Has anyone considered the French Foreign Legion?

PFC Justin DuBois — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 15:03:29 -0500

How many of you have considered giving it a try? Or what is your opinion of americans going for that option before our own military?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2014 7:36 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 19:36:58 -0500

PFC Justin DuBois, I did not consider the French Foreign Legion. I do know that it would complicate things with a person's security clearance. Not to say that one couldn't get a clearance after being in the FFL, but it would certainly complicate things.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 13 at 2014 10:30 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 22:30:09 -0500

Well the way i look at it is im an American why do i want to fight under a different flag. I know Back before the US got involved in WW2 we had guys go and Fight with England. But i look at that differently then fighting with French Foreign Legion. I guess it is because i dont really understand what they actually do and what they stand for.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 13 at 2014 10:37 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 22:37:32 -0500

I know one guy who was in the Marines and then joined the FFL when he ETS because the Marines were not hard core enough for him.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2014 1:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 01:45:23 -0500

There is a book you can get on Amazon, its written by an American who was in the Legion. Its an interesting read. And it is written from the perspective of a "what you need to know" as opposed to a "how to" guide for the FFL.

It was a good book, cleared up a lot of the rumors of the Legion and explains what you get from service in the Legion. I'd recommend it for anyone who is considering it or wanted to know what it was like.

Also anyone serving with the Legion would have their reasons for going that route, maybe they have a condition that would preclude them from service in the US Armed Forces or a criminal record or a multitude of reasons. A few years ago I was in Israel and met some former American service members that were serving in the IDF. So is there much difference?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 9:36 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 21:36:19 -0500

Check out this story, PFC Justin DuBois. Not exactly a happy ending for an Army lieutenant who deserted to join the Foreign Legion. I guess it worked out for him personally (no suicide), but it's a bit of a bizarre story:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/16/us/a-deserter-who-chased-conflict-is-jailed-for-shirking-duty.html?_r=0

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Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 9:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 21:44:31 -0500

Thought about it in the sense of wonder what it would be like, and if I'd like it? Absolutely. Thought about it in the sense of taking steps to become a Legionaire? Nope. Have a wife and kids to take care of, and a life I don't have any reason to leave. I wouldn't consider it traitorous, as the French have been our allies over the course of our history, and the FFL is presently being used to establish security in parts of the world that need it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2014 11:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 23:40:49 -0500

As long as you don't have any existing obligations (ie. military contracts) or anchors (ie. a family), then I don't personally see an issue. From what I've come to understand it's essentially a government funded merc force that they send to do things they don't want to send French soldiers to do. They've fought in most of the major conflicts on the world stage and then some.

Like others have stated, as long as France remains an ally and doesn't become an advesary, then no harm, no foul.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 1:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 01:31:32 -0500

I’ve never considered it, but I have done some reading on it on the web out of boredom. It’s not like it used to be. They will still give you a new name, but they no longer take criminals trying to escape justice. If you don’t speak French then tough crap. It’s total emersion. You learn it as you go. I think you have to serve for something like 12 years before you’re allowed to marry and live outside the barracks. After you serve long enough to retire you are given the option to become a French citizen. It does sound like a tough life.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 2:52 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:52:38 -0500

They've a fantastic reputation for desertions; an indication of morale, quality of soldiers, or both. I'd only do it if this guy could be my battle buddy.

Response by PFC Greg Mason made Dec 4 at 2015 9:42 PM

PFC Greg Mason — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 21:42:28 -0500

yes

Response by SGT Phelan Hoover made May 21 at 2018 7:27 PM

SGT Phelan Hoover — Mon, 21 May 2018 19:27:24 -0400

I actually have and did some research, there training isnt as easy as some people might think. Something around 140 differant countries enlist. There mainland of France is where operations are posted mainly. There attrition rate is extremely high, for such a short course between 2 to 5 weeks long. Legionnaires have a awesome place in history look up in the history books. Of course the normal stuff not be wanted by interpol for anyhting and passports. Most of the legionaires dont speak french becuase of all the diversity from other foreign countries.

Response by CPL Alan Tindell made Jul 22 at 2018 1:23 AM

CPL Alan Tindell — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 01:23:18 -0400

I’ve read many Legion memoirs. It’s a very hard, very austere life. There’s no other military force like it—people from over 140 countries have served. Loyalty to the Legion is paramount. Leigio Patrie Nostra—The Legion is Our Homeland.