What Color Is the Middle Stripe of the French Flag

French Foreign Legion uniforms. See the uniforms worn by legionnaires during common service duties, training, exercises, combat operations or military parades. The uniforms they wear in France, in French overseas territories or during operations in foreign countries. Discover the uniforms of different branches within the Foreign Legion. What uniform wear the legendary Legion pioneers or the color guard? Get detailed information and well-ordered data. Many of illustrative photos included.

Foreign Legion Combat Uniform

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

Between 2015 and 2020, the Foreign Legion fully adopted new (but provisional) tactical French uniforms in the U.S. Army style. It was the Uniform T3, worn by legionnaires for the very first time in Afghanistan in the late 2000, and its updated versions that were better adapted for foreign theater operations: Uniform T4 S1 (less popular) and the widely used Uniform T4 S2. None of them was preferred. Thus, we could see legionnaires wearing all the three uniforms within the same company.

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

The classic combat boots called rangers were also discarded from the French Army's combat uniform. Since the mid-2010s, French soldiers have been offered commercial outdoor boots made by Lowa, Haix, Meindl etc. That's why we can see legionnaires wearing different combat boots within even a platoon. It is supposed that new combat boots made by Germany's Haix might complete the future combat uniform.

Since 2020, the Legion has adapted the completely new French uniform, Uniform F3. First, in overseas operations; later, in late 2020 and early 2021, the legionnaires started to wear the new uniform also in their garrisons in mainland France and Corsica. Nevertheless, even in late 2021, the uniform policy wasn't unified; thus, we can still see different uniforms worn by legionnaires in their garrisons. However, the most common non-operational uniform within the Legion now is a guerrilla combat shirt, used in various types.

Depending on the Legion's each regiment, company, or even platoon, the common combat uniforms show often some minor differences and modifications. That mainly concerns boots, jackets, shirts, backpacks/rucksacks or load carrying equipments. There are usually two reasons for this: the commander's preference, or the legionnaire's personal preference (if he got permission).

1) France and Corsica

1a) Garrison Service Combat Uniform

The uniform worn by legionnaires during common military service duty and works in the garrisons located in mainland France or Corsica. They are worn also during emergencies like storms, floods, fires and other natural disasters taking place in those regions. The uniform is worn without arms.

Uniform composition – summer period:

• green beret (formal headgear, worn with a jacket or a combat shirt only)
• 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 rolled up or sleeves rolled down
• name patch
• rank patch
• company identification patch (exceptionally a platoon patch)
• b) guerrilla ripstop combat shirt (CE pattern), worn insted of the jacket:
• sleeves rolled up or sleeves rolled down
• name patch
• rank patch
• company identification patch (exceptionally a platoon patch)
• 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 (exceptionally a platoon patch)
• b) guerrilla ripstop combat shirt (CE pattern), worn instead of the jacket:
• sleeves rolled down
• name patch
• rank patch
• company identification patch (exceptionally a platoon patch)
• 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)

2e REP legionnaires wearing a green T-shirt (with regimental emblem) or an undershirt (2010s).

A guerrilla combat shirt worn by a commanding officer of the 2e REI (2018). In late 2021, it was still the most popular non-operational uniform worn within the Legion. They are seen in various types; this depends on the preferred commercial manufacturer.

Another type of the guerrilla shirt worn in the Legion, here by an NCO from the 2e REP (2018). Note the sleeves rolled up, and a new tactical belt which replaced the old one of the F1 and F2 uniforms.

An illustrative example of the current situation with uniforms in the Legion. The Legion's General (COMLE, left), with the commanding officer of the 1er REC and his deputy (center), in 2021. Note that each of them has different type of the guerrilla combat shirt.

A combat jacket of the Uniform T4 (version S2) worn by a sergeant of the 2e REI (2018). The T4 S2 jacket has shoulder straps for shoulder boards. This was seen as obsolete and was omitted on the newest Uniform F3, as well as the bottom pockets.

The brand-new Uniform F3 worn by Foreign Legion commanding officers, in 2021. The new uniform was rarely seen that year, still overshadowed by the popular guerrilla combat shirt. The jacket has no shoulder straps, nor bottom pockets.

Another good example of the current mixture of uniforms within the Legion. Among these six commanding officers (including the Legion's General), posing in Aubagne in 2021, we can count five various uniforms. Apart from two different guerrilla combat shirts and the new Uniform F3 (extreme right), there is the Uniform T4 S1 (extreme left, without shoulder straps; rare to see in the Legion), as well as the Uniform T4 S2 (third from the left, next to its older sister S1).

An illustrative example, from 2018, of the current lenient policy concerning military boots within the Foreign Legion (and the rest of the French Army). Out of the seven pairs, we can count at least four different types of boots. The commercial outdoor boots replaced the formal black combat boots.

The green beret of the Foreign Legion. On the left, with a standard gold badge consisting of a circle and the Legion's seven-flame grenade. Inside the bomb is the number of the Legion regiment. The 1er REC cavalrymen bear a silver form of the badge. On the right, the French paratrooper badge (a winged hand holding a sword) on the beret of a 2e REP member.

Company identification patches (2018). The velcro company patches of the 1er REC, 2e REP and the 2e REI. They replaced the old foulard (a colored cotton scarf attached on the left shoulder) worn with the F1 and F2 uniforms. The 2e REI type is used within other Legion infantry regiments. The border color identifies the company affiliation, the number in the grenade's bomb refers to the regiment.

1b) Military Training Combat Uniform

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

Uniform composition:

• headgear
• a) green beret (not allowed to wear with T-shirts)
• b1) 1978 Helmet
• b2) FELIN ballistic helmet (within the Legion, it replaced France's obsolete 1978 Helmet, rarely used now)
• b3) F3 ballistic helmet (used since 2020 to replace the FELIN helmet)
• c) bush hat (allowed to wear with T-shirt)
• d) baseball cap (rarely used, mainly among instructors at shooting ranges)
• e) wool watch cap (informal headgear for cold weather)
• 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 – not so often in use)

Legionnaires from 1er REG wear the new French SMB lightweight plate carrier system (2018). The system serves as a bulletproof vest and a load carrying equipment in one.

Different tactical combat shirts worn by legionnaires from the same company of the 1er RE, during a military exercise in southern France (2018). In contrast to the image, the sand version of the shirt is more popular among legionnaires. Note the legionnaire on the right with a green military outdoor jacket.

A 2e REI legionnaire (left) with a tactical combat shirt and the FELIN ballistic helmet, used since 2010s. Within the Legion, it replaced France's old 1978 Helmet. We can see the old helmet in the right image from 2018, worn by a para-legionnaire of the 2e REP. Note the adjustment of the helmet by a fixed piece of gum clutching the camouflage cover to not be pulled off by opening of the parachute. The 1978 Helmet was still in use in the Legion even in late 2021.

The newest French ballistic Helmet F3 used by the 13e DBLE, in 2021. It should replace the older FELIN helmet.

A legionnaire of the 2e REP during shooting with the PAMAS pistol in Corsica (2018). He wears an adjusted bush hat (DoItYourself version), ballistic sunglasses, a tactical combat shirt and a load carrying equipment without a bulletproof vest.

A cavalry legionnaire from the 1er REC wears a beret and a camouflage fleece jacket during a shooting exercise (2018).

A paratrooper from the 2e REP wears a Parka Gore-tex with a load carrying equipment on top of it during an exercise in Corsica (2018).

1er REG legionnaires wearing the NBC suit (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, replaced by NRBC now) during rifle shooting at an indoor shooting range (2018). On top of it, the FELIN helmet and a load carrying equipment.

Legionnaires from the same company of 2e REI wearing different Camelbaks and Camelbak-like packs (2018). They replaced the old French Musette (a small pack, knapsack).

When it's cold, future corporals from Leader Training Company, 4e RE wear a wool watch cap, and a fleece jacket or a parka (2018).

1c) Military Operation Combat Uniform

The uniform worn by legionnaires during military operations, military missions or guard duties taking place in mainland France or Corsica (like anti-terrorist Operation Sentinelle). This combat uniform is based on the combat uniform worn in these regions, 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)

2e REI legionnaires in full combat kit (2018). They wear the FELIN ballistic helmet and Uniform T4 S2, the new French SMB lightweight plate carrier system, outdoor boots, and the new generation rifle (Famas FÉLIN).

A sergeant from 2e REG is reviewed by a French general during anti-terrorist Operation Sentinelle in Paris (2018). He wears a beret, a tactical combat shirt, the new French SMB lightweight plate carrier system with an attached FELIN ballistic helmet. His FAMAS is ready for the operation (ejection port open and secured).

2e REP legionnaires during Operation Sentinelle in Marseille (2018). They wear a beret, both sand- or green-colored tactical combat shirts, the SMB plate carrier system, T4 combat trousers, and tactical gloves (bought by legionnaires on their own). The legionnaire is equipped with the French Army's new rifle, HK 416 F.

2e REI legionnaires during Operation Sentinelle in Strasbourg prior to Christmas (2018). They wear T4 combat jackets with a closed collar (with a long-sleeved dark-olive combat shirt underneath), a plate carrier system, their own tactical gloves. The legionnaire in the foreground is equipped with FAMAS Valorisé. Note his rifle used during the operation: ejection port open and secured.

2) France's Overseas territories

France's Overseas territories are territories under the administration of France, outside the European continent. These territories 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.

The legionnaires are deployed on a regular basis to the named territories. In the vast majority, their combat uniforms have the same components as the combat uniforms worn in mainland France and Corsica. There are only some minor differences regarding combat uniforms used by legionnaires in France's overseas territories nowadays.

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

2a) Garrison Service Combat Uniform

The uniform worn by legionnaires during common military service duty and works in the garrisons located in France's overseas territories. Based on the garrison service combat uniform worn in mainland France and Corsica. The uniform is worn without arms.

Legionnaires from 1st Company, DLEM during works on the Glorieuses, a group of French islands in the Indian Ocean. They wear a beret, a French sleeveless military GAO vest (with an olive combat t-shirt underneath), military shorts, and boots with standard green heavyweight green socks rolled down (according to regulations). The same uniform is worn by legionnaires in French Polynesia, for example. The t-shirt can be taken off.

2e REP sergeants in New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean, 2021. They wear the new Uniform F3, with CE camouflage pattern.

An old short-sleeve shirt worn by legionnaires from 2nd Company, 3e REI during a Clairon course within their base in French Guiana, yet in mid-2018. The shirt was part of the French Uniform F2 designated for summer time. In French Guiana, it was used together with shorts and a beret as a standard garrison service combat uniform. Note the obsolete colored foulard (scarf) identifying the company assignment.

The old short-sleeve shirt with foulard was worn within the 3e REI even in 2021. It is well suited to the climate there.

Another of the minor differences regarding combat uniforms used by legionnaires. Here, a Selva (jungle) long-sleeved t-shirt worn within the 3e REI in French Guiana (2018). The t-shirt in the center, with a different (tiger) camouflage, is worn by the commander of the 3e REI's famous CEFE (Jungle Training Center).

2b) Military Training Combat Uniform

The uniform worn by legionnaires during military training, exercises or on military maneuvers taking place in France's overseas territories. Based on the military training combat uniform worn in mainland France and Corsica. The uniform is worn with arms.

2e REI legionnaires during an exercise in Martinique, a French island in the Caribbean Sea (2018). They wear a tactical combat shirt with the SMB plate carrier system and a bush hat. They carry a casual commercial backpack, which replaced the old French military rucksack F1.

DLEM legionnaires during an exercise in Mayotte, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean (2018). They wear a beret, a ballictic sunglasses, the T4 S2 combat uniform and a load carrying equipment.

2c) Military Operation Combat Uniform

The uniform worn by legionnaires during military operations, military missions, humanitarian missions or guard duties taking place in France's overseas territories. For example, like Operation Harpie aimed at illegal gold diggers on the Guiana-Brazil border or like Operation Titan carried out to guard France's (and European) Guiana Space Center (CSG).

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

A legionnaire of the 3e REI during Operation Titan (guarding of the space center) in French Guiana (2018). He wears a beret, a ripstop tropical shirt designated for these regions, and a load carrying equipment. The legionnaire is equipped with Minimi.

Legionnaires from the elite SAED platoon of the 3e REI during Operation Harpie (aimed at illegal gold diggers) deep in the forest of French Guiana (2018). They wear a beret, a ripstop tropical shirt (left), a guerrilla shirt (without arms) or tactical combat shirts, and a load carrying equipment.

3e REI legionnaires from the 2nd Company during Operation Harpie (2018). They wear a bush hat, a tropical shirt or a tactical combat shirt, a load carrying equipment, and a backpack.

2e REI legionnaires patrolling the Europa Island in the Indian Ocean, 2021. They wear a bush hat, a tactical combat shirt, shorts, and a backpack.

3) Overseas deployments (foreign theaters)

Foreign Legion deployments taking place abroad, in foreign countries. Military missions or operations. Humanitarian missions. Rescue missions (in support of French nationals). Stabilization operations or peacekeeping missions. Also military exercises or joint military maneuvers abroad, in foreign countries and foreign territories.

In the majority, the combat uniforms of legionnaires have the same components as the combat uniforms worn in mainland France and Corsica or in France's overseas territories. There are only some minor differences or modifications concerning the combat uniforms used by legionnaires in overseas deployments now (2019), to reflect particular climates and seasons.

For example, in desert regions, the legionnaires wear uniform with desert camouflage (called Daguet).

3a) Garrison Service Combat Uniform

The uniform worn by legionnaires during common military service duty and works in the garrisons located abroad, in foreign countries and foreign territories. The uniform is based on the garrison service combat uniform worn in mainland France and Corsica. The uniform is worn without arms.

In desert or tropical climates, the legionnaires are allowed to wear shorts instead of ordinary trousers.

A 2e REP legionnaire wears a wool watch cap and the green outdoor jacket (instead of the fleece one) inside the regiment's vehicle fleet in Germany, during a Swift Response exercise in late 2017.

2e REP legionnaires wear a tactical combat shirt and a combat trousers with the desert camouflage at their military base in Chad.

Operation Barkhane in Mali (2018). Inside a field camp, a legionnaire from 2e REP wears a sand t-shirt with the regimental emblem and shorts with desert camouflage. We can see also a sleeveless GAO vest with the same camouflage. Both designed for desert regions.

3b) Military Training Combat Uniform

The uniform worn by legionnaires during military training, exercises or on military maneuvers taking place abroad, in foreign countries and foreign territories. Based on the military training combat uniform worn in mainland France and Corsica, with some differencies and modifications reflecting particular climates and seasons. The uniform is worn with arms.

A legionnaire from 2e REP during an exercise in Spain (2018). He wears the FELIN helmet, a tactical combat t-shirt, the SMB plate carrier system and a pack. He's equipped with the HK 416 F rifle.

A 3e REI legionnaire firing with a modernized PGM Hécate II during an exercise in Suriname, a country in South America (2018). He wears a bush hat, a tropical shirt, and combat trousers.

2e REI legionnaires taking a break during a military exercise in Oman (Middle East) in 2018. They wear a desert camouflage bush hat, a combination of a standard CE camouflage tactical combat shirt with desert camouflage trousers, and sand-colored boots. They also bear a load carrying equipment and a pack.

3c) Military Operation Combat Uniform

The uniform worn by legionnaires during military missions or operations, humanitarian missions, rescue missions, stabilization operations or peacekeeping missions taking place abroad, in foreign countries and foreign territories. Based on the military training combat uniform worn in these regions. The uniform is worn with arms.

Legionnaires from 13e DBLE patrolling during Operation Barkhane in Mali (2018). They wear a beret, a desert camouflage tactical combat shirt, a plate carrier system, desert camouflage trousers, and sand-colored boots.

2e REP legionnaires during Operation Barkhane in Mali (2018). Deployed to a combat zone, they wear the FELIN helmet instead of the beret.

A platoon leader (center) with his legionnaires from 2e REI during Operation Sangaris in the Central African Republic (2016). They wear a beret, the CE camouflage T4 S2 combat uniform, and a load carrying equipment with an attached FELIN helmet.

A 2e REI legionnaire deployed to Iraq to participate in anti-terrorist Operation Chammal (2018). As a member of an instruction detachment, he wears a beret, a desert camouflage tactical combat shirt, desert camouflage trousers, and sand-colored boots.

A 1er REC lieutenant during Operation Barkhane in Mali (2020). He wears the brand-new Uniform F3 featuring a desert camouflage.

1er REG legionnaires during Operation Daman in Lebanon (2018). As members of a multinational UN force, they wear a blue-covered SPECTRA helmet (developed in the 1990s, predecessor of the FELIN helmet), a CE camouflage tactical combat shirt with the SMB lightweight plate carrier system, CE camouflage trousers, and sand-colored boots. They are equipped with the FAMAS rifle.

The Legion identification patch and a French flag patch worn by a legionnaire during an overseas mission (2010s). Because of the ongoing closer integration of the Legion into the French Army, the Legion patch is less frequent in use during operations abroad.

Foreign Legion Parade Dress Uniform

The parade dress uniform is reserved for parades, ceremonies, official receptions and other special occasions of the most formal level in France and overseas. Full dress uniforms are decorated with order insignias and full size medals. The uniform is also used as a guard duty uniform.

The full dress parade uniform of the Foreign Legion (called Tenue de parade) is based on the French Army's Parade Uniform TDF (Terre de France, Land of France). It is a unique uniform that bears several traditional characteristic symbols of the Foreign Legion to distinguish itself from other French military units.

Parade Dress Summer Uniform

• kepi with a chin strap
• almond-green short sleeve shirt including:
• green-and-red epaulettes
• fourragere/fourrageres (only 1er RE, 1er REC, 2e REP, 2e REG, 3e REI, 13e DBLE)
• sleeve rank patch (on the right sleeve)
• diamond-shaped Legion insignia (on the left sleeve) with rank and chevrons of seniority
• distinctive unit insignia
• regimental insignia
• awards and medals
• special skill and qualification badges
• trousers TDF
• blue sash and a military belt
• standard black combat boots

Parade Dress Winter Uniform

• kepi with a chin strap
• almond-green long sleeve shirt and green necktie
• a coat including:
• green-and-red epaulettes
• fourragere/fourrageres
• sleeve rank patch (on the right sleeve)
• diamond-shaped Legion insignia (on the left sleeve) with rank and chevrons of seniority
• distinctive unit insignia
• regimental insignia
• awards and medals
• special skill and qualification badges
• trousers TDF
• blue sash and a military belt
• standard black combat boots

Parade 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 (on the left sleeve) with rank and chevrons of seniority
6. Awards and medals
7. Fourragere

French Foreign Legion kepi:
1. The standard white kepi with a black strap
2. Senior Corporal's white kepi with a gold strap
3. The black kepi of a non-commissioned officer (or Senior Corporal with more than 15 years of service) with a gold strap
4. Cavalry Senior Corporal's white kepi with a silver strap

Legionnaires wearing the parade dress summer uniform.

Detail of the Legion parade dress summer uniform.

Legionnaires wearing the parade dress winter uniform.

Foreign Legion Pioneers Uniform

A traditional uniform based on the TDF parade dress uniform. The uniform is worn by Foreign Legion Pioneers in France and overseas during military parades and ceremonies in France and overseas.

Uniform composition:

• kepi (without the chin strap because of the beard)
• almond-green long sleeves shirt (TDF coat for winter time):
• green necktie
• green-and-red epaulettes
• fourragere/fourrageres
• sleeve rank patch (on the right sleeve)
• diamond-shaped Legion insignia (on the left sleeve) with rank and chevrons of seniority
• distinctive unit insignia
• regimental insignia
• awards and medals
• special skill and qualification badges
• trousers TDF
• white long-cuff leather gantlets

(gants à crispin in French)

• fawn buffalo apron model 1848

(of white color for overseas units)

• ax(e)
• black combat boots with white laces
• blouse TDF for winter time

Foreign Legion Pioneers Uniform: Winter and summer versions, Pioneers' insignia.

Foreign Legion Regimental color guard uniform

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

Uniform composition:

• kepi with the chin strap
• almond-green long sleeves shirt (TDF coat for winter time):
• green necktie
• green-and-red epaulettes
• fourragere/fourrageres
• sleeve rank patch (on the right sleeve)
• diamond-shaped Legion insignia (on the left sleeve) with rank and chevrons of seniority
• 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

Foreign Legion Regimental color guard summer uniform.

Foreign Legion Regimental color guard winter uniform.

A regimental color guard combat uniform of the 2e REI. Currently (2019), the color guard combat uniform is worn without any decorations (e.g. insignias, medals, fourrageres).

Foreign Legion Walking out Uniform

The uniform was worn by legionnaires in France and overseas during their off-duty freetime in garrison towns. However, in recent years, such practice has been abandoned due to security measures. The uniform is worn also for military ceremonies (e.g. awards decoration or naturalization) or during garrison service duties by non-commissioned officers in administration positions.

Walking out summer uniform

• kepi
• almond-green short sleeve shirt including:
• shoulder boards
• fourragere/fourrageres
• diamond-shaped Legion insignia (on the left sleeve) with rank and chevrons of seniority
• distinctive unit insignia
• regimental insignia
• ribbon bars
• special skill and qualification badges
• TDF trousers
• belt – grey strap with a gold buckle
• green lightweight socks (in contrast to the black one of the French Army)
• black formal shoes

Walking out winter uniform

• kepi
• almond-green long sleeve shirt and green necktie
• suit coat TDF including all the standard uniform decoration attributes
• trousers TDF
• belt – grey strap with a gold buckle
• green lightweight socks
• black formal shoes
• greatcoat for bad weather

Walking 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 and official receptions; not allowed to wear in public during the off-duty time)
8. Regimental insignia
9. Ribbon bars

A Senior Corporal of the 2e REP with the shoulder board bearing the service (or seniority) stripes on his walking out dress summer uniform. Four stripes signify 20 years of service having passed (one stripes for each 5 years).

2e REP legionnaires wearing the walking out dress summer uniform.

2e REP legionnaires wearing the walking out dress winter uniform. A 1er REC officer with the greatcoat.

3e REI officers wearing the white walking out dress uniform, 2021. This exceptional uniform is worn only in French overseas territories, and is reserved for NCOs and officers only. The shirt, trousers, belt, and shoes are all white. The similar uniform had already been worn by NCOs and officers in Morocco prior to WWII, in the 1930s.

Foreign Legion Physical Training and Sports Uniforms

Physical Training combat uniform

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

Uniform composition:

• combat uniform undershirt or T-shirt
• combat uniform trousers and a green belt
• combat uniform jacket with sleeves rolled down
• heavyweight green socks
• boots or sports footwear

Legionnaires wearing the physical training combat Uniform F2.

The same old Uniform F2 was widely used even in 2021. Here, worn during physical training by a 2e REI legionnaire.

Sports uniform

A sports uniform worn in many variants by legionnaires in France and overseas during the sports and fitness training and activities (running, volleyball, soccer/football, regimental competition and challenges etc.). The uniform is worn also during freetime or while being hospitalized.

Uniform composition:

• company color regimental sports undershirt (or T-shirt for winter)
• white Legion shorts (with a green-and-red stripe with the Legion insignia) or green pants
• company color regimental sweatshirt or green sports blouse (with Legion insignia)
• white Legion sports socks (with a green-and-red stripe)
• sports footwear or boots

3e REI legionnaires wearing the shorts and undershirt sports uniform.

2e REP legionnaires wearing the shorts and T-shirt sports uniform.

Legionnaires wearing the sweatshirt and tight sports uniform, or the sweatshirt and shorts sports uniform.

3e REI legionnaires wearing the undershirt and combat trousers sports uniform.

2e REP legionnaires wearing the T-shirt and combat trousers sports uniform.

Legionnaires wearing the sweatshirt and combat trousers sports uniform.

The green sports suit with the Foreign Legion's emblem.

Foreign Legion Special Branch Uniforms

See some examples of other uniforms used within the Foreign Legion.

Commando Parachute Group (GCP) of the 2e REP.

A GCP legionnaire wearing his jumpsuit.

1er REG's Combat Engineer Divers (PCG, ex-DINOPS) member during an exercise.

2e REP legionnaires from the 3rd Company.

A legionnaire from the 3rd (Amphibious) Company, 2e REP wearing a new wetsuit (2021).

A combat engineer demining specialist from the 1er REG.

Foreign Legion snipers

2e REP snipers from the 4th Company in 2020.

Foreign Legion mountain combat uniform worn by 2e REG legionnaires.

Foreign Legion Military Police uniform (Foreign Legion Patrol, PLE since 2011). Here, the PLE of 1er REG.

Foreign Legion mechanics in the 2010s.

A Staff Sergeant from the 2e REI as a mechanic in Africa, 2021.

Foreign Legion chef's uniform

2e REG members of the GCM Mountain Commando Group.

A member of the 3e REI's CEFE Jungle Training Center wears a tiger camouflage jungle combat uniform (2018).

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Images credit:
Légion étrangère
The French Ministry of Defence

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The page was updated on: September 09, 2021

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What Color Is the Middle Stripe of the French Flag

Source: http://foreignlegion.info/uniforms/

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