In early November 2024, the 1st Squadron of the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1er REC), nicknamed as “Romans,” officially became the 3rd Squadron 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (5e RIAOM). This French regiment is stationed in Djibouti, Horn of Africa. The Foreign Legion cavalrymen will serve there for at least three months.
85 years ago: Foreign Legion’s only regiment in the Middle East was activated
85 years ago, in late 1939, the only Foreign Legion regiment to guard the French interests in the Middle East was organized, with its units stationed in Syria and Lebanon. Following the 1941 Syria-Lebanon Campaign against a British invasion, the regiment was inactivated. In 1949, it was reconstituted in Tunisia, North Africa, though it was ultimately disbanded in mid-1955.
Read more85 years ago: Foreign Legion’s only regiment in the Middle East was activated
13e DBLE: 2024 Heavy Mortar Platoon
Recently, a 120 mm heavy mortar platoon was formed within the 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (13e DBLE). In November 2024, the platoon took part in a military exercise.
Foreign Legion: 2024 Armistice Day
Today, on November 11, 2024, the French Foreign Legion detachments participated in the ceremonies commemorating Armistice Day, to honor the memory of military veterans and those who died in the line of duty. See images.
5e RE: Head of the French Armed Forces in Mayotte
On October 11, 2024, General Thierry Burkhard, Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces, paid a visit to the 5th Foreign Regiment (5e RE) in Mayotte, Indian Ocean. He was the first head of the French Armed Forces to visit the island.