06/05/2014: While the Normandy invasion is being celebrated, 21st century paras practice in France for 21st century operations.
Members of the French 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment parachute from Nevada and Georgia Air National Guard C-130H Hercules aircraft at the Paolomagno drop zone near Solenzara Air Base, during a joint training exercise for Allied Forge 2014, Corsica, France.
Allied Forge, involves the 82nd Airborne Division in conjunction with the 152nd and 165th Airlift Wings, is the first-ever interoperability exercise designed to enhance bilateral capabilities between the United States and the French 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment.
The video features an interview with Sgt. Visovan Raul, 1st Company, 2nd Regiment.
This officer is from Romania and there are many East Europeans and Ukrainians int he French Foreing Legion today.
Credit:4th Combat Camera:5/29/14
The 2nd Parachute Regiment is a highly decorated one with its most recent combat experience in Mali.
The only airborne regiment of the French Foreign Legion. Created in Sétif in October 1948, it has been stationed at Camp Raffalli near the town of Calvi on the island of Corsica since it moved from Bou-Sfer, Algeria, in 1967. During its history, the 2e REP integrated men of the two other Legion airborne regiments, the disbanded 3e REP and 1er REP.
The 2e REP is well-known around the world for its participation in the Battle of Kolwezi in May 1978.
For a history of the regiment:
http://foreignlegion.info/history/2rep/