Uniforms | Information on the French Foreign Legion (2023)

Uniforms of the French Foreign Legion. See the uniforms worn by legionnaires in service, training, exercises, combat missions or military parades. The uniforms they wear in France, in the French overseas territories or when deployed abroad. Discover the uniforms of the different branches within the Foreign Legion. What uniform do the legendary pioneers or keepers of the color of the Legion wear? Get detailed information and clear data. Contains many clear images.

Foreign Legion combat uniform

Between the 1970s and the mid-2010s, the Foreign Legion wore the olive green French F1 kit, and since 2000 the F2 camouflage kit (same cut as F1).

Between 2015 and 2020, the Foreign Legion introduced entirely new (but improvised) French tactical uniforms in the style of the US Army. It was theUnified T3, first used in Afghanistan by Legionnaires in late 2000, and its updated versions are better suited to overseas theatrical deployments:Uniforme T4 S1(less popular) and the extendedUniforme T4 S2🇧🇷 None of them were favored. Thus, we could see the legionaries wearing the three uniforms within the same company.

These uniforms are based on a Central European (CE) camouflage pattern. Separate designs of combat uniforms are provided for use in temperate, desert (with a Daguet desert pattern), and tropical regions. The modern T3 and T4 S2 uniforms are lightweight yet durable enough for use in harsh military activities.

The classic combat boot calledForest rangerthey were also taken from the combat uniform of the French army. The brand has offered commercial outdoor boots to French soldiers since the mid-2010s.Lowa,Oye,Meindletc. Because of this, we can see legionnaires wearing different combat boots even within a squad. New combat boots believed to be made by GermanyOyecould complete the future combat uniform.

Since 2020, the Legion has adjusted thenew french uniform,F3 Uniform🇧🇷 First in foreign affairs; later, in late 2020 and early 2021, legionnaires began wearing the new uniform in their garrisons in mainland France and also in Corsica. However, the uniform policy was also not unified at the end of 2021; For this reason, we can still see different uniforms that the legionnaires wore in their garrisons. However, the most common non-operational uniform within the Legion is now aguerrilla combat shirt, used in different ways.

Depending on the regiment, company or even platoon of the legion, the usual combat uniforms often have some minor differences and modifications. This especially applies to boots, jackets, shirts, backpacks or luggage racks. There are usually two reasons for this: the commander's preference or the legionnaire's personal preference (if allowed).

1) France and Corsica

1a) Garrison service combat uniform

The uniform worn by legionaries during general military service and work in mainland France or in the Corsican garrisons. They are also used during emergencies like storms, floods, fires, and other natural disasters in these regions. the uniform is usedwhichWaffen.

uniform composition - summer time:

• green beret (formal headgear worn only with a jacket or combat shirt)
• Undershirt or combat uniform shirt (olive drab or camouflage)
• a) Kampfuniformjacke (Europa Central CE Tarnmuster):
• Uniforme F3 o Uniforme T4 S2
• rolled up sleeves or rolled up sleeves
• Namenspatch
• Rang-parche
• Company ID patch (a squadron patch only)
• b) Guerrilla ripstop combat shirt (CE standard) worn instead of jacket:
• rolled up sleeves or rolled up sleeves
• Namenspatch
• Rang-parche
• Company ID patch (a squadron patch only)
• Combat uniform trousers (F3 or T4 S2 versions, CE standard) and green sash
• Boots (business casual outdoor boots)

Uniform composition – winter period:

• green boina (formal helmet)
• Beanie (casual headgear for cold weather)
• Combat Shirt (Green/Olive or Camo) and Long Sleeve Combat Shirt (Dark Olive)
• a) Waterproof jacket (CE-Muster):
• Uniforme F3 o Uniforme T4 S2
• rolled up sleeves
• Namenspatch
• Rang-parche
• Company ID patch (a squadron patch only)
• b) Guerrilla ripstop combat shirt (CE standard) worn instead of jacket:
• rolled up sleeves
• Namenspatch
• Rang-parche
• Company ID patch (a squadron patch only)
• Fleece camo jacket or green outdoor jacket (casual for cool weather)
• green underpants (for the cold)
• Combat uniform trousers (F3 or T4 S2 versions, CE standard) and green sash
• Boots (business casual outdoor boots)
• Gore-Tex Parka and Gore-Tex Pants (CE camouflage pattern, for cold weather)

1b) Military Training Combat Uniform

The uniform worn by legionnaires during military training, exercises or military maneuvers that take place in mainland France or Corsica. The uniform is worn with weapons.

uniform composition:

• hat shop
• a) green beret (not to be worn with shirts)
• b1) 1978 Elmo
• b2) FELIN ballistic helmet (within the Legion, replaced the obsolete 1978 French helmet, now rarely used)
• b3) F3 ballistic helmet (used since 2020 to replace the FELIN helmet)
• c) Cap (can be worn with a t-shirt)
• d) Baseball cap (rarely worn, mainly by shooting range instructors)
• e) Wool cap (informal cold weather hull)
• Combat T-shirt (green/olive or camouflage)
• dark olive green long sleeve combat shirt (for cold weather)
• a) Chaqueta Kampfuniform (CE-Muster, F3)
• b) tactical combat shirt (green or sand) worn instead of jacket
• Fleece camo jacket or green outdoor jacket (casual for cool weather)
• green underpants (for the cold)
• Combat uniform pants (F3 or T4 S2 versions, CE standard) with green stripe
• Boots (casual outdoor boots from the mid-2010s)
• Gore-Tex parka and Gore-Tex pants (CE camouflage pattern, for cold or rainy weather)
• a) light plate carrier system (bulletproof vest and load carrier)
• b) Loaders (with or without bulletproof vest)
• Patrol Pack/mochila/mochila (mainly Camelbak Motherlode or BFM)
• NRBC Suit (Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, Chemical - not used as often)

1c) combat clothing for military operations

The uniform worn by legionnaires during military operations, military missions or guard duties in mainland France or Corsica (such as the anti-terrorist Operation Sentinel). This combat uniform is based on the armored combat uniform used in these regions.

uniform composition:

• hat shop
• a) green boina
• b1) FELIN ballistic hull
• b2) Yelmo ballistico F3
• Combat T-shirt (green/olive or camouflage)
• dark olive green long sleeve combat shirt (for cold weather)
• a) Combat uniform jacket (CE standard, T3 or T4 versions)
• b) tactical combat shirt (green or sand colored) worn instead of jacket
• green underpants (for the cold)
• Combat uniform trousers (T3 or T4 S2 versions, CE standard) and green sash
• Boots (casual outdoor boots from the mid-2010s)
• Gore-Tex Parka and Gore-Tex Pants (CE camouflage pattern, for cold weather)
• a) light plate carrier system (bulletproof vest and load carrier)
• Patrol Pack/mochila/mochila (mainly Camelbak Motherlode or BFM)
• NRBC suit (for emergencies only)

2) overseas territories of France

French overseas territories are territories under French administration outside the European continent. These areas include French Guiana (in South America), Mayotte, Réunion (both in the Indian Ocean), New Caledonia, French Polynesia (both in the Pacific), Guadeloupe or Martinique (both in the Caribbean) and others.

Legionnaires are regularly sent to the aforementioned areas. For the most part, their combat uniforms have the same components as the combat uniforms used in mainland France and Corsica. There are only minor differences to the combat uniforms worn by legionnaires in the French overseas territories today.

For example, legionnaires serving in French Guiana wear a combat shirt designed for tropical regions instead of the classic combat jacket worn on mainland France.

2a) Garrison service combat uniform

The uniform worn by legionnaires during general military service and work in the garrisons of the French overseas territories. Based on the garrison service combat uniform worn in mainland France and Corsica. the uniform is usedwhichWaffen.

2b) Military combat uniform

The uniform worn by legionnaires during military training, exercises or military maneuvers in the French overseas territories. Based on the military training combat uniform used in mainland France and Corsica. The uniform is worn with weapons.

2c) combat uniform for military operations

The uniform worn by legionnaires during military operations, military missions, humanitarian missions or guard duties in the French overseas territories. For example, like Operation Harpie, which targeted illegal miners on the Guyana-Brazil border, or like Operation Titan, which was carried out to protect the French (and European) Guiana Space Center (CSG). .

This combat uniform is based on the military training combat uniform used in these regions. The uniform is worn with weapons.

3) Foreign missions (foreign theaters)

Missions abroad of the Foreign Legion, abroad. Military missions or operations. humanitarian missions. Rescue missions (in support of French citizens). stabilization operations or peacekeeping missions. Also military exercises or joint military maneuvers abroad, in foreign countries and foreign territories.

Legionnaires' combat uniforms have basically the same components as the combat uniforms worn in mainland France and in Corsica or the French overseas territories. There are only a few minor differences or modifications to the combat uniforms worn by legionnaires deployed overseas now (2019) to reflect specific climates and seasons.

For example, in desert regions, legionnaires wear a desert camouflage uniform (called a daguet).

3a) Garrison service combat uniform

The uniform worn by legionnaires during general military service and work in garrisons located abroad, in foreign countries and foreign territories. The uniform is based on the garrison service combat uniform used in mainland France and Corsica. the uniform is usedwhichWaffen.

In desert or tropical climates, legionnaires may wear shorts instead of normal pants.

3b) Military training combat uniform

The uniform worn by legionaries during military training, exercises or military maneuvers conducted abroad, in foreign countries and foreign territories. Based on the military training combat uniform used in mainland France and Corsica, with some differences and modifications to reflect specific climates and seasons. The uniform is worn with weapons.

3c) combat uniform for military operations

The uniform worn by Legionnaires on military missions or operations, humanitarian missions, rescue missions, stabilization operations or overseas peacekeeping missions in foreign countries and territories. Based on the military training combat uniform used in these regions. The uniform is worn with weapons.

Parade uniform of the Foreign Legion

The parade uniform is reserved for parades, ceremonies, official receptions and other special occasions of the highest level of formality in France and abroad. Full uniforms are adorned with order insignia and life-size medals. The uniform is also used as a guard uniform.

The parade uniform of the Foreign Legion (calledparade guide) is based on the TDF French Army parade uniform (country of france, Country France). It is a unique uniform bearing various traditional distinctive symbols of the Foreign Legion to distinguish it from other French military units.

summer uniform parade

• Kepi ​​​​mit Kinnriemen
• almond green short sleeve shirt including:
• green and red epaulettes
• fourragere/fourrageres (numbers 1er RE, 1er REC, 2e REP, 2e REG, 3e REI, 13e DBLE)
• Sleeve rank insignia (on right sleeve)
• diamond-shaped legionary insignia (on left sleeve) showing rank and angles of seniority
• distinctive unit insignia
• regimental insignia
• awards and medals
• Badges for special skills and qualifications
• TDF pants
• blue sash and military belt
• regular black combat boots

winter uniform parade

• Kepi ​​​​mit Kinnriemen
• Almond green long-sleeved shirt and green tie
• a coat that includes:
• green and red epaulettes
• resin
• Sleeve rank insignia (on right sleeve)
• diamond-shaped legionary insignia (on left sleeve) showing rank and angles of seniority
• distinctive unit insignia
• regimental insignia
• awards and medals
• Badges for special skills and qualifications
• TDF pants
• blue sash and military belt
• regular black combat boots

Foreign Legion Sapper Uniform

A traditional uniform based on the TDF parade uniform. The uniform is worn byPioneers of the Foreign Legionin France and abroad at parades and military ceremonies in France and abroad.

uniform composition:

• kepi (no chin strap due to beard)
• Almond Green Long Sleeve Shirt (TDF Winter Jacket):
• green cargo
• green and red epaulettes
• resin
• Sleeve rank insignia (on right sleeve)
• diamond-shaped legionary insignia (on left sleeve) showing rank and angles of seniority
• distinctive unit insignia
• regimental insignia
• awards and medals
• Badges for special skills and qualifications
• TDF pants
• White leather gauntlets with long grips

(gauntletsin French)

• Buffalo deer apron model 1848

(white color for outdoor units)

• Machado)
• black combat boots with white laces
• TDF blouse for winter

Foreign Legion Regiment Color Guard Uniform

A uniform based on the TDF parade uniform. The uniform worn by legionnaires in France and abroad on parades and military ceremonies.

uniform composition:

• kepi with chin strap
• Almond Green Long Sleeve Shirt (TDF Winter Jacket):
• green cargo
• green and red epaulettes
• resin
• Sleeve rank insignia (on right sleeve)
• diamond-shaped legionary insignia (on left sleeve) showing rank and angles of seniority
• distinctive unit insignia
• regimental insignia
• awards and medals
• Badges for special skills and qualifications
• TDF pants
• white gloves
• blue stripe
• white military belt
• thick green socks
• black combat boots with white laces

Foreign Legion Departure Uniform

The uniform was worn by legionnaires in France and abroad during their free time in garrison towns. In recent years, however, this practice has been abandoned due to security measures. The uniform is also worn at military ceremonies (for example, awards of decorations or naturalizations) or during garrison service by non-commissioned officers in administrative positions.

go out in summer uniform

• Behaviour
• almond green short sleeve shirt including:
• Continue
• resin
• diamond-shaped legionary insignia (on left sleeve) showing rank and angles of seniority
• distinctive unit insignia
• regimental insignia
• Bandstangen
• Badges for special skills and qualifications
• PTO-hose
• Belt - gray strap with gold buckle
• light green socks (as opposed to black in the French army)
• black formal shoes

go out in winter uniform

• Behaviour
• Almond green long-sleeved shirt and green tie
• TDF jacket with all standard uniform decoration attributes
• TDF pants
• Belt - gray strap with gold buckle
• light green socks
• black formal shoes
• weather coat

Physical preparation and sports uniforms of the Foreign Legion

Combat uniform for physical training.

A uniform based on the military training combat uniform. The uniform is worn by legionnaires in France and abroad during military physical training (obstacle course, obstacle course swimming, contact combat training, etc.).

uniform composition:

• Undershirt or combat uniform undershirt
• Combat uniform pants and green sash.
• combat uniform jacket with rolled up sleeves
• thick green socks
• sports boots or shoes

sports uniform

A sports uniform worn in many variants by legionnaires in France and abroad during training and sports and physical activities (running, volleyball, football, regimental competitions and challenges, etc.). The uniform is also worn at leisure or in the hospital.

uniform composition:

• Sports T-shirt in company color (or t-shirt for winter)
• white legion shorts (with a green and red legion insignia band) or green pants
• Regimental sweatshirt in company color or green sports shirt (with legion insignia)
• white legion sports socks (with green-red stripes)
• sports shoes or boots

Uniforms of the Special Detachment of the Foreign Legion

Take a look at some examples of other uniforms used in the Foreign Legion.

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author of the photo:
foreign legion
The French Ministry of Defense

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The page was last updated on: September 09, 2021

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