French Foreign Legion | Training to Mali (Marine Reacts)
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When I was in the French navy, we had some excellent relations with Legion. They are respectful, nice, and men of honor. You can have laught with them, they are more humans than civilians. However don’t mess with them, you’ll do it only one time.
Mon grand oncle était légionnaire et à fait l’Indochine et l’Algérie et ça marque les esprits.
@@thelegionnaire9488
Thomas Gast ist auch am Start😎
wait so how would you say that in french then
Idem, quand j'étais dans la marine sur Toulon, nous faisions souvent la navette en embarquant des légionnaires. Etant sur un petit bateau, on avait souvent l'occasion de se côtoyer à bord et d'échanger, de partager des moments amicaux. Une fois arrivés en Corse, ils nous ont permis de suivre un entraînement à la dure avec eux (je faisais partie de l'équipe d'intervention du bord) et c’était juste infâme de difficulté, mais jamais ils ne nous ont pris de haut. Nos rapports étaient vraiment sympa, j'en garderai un super souvenir.
Ditto, when I was in the navy in Toulon, we often commuted by taking legionnaires on board. Being on a small boat, we often had the opportunity to meet on board and to exchange, to share friendly moments. Once we got to Corsica, they allowed us to do some hard training with them (I was part of the on-board intervention team) and it was just infamous of difficulty, but they never took us from high. Our reports were really nice, I will keep fond memories of it.
You probably mean they are more humane. From your comment, we should understand civilians are aliens lol
I remember being on a post at night in Djabouti Africa as a Marine LCpl with another Marine. Two figures came out of the darkness. My buddy and I weren't frightened or alarmed being we were on a training op, but we were curious. The two men on patrol were FFL and spoke French. They smiled and in english, said "Here. Something to keep you awake" and tossed us some cans of beer. Despite being luke warm, after several days in 110f+ weather, they were the best beers I've ever had. The Legionnaires walked off into the dark and we never saw FFL again on that deployment. I don't think I expressed my gratitude as accurately as I wanted but if you're FFL reading this, thank you. You're clearly some cool dudes. Stay safe out there.
Lmao ffl came like a garding angel just tossin a beer haha
Il faut juste dire merci 😊!
Aller Les gars
What a cool story 😅👍!
Emerges from the dark,
Drops a couple brewskies,
Disappears in the dark,
Doesn't elaborate,
Fucking hard..
🤫😍 thank you my friend , thank you for your service
True story. Lawrence Franks, West Point grad 2008. He deserted his unit in 10th mountain division in 2008-09 just before deployment. He went to France, joined the Legion, did his 5 years. At end of enlistment he could apply for French citizenship. However, he had to go home and clean up his mess. He turns himself in in Germany and gets shipped back to Fort Drum, NY. I was teaching French at West Point at the time. The lawyers sent me his Legionnaire file. He was a legionnaire's legionnaire. He had a stellar career as Beau Geste. The US Army didn't think so and sentenced him to 4 years. He'll probably write a good book one day. His defense was that he needed a thrill of real excitement to keep from committing suicide.
Actually if you talking about beau do finish the story, why was he convicted, im sure we talking about the same/nice guy. Until he lost he’s familly, was..
LT Lawrence Franks deserted his unit in the US Army to join the Legion. He was convicted of desertion by US Army leaders, which was appropriate.
there’s plenty of tough and excitement things to do in the US Army. He could have went to Airborne, Ranger, Air Assault, Sniper, SF…etc. joining the Legion was just an excuse!
@@dt6750 None of the hooah bullshit holds a single candle to how much combat the French foreign legion sees on a regular basis. You’ve had too much American kool aid.
it looks weird to me as all guys in the legion change names and have a new passport.
The different accents can only be appreciated by a french speaker, I'm French Swiss and I struggle to understand some of their French. Absolute respect for these soldiers
I have limited French but I’m pretty sure I can hear the hints of Italian in his speech, might just be my imagination though
Language is diverse. That can be interesting or a problem.
@@philipphelan8712 The Italian does have a heavy Italian accent to his French. I admire the fact that he is speaking French though rather than his native Italian or English.
Croatian & Russian accents only...
The legion teach them a simple type of french its not standard french is just enough to get by and military jargon everything you need to get by.
My son is the Legionnaire from Nashville, TN. He is out of the Legion now and has a job with the Dept. of the Interior. I would love for you to communicate with him.
That's awesome
Thank you so much for his service.
@@kennyroody Thank you
Thank you to your son for serving my country.
@@francinesicard464 I will give him the message
As a legionnaire we have a saying.
Only 3things survive in the desert. Scorpions, snakes and legionnaires
and Chuck Norris
Ex 2 R.E.P true brother. 1990-1995
You got any idea if the pension after 20years is decent?
What kind of benefits do Legion Veterans receive after their 5 year service? Do they also recruit people who have asthma?
@@junior17medval no they will not, you have a health check at start. and btw ,dont go to Legion if its about money or any recognation. u will not stay in. its not Legion mentality . you do it for the corps , not for your benefits.
Légionnaire here actually from America too, the relations we have between the regular army and the legion are quite amazing actually. Everyone gets along well. It's not like marine corps versus us army or anything. We're all on the same team. The only thing that separates us is the color of our beret.
Merci légionnaire. Un français
Most Marines think they're the toughest of all some even say that any marine is the equivalent of an army ranger
Merci.
Je suis réserviste dans un régiment d'Infanterie, merci pour votre service.
And the skillset of the different companies i imagine.
Hi man, I was in the French regular army 15 years ago. You asked of relatiosn between regular army and legion : they interract perfectly, the Legion is just a special corps within the Army. It is part of the Army 100%. Every branch of the Army has its deep roots and traditions, so every part of the Army is special in a sense. The Legion is just one of them.
I am French civilian. Just wanted to share a word about our education in France. As a kid you learn to respect our soldiers but whoever is a légionnaire is something else. Whatever his origin and his accent, his story a légionnaire is to consider as big Brother. Don't look back in these guy's past and they will protect your future. My father always told me they would be the first to save our ass. Hell they do. I have seen military getting trained in a lot of country. Just a few can reach that level. Profound respect and thanks for these guys.
What a very interesting insight into French civllian life with branch like the FFL in your country. As a fellow civvie I grew up near a Navy Air Base in the south of the US. It's been taught to me since birth that we respect our veterans, and to this day the best thing I like about my job is the number of vets I get to help. In my town, Navy Seals were quite popular, and looked at in a way that is somewhat beyond the normal military, and this was the 90's before a lot of the book deals.
@@Girrrrrrrr legion is considered higher than seals, France is a very militarily supportive country, more so than US. Legionaries are out of this world. -edited- today I’m not sure how I feel about my earlier comment herein ^^^ today I would say the 2nd REP is a close comparison or equivalent.
Chris R, Me.Jameson demand ques arrive aux Légionaire qui ce marie et ou achet une maison.
Au Canada et en Amerique ill ne comprend pa que la majorité du monde vont louer un logement.
The two most applaused units during the 14th of July ceremony are firemen and French foreign Legion.
on n'apprend plus à aimer nos soldats
Just to add something that is lost in translation, the young man we follow in the first minutes of the video is not "simply" a carpenter, he says he (and his father) are part of the "Compagnons", or "Compagnons du Devoir" which litteraly translate to "the Brotherhood" or "Brotherhood of Duty". Basically, it's a french guild over a century old that teachs to a high level of skill, almost every forms of crafting (metalurgy, woodworking, carpentery, rockmason, etc...). As the name suggest, it's not any class you attend. You are supposed to have worked in differents regions of France or even diffrent countries, during 3 to 6 years acquiring different techniques and knowledge, and presenting your final work that is supposed to be the pinnacle of your skill. A compagnon to a "normal" craftmen, is the same as a spec ops to an infantry soldier. It brings a whole lot of respect.
The Compagnons is somewhat the french army of craftmen. If you don't fit, you're out. If you don't follow, you're out. So it's not a far strech from there to the Legion or the army in general.
Dans la légion étrangère, il n'y a aucun français, les français doivent changer de nationalité pour quelques temps pour pouvoir y entrer. Ça ne s'applique pas aux officiers mais du soldat du rang à l'adjudant il me semble. Ils ne peuvent récupérer leurs identité qu'après un certain temps
In the french foreign legion, there is no french. French légionnaires have to change theire nationality for a while. They can be french after some time
I would add that the compagnons are the direct descendants of the confraternity/guilds of the Middle Ages, the famous cathedrals builders. Which are also related to the original freemasonry.
Not a century old, more like one millenary old...
@@joak9755 Les officiers supérieurs sont tous français !
@@joak9755 hes belgian
A former American GI once said, " I joined the French foreign legion because i wanted to be with the best Army in the world "
He was a real comedian
@@bushwhackerinc.4668 I appreciate his insight but I'm leaning more towards your opinnion lol
@@bushwhackerinc.4668 only 20% of candidates are accepted they are most definitely hardcore
He was right
That is one hell of a burn! It also goes to show that a lot of Americans have lost faith in the military. Understandable.
I was a conscript in the French Air Force, I reached Major Corporal, of course I haven't seen a combat zone I only reached this level out of doing my job correctly. I honestly felt ashamed when these hardcore private legionnaires, who have fought all over the world, were giving me the reglementary salute.
We deployed with the legion, top lads, polite, professional, and pretty intense guys.
What regiment were you in during your time in the army.
Oi!Sam1988 agreed 👍🏻
@@jordanelder321 KRH.
Oi!Sam1988 Thats mad, I have a cousin in C Squadron KRH but it might be another one. Would you recommend joining armour rather than infantry, wanted to join after college
@@jordanelder321 what's his last name? It all depends on what you want to do and what you want to get out of it. Personally driving, firing, operating and generally exercising on a tank beats dismount anyway, we'll be able to hatch down with a hot brew on bad days while infantry will be dug in on patrolling in the muck and rain. We still do dismount too, just nowhere near as much as infantry, you get some better qualifications in armoured too, some better opportunities but you can get extremely busy maintaining the fleet.
🏴 I joined the legion for 5 year and had the best time of my life..I was 35 years of age when I joined . I was a Royal marine before the legion. I left the marines in search for more experiences in life , the legion fulfilled beyond my expectations.. As a legion I was involved in far more operations and conflict than i had ever been. Legio Patria Nostra.
McKenzie clan , Scotland the brave.
Maxwell clan on my mother's side.
Mad thing
Ride up in style. Clap some boys. Bleach. Burn. Extract in style.
You think is dangerous to join?
@@aud5226 we all die sometime, some choose how to go
I've been to Mali and it's worse then the Middle East but the FFL are some hard honorable men and demand perfection from all that join them either in unit or operations!!!
Semper Fi Legion 🇺🇲🇨🇵
Depends on where you are Mali isn't that bad as the news makes it
I was there 2006-2011 never forget that such experiences, miss my old buddies Diaz, Hector, Alexandru and Brian. Je serai légionnaire!!
What kind of benefits do Legion Veterans receive after their 5 year service? Do they also recruit people with asthma?
@@junior17medval they do not recruit people with asthma.
@@ilovepewds817 dang, oh well
Scary shit is in Africa and especially in Mali you drive off road to avoid new IED's only to end up rolling onto a WW2 mine.
Ouch. Pass on that for my next visit.
@@JamesonsTravels youve been to Mali?
That why we say TIA or This Is Africa!!
STFU ,, have you been there
Wouldn't shock me if they had the most ww2 mines leftover
"the wake up call, is brutal"
* literally silence *
@@Joe90V my neighbor's lawnmower is louder
Joe90v It’s not exactly unexpected 5am reveille to go for a shower and a shave is a fucking holiday in the military
@@Joe90V found the light sleeper
For a sec I thought he yelled gibby
We had like 5 minutes to shave, dress and make the beds in my country, those guys in the video are waking up normally.
there was nothing more than DUI with Corporal Brandon I knew him since we were teenagers and talked to him while he was with the legion. He finished his contract and now started a family.
Hi Steve,
That is great to hear! Respect to Corporal Brandon! Would you mind asking him if after 5 years service is it possible to bring a wife and children over to France as a Legionnaire? Also, what were his experiences of Muslims serving in the Legion?
Thank you for sharing the info, Sir!
@@phoenixknight8837 I will shoot him the message and get a response.
@@phoenixknight8837 I got the answer for you trying to paste it
You can marry and love off base after 5 years get your own bank account and a vehicle. You could try and pass a report with the captain to ask permission but more than likely will say no. I knew some guys that there girlfriends/ wife come live in France with them.
A few Muslims but now many. Not even sure if they were practicing. From CPL Brandon
Sucks that america is throwing away valuable muscle and intelligence like that glad hes still alive though
"It's something that's inside us" That speaks volumes. My Grand Father and my Father knew exactly why I went into the Army.
I wanted to join the Foreign Legion, but i dont think i can handle that brutal wake up call
Yeah, too brutal for me
its so brutal i can't even tell if it's brutal
I can't believe no one's brings them breakfast and slippers , utterly brutal.
@@spearce39 what would happen, though, if they were pampered? they are after all the most expendable soldier unit in france. Send them in first to take the heavy casualties or send them to unpopular wars so no french soldiers are involved.
a bit like mercenaries
I was in operation with the Legion in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Mali, they are one of the best. Very professionel and very down to earth. I was with the the Belgian armed forces.
Crusader, I don,' t think you were overthere in former Joegoslavia. I was, 5 tiours of duty. The French didn't surrender. And sure NOT the Legion. So stop your stupid remarks.
@The Crusader easy, obey orders, in this case french officers.
@@robbybonneux55 ils se sont rendu, on en parle tout le temps à la légion, quand on est commandé par des gonzesses.... La honte, on nous formate avec le code d'honneur et après ça donne ça où une punition. Il y en a des histoires à la française
@The Crusader they did the last bayonnette charge, defending some bridge in Kosovo, maybe french marines not légionnaires tho
@The Crusader French and serbs had a very strange good relation. They would leak intel to the serbs and at the same time were able to lauch an assault on a bridge. So my little experience says you might have to work for your boss but never trust him.
Relations between regular french army and legion are very good.
I remember very good parties with legionnaires, we respected them and they respected us.
I am still friend with one of the 3rd foreign infantry regiment i met when i was in the military.
We train and fight alongside the legion so mutual respect is natural.
They are very proud to be part of the legion, but every french soldiers are proud of their regiment, they all have their traditions and history, sometimes back to Napoleonic wars and before.
No better way to spend your 20's than in the service - pick a branch and make it so. Imagine a 22 year old sitting behind a desk all day with all that energy and enthusiasm going to waste. Best time of my life...
This is actually among me wanna join so bad. But I don't know I'm in uni atm and 19 but I so wanna go military
@@Janibek35 complete my degree first I'm doing biomed then go for it but it's been so hard lucky I've passed this year
I'd be really appreciative if you let me know about the branches of FFL, because as per the information on google or wikipedia, it is an elite infantry commando unit (not special forces) and the branches or units revolve around the very concept of INFANTRY. What are the actual branches of the Legion, do they majorly consist of the elements of infantry, only or is it something different, and when do you get to choose the branch?
@@Mo-hc9lc same I’m 17 and I want to join when I’m 18 and get out before I’m 25 so I can start an mma career
I’m 31, and I often regret that I never joined . Now that I have a family of my own I don’t think I have it in me to leave my family to join
I was in the legion for 3 years and got out on a medical discharge after I broke my leg pretty badly in a training exercise. To answer your question on how the legion interact with the regular French army: We used to work with them every day when it comes to deployment. Every Legion Régiment is attached to a regular French brigade and has it’s own function to fulfill in the field. We respected the regulars as fellow comrades in arms and so did the regulars towards us. When it comes down to the wire, we are all in the same shit.
And how is when you go in Mali for example, do you shooting jihadist ? I wanna join in 3 or 4 years, I am 17 years now. I watched a lot about legion, my dad was
non-commissioned officer and im preparing for that brutal training in legion
Merci pour votre service. Vive la Legion !
@@stefankengur4643 Enlistment requires a 5-year commitment.
Merci!!!
Bravo hero,thanks for serving, I will love to be recruited, I'm from English west African, I love légion engtrange so much when I see what they do in mali
I turned 17 the day arrived in bootcamp, my brother got out of the USMarines then tried out for the FFLegion, he spent 10 years as a legionnaire. He came home, got a girlfriend, wrecked his pickup and died at the scene. I stayed in for 20 years.
My condoleances
Sorry to hear
That's horrible man, my condolences and may he rest in peace
The real danger is in the civilian life!
I know how it feels to loose à brother. I lost both of mine!
They allways will live in my heart! Yours also!
Take care!
some people die too young
After WW2 a lot of former SS troops joined the Foreign Legion no questions asked some even fought in Veitnam for the French .
@dobs862 ans US develop his Space program with the main nazi scientist....
Selon la légende, des duos dont 1 allemand embarquaient en douce sur une petite barque sur le Mekong puis qu’un seul revenait... Qui? Ce n’est pas dit
I was 17 when I went into the US Army. I remember older guys having a tough time of it in basic training. I agree that being young (and dedicated) was a big advantage for me.
Yea the only guys who were good were the ones who got out then came back in later
Frenchman here, we highly respect our foreign legion !
They are the proof that people can learn and love a country's culture (cause there's a lot about it in the legion) if there's a proper institution behind.
Other regiments also respect them just as much as the legion respect other regiments
Good perspective
That's great to hear!
I always found it weird how one of the most elite parts of your military is made of completely foreign infantrymen, not to discredit the rest of the French army or marines but it is the legion who are the best trained or am I misinformed?
@@jordanelder321 The Foreign Legion is not better or worse than the rest of the French Army, it consists of regular infantry units with the same training and gear than other ones. With that being said, the elite of the Foregin Legion is the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2REP) which would be the equivalent of US Army Rangers. And the elite of this regiment is the Commando Parachute Groups (GCP), which is the special ops unit specialized in pathfinding/special recon inside the Combat Support Company of the 2REP, I believe it would be considered a "Tier 2" unit in the US Armed Forces. There's also the Commando Mountain Group (GCM) of the 2nd Foreign Engineer Regiment (2REG).
Martial Artist Thank you :)
If you're still in a foreign legion at 37 like Brandon, then you must be a damn good element.
You can join the Foreign Legion up to age 39
@@popogie22 Tehniclly yes, but actually no.
@@popogie22 if your actually good just ram through
The age of enlistment is 17-40.
Which seems incredible, but obviously it works for them!
Long may the Legion serve!
I would love to join the Legion I think it's what I need at this point in my life, a real purpose and a rewarding job.
Dude, i say do it because sufffering will change your life for the bettrr
lol
Stayed in Mali for five years. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink hot beverages (mostly tea or hot water). But some months are worse: mid-February to mid-June, temperatures are brutal. Snakes crossing paved roads die midway!
About interaction with the other military groups of France:
The Legion is our advance recon on the ground. There's constantly an air patrol on watch for them, there's constantly an Army Cavalry group (aka tanks) ready to catch up to them. They are never too far from a base camp, which is resupplied by our Navy and Air Force supply chains.
The days of sending in the Legion first as cannon fodder are over. That said, it's always the Legion that volunteers for front line assignments.
They are respected for that immensely. And for an army supply group to go out and bring water to the Legion is an honor.
Awesome!!!
Dont share that many infos when the world is on the edge of collapsing will ya?
@@thibautdemars1760 The Legion will stand proud and do their duty...and you have us all in the Eu along side you. I was in the Romanian Army and i lived in france for 6 years . You need us we will be there
@@HellStr82 Nice to hear, good mentality. I believe we unfortunately will have to fight together brother, and sooner than we think.
But I also believe Europe can crush whoever gets in its way if we remain united
@@thibautdemars1760 are you thinking russia?
“On Mars, I mean Mali”
😆😆
First line I hear in the video, and first comment I read down here! Lol
😂
Lol
fitness, discipline, purpose all great BUT u are trained to kill and murder people all around the world nothing i wanna carry ...many end with serious psychical problems all their life...but respect to all the high skills and discipline
I wasn’t ready for it either 😂😂😂
My uncle was in the legion, we don't know if he's still alive or where he is. Like all he did it to escape his past and start a new life, i admire him for his balls i could never do it
Met an ex marine who enlisted thereafter with the French Foreign Legion. He claims the training Marines endure was just a fraction of the hell Legionnaires go through. IDK
Once a Marine, always a Marine. He’s a former Marine.
@@americantaxpayer4426 Well said.
At the farm during the legions basic the recuirts live on 400 to 500 calories a day for six weeks.
@@americantaxpayer4426 Pretty sure if you ask him today "are you a marines ?" he will say "no, i'm a Légionnaire."
After being in the US Army for 8 years,I gave the Legion 5 years. 2000-2005.
can u tell us more about ur experience
Glenn Castro how did it compare?
Be proud of you (Fron France 🇫🇷)
What did you do? 😉
Thank you for serving our country and our ally, france!
As a french, I can say that every men who did the foreign legion has a huge respect from their new compatriot. En marche Légionnaire !
En tant que citoyenne française j'éprouve un immense respect et un tout aussi immense honneur envers la Légion Étrangère.
Je les trouve tout simplement incroyables, inspirant et formidable.
Bref j'adore la Légion Étrangère ! 🇲🇫🇲🇫
S'ils y en a qui mérite la nationalité française, c'est bien eux !
I worked with the Legion as a Marine in Corsica, I loved working with them nothing but respect.
That Tennessee lad is having one hell of a life.
he's gonna make a great book
Maybe he's there cuz he committed a felony and can't serve in the U.S. forces for it. In the legion they don't care if you have a criminal record at first. If you pay your dues and serve well, at the time of your discharge you get a new identity and can live a productive life. Not have the forever stigma of being a felon with no hope or prospect of a better life.
@@alexghosthunter They started doing background checks when NATO countries started complaining that the French were accepting former SS guys into the legion.
WolfPlayer Sure, still lots of ex ss guys served in the legion. But you are right, they don’t have them in the legion anymore.
@@wolfplayer7815 Well, it's little late for that now. Many of the ancient SS died in Indochina or Algeria... and the survivor were quite few at the end.
But they were many former werhmacht soldier enlisted at the end of the war, sometimes convinced to enlist in the POW camp at the end of the war by dubious mean. Ironically, the german did the same thing when they enlisted some french guy in the WWII...
He is Soldier, not an actor. What does she think?
Did you notice the sissy language used. Civvies will NEVER EVER understand.
@@terryteed1903 ?
@@snorttroll4379 it's not the language of a person who understands the feelings and thoughts of the men involved. Civvies dont get it. No one who hasn't been in this situation understands. And that's the point. You can't. This type of stuff can not be spoken of in a politically correct way. They may try but it never comes out right. Not to us anyway.
@@terryteed1903 Did you know that there are hundreds of thousands of people who live in this situation almost everyday of their life, without being in the military. Not everyone lives in an American suburb. No, most people don't talk like that. Its nothing to do with being a civilian - its called honour and decency.
12:40 The pleasure when you're back, to be able to appreciate the true value of decent shower, toilets, bed... Man, living for a while without those and then, get them back is a life-changing experience as well.
Some of the toughest, most elite and lethal troops on Planet Earth belong to the REP of the FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION. REP stands for "REGIMENT ETRANGER PARACHUTISTE," which is the Legion's Airborne Regiment. And, guess what?? NO useless Shark Attacks!
I joined the US Army as a combat medic at 30 years old. I was at a point in my life where I needed to go back to grad school if I wanted to move up in my civilian career and i didn't want the debt. It was also a dream of mine to join and i wanted change in my life so i dropped everything in my life and moved half way across the country. Im 35 now and a NCO and i couldn't be happier with my decision. Workouts never get easier but as long as I stay in shape and eat healthy i have no problem leading my peers from the front.
Wow, great comment, man. Very inspirational.
Planning on joining the ffl, I'm 25, got turned out from my country's military due to sight issues... Gonna fix it, than going to ffl. My country's paratroopers are at central african republic, this hitted me hard, man... One more time, thanks a lot for your comment, wish you the best, Sir !
repsect, hope you have a great career bro
I can say that the french foreign legion is really respected by the regular french army. The legion is more trained and determined than the regular one. They are also able to be autonimous and being "mac gyvers" if you see what I mean. The legion is honored by the regular army and France so they show respect in return. The relation is pretty good between regular and the legion.
Onsa Rio dont they also get french citizenship after a while of serving?
Jedidr from what i know, if you join with your real name and such, you do, if you use a fake name you leave with a fresh start
try to react to the Philippines scout rangers
Jedidr after 3 years of service, legionnaires are eligible to apply for French citizenship. If a legionnaire is wounded in battle, they can apply for citizenship immediately under the provision “Français par le sang versé" (French by spilled blood)
WRONG !!!! I've done both regular and then Legion and I can assure you the training in the Legion is the same in the regular French Army except the Legion has more stupid rules (can't get marry, buy car, rent apartment) because it's open to non French citizen. The Legion has got a lot of hype world wide but the truth inside France the regular French Marines and Paras are more respected and prestigious and way more professional.
Young Frenchmen always enlist first in the Troupe de Marines or Paras then later some reenlist in the Legion like I did. At the exception of 2REP the rest of the Legion aren't any better than regular French infantry by far. You'll be even surprised that many French regular soldiers actually think of Legionnaires as retards and make fun of them for their broken French. For long time the Legion was regarded as a place for loosers where eastern Europeans would enlist to get better pay and feed. But for a few years now more and more young Frenchmen do enlist in the Legion first because of that world wide hype. Personally I really respected 2REP but the training wasn't any tougher than when I was in the regular French para marines.
3:30 good point. I'm french, many in my family have been soldiers as a job, some of them even made war. I believe it is useless to say that for us here, "j'ai fait la légion étrangère" ("I've been in the foreign legion") is the most charismatic sentence somebody can ever say. Right away, people see such guys in a very, very, very different way. I'm 42, I know I will never be one of them, but like a lot of men, I wish I could say such a sentence!
@Jamesons Travels The Legion is full part of french army. The relations between Legion and "regular" army is very good. They are often supporting each other during missions (one on the south, the other on the north for example), and they are always communicating about ennemies, plans, etc.
They even suffer from the same political stupidities.
For me it took 13 years to feel like a civilian after 5 years in the Legion.
@@S-A-M. For me the most therapeutic was that I found a person who was totally interested of my past in the Legion.
Do I like it or not, but after 16 years from my time in the Legion; once a legionnaire always a legionnaire. Still I don't regret going thru all that. Best thing what I learnt is to learn to cope with the fear.
And the craziness that I don't see in this clip. Maybe it's not as crazy as it use to be. I liked how you could explore your craziness in the Legion without going to mental hospital.
Hey camarade, current serving Legionnaire here. What can I say, maybe it's because I'm a young Legionnaire and haven't even reached yet the rank of Caporal. All I can say is: For now, this place sucks lol
It use to be like: where logic stops, Legion starts.
A lot of people are going after the whole ‘he’s a soldier not an actor’ . But I think it’s important to remember that documentaries aren’t for journalists (who probably know why they don’t want to talk too much) but are for people who don’t know anything about these branches of the military. By asking him why he won’t talk too much it’s explains to the viewer what sort of mindset those soldiers have.
Hats off to the young boy .He has said his dad is proud .That would do it for me .
The culture of the military and the friendships you make, keep you in. Either you like it or you don't.
Listening to you validates thousands of thoughts and feelings I have had since leaving my service. Thank you for making me feel like I am not totally out of this world. I feel normal listening to you discuss well all the things you do.
Wow, thank you
No, thank you, seriously. I got two kids and a wife and my service feels like weird dream because of well, you know. I get more motivated to be the best me, dad, husband when there are people out there like yourself, that remind me; this is the dream, my service was reality.
What kind of benefits do Legion Veterans receive after their 5 year service? Do they also recruit people with asthma?
Merci beaucoup Légion étrangère
You hit the nail on the head about joining young. I'm 35 this year, and had completely planned on following my father's(and step-father's) steps in joining the military(father was in the navy, step-father the army, both served during Vietnam). I had already begun the recruitment process for the navy, but then the war in Iraq started just before my 18th birthday. My parents said they didn't want that for me, so I backed out and respected their wishes. It's now nearly 20 years later, and I have found myself thinking about my regret for not joining at least a couple times a year for the better part of a decade.
Parents mean well, and mine certainly deserved the respect I showed them... but it's their job to raise you in to an upstanding adult, and your job to determine what that means for you. I knew my desire to join was the right thing for me, but I behaved as their child instead of the adult they raised me to be.
You can still join the reserves if you wanted to give it a go, plenty of older blokes do..
take your chances if you really feel the army is for you do it. maybe you’ll find people to work with good.
The French Foreign Legion has very good relation with all Allied Forces and have the respect and gratitude from the US Military for their "daring actions" against enemy forces, the relations with the French Regular Army as well as other special units in France I guess is great, warfare has changed all units most work and integrate together
Was away for six weeks in the bush. All i wanted was a shower and double bed. When I finally got on the double bed I could'nt sleep. It was too comfortable.
First 30 seconds made me laugh. That wake up call wasnt brutal.
A brutal wake up call is when its 3am and you get lightly shook and then whispered that you have firewatch. You slept so good and warm in that sleeping bag only to have to get up in the freezing cold in your skivvies and put your damp/cold kit on. Knowing that everyone will be up at 0500 and you are phukked on getting more sleep after watch. Now lady,
THAT IS BRUTAL!
Oh yeah. Brutal is winter training when you hiked a 10k through waist deep snow the day before with all your gear. All props to the guys able to do this for a living.
@Smith & Wesson his bluntness is awesome. Funny as hell
my guess is that like every journalist nowadays they have no clues about what they are talking about, thos soldiers know really well this wake up call was kinda soft
getting tipped out of bed at 05:10 is more like it.
Life of a Legion...give yourself to a country under a false name and image for 5 yrs or more than being granted an option for citizenship.
Sounds about right.
When I was in desert storm; I went on a contact mission in the middle of the night (nothing fancy). We didn't have GPS just a polar azimuth and we wound up off course. We
ended up at a french foreign encampment at around 0300 am. The legionnaire on guard spoke very good English, was very polite and gave us directions to were we needed to
go. He new we were Americans because of the Humve we were driving and were coming in from the south. Very professional. If we came in from the north, it might have
been different.
at 2.50
' mon pere est compagnon' doesn't mean he's a carpenter ( charpentier)
it means he's a craftman,member of a ' group' called compagnons.... these men, when they are trainees achieve a kind of ' tour de france', working for several 'compagnons ' craftsmen
doing so, they get skills, tips and tricks, and knowledge from several skilled people across the country
cheers
I mean, when he said in French that they are never scared. Literally, they are walking slowly in the middle of a warzone without any cover aside from the gunner hidden on the rocks.
When I got home from Iraq I was looking forward to cutting my lawn. I remember the first time I did it was awesome. Smelled the cut grass and lemon scent of my neighbor’s magnolia tree.
And the poor iraqi civilians wont have that luxury of peace of tought because of men like you
Once talked to a soldier from the French foreign legion. Most of them have nothing to loose - just something to win. They are tough !!!
Thanks for posting this vid!!!
My best friend joined the army at 25/26 and is going into his second year, he says its the hardest thing he's ever done. Everyone else are kids that are barely old enough to drink or buy smokes, and have no real idea of the future. So many of them where laughing and excited when they were getting deployed, and all he could think about his wife and my nephew and getting back to them every day.
France military has the policie of having the best relation ship possible with local , they bride locals with food, money or even toys for the kids and they are carrefull not to apear hostil.
So i don't think they would drop napalm in the bushes. It's a matter of public image, intel and not increasing the ennemy ranks
Edit: i forgot the most important part: Airstrike cost money
you have the most french name I have ever seen :)
@@abdinboni2246 Where your name come from?
@@lukasleclercq6860 my dome
@Mukhtar Vp What is a western soldier?
Not to mention france like most European countries signed a treaty agreeing to ban the use of napalm.
I heared a story about a french general inspecting the legion. one of the legion stood out, with his charisma etc, so the general asked him: "what did you do before you joined the legion?" and the legionnaire said "i used to be a general just like you." they did a background check on him and found out it was true.
the maximum age to join the legion is 39 at the moment.
What’s the retirement age?
there are more thirty-somethings than you might think. They have to fight to stay on the level, but they do (like top athletes). Some of them have fought in their national armies before coming, so they have military experience. And they have more life experience and self-knowledge. It's more of an individual destiny at this age. It's part of their tradition. And it works. But I don't know the proportion (they are obviously a minority).
@@juniper617 at least 45 years in theory... if the contracts have a duration of 5 years... but on condition that they remain at the same level... it should be checked.
Roi des Chats Is there a mandatory retirement age, do you know?
@@juniper617 I don' know... look at their web site, maybe. Or ask to legionnaires on forums.
I remember in the Marines delayed entry program, kids being turned away for a simple tattoo like a song note.
Real question: how does a Tennessee boy make it to 15 before shooting a rifle!!
Fr
@@murderc27 ?
@@teller121 For real, seriously!
That terrain in mali makes Afghanistan look like a forest. Damn.
@@l3joint i was picturing a forest in the pacific northwest of the US when i wrote that. I prolly shouldve been more specific.
That's just the gate of the Sahara Desert, northern Mali and above is worse
@Gaza yute where in the fuck did you get that from a conversation about trees? 🤣
I mean they got lots of green forests in Afghanistan lel
To your question about interactions between FFL and other french military units. It's perfectly cohesive and supportive. Even if the FFL stands apart on some traditions and what not, the core training and tactics is part of the french military system.
My cousin is Colonel in the French Foreign Legion (We are French). He has worked and trained with lots of other French units, many European, and American units. There is a clear incentive of having all the military branches work in perfect union, of France but more so all Nato members.
Yes interaction is 0 problems. Only one rule, never, never refuse an offered drink from a legionaire :)
Do you know if the retirement pension is decent after 20years in the legion?
@@steeveneleven its disrespectful to refuse so i understand
I know that US Military and The Legion have different requirements to for recruits. For example I know that in the US Military, if you have asthma one cannot join. Is it true as well for joining the Legion?
In regards to your cousin, I thought French citizens were prohibited from serving in the Legion. Is that just the case for recruits off the street while the officers can be French? Or is your cousin of French descent but not a citizen of France?
I have much respect for the Legion, tough conditions to be in, they are expendable by the French government. I have trained with the French army before and much respect to them as well. Semper Fi!
"On Mars- I mean Mali" I see what you did there!
These guys fought in the Spanish Civil War. Two of my family members who were alive during the Civil War thought joining the Legion would be a fun adventure. By day 2 of training they were found trembling in a corner and sent home. Massive respect to all members of the Legion!
And in fact, most of the legionnaires in 1939 were Spanish because they fled spain but still wanted to fight nationalism.
So glad that the atheist government was cleared out in 1939
@@amiralcookie3221 my family members fled from Spain to Portugal and then tried to join
Tough dicipline is to be taken VERY literal in the legion.
It's not many years ago that officers stopped using force against the soldiers. You'd hear stories of soldiers getting beaten to a pulp, or teeth knocked out from doing barely nothing wrong. 'Dicipline' in the legion is very much diferent than what it used to be, but It's still very tough and physical to this day. Not something you'd see in the US army, or anywhere else in a 1st world country.
The locals are dependent on small forests like that for their livelihood- To get rid of them would be a way of making enemies of the locals. In theSahara it is not easy to pay of locals by the way, since money is hardly used.
Absolutely great documentary. Thank you so much.
Some reflexions here :
- The journalist tries to catch the audience : of course it is not "that" harsh to wake up early, it just emphasizes the "different life" they have than some of the viewers. She is however really embbed with the Legion, and a known "front line journalist" (Claire Paccalin)
- Legion is pretty much very well respected and welcomed amoung fighting units. Trust-worthy in combat is a good way to discribe how others see them.
- Life in that area adapted to those conditions, so civilians usually don't go out around 12.00 to 16.00 if they can. Travel by night and early morning, find a spot, wait until it's cooler. Only people roaming the desert area in full sun have something important to do.
-To keep Hydrated : several options, and sweat is the first one : it is a natural temperature regulator (and basically doesn't really work when in full gear), otherwise, water tanks on trucks, and every piece of shade is good to take.
- "Local people" in that area is not depicting correctly the situation : different tribes, differents famillies, could choose to support one side or the other depending of tribal matters, traditions, religions or political affiliations (jihadist coming from north africa aren't specially appreciated amoung some black-african tribes, especially in Mali/Niger/Tchad; People from the tribe of the ruling president tends to support him and his allies; large mistrust between sedentary and nomad people, etc)
Of course there are money issues, but to see the situation as "who pays more win the locals" is a HUGE mistake. Trying to bribe the wrong guy, or in the wrong way could be a step back.
- Using "Napalm" to torch what little "green" is left on this side of the world, and which is used by local communities as a safe spot to rest (see point 3) would surely turn the locals against you. (Tip : don't use napalm or heavy bombing when you try to securize a zone for a long term, I am sure many exemples will come to you!)
Sorry for the lenght of it!
Thanks for sharing, good info. Not sure why the reporter is being dissed by the guy, she was embedded with the FFL in Mali, did some solid reporting. Kind of a jerk if you asked me, oh well.
@@vincen4228 Culturally sensitive enough to describe himself as the "ugly American" in context, but not even close to "win hearts and minds" attitude. There is a reason why the US wins almost all wars but has a spotted record in winning peace. Post above disects that very well. Very nuanced.
You can join the foreign legion up until 40 as long as you’re physically and mentally fit to do so. Also it’s good for the cohesion of the group to have people of different ages. Generally, I like the concept of giving people from all over the world a chance to restart life. Past is past, you go and show what you can do for France.
There is a Spanish Foreign Legion too. I'm currently listening to an audio book about a fellow Englishman's experience serving with them, his name is Mark Gee and the book is called "The Spanish Foreign Legion: The Bridegroom Of Death"
Fascinating story. Always been in awe with the French Foreign Legion, I didn't even realise the Spanish had a Legion too.
Gunny is constantly commenting about the adverse terrain. 3/4 of Australia looks exactly like that mate ! LoL
ex german army here who served in mali, afghanistan and kosovo
huge respect to the guys who had to go out there into the dirt for days and weeks
i was an MP and especially in mali our main job was securing convois and personal protection for high value targets like politicians and officers
and despite seeing some serious combat in afghanistan mali is by far the worst place i have seen, if you want to know what its like to stand guard in 120 degrees fahrenheit just think about this
imagine a hot summer day wherever you are and you are cooking some food in the oven, when its done you open the thing to get the food out and you will feel the surge of hot air....imagine that heat permanently in full pack (uniform, vest, helmet etc) and thats mali for you
seriously, we should abandon that place, if there is a god he has forsaken it centuries ago
Leider ist die Bundeswehr nicht mehr das was sie mal war...
@@tomnj5832 Ja im 1940 war es ganz supar..
@@guillaumemasclet9315 was ?
@@tomnj5832 🙄
I see a lot of myths about the Legion in the comments :
FFL is fully part of the French army and its regiments are dispatched over several brigades, hence, when deployed, they work with the regular french army on a daily basis up to the company level.
FFL, being part of medium and light brigades, deploy more often than regular regiments affected to heavy brigades (not much high intensity conflict those days). But they're not France "suicide squad" as I've red. Everywhere the Legion is, other regular French combat and support units will be deployed, they will do the same missions, FFL is not a Special Force.
Because of the prestige of the Legion it will get the best officers (regiments are choosed according to your results, best choosing first at the french officer school), and because of its massive recruting pool (the world) it will also get above average recruits. This translate into above average regiments. But you will find equally good and even better regiments in the regular French army. Generally speaking, the quality of the French army is quite homegenous, so the differance is slim anyway.
Because FFL is mainly made of foreigners from all around the world with very different values and lifestyles, the discipline has to be higher than in a regular unit in order to keep it professionnal. Discipline and ease of life in regular french regiments is easier because soldiers are considered more responsible and trustworthy.
Thank you! people think its their escape from serious criminal shit but that isnt true anymore.
👍🏻 It's 2021 not 1923.
_"What is she shocked by that?!"_ - No, she's trying to interview the guy because IT'S HER FUCKING JOB!
Mr. Jamesons, you read my mind when you made a comment at the beginning of the video. I laughed when you said what I was thinking. You are a Legend!
“Let’s jon the French Foreign Legion on Mars...I mean Mali.” 😂😂 That place really looks like Mars actually.
The French legion is very respected in the army.
Rustic, disciplined, experienced and sent on all fronts.
These guys left their native country for france, sometimes because of justice, in the past for adventure, whatever, they are much more respectable than a lot of french people who don’t respect their own country.
Some of them integrate the elite of the regular army, the parachute commando group or the mountain commando group.
They have all our confidence in operations.
Don't use words you don't understand.
Seán O'Nilbud just shut up if not to say something constructive
+1 camarade!
@@teambug1175 Tell me what a rustic military unit is then you fucking illiterate.
@ rusticity / hardiness ?? you don't understand fucking asshole?
One thing you learn early, if the Legion asks, you do, the alternative is never pleasant.
Regarding the heat, it is necessary to hydrate very often. The most difficult is not to be in a desert where it is 50 degrees Celsius because the heat is very dry, but at the seaside with a humid heat. The body gets used to the heat, and I spent the summer (in France) with a sweater because I was cold by 30 degrees celsius;)
Very interesting, this is good to see an american soldier giving his mind about the favourite part of my army!! 💪💪💪 Proud to be French 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷 (From France 🇫🇷)
oui enfin il dit que des conneries ! il a l'air de rien y connaitre.. étonnant. Je découvre la chaîne et franchement décevant de voir le niveau du mec et de ses réflexions..
Here we don't refer to Marines as soldiers; unlike France, they are not part of our army and are actually their own distinct branch.
@Ibentheamazing 18 = חי
@@trespire what?
@@Ibentheamazing Your thumbnail, it means life, and is the number 18. Didn't you know ?
"You could just napalm the bush" dude, how do you think you lost Vietnam?
it's likely his PTSD kicking in.
Dien Bien Phu
There wasn't enough napalm
@@adamtymetz i think he served in the 80s, correct me if im wrong
Plus the evidence of the camp would have been destroyed
Love watching your videos cos your comments are on point and short...thank you
General Norman Schwartzhoff came to our company's anniversary and gave a talk to us about the Military and what they are doing for our country. He told us the French Foreign Legion during Desert Storm watched the one front to help the coalition fight and win the battle there. They did a great job during Desert Storm and The General had all good to say about them. He also told us that they gave him a classified number to call. That if he was ever in trouble to call that number and they would be there to help him. We had our picture taken with General Schwartzhoff. But he sure didn't like what he called, The Playpen down in Washington.
22, joining the marines this year because I don’t want a lifetime of regret!
It's the best experience you'll never want to have again lol! Jk It'll be challenging but when you look back you'll be glad you did it. There's also great pay and tons of benefits. Use your VA home loan to purchase a property when you are able too, best benefit out there!
Do it lad dont look back.. the experiences you'll have?..you honestly couldn't write it hope you do well!!
Get ready for the ride of your life that you will never regret!
check out how the VA is treating the veterans first
Hey! I'm in the same situation! I turn 22 this year but ill joining the military next year close to 23 but hey its still somewhat young enough !
Not sure whether I want to join army, marines or navy.
This was a good one!
I am an Veteran Legionnaire as I've stated in the past. I am also American from the West Coast.
I didn't deploy to Mali in my times. I did deploy to Djibouti and the Congo/DRC.
There's a few things I can comment on here...
First off, most likely Maxime "Little Brother" is not from Belgium.
Next, yeah, do your military service young for sure. The max age for enlistment in the Legion is 39, but there are ways to get around that. I've never seen anyone over 41 join up.
A lot of guys in my days (myself included) we got French girlfriends and had them buy things for us with our money in their name...yes it can be a risk, but its French women and they are much more trust worthy than many other women in the world. If you treat them with respect, there wont be issues. If you were caught though depending on your service history (how good of a Legionnaire you are) and depending on what the offense was, would be anything from 15-45 days in jail to being kicked out. The reasoning behind this is simple...the Legion doesn't want the Legionnaire racking up debts in the early stages (or ever really), nor does the Legion want anyone to become a burden to the nation of France. It is something I wished the US military would adopt. Teaching the young folks about fiscal responsibility and how to avoid debt, ect. is important for a successful warrior!
In my days in the Legion, the French Army was full of conscripted folks. We didn't care for them at all, but ill say this, the Legion was well respected everywhere we went. Especially on Bastille day in Paris!
I never had issues, in fact, I served in the US Army first. Peacetime was boring in the Army, a lot of crap that served no purpose (picking up cig butts, sweeping motor pool, hide in room and play video games, ect)! The Legion offered so much more and they delivered!
Agreed, 100%. The US military tries to hard to enlist a "Perfect" Civilian for the job of "Perfect" warrior! Some of the best Warriors out there are pieces of crap Civilians! The American there, probably joined at 34 or 33. He is a Cpl. so that means at least 2-3 years in.
On deployment, for me it was Ice Cream...always ice cream! Which I made sure I got a hold of when I got back to calvi!
Jason LaComb. Merci pour votre service rendu a la France. Respect et Honneur Guerrier !!
do you have tips for joining the legion? im thinking to join FFL next year
@@marines1934
Well, a lot has changed since I served.
But, I'll tell you this. It's important to be able to integrate into the Legion. So when you are in selection in Aubagne, you will be sent out to do work. Do your best, never complain! When you are not busy, go mingle with other groups (all the languages group up). So yes, hang out in your group, but also go to other groups. Do your best with French! Show them you are excited to be there, show them the best of you!
If you have other skills (Drawing, Painting, Music, ECT), show them off as well!
Volunteer everyone, even if you know it's going to be more work!
And of course be physically fit!
I did everything I suggested for you when I was in selection. I even got horribly sick in selection and had to go to the hospital. The group I had come in with, went to Castel while I was still sick. I was even told I was going home...yet, after I got better, I was selected to go to Castel. I had someone ( a CPL.) Who for whatever reason had seen something in me. So he fought to get me in.
And from then on I did my best to be the best...never finishing any training lower than the top 7!
But, if you should be sent home, come back when they tell you to! Show them how important it is to you!
So, good luck!
Jason LaComb thanks for the tips man, i really appreciate it.
vous étiez dans quelle unité???
I remember when I got out of the Army. A few years later I looked in to going French Foriegn Legion. I watch a Doc on it. You had to buy your own ticket to France and there was no guarantee to get in. I regret not going. You literally knock on the doors and they may or may not let you in lol
There's literally a way to ask them by internet lol
Very interesting video ,thank you very much for explaining it 🙏
Joined when i was 32, alot of young guys barely knew if they even wanted to be there. if you are going to join young, dont half ass your way through training the staff notice all the little shit, if you are joining after 30, I was the oldest guy in basic and could see how much benefit my life experience had given me, use it to your advantage and train twice as hard
@@Daniel-lz9ps oh no i joined the military at 32(combat trade), it was just in resposne to 3:05i
I wonder how that belgian feels about the FFL song. "Le Boudin". Part of the lyrics trash talks Belgium
Lol
@l was wrong about everyhting No. It is about a french expedition against Mexico with which Belgium was in peace. The King of Belgium asked the french government not to send belgium native legionneers to the fight, french government agreed and the belgium legionneers stayed in the caserns while the others take the sea. France and Belgium governments always had very good relations.
« Pour les belges y’en a plus, pour les belges y’en a plus, ce sont des tireurs au cul ! » (For the Belgians there’s no more [boudin], for the Belgians there’s no more, they are [untranslatable, between lazy and cowards])
Maybe he agrees and it’s why he joined the Légion ;)
@l was wrong about everyhting Belges not beige. The song is only teasing the neighbors, you will find quite a few Belgian guys in the Légion.
tien! voila du boudin ! voila du boudin ! voila du boudin !
pour les alsaciens, les suisses, et les lorrains !
pour les belges y an a plus! pour les belgesy an a plus !
se sont des tireur au cul !
pour les belges y an a plus! pour les belges y an a plus !
se sont des tireur au cul !
This guys don't have any accent, he is probably a french native under belgian identity.
Jameson, to your statement about food cravings, when i was on my two submarine deployments they fed us pretty good. But for things like coke, sweet things like candy, they would hit me on a different level. You're so understimulated on these long deployments, that sinple things like long warm showers and sushi, or sunshine if you're on a sub, you're so appreciative of more so than the average person who takes them for granted
I joined the Army in my late 20s and looking back i should have join it soon after high school, still all went good and ended up serving 6 years !!! best years of my life, high speed life with lots of hard work , travel , deployments and crazy vacation times !!! one thing it wasn't never in my thoughts making it a career !!!