The French Foreign Legion US soldiers in a water-obstacle course during the French Desert Commando Course at France's combat training center in Djibouti, May 5, 2021.

Founded for outcasts, fugitives, and fighters, the French Foreign Legion became one of the world’s most feared forces. But its brutal training and unbreakable code come at a price.

Legion Life You begin the process of joining the French Foreign Legion by stopping in at a recruiting center and passing a series of psychological and physical examinations.