French Foreign Legion, anybody?

Dr.Sanchez

Anyone ever thought of joining the French Foreign Legion?

I know most people who join come from less well off countries, or those who want to forget their past and the Legion seems like their last and only option, but I also know there are some people out there who simply join for the adventure and experience!

So the question is.. Is anyone out there considering running away and taking the step that few men dare to even dream about?

lazybhoy

00Blaine00 wrote: »

Anyone ever thought of joining the French Foreign Legion?

I know most people who join come from less well off countries, or those who want to forget their past and the Legion seems like their last and only option, but I also know there are some people out there who simply join for the adventure and experience!

So the question is.. Is anyone out there considering running away and taking the step that few men dare to even dream about?

If you fancy joining a regiment that takes your passport away, wont let you marry for the first 7 years of service then go for it.

Dont think they see much combat, compared to Americans and Brits now adays either.

Dr.Sanchez

lazybhoy wrote: »

If you fancy joining a regiment that takes your passport away, wont let you marry for the first 7 years of service then go for it.

Dont think they see much combat, compared to Americans and Brits now adays either.

You seem to have gotten some info mixed up there...

1. Your first contract in the Legion is for 5 years not 7, and after the first five years you can apply for a marriage demand.
2. They do take your name and passport away when you enlist but you can apply for "rectification" after one years service.
3. Today the Legion serve in many different parts of the world some of which are Gabon, Djibouti, Afghanistan, Mayotte and French Guiana.

lazybhoy

00Blaine00 wrote: »

You seem to have gotten some info mixed up there...

1. Your first contract in the Legion is for 5 years not 7, and after the first five years you can apply for a marriage demand.
2. They do take your name and passport away when you enlist but you can apply for "rectification" after one years service.
3. Today the Legion serve in many different parts of the world some of which are Gabon, Djibouti, Afghanistan, Mayotte and French Guiana.

I think you have got mixed up my friend. I never said the first contract in the legion was 7 years, I said you must serve 7 to marry.

(I have broken the link cause I dont want to break forum rules)

http://www...........legion-recrute.com/en/faq.php#f6

Marriage is authorized only to those having undergone “military regularisation of situation”. N.C.O.S. without limits of service. Legionnaires after seven years service.

As stated they take your passport away.

As stated they dont see as much combat as the Brits and Yanks.

pablomakaveli

Ive thought about joining. Ive always had a lot of respect for the french foreign legion. I still would'nt rule out trying to enlist sometime in the future given the way the jobs are drying up in this country. Getting through the training is another thing altogether though.

Dr.Sanchez

lazybhoy wrote: »

I think you have got mixed up my friend. I never said the first contract in the legion was 7 years, I said you must serve 7 to marry.

(I have broken the link cause I dont want to break forum rules)

http://www...........legion-recrute.com/en/faq.php#f6

Marriage is authorized only to those having undergone “military regularisation of situation”. N.C.O.S. without limits of service. Legionnaires after seven years service.

As stated they take your passport away.

As stated they dont see as much combat as the Brits and Yanks.

As you said, "Marriage is authorized only to those having undergone “military regularization of situation"

The military regularization of situation can be used by any legionnaire after one years service, It used for many things such as getting back your original identity and and fresh identity papers/passport, and allowing you to go abroad on leave.

http://www.......legion-recrute.com/en/faq.php#f2

And

http://www.......kepi.cncplusplus.com/FFL%20FAQ.htm#FAQ18

BigDuffman

One of the lads from my coy, didn't get the cadets, so promptly decided overnight to feck off over and join the legion! From what I've heard back its still fairly intense. The NCOs cant spell A7 or PC. And your get thrown in the slammer for the most minor of offences. But he said the level of fitness and training is unbelievable.

But the legion is not the haven for crims and scumbags that it used to be.

lazybhoy

00Blaine00 wrote: »

As you said, "Marriage is authorized only to those having undergone “military regularization of situation"

The military regularization of situation can be used by any legionnaire after one years service, It used for many things such as getting back your original identity and and fresh identity papers/passport, and allowing you to go abroad on leave.

http://www.......legion-recrute.com/en/faq.php#f2

And

http://www.......kepi.cncplusplus.com/FFL%20FAQ.htm#FAQ18

RE Marriage and the Legion

Think you left a bit out.............. Legionnaires after seven years service.

lazybhoy

BigDuffman wrote: »

One of the lads from my coy, didn't get the cadets, so promptly decided overnight to feck off over and join the legion! From what I've heard back its still fairly intense. The NCOs cant spell A7 or PC. And your get thrown in the slammer for the most minor of offences. But he said the level of fitness and training is unbelievable.

But the legion is not the haven for crims and scumbags that it used to be.

Yes it one of the toughest challenges one could attempt, in terms of the training Ive heard mixed reports, fitness wise theyre are first class.

I came across someone who served in the USMC and the Legion, he claimed the USMC offered more modern and through training techniques, its sniper and anti armour schools were far more professional then the Legion , but the ethos of the legion was in a different league.

Leadership

A good buddy of mine is a NCO in legion, he was an ex Sapper in the BA. He loves it and explains the life as if it was constant Stage 2 training (continuation training after basic) and personally I also enjoyed that phase.

Had a company sized contact situation on Mt Igman with the legion and they performed very well considering it was a night contact. I also had a platoon under my command in Bosnia that were used for force protection. Great lads, very professional but their kit was a bit a bit dated compared to the units in country.

kmick

Know a guy who joined and spent some time in active service in Africa. Same guy was on Today FM not so long ago. Was in Iraq and escorting a water convoy. Came under attack and he was either the only or one of a couple of survivors. This was after he gave away his pistol to the unarmed iraqi driver. Mad story if you can get your hands on it.

me_right_one

kmick wrote: »

Know a guy who joined and spent some time in active service in Africa. Same guy was on Today FM not so long ago. Was in Iraq and escorting a water convoy. Came under attack and he was either the only or one of a couple of survivors. This was after he gave away his pistol to the unarmed iraqi driver. Mad story if you can get your hands on it.

Think the book is called "Hidden Soldier", by Padraig O'Keefe.

twinytwo

Former RM said the the legion training wasnt as hard as rm training but that the mind **** was unbelieveable

Dr.Sanchez

lazybhoy wrote: »

RE Marriage and the Legion

Think you left a bit out.............. Legionnaires after seven years service.

I suggest you read a book called "Life in the French Foreign Legion" by Evan McGorman

Page 16, third paragraph down:

Nor will you be permitted to marry for the first five years of your contract once you've joined the legion. You cant own a vehicle of any type, including a bicycle, live off base in your own lodgings, have a bank account, come and go as you please, or do most things people in free societies take for granted. To qualify for these advantages you must complete your initial five year contract and stand on the five year plateau before the gates of privilege finally open wide.

tricky D

This is worth reading if you've a couple of hours to spare:

Life in the Legion

http://www.troon-promotions.com/Chap%201%20P1.htm

lazybhoy

00Blaine00 wrote: »

I suggest you read a book called "Life in the French Foreign Legion" by Evan McGorman

Page 16, third paragraph down:

So the broken link I posted which is the official site of the French Foreign Legion and states 7 years is wrong ?

Fishtits

I've come across these guys in a few places, they're values are very traditional ie man up. Some of their tactical ethos are scary... lets just say they're focussed on winning a firefight before self preservation.

If they have a weakness I'd put it on their hierarchal system, knock the top off and they're in trouble. Old school cannon fodder stuff.

Outmoded in todays battleground IMHO, hence their limited deployment. I'd reckon their future is bleak.

Besides, they've outlawed the free brothels so they've sod all going for them :P

There was a poster on here who was ex RE, if he re-appears we'll get the best update.

tricky D

Fishtits wrote: »

There was a poster on here who was ex RE, if he re-appears we'll get the best update.

He's the fella who wrote the book I linked to a few posts above.

me_right_one

Fishtits wrote: »

Some of their tactical ethos are scary... lets just say they're focussed on winning a firefight before self preservation.

Sure thats the way all armies are!

Fishtits

me_right_one,

No, modern warfare is far more sophisticated.

p1akuw47h5r3it

Ye I'd consider joining. But it would be a last resort tbh

p1akuw47h5r3it

Just thought I'd stick up this link. It's for anyone who is considering joinig or just wants to ask a current Legionnaira member a q or watever

http://cervens.net/legionbbs123/index.php

Dr.Sanchez

Hallie Witty Vaporizer wrote: »

Just thought I'd stick up this link. It's for anyone who is considering joinig or just wants to ask a current Legionnaira member a q or watever

http://cervens.net/legionbbs123/index.php

Cool forum, was looking for something like this for a while!

jocmilt

The legion is for people who like a challenge. You will know in a few months whether it is for you or not. The only problem is if you want to get out then you have to skip France when you get home leave. If you are the sort of person who likes the life and the challenge it is no harder than working on a building site but if you are not cut out for it then it will mess with you big time and you best get out coz you will get in a lot of trouble. I spent 5 years in it when I was young and it was great. I live on Corsica had a string of wild and exotic girlfriends and got to do some amazing sh*t. It's not true that the Legion is not as active anymore. It is very active and wherever you find the Brits and Yanks you can be sure the Legion is out in front of them. The press don't cover the Legion much.

I would advise anyone who is thinking of going in to get fit first.

L.Jenkins

kmick wrote: »

Know a guy who joined and spent some time in active service in Africa. Same guy was on Today FM not so long ago. Was in Iraq and escorting a water convoy. Came under attack and he was either the only or one of a couple of survivors. This was after he gave away his pistol to the unarmed iraqi driver. Mad story if you can get your hands on it.

That was Padraig o Keefe and he was on 2fm. He was in the legion for 5 years and ended up working for a PSD in Iraq and he was the only survivor of an assault North of Baghdad.

The book is "Hidden Soldier" and its a savage must read for anyone contemplating the French Foreign Legion. If I don't get what I'm after in the next few years I'll be going myself.

L.Jenkins

You have six months if your entry to the legion is successful to hand in your notice of departure. After that then you have to skip the country which is made much harder by the fact that for one year the legion holds on the belongings you brought with you when you join, ie passport and for that year you may only leave the barracks in which you are assigned in uniform only. If you plan on leaving, you better be very creative and find an alternative to any mode of transport that requires passports to leave.

On saying that, the legion will not persue anyone who deserts the legion, unless they are convicted of a serious crime that merits such action, because they have so many new recruits coming into and going out of the legion that there numbers are always maintaned.

p1akuw47h5r3it

djhunter30 wrote: »

That was Padraig o Keefe and he was on 2fm. He was in the legion for 5 years and ended up working for a PSD in Iraq and he was the only survivor of an assault North of Baghdad.

The book is "Hidden Soldier" and its a savage must read for anyone contemplating the French Foreign Legion. If I don't get what I'm after in the next few years I'll be going myself.

Read a book called "Life in the Foreign Legion" by Ewan Mc Gorman ( not so sure about last name) before you go just to make sure it's ehat u want

L.Jenkins

I'll try and get my hands on it then if possible. I'm sure the book doesn't paint the legion in a good light or you wouldn't have suggested it. Well I'm open to reasoning.

Dr.Sanchez

djhunter30 wrote: »

I'll try and get my hands on it then if possible. I'm sure the book doesn't paint the legion in a good light or you wouldn't have suggested it. Well I'm open to reasoning.

Iv read it back to front, very good read although some of the info is probably a bit outdated.

The first few opening lines of the book:

First let me say that I would not recommend joining the Legion to anyone. Not only can it be an extremely hazardous life but there are dozens of other reasons I can and will present in one form or another that all contribute to one unfortunate truth: you will be disappointed in it. Unequivocally. Guaranteed.

The best place to get info is the forum mentioned earlier in this thread!

concussion

It's probably been mentioned already, by 'Legionnaire' by Simon Murray is fantastic read. Outdated now is its a collection of his diaries from the 1960's but a tremendous story.

Poccington

I really dunno why anyone would wanna join the Legion, that's just me though.

It wasn't me!

concussion wrote: »

It's probably been mentioned already, by 'Legionnaire' by Simon Murray is fantastic read. Outdated now is its a collection of his diaries from the 1960's but a tremendous story.

Agreed. Finished it recently. It's a very nostalgic look at a different world, and his book reads as an excellent tradition from the first half of the twentieth century to the modern world. It would make an excellent novel were it not true.

p1akuw47h5r3it

djhunter30 wrote: »

I'll try and get my hands on it then if possible. I'm sure the book doesn't paint the legion in a good light or you wouldn't have suggested it. Well I'm open to reasoning.

Ye primarily negative but it's 5 years so u want to be pretty sure. I'm not tryin to put u off joining r anything.

denniss

just go for it i did 5 years ages ago

Teangalad

me_right_one wrote: »

Think the book is called "Hidden Soldier", by Padraig O'Keefe.

Great Book!!!

Fishtits

denniss wrote: »

just go for it i did 5 years ages ago

Bull****ter of the year unless we get more info...

Does re-cycling ring a bell?

PatsytheNazi

00Blaine00 wrote: »

Anyone ever thought of joining the French Foreign Legion?

I know most people who join come from less well off countries, or those who want to forget their past and the Legion seems like their last and only option, but I also know there are some people out there who simply join for the adventure and experience!

So the question is.. Is anyone out there considering running away and taking the step that few men dare to even dream about?

Yes, Corkman Padraig O'Keefe's Hidden Soldier might help you to get an insight.

Local-womanizer

Picked up "Legionnaire" by Simon Murray the other day. He kept a diary from the first day to his last in the Legion. What I have read of it so far id very good.

Milk & Honey

I read Padraig O Keeffe's book. He actually didn't serve the full 5 years in the legion. He got out early because of disillusionment. He reckoned it was losing its values. There is supposedly a shift in emphasis within the French military since the ending of conscription.

Stuxnet

im after watching escape to the legion with bear grylls on youtube, jaazus no way hozay ! and im tough enough !!

paky

the legion isnt as tough as it use to be. heard the royal marines are tougher. i spent 1 week in paris and 2 in aubagne during selection. met a lad from dublin who left basic training saying he didnt feel like staying so they let him go. he had to stay around for a week for them to finish the paper work.
theres a good chance of getting in if your irish cause they try and balance the nationalities

Legion1

paky wrote: »

the legion isnt as tough as it use to be. heard the royal marines are tougher. i spent 1 week in paris and 2 in aubagne during selection. met a lad from dublin who left basic training saying he didnt feel like staying so they let him go. he had to stay around for a week for them to finish the paper work.
theres a good chance of getting in if your irish cause they try and balance the nationalities

I hope so, going to try out myself soon. Anyone else heading over this year?

paky

Legion1 wrote: »

I hope so, going to try out myself soon. Anyone else heading over this year?

how old are you? maybe i can give you some tips?

Legion1

paky wrote: »

how old are you? maybe i can give you some tips?

28, work away cheers.

byebye

paky wrote: »

how old are you? maybe i can give you some tips?

i'd love to hear the tips too! headin over in sep!!

paky

byebye wrote: »

i'd love to hear the tips too! headin over in sep!!

your best bet is to go straight to aubagne. this will cut 1 week off selection. the less time you have to spend at selection the better, its boaring as fcuk and consists of hanging around an excercise yard smoking cigerettes with all sorts of scum. your standard of fitness should be pretty good. be able to do a minimum of 7-10 pull ups palms facing out. just like any other army you should be able to run a mile and half in watever time. it would be a help if you can run further and longer. while at selection dont eat all the food your given, your fitness may suffer TRUST ME! your given a s.hit load of food, cakes, pastries, pizza, cheese and its all pretty good. but theres a reason they give you all that food, you'll know when you start basic training! dont join on a weekend, best bet is a monday, cause theyve no selection on a weekend. as for contact with the outside, forget it. if your dead keen on going expect not to speak to family for at least 4 months, no calls, letters, no going home. freedom is pretty restricted for the first year. the legionaires i spoke to said its like a 9-4 job after the first initial year and weekends off! class if your in France, not so class if your in Afghanistan. choose a regiment you want to go too, theyll ask this question a couple of times while your there to see if your keen. as for trades and specialist jobs, you need to be a legionaire for 2 years before you can do this. the pay is pretty good. considering your freedom is restricted for the first year, try and get a foreign posting in south america or africa. the best pay is there and you wont spend a penny. expect to earn nearly 3000 a month in these places.
any other questions just ask

Legion1

paky wrote: »

your best bet is to go straight to aubagne. this will cut 1 week off selection. the less time you have to spend at selection the better, its boaring as fcuk and consists of hanging around an excercise yard smoking cigerettes with all sorts of scum. your standard of fitness should be pretty good. be able to do a minimum of 7-10 pull ups palms facing out. just like any other army you should be able to run a mile and half in watever time. it would be a help if you can run further and longer. while at selection dont eat all the food your given, your fitness may suffer TRUST ME! your given a s.hit load of food, cakes, pastries, pizza, cheese and its all pretty good. but theres a reason they give you all that food, you'll know when you start basic training! dont join on a weekend, best bet is a monday, cause theyve no selection on a weekend. as for contact with the outside, forget it. if your dead keen on going expect not to speak to family for at least 4 months, no calls, letters, no going home. freedom is pretty restricted for the first year. the legionaires i spoke to said its like a 9-4 job after the first initial year and weekends off! class if your in France, not so class if your in Afghanistan. choose a regiment you want to go too, theyll ask this question a couple of times while your there to see if your keen. as for trades and specialist jobs, you need to be a legionaire for 2 years before you can do this. the pay is pretty good. considering your freedom is restricted for the first year, try and get a foreign posting in south america or africa. the best pay is there and you wont spend a penny. expect to earn nearly 3000 a month in these places.
any other questions just ask

Nice one, thanks for that, thats my plan, on a Monday morn straight to Aubagne. Heading soon, could spend more time on fitness but figure what the hell, might just get an inapt come back in 3 months etc. From what I've heard fitness is not that important, its more you motivation personality and history, did you find that was the case or just those who aced the sports tests?

byebye

did you do the interviews with the "gestapo" if so what kind of questions were asked?

cheers

Faith+1

Legion1 wrote: »

Nice one, thanks for that, thats my plan, on a Monday morn straight to Aubagne. Heading soon, could spend more time on fitness but figure what the hell, might just get an inapt come back in 3 months etc. From what I've heard fitness is not that important, its more you motivation personality and history, did you find that was the case or just those who aced the sports tests?

Can I ask why you're joining the Legion? I've heard more bad things about them than good! Would the British Army not be a safer opinion for you?

paky

Legion1 wrote: »

Nice one, thanks for that, thats my plan, on a Monday morn straight to Aubagne. Heading soon, could spend more time on fitness but figure what the hell, might just get an inapt come back in 3 months etc. From what I've heard fitness is not that important, its more you motivation personality and history, did you find that was the case or just those who aced the sports tests?

your best off worken on your fitness. its not that easy to get in. 1 in 12 pass selection.

paky

Faith+1 wrote: »

Can I ask why you're joining the Legion? I've heard more bad things about them than good! Would the British Army not be a safer opinion for you?

how can going to afghanistan be considered safe?