)
- a) Combat uniform jacket (CE pattern, T3 or T4 versions)
- b) Tactical combat shirt (green or sand chest), replacing the jacket
- Green underpants (for cold weather)
- Combat uniform trousers (T3 or T4 S2 versions, CE pattern) and a green belt
- Casual commercial outdoor boots (since mid-2010s)
- Gore-tex parka and trousers (CE camouflage pattern, for cold weather)
- a) Lightweight plate carrier system (bulletproof vest and load carrying equipment)
- Patrol pack/rucksack/backpack (typically Camelbak Motherlode or BFM)
- NRBC suit (for emergency use only)
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Combat Uniform legionnaires in full combat kit (2018), featuring FELIN ballistic helmets, Uniform T4 S2, SMB plate carrier systems, outdoor boots, and Famas FÉLIN rifles.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REG – Combat Uniform – Operation Sentinelle – Paris – 2018A 2e REG sergeant during Operation Sentinelle in Paris (2018), wearing a beret, tactical combat shirt, SMB plate carrier system with attached FELIN helmet, and ready FAMAS rifle.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REP – Combat Uniform – Operation Sentinelle – Marseille – 2018 legionnaires in Marseille during Operation Sentinelle (2018), wearing berets, sand or green tactical combat shirts, SMB plate carrier systems, T4 combat trousers, tactical gloves, and HK 416 F rifles.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Combat Uniform – Operation Sentinelle – Strasbourg – 2018 legionnaires in Strasbourg during Operation Sentinelle before Christmas (2018), in T4 combat jackets, plate carrier systems, tactical gloves, and FAMAS Valorisé rifles, prepared for operation.
2) France’s Overseas Territories
France’s Overseas territories, administered by France but outside of Europe, include French Guiana, Mayotte, Réunion, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and others.
Legionnaires are routinely stationed in these territories. Their combat uniforms largely mirror those used in mainland France and Corsica, with minor adaptations for local conditions.
For instance, legionnaires in French Guiana use tropical combat shirts instead of standard combat jackets.
2a) Garrison Service Combat Uniform
This French Foreign Legion garrison service combat uniform is used for routine duties in France’s overseas territories and is based on the mainland France and Corsica garrison uniform, worn without arms.
French Foreign Legion – DLEM – Glorieuses – Shorts – 2018 legionnaires on the Glorieuses Islands (Indian Ocean) in 2018, wearing berets, French sleeveless GAO vests, olive combat t-shirts, military shorts, and boots with green socks rolled down. This uniform is also used in French Polynesia.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Europa Island – Shorts – 2021 sergeants in New Caledonia (Pacific Ocean) in 2021, wearing the new Uniform F3 with CE camouflage.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Short-sleeve Shirt – Foulard – 2018An older short-sleeve shirt from the French Uniform F2, worn by 3e REI legionnaires in French Guiana (2018), used with shorts and beret as standard garrison service uniform, featuring an obsolete foulard company scarf.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Short-sleeve Shirt – Foulard – 2021The short-sleeve shirt with foulard still in use within the 3e REI in 2021, suitable for the local climate.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Selva T-Shirt – 2018A Selva (jungle) long-sleeved t-shirt worn by 3e REI in French Guiana (2018). The commander of the 3e REI’s CEFE (Jungle Training Center) wears a tiger camouflage version.
2b) Military Training Combat Uniform
This French Foreign Legion uniform is for military training and exercises in France’s overseas territories, based on the mainland training uniform, and worn with arms.
French Foreign Legion – Martinique – 2018 – 2e REI legionnaires during a Martinique exercise (2018), wearing tactical combat shirts, SMB plate carrier systems, bush hats, and casual commercial backpacks.
French Foreign Legion – DLEM – Mayotte – Exercise – 2018 legionnaires during a Mayotte exercise (2018), wearing berets, ballistic sunglasses, T4 S2 combat uniforms, and load carrying equipment.
2c) Military Operation Combat Uniform
This French Foreign Legion uniform is used for military operations, humanitarian and guard duties in overseas territories, such as Operation Harpie in Guiana and Operation Titan at the Guiana Space Center. Based on the regional military training uniform, it is worn with arms.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Operation Titan – Tropical Shirt – 2018A 3e REI legionnaire on Operation Titan in French Guiana (2018), wearing a beret, a tropical shirt, load carrying equipment, and carrying a Minimi machine gun.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Operation Harpie – SAED – 2018’s elite SAED platoon during Operation Harpie in French Guiana (2018), wearing berets, tropical shirts (left), guerrilla shirts, tactical combat shirts, and load carrying equipment.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Operation Harpie – SAED – 2018 legionnaires during Operation Harpie (2018), wearing bush hats, tropical or tactical combat shirts, load carrying equipment, and backpacks.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Europa Island – Shorts – 2021 legionnaires patrolling Europa Island (Indian Ocean) in 2021, wearing bush hats, tactical combat shirts, shorts, and backpacks.
3) Overseas Deployments (Foreign Theaters)
French Foreign Legion deployments abroad include military and humanitarian missions, rescue operations, stabilization, peacekeeping, and joint military exercises.
Combat uniforms for overseas deployments generally resemble those used in mainland France or overseas territories, with slight adjustments for climate and conditions.
Desert regions, for example, necessitate uniforms with desert camouflage (Daguet pattern).
3a) Garrison Service Combat Uniform
This French Foreign Legion garrison service combat uniform is for routine duties in foreign garrisons and is based on the mainland garrison uniform, worn without arms.
In desert or tropical climates, shorts are permissible instead of trousers.
French Foreign Legion – Outdoor Jacket – Wool Cap – 2e REP – 2017A 2e REP legionnaire in Germany during Exercise Swift Response (2017), wearing a wool watch cap and green outdoor jacket.
French Foreign Legion – Chad – Tactical combat shirt – 2e REP – 2015 legionnaires in Chad (2015), wearing tactical combat shirts and desert camouflage combat trousers.
French Foreign Legion – Chad – Tactical combat shirt – 2e REP – 2015Operation Barkhane in Mali (2018), showing a 2e REP legionnaire in a field camp wearing a sand t-shirt, desert camouflage shorts, and a sleeveless GAO vest, all designed for desert conditions.
3b) Military Training Combat Uniform
This French Foreign Legion uniform is for military training and exercises abroad, modified for climate and season, and worn with arms, based on the mainland training uniform.
French Foreign Legion – Spain – 2e REP – Exercise – 2018A 2e REP legionnaire during a Spanish exercise (2018), wearing a FELIN helmet, tactical combat t-shirt, SMB plate carrier system, pack, and carrying an HK 416 F rifle.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Operation Harpie – SAED – 2018A 3e REI legionnaire firing a PGM Hécate II in Suriname (2018), wearing a bush hat, tropical shirt, and combat trousers.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Oman – 2018 legionnaires during an Oman exercise (2018), wearing desert bush hats, CE camouflage tactical combat shirts with desert camouflage trousers, sand-colored boots, load carrying equipment, and packs.
3c) Military Operation Combat Uniform
This French Foreign Legion uniform is for military operations, humanitarian, rescue, and peacekeeping missions abroad, based on the regional military training uniform, and worn with arms.
French Foreign Legion – 13e DBLE – Mali – Operation Barkhane – 2018 legionnaires patrolling during Operation Barkhane in Mali (2018), wearing berets, desert camouflage tactical combat shirts, plate carrier systems, desert trousers, and sand boots.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REP – Mali – Operation Barkhane – 2018 legionnaires in a Mali combat zone during Operation Barkhane (2018), wearing FELIN helmets instead of berets.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Central African Republic – Operation Sangaris – 2016A 2e REI platoon leader in the Central African Republic during Operation Sangaris (2016), wearing a beret, CE camouflage T4 S2 combat uniform, and load carrying equipment with attached FELIN helmet.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Iraq – Operation Chammal – 2018A 2e REI legionnaire in Iraq for Operation Chammal (2018), wearing a beret, desert camouflage tactical combat shirt and trousers, and sand boots.
French Foreign Legion – 1er REC – Mali – Operation Barkhane – 2020A 1er REC lieutenant during Operation Barkhane in Mali (2020), wearing the new Uniform F3 with desert camouflage.
French Foreign Legion – 1er REG – Lebanon – Operation Daman – 2018 legionnaires in Lebanon during Operation Daman (2018), part of a UN force, wearing blue-covered SPECTRA helmets, CE camouflage tactical combat shirts, SMB plate carrier systems, CE camouflage trousers, sand boots, and FAMAS rifles.
French Foreign Legion tactical combat shirtLegion identification and French flag patches worn on a tactical combat shirt during an overseas mission (2010s). Legion patches are becoming less common in overseas operations due to closer integration with the French Army.
French Foreign Legion Parade Dress Uniform
The parade dress uniform, or Tenue de parade, is reserved for formal events in France and abroad, including parades, ceremonies, and official receptions. This French Foreign Legion uniform is based on the French Army’s Parade Uniform TDF (Terre de France). It is uniquely distinguished by traditional Legion symbols.
Parade Dress Summer Uniform
- Kepi with chin strap
- Almond-green short sleeve shirt:
- Green-and-red epaulettes
- Fourragere/fourrageres (for 1er RE, 1er REC, 2e REP, 2e REG, 3e REI, 13e DBLE)
- Sleeve rank patch (right sleeve)
- Diamond-shaped Legion insignia (left sleeve) with rank and seniority chevrons
- Distinctive unit insignia
- Regimental insignia
- Awards and medals
- Special skill and qualification badges
- Trousers TDF
- Blue sash and military belt
- Standard black combat boots
Parade Dress Winter Uniform
- Kepi with chin strap
- Almond-green long sleeve shirt and green necktie
- Coat:
- Green-and-red epaulettes
- Fourragere/fourrageres
- Sleeve rank patch (right sleeve)
- Diamond-shaped Legion insignia (left sleeve) with rank and seniority chevrons
- Distinctive unit insignia
- Regimental insignia
- Awards and medals
- Special skill and qualification badges
- Trousers TDF
- Blue sash and military belt
- Standard black combat boots
French Foreign Legion parade dress winter uniform decorationParade dress uniform decoration: 1. Distinctive unit insignia 2. Sleeve rank patch 3. Special skill and qualification badges 4. Regimental insignia 5. Diamond-shaped Legion insignia (left sleeve) with rank and seniority chevrons 6. Awards and medals 7. Fourragere
French Foreign Legion kepiFrench Foreign Legion kepi:1. Standard white kepi with black strap 2. Senior Corporal’s white kepi with gold strap 3. Black kepi of NCOs (or Senior Corporals with 15+ years service) with gold strap 4. Cavalry Senior Corporal’s white kepi with silver strap
French Foreign Legion parade dress summer uniformLegionnaires in parade dress summer uniform.
French Foreign Legion parade dress summer uniform detailDetail view of the Legion parade dress summer uniform.
French Foreign Legion parade dress winter uniformLegionnaires in parade dress winter uniform.
French Foreign Legion Pioneers Uniform
This traditional French Foreign Legion uniform, based on the TDF parade dress, is worn by Pioneers during parades and ceremonies in France and overseas.
Uniform Composition:
- Kepi (without chin strap for beard)
- Almond-green long sleeves shirt (TDF coat for winter):
- Green necktie
- Green-and-red epaulettes
- Fourragere/fourrageres
- Sleeve rank patch (right sleeve)
- Diamond-shaped Legion insignia (left sleeve) with rank and seniority chevrons
- Distinctive unit insignia
- Regimental insignia
- Awards and medals
- Special skill and qualification badges
- Trousers TDF
- White long-cuff leather gantlets (gants à crispin)
- Fawn buffalo apron model 1848 (white for overseas units)
- Axe
- Black combat boots with white laces
- Blouse TDF for winter
French Foreign Legion Pioneers uniformFrench Foreign Legion Pioneers Uniform: winter and summer versions, Pioneers’ insignia.
French Foreign Legion Regimental Color Guard Uniform
This French Foreign Legion uniform, based on the TDF parade uniform, is worn by legionnaires during military parades and ceremonies.
Uniform Composition:
- Kepi with chin strap
- Almond-green long sleeves shirt (TDF coat for winter):
- Green necktie
- Green-and-red epaulettes
- Fourragere/fourrageres
- Sleeve rank patch (right sleeve)
- Diamond-shaped Legion insignia (left sleeve) with rank and seniority chevrons
- Distinctive unit insignia
- Regimental insignia
- Awards and medals
- Special skill and qualification badges
- Trousers TDF
- White gloves
- Blue sash
- White military belt
- Heavyweight green socks
- Black combat boots with white laces
French Foreign Legion Regimental color guard summer uniformFrench Foreign Legion Regimental color guard summer uniform.
French Foreign Legion Regimental color guard winter uniformFrench Foreign Legion Regimental color guard winter uniform.
French Foreign Legion Regimental color guard combat uniformA 2e REI regimental color guard combat uniform. Currently (2019), combat color guard uniforms are worn without decorations.
French Foreign Legion Walking Out Uniform
Formerly used for off-duty freetime in garrison towns, the French Foreign Legion walking out uniform is now less common due to security measures. It is still used for ceremonies and by NCOs in administrative roles.
Walking Out Summer Uniform
- Kepi
- Almond-green short sleeve shirt:
- Shoulder boards
- Fourragere/fourrageres
- Diamond-shaped Legion insignia (left sleeve) with rank and seniority chevrons
- Distinctive unit insignia
- Regimental insignia
- Ribbon bars
- Special skill and qualification badges
- TDF trousers
- Belt – grey strap with gold buckle
- Green lightweight socks (unlike French Army black socks)
- Black formal shoes
Walking Out Winter Uniform
- Kepi
- Almond-green long sleeve shirt and green necktie
- Suit coat TDF with standard uniform decorations
- Trousers TDF
- Belt – grey strap with gold buckle
- Green lightweight socks
- Black formal shoes
- Greatcoat for bad weather
French Foreign Legion Walking out dress winter uniform decorationWalking out dress (winter) uniform decoration: 1. Distinctive unit insignia 2. Legion collar badges 3. Shoulder board with rank insignia 4. Fourragere 5. Diamond-shaped Legion insignia 6. Special skill and qualification badges 7. Nameplate (for ceremonies; not for public off-duty wear) 8. Regimental insignia 9. Ribbon bars
French Foreign Legion uniform service stripesA 2e REP Senior Corporal with shoulder board service stripes on his walking out dress summer uniform, indicating 20 years of service (four stripes).
French Foreign Legion Walking out dress summer uniform legionnaires in walking out dress summer uniform.
French Foreign Legion Walking out dress winter uniform legionnaires in walking out dress winter uniform. A 1er REC officer is shown wearing a greatcoat.
French Foreign Legion – Walking out dress white uniform – Guiana officers in white walking out dress uniform (2021), exclusive to French overseas territories and for NCOs and officers only.
French Foreign Legion Physical Training and Sports Uniforms
Physical Training Combat Uniform
This French Foreign Legion uniform, based on the military training combat uniform, is used for physical training activities like obstacle courses and contact fight training.
Uniform Composition:
- Combat uniform undershirt or T-shirt
- Combat uniform trousers and green belt
- Combat uniform jacket with sleeves rolled down
- Heavyweight green socks
- Boots or sports footwear
French Foreign Legion Physical Training uniformLegionnaires wearing the physical training combat Uniform F2.
French Foreign Legion – Physical Training – Uniform F2Uniform F2 in use for physical training by a 2e REI legionnaire in 2021.
Sports Uniform
The French Foreign Legion sports uniform is used in various forms for fitness training, sports, and during freetime or hospitalization.
Uniform Composition:
- Company color regimental sports undershirt (or T-shirt for winter)
- White Legion shorts (with green-and-red stripe and Legion insignia) or green pants
- Company color regimental sweatshirt or green sports blouse (with Legion insignia)
- White Legion sports socks (with green-and-red stripe)
- Sports footwear or boots
French Foreign Legion Sports uniform with shorts and undershirt legionnaires in shorts and undershirt sports uniform.
French Foreign Legion Sports uniform with shorts and T-shirt legionnaires in shorts and T-shirt sports uniform.
French Foreign Legion Sports uniform sweatshirt with tight and shortsLegionnaires in sweatshirt and tight sports uniform, or sweatshirt and shorts version.
French Foreign Legion Sports uniform undershirt with combat trousers legionnaires in undershirt and combat trousers sports uniform.
French Foreign Legion Sports uniform T-shirt with combat trousers legionnaires in T-shirt and combat trousers sports uniform.
French Foreign Legion Sports uniform sweatshirt with combat trousersLegionnaires in sweatshirt and combat trousers sports uniform.
French Foreign Legion Sports suitThe green sports suit with the Foreign Legion’s emblem.
French Foreign Legion Special Branch Uniforms
Examples of specialized French Foreign Legion uniforms.
French Foreign Legion Commando Parachute Group GCP uniformCommando Parachute Group (GCP) of the 2e REP.
French Foreign Legion Commando Parachute Group GCP uniformA GCP legionnaire wearing a jumpsuit.
French Foreign Legion Combat Engineer Divers uniform Combat Engineer Divers (PCG, ex-DINOPS) member during exercise.
French Foreign Legion 2e REP Amphibious Company uniform legionnaires from the 3rd Company.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REP – Amphibious Company – wetsuit – 2021A 2e REP legionnaire from the 3rd (Amphibious) Company wearing a new wetsuit (2021).
French Foreign Legion Combat Engineer demining specialist uniformA combat engineer demining specialist from the 1er REG.
French Foreign Legion sniper uniformForeign Legion snipers.
French Foreign Legion sniper uniform snipers from the 4th Company in 2020.
French Foreign Legion mountain combat uniformForeign Legion mountain combat uniform worn by 2e REG legionnaires.
French Foreign Legion military police uniformForeign Legion Military Police uniform (Foreign Legion Patrol, PLE since 2011), here from 1er REG.
French Foreign Legion mechanic uniformForeign Legion mechanics in the 2010s.
French Foreign Legion – Mechanics uniform – 2021A Staff Sergeant from the 2e REI as a mechanic in Africa, 2021.
French Foreign Legion chefForeign Legion chef’s uniform.
French Foreign Legion – GCM – Mountain Commando – 2e REG – 2014 members of the GCM Mountain Commando Group.
French Foreign Legion – CEFE – Jungle Training Center – 3e REI – 2018A member of the 3e REI’s CEFE Jungle Training Center in tiger camouflage jungle combat uniform (2018).
Images credit: Légion étrangère The French Ministry of Defence
