He joined for the first time the ranks of the French Foreign Legion in August 1973 to command a platoon of the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment 2e REP at Calvi. He then occupied the position of company executive officer (XO), then was promoted to the rank of captain on January 1, 1976. During his tenure as commanding officer of the 4th company, he participated in May 1978, in operation “Bonite” (combat jump at Kolwezi during which he was cited and was awarded the Croix de la Valeur militaire.