Gallery: The Barren Desert That’s a Survival Camp for Soldiers

  • Image may contain Outdoors Human Person Sport Sports Climbing and Rock Climbing
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    01

    Locatelli-012.jpg

    A soldier in the Foreign Legion crosses two mountains on a rope suspended 300 feet up.
  • This image may contain Transportation Vehicle Helicopter Aircraft Human Person Military Uniform Military and Armored
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    02

    Locatelli-001.jpg

    French troops carry a casualty to a Black Hawk helicopter during a rescue exercise.
  • Image may contain Human Person Transportation Vehicle Tank Armored Military Uniform Military Army and Helmet
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    03

    Locatelli-008.jpg

    French troops in the Bara Desert during a simulated battle in Djibouti.
  • Image may contain Military Military Uniform Human Person Army Armored People Soldier Gun Weapon and Weaponry
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    04

    Locatelli-014.jpg

    A Foreign Legion soldier shows off his tattoos.
  • Image may contain Military Military Uniform Human Person Army Armored Transportation Vehicle and Tank
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    05

    Locatelli-010.jpg

    A Foreign Legion tank during a simulated battle in the Djibouti desert.
  • This image may contain Ground Nature Outdoors Human Person Soil Rubble Mountain Scenery and Road
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    06

    Locatelli-013.jpg

    A Foreign Legion soldier stakes out a position during a simulated battle in Djibouti.
  • Image may contain Ground Dirt Road Gravel Road Human Person Nature Transportation Vehicle Outdoors and Offroad
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    07

    Locatelli-005.jpg

    US troops during a simulated mission in Djibouti.
  • Image may contain Human Person Vehicle Transportation Armored Tank Army Military Uniform Military and Ground
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    08

    Locatelli-004.jpg

    Troops attend to a wounded soldier, awaiting evacuation via Black Hawk helicopter.
  • Image may contain Ground Soil Outdoors Nature Desert Human Person Sand and Road
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    09

    Locatelli-015.jpg

    US and French troops patrol the Djibouti desert at sunrise.
  • Image may contain Human Person Military Military Uniform Armored Army People Troop and Soldier
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    10

    Locatelli-007.jpg

    US and French troops prepare to participate in a simulation where they have to build a camp within a protected perimeter.
  • Image may contain Helmet Clothing Apparel Military Uniform Military Human Person Army Armored and Vehicle
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    11

    Locatelli-011.jpg

    A French army tank on a mountain.
  • Image may contain Human Person Nature Military Military Uniform Outdoors Armored Army Ground Soldier and Soil
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    12

    Locatelli-006.jpg

    Foreign Legion troops rest in the shade of a tent they built in the Grand Bara desert.
  • Image may contain Helmet Clothing Apparel Human Person Military Uniform Military Armored Army Wheel and Machine
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    13

    Locatelli-003.jpg

    US and French commanders study a map to find a safe landing point for a Black Hawk helicopter.
  • Image may contain Transportation Vehicle Aircraft Helicopter Bird Animal and Flying
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    14

    Locatelli-002.jpg

    A Black Hawk helicopter takes off after a rescue mission.
  • Image may contain Vehicle Transportation Truck Road Human Person Offroad Dirt Road Gravel and Soil
    Luca Locatelli/INSTITUTE
    15

    Locatelli-009.jpg

    US and French troops rest in a trench at sunrise, just before exercises begin.
Read More
Surfshark Promo Codes for June 2026
Save up to 87% with a Surfshark coupon code, 3 months of VPN free today, and more from WIRED.
Scott Gilbertson
Litter-Robot Promo Codes: $150 Off Bundles, $50 Off the Starter Bundle, and More
Get the latest Litter-Robot Discounts on Litter-Robot self-cleaning litter boxes, accessories, and more.
Molly Higgins
Top Lowe’s Promo Codes: Up to $300 Off Appliances
Find the latest Lowe’s promo codes and offers, including up to $300 off select major appliances and $5 off $50 with sign-up, here at WIRED.
Matthew Korfhage
Top Lenovo Coupon Codes and Deals in June 2026
Whether you’re shopping for a ThinkPad, Yoga laptop, or Legion gaming PC, these Lenovo discount codes and promotions can help you save big on your next tech upgrade.
Luke Larsen
Top Ulta Beauty Promo Codes: 50% Off
Shop the latest beauty trends and save big using an Ulta promo code for beauty tech, makeup, and more.
Boutayna Chokrane
Top Best Buy Discount Codes and Deals: Save up to 60%
Find the latest Best Buy promo codes and offers, including 10% back in rewards for new cardmembers and free 2-day shipping with My Best Buy Plus, here at WIRED.
Ryan Waniata
KitchenAid Promo Codes This June 2026
Save on every purchase with top KitchenAid coupons from WIRED, including up to 20% off countertop appliances.
Molly Higgins
Top Naturepedic Promo Codes: Get 20% Off Plus Free Pillows
Shop the Naturepedic sale this June 2026.
Nena Farrell
Top Corsair Discount Code: Up to 50% Off for June 2026
Upgrade your gaming setup or PC build for less with these verified Corsair coupon codes, student discounts, and refurbished deals.
Luke Larsen
Top Adidas Promo Codes: Up to 40% Off in June 2026
Save 15% or 30% with Adidas promo codes, plus explore Adidas deals for 40% off trendy sneakers.
Molly Higgins
Top Hostinger Coupon Codes: 79% Off Hosting & Free Domains
Discover exclusive Hostinger promo codes, discounts, and deals on web hosting, cloud plans, and domain registration. Save big on your next Hostinger purchase today.
Molly Higgins
Top Priceline Promo Codes & Coupons: 10% Off June
Unlock massive discounts on Priceline hotels, flights, and rental cars. Find verified Priceline coupon codes and deals for Express Deals, student discounts, and more.
Molly Higgins