Soldats d'élite de la Légion étrangère

The script introduces the Foreign Legion's recruitment center in Aubagne, near Marseille, where thousands of candidates from around the world come annually with hopes of joining. The process is highly selective, with only a fraction selected to become Legionnaires. The first step involves a visit to the recruiting office where candidates are asked about their nationality and intentions. The Foreign Legion is a diverse group, with soldiers from 130 nationalities. Many join seeking a fresh start in life, and the Legion offers them a chance for rebirth, including a change of identity and nationality. The recruits face a ten-day selection procedure, starting with a declaration of commitment and a confiscation of personal belongings, symbolizing a clean break from their past lives.

The candidates undergo a series of tests, starting with a psycho-technical test that eliminates those with poor mental aptitude. The Cooper test requires running 2,700 meters in under 12 minutes, and the medical test ensures good health. Those who pass proceed to have their hair cut in the Legion's style, which is a unifying experience. The recruits are continuously pushed to their limits, with the instructors using aggressive tactics to prepare them for the army life. The group is reminded that they are there to serve for five years and are given a final chance to back out before more tests commence.

The narrative focuses on the importance of motivation for the candidates and their dreams of becoming Legionnaires. Interviews are a crucial part of the selection process, with questions about language skills, past legal issues, and personal history. The Legion is strict about not accepting individuals with a history of serious crimes but may overlook minor offenses. The interviews aim to verify the candidates' backgrounds using Interpol records and to understand their motivations for joining. The process is about finding those with the right mindset and commitment to become part of the Legion family.

Learning the Legion's honor code is mandatory and serves to evaluate the group's cohesion. The recruits, including Bernie and Rudin, are depicted helping each other, symbolizing the camaraderie fostered. After a week of testing and observation, the focus shifts to obtaining a work contract. The selection committee deliberates on each candidate's merits, such as Bernie's positive attributes and his past in the regular forces. The recruits who pass receive their contracts, signifying their official acceptance into the Legion. They commit to a five-year service, during which any mistake could lead to dismissal. The new recruits are given their first pack, the Fighting Man's kit, and the prestigious white kepi, although they must wait to wear it until they've proven themselves in training.

The Foreign Legion's history and prestige are highlighted, showing the allure for young adventurers and those seeking secure employment. The recruits' experiences in Castelnaudary are detailed, from the intense military training to the importance of learning French. The training focuses on teamwork, physical and mental endurance, and the ability to work under pressure. The White Kepi March is the culmination of their training, a 50-kilometer march over two days with a 25-kilogram pack. Completing the march earns the recruits their white kepis, symbolizing their transition into full Legionnaires. The ceremony includes a renewal of their vows to serve with honor and loyalty.

The training moves to the Equatorial Forest Training Center (CEFE) in French Guyana, where Legionnaires learn jungle warfare. The rigorous training includes surviving in the jungle with minimal equipment, building shelters, and finding food. The physical and psychological challenges are intense, with some recruits falling ill. The training aims to create a cohesive unit capable of jungle missions. The narrative follows individual Legionnaires, their struggles, and their determination to overcome the challenges. The training concludes with a final physical trial, emphasizing the mental strength required to succeed.

The script concludes with a focus on the traditions and rituals of the Foreign Legion, particularly the payday ceremony where the captain distributes pocket money, which is received in the symbolic white kepi. The ritual emphasizes the shared experiences and common language among the diverse group of Legionnaires. The narrative also touches on the daily life and camaraderie within the Legion, highlighting the sense of family and mutual respect that exists among the ranks. The Legionnaires' pride in their service and their commitment to the corps are underscored by their motto, which translates to 'The Legion is our country.'