The French Foreign Legion, a renowned military corps of the French Army, is famous not only for its legendary history and diverse composition but also for its distinctive uniforms. Understanding the Legion Etrangere Uniform is key to appreciating the visual identity and operational adaptability of these elite soldiers. This guide provides a detailed overview of the various uniforms worn by legionnaires in different situations, from routine duties and rigorous training to combat deployments and formal parades, across France, its overseas territories, and foreign lands.
French Foreign Legion Uniforms
French Foreign Legion Combat Uniform
From the 1970s to the mid-2010s, the Foreign Legion utilized the French olive Uniform F1 and, starting in 2000, the camouflage Uniform F2, mirroring the F1 cut. A significant shift occurred between 2015 and 2020, as the Legion transitioned to new tactical French uniforms inspired by the U.S. Army style. This era saw the introduction of the Uniform T3, initially deployed in Afghanistan in the late 2000s, and its refined iterations designed for overseas operations: the Uniform T4 S1 and the more prevalent Uniform T4 S2. Notably, no single uniform gained complete dominance, resulting in legionnaires within the same units often wearing a mix of these three uniform types.
These modern combat uniforms are characterized by a Central Europe (CE) camouflage pattern and are available in designs tailored for temperate, desert (featuring the Daguet desert pattern), and tropical environments. The T3 and T4 S2 uniforms are engineered to be both lightweight and robust, capable of withstanding demanding military activities.
Another significant change in the mid-2010s was the phasing out of traditional rangers combat boots within the French Army. Legionnaires, along with other French soldiers, began adopting commercial outdoor boots from brands like Lowa, Haix, and Meindl. This shift explains the variety of combat boots often seen within a single platoon. It is anticipated that new combat boots from the German manufacturer Haix may become standard issue in future combat uniforms.
Since 2020, the Legion has adopted the Uniform F3, the latest French combat uniform design. Initially implemented in overseas operations, the F3 uniform gradually became common in garrisons across mainland France and Corsica by late 2020 and early 2021. Despite this transition, uniform policies remained somewhat varied into late 2021, with legionnaires still observed wearing different uniforms in garrison settings. Currently, the guerrilla combat shirt has become a prevalent non-operational uniform within the Legion, available in various styles.
It’s important to note that minor variations and modifications in common combat uniforms are frequently observed across different Legion regiments, companies, and even platoons. These differences primarily involve boots, jackets, shirts, backpacks, and load-carrying equipment and are typically attributed to either commander preferences or, with authorization, individual legionnaire choices.
1) France and Corsica
1a) Garrison Service Combat Uniform
This legion etrangere uniform is standard for legionnaires performing routine military duties and tasks within garrisons located in mainland France or Corsica. It is also worn during emergency responses to natural disasters in these regions and is worn without weaponry.
Uniform Composition – Summer Period:
- Green beret (formal headgear, worn 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 (platoon patch in exceptional cases)
- b) Guerrilla ripstop combat shirt (CE pattern), worn instead of the jacket:
- Sleeves can be rolled up or down
- Name patch
- Rank patch
- Company identification patch (platoon patch in exceptional cases)
- Combat uniform trousers (F3 or T4 S2 versions, CE pattern) and green belt
- Boots (casual commercial outdoor boots)
Uniform Composition – Winter Period:
- Green beret (formal headgear)
- Wool watch cap (informal headgear 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 (platoon patch in exceptional cases)
- b) Guerrilla ripstop combat shirt (CE pattern), worn instead of the jacket:
- Sleeves rolled down
- Name patch
- Rank patch
- Company identification patch (platoon patch in exceptional 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) and green belt
- Boots (casual commercial outdoor boots)
- Parka gore-tex and trousers gore-tex (CE camouflage pattern, for cold weather)
Green T-shirt and undershirt of the French Foreign Legion legionnaires wearing a green T-shirt with the regimental emblem or an undershirt, showcasing standard garrison wear in the 2010s.
Guerrilla Shirt of the French Foreign Legion – 2e REIA commanding officer of the 2e REI wearing a guerrilla combat shirt in 2018. This type of shirt remained a popular non-operational uniform within the Legion even in late 2021, with variations depending on commercial manufacturers.
Guerrilla Shirt of the French Foreign Legion – 2e REPAn NCO from the 2e REP in 2018, wearing another style of guerrilla shirt, highlighting rolled-up sleeves and a modern tactical belt replacing older models.
French Foreign Legion – Guerrilla Shirts – 2021A 2021 image illustrating uniform diversity within the Legion, featuring the COMLE General (left) alongside the 1er REC commanding officer and deputy (center), each wearing a different guerrilla combat shirt.
French Foreign Legion – Uniform T4 S2 – 2e REIA sergeant of the 2e REI in 2018 wearing a Uniform T4 S2 combat jacket, noting the shoulder straps for shoulder boards, a feature omitted in the newer Uniform F3.
French Foreign Legion – Uniform F3 – Commanding officers – 2021Foreign Legion commanding officers in 2021 sporting the new Uniform F3, which was still less common that year compared to the guerrilla combat shirt. This jacket design lacks shoulder straps and bottom pockets.
French Foreign Legion – Uniform F3 – Commanding officers – 2021A 2021 photo from Aubagne showing six commanding officers, including the Legion’s General, displaying five distinct uniforms, including guerrilla shirts, Uniform F3, Uniform T4 S1, and Uniform T4 S2.
French Foreign Legion – Outdoor boots – 1er REGA 2018 example from the 1er REG illustrating the flexible boot policy within the Foreign Legion, showcasing at least four different boot types among seven pairs, reflecting the shift from formal black combat boots to commercial outdoor boots.
French Foreign Legion – Beret – badgesThe Foreign Legion green beret shown in 2018, featuring a standard gold badge with the Legion’s grenade and regiment number, a silver badge for 1er REC cavalrymen, and a French paratrooper badge for 2e REP members.
French Foreign Legion – Company patchesCompany identification patches from 2018 for the 1er REC, 2e REP, and 2e REI, which replaced the traditional foulard scarves used with F1 and F2 uniforms. The patch border color indicates company, and the grenade number denotes the regiment.
1b) Military Training Combat Uniform
The legion etrangere uniform for military training, exercises, and maneuvers in mainland France or Corsica is worn with arms.
Uniform Composition:
- Headgear:
- a) Green beret (not worn with T-shirts)
- b1) 1978 Helmet
- b2) FELIN ballistic helmet (replaced the 1978 Helmet, now rarely used)
- b3) F3 ballistic helmet (since 2020, replacing the FELIN helmet)
- c) Bush hat (worn with T-shirts)
- d) Baseball cap (rare, mainly for shooting range instructors)
- e) Wool watch cap (informal cold weather headgear)
- 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), worn instead of the jacket
- 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
- Boots (casual commercial outdoor boots since mid-2010s)
- Parka gore-tex and trousers gore-tex (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 a bulletproof vest)
- Patrol pack/rucksack/backpack (mostly Camelbak Motherlode or BFM)
- NRBC suit (nuclear, radiological, biological, chemical – infrequently used)
French Foreign Legion – SMB – Plate carrier systemLegionnaires from the 1er REG in 2018 wearing the new French SMB lightweight plate carrier system, which integrates bulletproof protection and load-carrying capabilities.
French Foreign Legion – Tactical Combat Shirt – 1er RE – 2018Legionnaires from the 1er RE during a 2018 exercise in southern France, wearing different tactical combat shirts, with the sand version being more popular despite this green variant shown. The legionnaire on the right is also wearing 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 2018 wearing a tactical combat shirt and FELIN ballistic helmet, which replaced the older 1978 helmet. The 1978 helmet (right), worn by a 2e REP para-legionnaire, was still in use in 2018 and even as late as 2021, often adjusted with gum to secure camouflage covers during parachute jumps.
French Foreign Legion – 2021 – Helmet F3The newest French ballistic Helmet F3, as worn by the 13e DBLE in 2021, intended to replace the FELIN helmet.
French Foreign Legion – Tactical Combat Shirt – Bush hat – 2e REPA 2e REP legionnaire in 2018 during shooting practice in Corsica, wearing a customized bush hat, ballistic sunglasses, a tactical combat shirt, and load-carrying equipment without a bulletproof vest.
French Foreign Legion – fleece jacket – 1er RECA 1er REC cavalry legionnaire in 2018 wearing a beret and camouflage fleece jacket during a shooting exercise.
French Foreign Legion – Parka Gore-tex – 2018 – 2e REPA 2e REP paratrooper in 2018 wearing a Parka Gore-tex over load-carrying equipment during an exercise in Corsica.
French Foreign Legion – NBC suit – 2018 – 1er REG1er REG legionnaires in 2018 wearing NBC suits (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, now NRBC) over FELIN helmets and load-carrying equipment during indoor rifle shooting.
French Foreign Legion – Camelbak – Packs – 2018 – 2e REI2e REI legionnaires in 2018 with various Camelbaks and similar packs, which replaced the older French Musette knapsack.
French Foreign Legion – wool watch cap – 2018 – 4e REFuture corporals from the 4e RE Leader Training Company in 2018 wearing wool watch caps with fleece jackets or parkas in cold weather.
1c) Military Operation Combat Uniform
This legion etrangere uniform is used during military operations, missions, or guard duties in mainland France or Corsica, such as Operation Sentinelle. It is based on the training combat uniform used in these regions and is worn with arms.
Uniform Composition:
- Headgear:
- 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), worn instead of the jacket
- Green underpants (for cold weather)
- Combat uniform trousers (T3 or T4 S2 versions, CE pattern) and a green belt
- Boots (casual commercial outdoor boots since mid-2010s)
- Parka gore-tex and trousers gore-tex (CE camouflage pattern, for cold weather)
- a) Lightweight plate carrier system (bulletproof vest and load carrying equipment)
- Patrol pack/rucksack/backpack (mostly Camelbak Motherlode or BFM)
- NRBC suit (for emergency use only)
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Combat Uniform2e REI legionnaires in 2018 in full combat kit, wearing FELIN ballistic helmets, Uniform T4 S2, SMB lightweight plate carrier systems, outdoor boots, and the new generation Famas FÉLIN rifles.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REG – Combat Uniform – Operation Sentinelle – Paris – 2018A 2e REG sergeant during Operation Sentinelle in Paris in 2018, wearing a beret, tactical combat shirt, SMB plate carrier system with FELIN helmet, and carrying a prepared FAMAS rifle.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REP – Combat Uniform – Operation Sentinelle – Marseille – 20182e REP legionnaires during Operation Sentinelle in Marseille in 2018, wearing berets, sand or green tactical combat shirts, SMB plate carrier systems, T4 combat trousers, tactical gloves, and equipped with HK 416 F rifles.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Combat Uniform – Operation Sentinelle – Strasbourg – 20182e REI legionnaires in Strasbourg before Christmas 2018 during Operation Sentinelle, wearing T4 combat jackets with dark-olive combat shirts underneath, plate carrier systems, tactical gloves, and carrying FAMAS Valorisé rifles.
2) France’s Overseas territories
France’s Overseas territories, administered by France but located outside of Europe, include regions like French Guiana, Mayotte, Réunion, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. Legionnaires are regularly deployed to these territories. Their combat uniforms largely mirror those worn in mainland France and Corsica, with minor adaptations.
For instance, legionnaires in French Guiana typically wear a tropical combat shirt instead of the standard combat jacket used in mainland France, reflecting the warmer climate.
2a) Garrison Service Combat Uniform
This legion etrangere uniform is for routine duties in garrisons in France’s overseas territories. It is based on the garrison service uniform of mainland France and Corsica and is worn without arms.
French Foreign Legion – DLEM – Glorieuses – Shorts – 2018Legionnaires from the 1st Company, DLEM, in 2018 on the Glorieuses Islands, wearing berets, French sleeveless military GAO vests over olive combat t-shirts, military shorts, and boots with rolled-down green socks. This uniform is also used in French Polynesia. The t-shirt can be removed as needed.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Europa Island – Shorts – 20212e REP sergeants in New Caledonia in 2021, wearing the new Uniform F3 with CE camouflage.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Short-sleeve Shirt – Foulard – 2018A short-sleeve shirt, part of the French Uniform F2 summer kit, worn by 3e REI legionnaires in French Guiana in 2018. It was used with shorts and a beret as standard garrison wear, featuring the obsolete foulard scarf to indicate company assignment.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Short-sleeve Shirt – Foulard – 2021The short-sleeve shirt with foulard was still in use within the 3e REI in 2021, proving 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 legionnaires in French Guiana in 2018, highlighting regional uniform adaptations. The center commander wears a tiger camouflage version, denoting his role at the CEFE Jungle Training Center.
2b) Military Training Combat Uniform
The legion etrangere uniform for training in France’s overseas territories is based on the mainland training uniform and is worn with arms.
French Foreign Legion – Martinique – 2018 – 2e REI2e REI legionnaires during a 2018 exercise in Martinique, wearing tactical combat shirts, SMB plate carrier systems, bush hats, and casual commercial backpacks replacing the old French rucksack F1.
French Foreign Legion – DLEM – Mayotte – Exercise – 2018DLEM legionnaires in Mayotte in 2018 during an exercise, wearing berets, ballistic sunglasses, T4 S2 combat uniforms, and load-carrying equipment.
2c) Military Operation Combat Uniform
This legion etrangere uniform is for operations in France’s overseas territories, including missions like Operation Harpie against illegal gold mining in French Guiana and Operation Titan guarding the Guiana Space Center. It is based on the training combat uniform of these regions and is worn with arms.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Operation Titan – Tropical Shirt – 2018A 3e REI legionnaire in 2018 during Operation Titan in French Guiana, wearing a beret, a ripstop tropical shirt for the region, load-carrying equipment, and equipped with a Minimi machine gun.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Operation Harpie – SAED – 2018Legionnaires from the 3e REI’s elite SAED platoon in 2018 during Operation Harpie in French Guiana’s forests, wearing berets, ripstop tropical shirts (left), guerrilla shirts, tactical combat shirts, and load-carrying equipment.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Operation Harpie – SAED – 20183e REI legionnaires from the 2nd Company during Operation Harpie in 2018, wearing bush hats, tropical or tactical combat shirts, load-carrying equipment, and backpacks.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Europa Island – Shorts – 20212e REI legionnaires patrolling Europa Island in 2021, wearing bush hats, tactical combat shirts, shorts, and backpacks.
3) Overseas deployments (foreign theaters)
Foreign Legion deployments in foreign countries for military, humanitarian, rescue, stabilization, and peacekeeping missions, as well as joint military exercises. Combat uniforms for these deployments are generally similar to those used in mainland France and overseas territories, with minor adjustments for climate and season.
For example, in desert areas, legionnaires utilize uniforms with desert camouflage, known as Daguet.
3a) Garrison Service Combat Uniform
This legion etrangere uniform is worn for routine garrison duties in foreign countries and territories, based on the mainland garrison service uniform and worn without arms. Shorts are permitted in desert or tropical climates instead of trousers.
French Foreign Legion – Outdoor Jacket – Wool Cap – 2e REP – 2017A 2e REP legionnaire in Germany during Exercise Swift Response in 2017, wearing a wool watch cap and green outdoor jacket within a regimental vehicle.
French Foreign Legion – Chad – Tactical combat shirt – 2e REP – 20152e REP legionnaires in Chad in 2015 wearing tactical combat shirts and desert camouflage trousers at their military base.
French Foreign Legion – Chad – Tactical combat shirt – 2e REP – 2015A 2e REP legionnaire in Mali during Operation Barkhane in 2018, wearing a sand t-shirt with regimental emblem and desert camouflage shorts within a field camp, alongside a sleeveless GAO vest with desert camouflage.
3b) Military Training Combat Uniform
The legion etrangere uniform for training abroad is based on the mainland training uniform, with adaptations for specific climates and seasons, and is worn with arms.
French Foreign Legion – Spain – 2e REP – Exercise – 2018A 2e REP legionnaire in Spain during a 2018 exercise, wearing a FELIN helmet, tactical combat t-shirt, SMB plate carrier system, pack, and equipped with an HK 416 F rifle.
French Foreign Legion – 3e REI – Guiana – Operation Harpie – SAED – 2018A 3e REI legionnaire in Suriname in 2018 firing a PGM Hécate II rifle during an exercise, wearing a bush hat, tropical shirt, and combat trousers.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Oman – 20182e REI legionnaires during a break in a 2018 exercise in Oman, wearing desert camouflage 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 legion etrangere uniform is for military operations abroad, including combat, humanitarian, rescue, stabilization, and peacekeeping missions. It is based on the training combat uniform used in these regions and is worn with arms.
French Foreign Legion – 13e DBLE – Mali – Operation Barkhane – 201813e DBLE legionnaires patrolling in Mali during Operation Barkhane in 2018, wearing berets, desert camouflage tactical combat shirts, plate carrier systems, desert camouflage trousers, and sand-colored boots.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REP – Mali – Operation Barkhane – 20182e REP legionnaires in Mali during Operation Barkhane in 2018, wearing FELIN helmets instead of berets in a combat zone.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Central African Republic – Operation Sangaris – 2016A platoon leader with 2e REI legionnaires during Operation Sangaris in the Central African Republic in 2016, wearing berets, CE camouflage T4 S2 combat uniforms, and load-carrying equipment with attached FELIN helmets.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REI – Iraq – Operation Chammal – 2018A 2e REI legionnaire in Iraq during Operation Chammal in 2018, wearing a beret, desert camouflage tactical combat shirt and trousers, and sand-colored boots as part of an instruction detachment.
French Foreign Legion – 1er REC – Mali – Operation Barkhane – 2020A 1er REC lieutenant in Mali during Operation Barkhane in 2020, wearing the new Uniform F3 in desert camouflage.
French Foreign Legion – 1er REG – Lebanon – Operation Daman – 20181er REG legionnaires in Lebanon during Operation Daman in 2018, wearing blue-covered SPECTRA helmets, CE camouflage tactical combat shirts with SMB plate carrier systems, CE camouflage trousers, sand-colored boots, and equipped with FAMAS rifles as part of a UN force.
French Foreign Legion tactical combat shirtA Legion identification patch and French flag patch worn on a tactical combat shirt during an overseas mission in the 2010s, reflecting the integration of the Legion into the French Army with the Legion patch becoming less frequent in operational contexts.
Foreign Legion Parade Dress Uniform
The parade dress uniform, known as Tenue de parade, is reserved for formal occasions such as parades, ceremonies, official receptions in France and overseas. It is also used for guard duty and is based on the French Army’s Parade Uniform TDF (Terre de France). This unique legion etrangere uniform is distinguished by traditional Foreign Legion symbols.
Parade Dress Summer Uniform
- Kepi with a chin strap
- Almond-green short sleeve shirt including:
- 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 a chin strap
- Almond-green long sleeve shirt and green necktie
- Coat including:
- 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 a black strap 2. Senior Corporal’s white kepi with a gold strap 3. Black kepi of a non-commissioned officer (or Senior Corporal with 15+ years service) with a gold strap 4. Cavalry Senior Corporal’s white kepi with a silver strap.
French Foreign Legion parade dress summer uniformLegionnaires in parade dress summer uniforms.
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 uniforms.
Foreign Legion Pioneers Uniform
This traditional legion etrangere uniform, based on the TDF parade dress, is worn by Foreign Legion 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 uniformForeign Legion Pioneers Uniform: Winter and summer versions, Pioneers’ insignia.
Foreign Legion Regimental Color Guard Uniform
Based on the TDF parade uniform, this legion etrangere uniform is worn by color guards during military parades and ceremonies in France and overseas.
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 uniformForeign Legion Regimental color guard summer uniform.
French Foreign Legion Regimental color guard winter uniformForeign Legion Regimental color guard winter uniform.
French Foreign Legion Regimental color guard combat uniformA regimental color guard combat uniform of the 2e REI. Currently, this uniform is worn without decorations like insignias, medals, or fourrageres.
Foreign Legion Walking out Uniform
Formerly worn by legionnaires during off-duty time in garrison towns, the walking out uniform is now primarily used for military ceremonies (awards, naturalization) and by NCOs in administrative roles due to security measures.
Walking out summer uniform
- Kepi
- Almond-green short sleeve shirt including:
- 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 a gold buckle
- Green lightweight socks (unlike black French Army socks)
- Black formal shoes
Walking out winter uniform
- Kepi
- Almond-green long sleeve shirt and green necktie
- Suit coat TDF including all standard uniform decorations
- Trousers TDF
- Belt – grey strap with a 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 bearing rank insignia 4. Fourragere 5. Diamond-shaped Legion insignia 6. Special skill and qualification badges 7. Nameplate (for ceremonies/receptions, not public off-duty wear) 8. Regimental insignia 9. Ribbon bars.
French Foreign Legion uniform service stripesA 2e REP Senior Corporal with service stripes on his walking out dress summer uniform, indicating 20 years of service (four stripes, one per 5 years).
French Foreign Legion Walking out dress summer uniform2e REP legionnaires wearing walking out dress summer uniforms.
French Foreign Legion Walking out dress winter uniform2e REP legionnaires in walking out dress winter uniforms, with a 1er REC officer in a greatcoat.
French Foreign Legion – Walking out dress white uniform – Guiana3e REI officers in 2021 wearing white walking out dress uniforms, an exceptional uniform for NCOs and officers in French overseas territories, reminiscent of uniforms worn in Morocco in the 1930s.
Foreign Legion Physical Training and Sports Uniforms
Physical Training combat uniform
Based on the military training combat uniform, this legion etrangere uniform is for physical training activities like obstacle runs, swimming, and combat training in France and overseas.
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 widely used in 2021 for physical training, as seen worn by a 2e REI legionnaire.
Sports uniform
Worn in various forms for sports and fitness training, competitions, and during downtime or hospitalization.
Uniform Composition:
- Company color regimental sports undershirt (or T-shirt for winter)
- White Legion shorts (green-and-red stripe with Legion insignia) or green pants
- Company color regimental sweatshirt or green sports blouse (Legion insignia)
- White Legion sports socks (green-and-red stripe)
- Sports footwear or boots
French Foreign Legion Sports uniform with shorts and undershirt3e REI legionnaires in sports uniforms with shorts and undershirts.
French Foreign Legion Sports uniform with shorts and T-shirt2e REP legionnaires in sports uniforms with shorts and T-shirts.
French Foreign Legion Sports uniform sweatshirt with tight and shortsLegionnaires wearing sports uniforms with sweatshirts and tights, or sweatshirts and shorts.
French Foreign Legion Sports uniform undershirt with combat trousers3e REI legionnaires in sports uniforms with undershirts and combat trousers.
French Foreign Legion Sports uniform T-shirt with combat trousers2e REP legionnaires in sports uniforms with T-shirts and combat trousers.
French Foreign Legion Sports uniform sweatshirt with combat trousersLegionnaires in sports uniforms with sweatshirts and combat trousers.
French Foreign Legion Sports suitThe green sports suit with the Foreign Legion’s emblem.
Foreign Legion Special Branch Uniforms
Examples of specialized uniforms within the Foreign Legion.
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 uniformA 1er REG Combat Engineer Diver (PCG, ex-DINOPS) during an exercise.
French Foreign Legion 2e REP Amphibious Company uniform2e REP legionnaires from the 3rd Amphibious Company.
French Foreign Legion – 2e REP – Amphibious Company – wetsuit – 2021A 2e REP legionnaire from the 3rd Amphibious Company in 2021 wearing a new wetsuit.
French Foreign Legion Combat Engineer demining specialist uniformA 1er REG combat engineer demining specialist.
French Foreign Legion sniper uniformForeign Legion snipers.
French Foreign Legion sniper uniform2e REP 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) from the 1er REG.
French Foreign Legion mechanic uniformForeign Legion mechanics in the 2010s.
French Foreign Legion – Mechanics uniform – 2021A 2e REI Staff Sergeant as a mechanic in Africa in 2021.
French Foreign Legion chefForeign Legion chef’s uniform.
2e REG members of the GCM Mountain Commando Group in 2014.
French Foreign Legion – CEFE – Jungle Training Center – 3e REI – 2018A member of the 3e REI’s CEFE Jungle Training Center in 2018, wearing a tiger camouflage jungle combat uniform.
Images credit: Légion étrangère The French Ministry of Defence
