Is it possible to hide service and early discharge from the French Foreign Legion when going to OCS?

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 16:48:45 -0400

I'm working on a concept for a novel, and I think the main character may try to do this. How long could you get away with it? What would happen if you got caught before or after commissioning? Would service in the FFL be something you could hide at all?

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Aug 22 at 2020 5:02 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 17:02:22 -0400

I am assuming that the background check would find this out, even if you lied on the application. Since there would be a period of time in which you "didn't exist" and you'd have to explain why. I could be wrong, however, as I've obviously never attempted to get into OCS.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2020 7:44 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 19:44:36 -0400

The problem is you never know who the background investigator is going to check with. So, at best it would have to be a period of time that is outside of the investigation time line, and that just happens to never come up in all the folks he interviews. But since it is with a clearance with the Army and not one of the upper tier Agencies this is actually entirely possible.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 22 at 2020 9:26 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 21:26:41 -0400

NO, it shows on background checks pretty quick. I had 2 former FFL's during my career. Good people- tho they served their 8 yr hitch and came home. Caught after- discharge possible UCMJ for fraudulent enlistment.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 23 at 2020 1:14 AM

SSG Brian G. — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 01:14:37 -0400

In theory your background investigation should catch it. When you commission, you still have to go through the same enlistment paperwork to list where you lived, worked etc., You are going to have a ghost period of whatever your FFL time was that you will have to explain on paper and in person.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Aug 23 at 2020 4:25 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 16:25:02 -0400

It may/may not get picked up, but the large “unaccountable “ gap in your life would be a red flag that be a showstopper.