The Foreign Legion, another French exception | Reporters • FRANCE 24 English

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  • Опубліковано 26 кві 2018
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    Shrouded in mystery and prestige, the French Foreign Legion is just as feared by its enemies as it is envied by its allies. The legionnaires come from across the world, prepared to fight for a country that is not even their own. In the Legion, they learn to fight in extreme conditions, live together and work as a team. But who are these soldiers and what motivates them? While embedded with the 13th Half-Brigade of the Foreign Legion in Mali, our reporters found out.
    “The Legion is our home” is the motto of the Foreign Legion, the legendary elite branch of the French Army. Africans, Americans, Asians, Europeans, anyone between 17 and 40 years old can sign up to fight for France.
    The Legion was formed in 1831 and, to this day, inspires fascination. From the very start, it earned a reputation for being an army made up of wanted criminals. Today though, the Legion says entry is forbidden to anyone linked to violent crimes, sexual assault or drug-trafficking.
    However, the Legion still gives a chance to those who want to leave their pasts behind, earn a living and serve in an army with one of the best reputations in the world.
    Only one in five hopefuls makes it through the notoriously tough selection tests and once they’re in, the Legionnaires have to agree to a strict set of rules if they are to stay in. They’re punished if they fail to learn French and misunderstand orders.
    Claire Paccalin and Fanny Allard followed the 13th Half-Brigade of the Foreign Legion at their French base and during a counter-terrorism operation in Mali.
    They spent six days camping out in the desert near the border with Niger to find out how the Legion works and what motivates these men to fight for a country that is not their own.
    Maxime, an 18-year-old Belgian, told them why he quit a carpentry apprenticeship to join the Legion. They spoke to Brandon, an American who drives his comrades crazy by playing country music at the barracks. Then there's Sergeant Giacomo, who started out camera-shy but later opened up about being a Legionnaire.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,8 тис.

  • @shpontz
    @shpontz 5 років тому +2106

    I'm a former FFL officer, I served 8 years with the 1st Foreign Cavalry (1er REC), including the first Gulf War, Africa and Bosnia. Glad to share a few facts about the Legion.
    It is important to understand first that the French Military is a very old institution, set as a professional force during the Middle Age, with core values coming from the code du chevalier (“knight’s code”), the Monarchy, Napoleon’s era, colonial empire and the decolonization period, WW1&2 etc. As a result, traditions, corps, missions and commitments are very diverse.
    For centuries, it has been a tradition in France to hire foreign volunteers in specific regiments within the Army framework. French Kings always had foreign troops to their service, usually coming from loyal or controlled vassal states or principalities (Swiss, German, Italian, Belgium etc). The Republic has simply maintained the tradition.
    Almost all officers (90%) of the Légion Etrangére (LE) are French, mostly from Saint-Cyr, except a small proportion coming from the ranks.
    The Legion is made of foreigners, is under regular Army command, with the same equipment and organization. The Legion is not a special force or a militia. It is an elite corps of the French Army with different people and adapted rule of procedure. Within the Army, there is a strong competition between the Legion and the Marines (Troupe de Marine, or “Coloniale” in French, which also belongs to Army).
    Regiments of the Legion are sprat among three Brigades of the Army: the 6th Light Armored Brigade (2nd REI, 1st REC, 1st REG and recently 13th DBLE back from Abu Dhabi), the 11th Parachute Brigade (2nd REP), the 27th Alpine Brigade (2nd REG) and overseas deployment (3rd REI in Guyana and DLEM in Mayotte island). An initial training Regiment (4th RE) and a small administrative and recruitment unit (1st RE) are directly under the command of the Foreign Legion Command (COMLE), headed by a Brigadier or Major General, simply nicknamed “Père Légion” (Father of the Legion…), who reports directly to the Army Chief of Staff
    Legionnaires are ABSOLUTELY NOT mercenaries; they don't fight for money (monthly wage, the "solde", is the same as in the Army), or for ideology, not even for French citizenship, which is difficult to get, unless you are wounded in combat (Français par le sang versé, “French by spilled blood”). They are volunteers under contract, to serve France, a country they hardly know, but they fight for the Legion: the motto is “the Legion is our fatherland” - Legio Patria Nostra in Latin. The Legion offers them a new start, a new identity, a family, with rules, discipline, limits and even a future. Contracting with the Legion does not imply to abandon your first nationality.
    Around 140 different nationalities are represented in this nearly 9000 strong force. On purpose, around 25% are francophone of even French origin but enlisted under a different nationality. All NCOs are from the ranks. Those highly professional NCOs are the true strength of the Legion. Few become officers. Women are not permitted.
    “Honneur et Fidélité” (honor & loyalty) are fundamental values when regular Army motto is “Honneur et Patrie”. A Legionnaire serves with HONOR, and is LOYAL to the Legion.
    In the Legion, traditions are very important, numerous and highly respected. They evolve slowly but regularly and are listed in the Recueil des traditions de la Légion Etrangère, set by a special committee. They include a specific uniform (with the famous Képi Blanc), the Boudin marching song (“We shall soon all perish according to tradition…”), the Code of Honor, slow pace marching and many, many more.
    Criminals are not accepted anymore, and there is a very serious and long check on each candidate, with Interpol assistance. Selection is very harsh, as there are up to 9 candidates for one “seat”, probably the highest rate worldwide for a conventional military force.
    The main strength of the Legion is its unique cohesion, based on people from different culture and background but under French military rule, all ready to start a new life and to fight for their new family: their comrades in arms from the Legion.
    Selection, training and equipment are important, but they would not make the difference without tradition and this “esprit de corps melting-pot”, which is unique to the Légion Etrangère.
    Vive la Légion !
    (long life to the Legion !)

    • @mehlem.kochan
      @mehlem.kochan 5 років тому +16

      Courage pour la fin!

    • @MrBryandu44
      @MrBryandu44 5 років тому +37

      salut, très intéressant ton texte tu m'as appris quelques truc! merci d'avoir pris le temps de développer ce genre de commentaire!

    • @rebekahmcfatridge6691
      @rebekahmcfatridge6691 5 років тому +31

      Ok I know this is going to sound really stupid but what if you join and you don't speak French??? Do they kick you out do you have to speak French as a requirement of joining???

    • @Meownold
      @Meownold 5 років тому +181

      They make you learn it.....quickly.

    • @benny3637
      @benny3637 5 років тому +3

      Rebekah Mcfatridge no

  • @kingravenink
    @kingravenink 6 років тому +775

    "The wake-up call is brutal..."
    *calmly ties laces in complete silence*

    • @NAJOX47
      @NAJOX47 5 років тому +14

      It’s not brutal at al

    • @bcuz8998
      @bcuz8998 5 років тому +84

      Coz they're not loud retards for no reason

    • @adavalos1989
      @adavalos1989 5 років тому +24

      That’s the news for you. Exaggerate anything and everything.

    • @BBP081
      @BBP081 5 років тому +20

      Maybe for the news crew 5am constitutes brutal

    • @_____J______
      @_____J______ 5 років тому +18

      They are trained and paid for silence. But would you civilian call 10 to 14 hours work day in which you walk all day or run with heavy eqpuiment being shot sometimes and then 6 hours sleep time if you get lucky vacations?

  • @blingbling574
    @blingbling574 4 роки тому +148

    Decent Journalism is a rare thing these days, good job.

    • @hawkrolla
      @hawkrolla 2 роки тому

      Well she was embedded after all😆

    • @danielrn133
      @danielrn133 Місяць тому

      Anything you agree with or like is "decent journalism". Anything you don't is crap right?

  • @michaelsix9684
    @michaelsix9684 4 роки тому +340

    If you enter the Legion, survive the training, you have done an incredible feat. The feeling of being with an elite outfit with quite a proud history must be amazing.

    • @user-qj2to1ql7l
      @user-qj2to1ql7l 2 роки тому +2

      คับสวัดดีคับ

    • @derekkearns3377
      @derekkearns3377 Рік тому

      Bastille a glorified imperlist group.

    • @johnm249
      @johnm249 Рік тому

      US Navy SEALS a lot tougher but everyone is a NATO Ally so we love the FFL too

    • @johnm249
      @johnm249 Рік тому +3

      I would have been a perfect Legionaire because I did not get married until I was 44

    • @edwardpearce9668
      @edwardpearce9668 Рік тому

      History they are famous. I know it is a dream of many young teenage men, and was a place to escape or prove yourself if dissatisfied with previous military service elsewhere. But the true history is more like the US in Afghanistan. From Mexico to Vietnam and other conflicts. Unfortunately these failures are due to French colonial policies.

  • @Overlord99762
    @Overlord99762 5 років тому +252

    ''You're Croatian, you don't know country music''
    lmao as a non-American country music lover I loved that part

    • @PrincipeCharro
      @PrincipeCharro 4 роки тому +7

      You don't need to be american to know that Country sucks

    • @Overlord99762
      @Overlord99762 4 роки тому +2

      @@PrincipeCharro it doesn't

    • @Normalguy1690
      @Normalguy1690 4 роки тому +6

      Yugo war songs 😂 u don’t know country music.

  • @santamanone
    @santamanone 4 роки тому +514

    The Tennessean shot his first rifle when he was 15? He must have been a city boy.

    • @RamblinGamblinStan
      @RamblinGamblinStan 4 роки тому +30

      santamanone that’s what I was thinking,and the English reporter was still surprised.

    • @nico-zt9od
      @nico-zt9od 4 роки тому +24

      Im not even American and i shot my first rifle when i was 10

    • @tronaboron2064
      @tronaboron2064 4 роки тому +11

      Tennessee has a city??? What?

    • @pieceofschmidtgames6389
      @pieceofschmidtgames6389 4 роки тому +22

      said he was from nashville so...

    • @YeeheCS
      @YeeheCS 4 роки тому +2

      Question is why would he not join the us army

  • @ronlewis3964
    @ronlewis3964 5 років тому +102

    "you don't feel like talking to me do you?" "No" haha i love that

    • @antidoteify
      @antidoteify 4 роки тому +4

      It was perfect, his express too.

    • @yourmomskitchen3236
      @yourmomskitchen3236 2 роки тому +3

      Yeah, lmfao. Dude needs to work and she's just... THERE.

  • @Swisswoods
    @Swisswoods 4 роки тому +206

    The Legion (with absolute respect from the Alps) has been mentioned as one of the best ever examples of international integration, 100+ nationalities with one idea of family and purpose, all together. Much of the world could learn a lot from them. Vive.

    • @kolerick
      @kolerick 4 роки тому +12

      they probably are the first "world army"...

    • @bhubankumarchhetri3311
      @bhubankumarchhetri3311 Рік тому

      UK , USA & NATO they don’t have enough manpower to recruit in army so they are hiring from Asian & African country .

    • @bayersbluebayoubioweapon8477
      @bayersbluebayoubioweapon8477 Рік тому +1

      I wonder how cities could learn from The Legion.

  • @leecountffl9826
    @leecountffl9826 4 роки тому +173

    I've served 11.4 years in the British Army and have recently left service in July of this year. I did not not want to leave but I came to the end of my contract, I can still soldier and looking further my military career. I've discussed it with my folks obviously they were a little concerned at first but there fine with it now so I'm enlisting in the Foreign Legion on New year's day 2020. I'm excited!

    • @teller1290
      @teller1290 4 роки тому +3

      Ouch...starting allllll over.

    • @ChachouLP
      @ChachouLP 3 роки тому +8

      Lee count ffl ,
      Are you a legionnaire now ?
      Greetings from France :)

    • @leecountffl9826
      @leecountffl9826 3 роки тому +6

      @@ChachouLP unfortunately not yet still in the British Army.

    • @ChachouLP
      @ChachouLP 3 роки тому +1

      @@leecountffl9826 why ?

    • @leecountffl9826
      @leecountffl9826 3 роки тому +8

      @@ChachouLP I tried to enlist new years day 2020, I lasted 24hrs, however they gave me a second attempt. In the meantime coronavirus happened so I'm back in the British Army, and I waiting to try again, your a Miss I presume?

  • @tonyhawk94
    @tonyhawk94 3 роки тому +49

    Fun fact : The legion was founded by one of Napoleon's best Marshal, the Marshall Soult who was the main artisan of the iconic victory of Austerlitz against the Russian and Austrian army. :)

    • @lirazel2001
      @lirazel2001 2 роки тому

      Thank you for the heads-up!

    • @paulmcdonough1093
      @paulmcdonough1093 Рік тому

      and surrendered to the british and wellington

    • @tonyhawk94
      @tonyhawk94 Рік тому +2

      @@paulmcdonough1093 No he didn't he was never decisevely beaten by Wellington nor captured.

    • @Cerratoman
      @Cerratoman Рік тому +1

      ​@@tonyhawk94 he loses in Toulousse against British,Portugal,Spain combinate army.
      I didn't have idea he founded Legion.

  • @ricardomartin6961
    @ricardomartin6961 4 роки тому +43

    I'm from Argentina, I always was fascinated by the FFL. I'm training hoping one day be part of them

  • @bobjohnson9820
    @bobjohnson9820 5 років тому +53

    I had worked with Legionaries during my time in the military and enjoyed meeting and working with true professional Soldiers.

  • @davidlefranc6240
    @davidlefranc6240 3 роки тому +22

    good french camaraderie from around the world and im proud of them! much love from quebec canada!

  • @isaiahgrey2458
    @isaiahgrey2458 4 роки тому +36

    Massive respect to France from Montana!

    • @georgedelanoy9548
      @georgedelanoy9548 3 роки тому +4

      Thanks you , for my myself I am going to join French army tomorrow in infantry of marines. 🇫🇷🇺🇸

    • @isaiahgrey2458
      @isaiahgrey2458 3 роки тому +2

      @@georgedelanoy9548 Thank you for that tremendous commitment!

    • @angelicupstart1977
      @angelicupstart1977 3 роки тому

      None of them are French 😉

    • @motmot8879
      @motmot8879 3 роки тому +2

      @@angelicupstart1977 actually most are, you get the nationality when you serve for the legion

    • @sukaira9334
      @sukaira9334 2 роки тому +1

      @@angelicupstart1977 when joining the FFL you become french. they treat your background like you were born the day before you joined up. for all intents and purposes, they are French.

  • @shusterandy
    @shusterandy 5 років тому +691

    I've realized I've learned more history lessons watching UA-cam and reading comment sections then I actually have learned in school.
    Edit: Wow I didn't expect this many likes thank you all. But I do learn some interesting stuff that people say on here.

    • @iCANT_BELIEVE_YOU_SAID_THAT
      @iCANT_BELIEVE_YOU_SAID_THAT 5 років тому +4

      Same.

    • @jerrymail
      @jerrymail 4 роки тому +16

      My learning of history owes more to my readings of specialized books and videos than to school. I did not learn anything at school, the lessons were poorly thought, boring and without interest.

    • @Jemi8288
      @Jemi8288 4 роки тому +8

      You dont just learn historical facts in school. You should receive a critical thinking regarding the creation of our concept of history. Additionally you should learn how to research historical facts and their handling in the historical discourse.

    • @jerrymail
      @jerrymail 4 роки тому

      @Chewbacca I talk about Middle School and High School in France. The History Lessons are really, really bad and uninteresting.

    • @jerrymail
      @jerrymail 4 роки тому +2

      @Chewbacca I must admit, my teachers were very boring, they were only reciting endless lists of dates without ever explaining anything, without "telling" History. My passion comes from movies, and that's why I became an author, especially about the American Civil War (that may seem a strange choice for a French :-D )

  • @walex5462
    @walex5462 5 років тому +343

    This unit saw some very fierce combat about a month or so after this video was filmed. Sadly there were miltiple wounded, but luckily no legionnaires were lost. They won the day after a hard fought battle and should be commended.

    • @squakrock
      @squakrock 4 роки тому +8

      Source?

    • @luisortiz-yn4me
      @luisortiz-yn4me 3 роки тому +1

      No source , completely made up lmfaooooooo , ppl will do anythin for likes lol

    • @thepny_chasseur_de_tricera5361
      @thepny_chasseur_de_tricera5361 2 роки тому +7

      @@luisortiz-yn4me you only need to search 2 year ago legion work in French ministre of interior

    • @louisboyer837
      @louisboyer837 Рік тому

      @@luisortiz-yn4me seems like someone is jealous from our military :)

    • @luisortiz-yn4me
      @luisortiz-yn4me Рік тому

      @@louisboyer837 lol

  • @kronhertz4956
    @kronhertz4956 6 років тому +116

    "LEGIO PATRIA NOSTRA"
    Great report. I would love to see more videos like this in the future.

  • @nancyhobson9710
    @nancyhobson9710 5 років тому +45

    The French Foreign Legion: you did and do a great job. You're tough and get the job done. Greetings and respect from Australia

    • @natewatl9423
      @natewatl9423 4 роки тому

      Find the lowest form of human being, then look "down under" and you'll find weaponised prostitutes of the FFL sleeping alongside Kellog-Brown& Root (KBR) prostitutes .The world's biggest "JOHN" (USA) calls them "contractors."

  • @normandy1140
    @normandy1140 3 роки тому +47

    When I graduated from college in 2000, I had heard of the Legion. But I went ahead and joined the U.S Army. Went to 82nd ABN, did the Afghanistan thing. I've had a great life since then. I admit though, looking back, I think I would have liked being in the Legion. As one woman reporter said years ago, its the last great adventure for men.

    • @psotos
      @psotos 3 роки тому +3

      It is much better to have served in the 82nd bro. We are a bigger family!

    • @jameshepler62
      @jameshepler62 2 роки тому +12

      @@psotos Compared to the Legion, the 82nd isn’t a family at all.
      They aren’t kidding when they say … “The Legion is our Homeland.” Or they swear in their Oath that their comrades are their brothers.
      Ask Gen Swartzkopf when they made him an Honorary Legionnaire. They literally gave him a card with a phone number… “If you ever get in any trouble anywhere in the world any time, call the number. We’ll come & get you.” Let’s see the 82nd do that.

    • @psotos
      @psotos 2 роки тому +2

      @@jameshepler62 you’ve clearly not been in the 82nd. My brothers in arms support me even now and I’ve been out 35 years. We meet up at paratrooper gatherings, we meet up on Facebook and then link up in person. I am part of a special brotherhood that is respected worldwide. I’ve parachuted into Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D Day and smoked cigars and drank beers with my fellow paratroopers some of whom parachuted into Normandy in 1944. Stay silent you know nothing.

    • @jameshepler62
      @jameshepler62 2 роки тому +12

      @@psotos I was in Special Ops & was in & out of Bragg all the time. I know more than you think.
      You are an exception, not the rule. In the Legion, Brotherhood is literally the rule, not the exception.
      The key is probably, you’ve been out 35 years. Not saying it wasn’t like that then. But it’s different now, and changing downward by the day sadly.
      The military is becoming a political toy. And the newer succeeding generations are more about themselves than “Duty, Honor, Country.”
      The Legion doesn’t have that problem it swears primary loyalty to itself & its members.
      It’s not just one unit is like that. It’s the entire organization, every Regiment & Battalion. They are next level to most of the world’s militaries.

    • @psotos
      @psotos 2 роки тому +2

      @@jameshepler62 What units were you in?

  • @leecount8421
    @leecount8421 6 років тому +471

    I have 17 months left in the British Military and once I'm finished here, I'm going to join the Legion.

    • @loresh1000
      @loresh1000 5 років тому +48

      i hope you will suceed, i want to join french air force

    • @leecount8421
      @leecount8421 5 років тому +13

      Loris thanks, you too.

    • @connorwoodward6930
      @connorwoodward6930 5 років тому +18

      I wanted to go into the Paras, the army picked up something on my medical records and they said no to my appeal. I start training for the RAF Regiment in December/January, but the role of the RAF Regiment is not one I want to do, so I'll do my three years then join the FFL

    • @EIREriddick13
      @EIREriddick13 5 років тому +1

      Lee Count
      Where do you serve in the British Military?

    • @bigman25plus25
      @bigman25plus25 5 років тому +12

      Why? (genuinely curious)

  • @American-Nobody
    @American-Nobody 4 роки тому +162

    I'm a US Marine, I heard an active duty Legionnaire once say, "We fight for the Legion, not France." Of course all warriors say we fight for the man next to you but this wasn't just what he was talking about, he was talking about the Legionnaire's mind set as a whole.

    • @Raisonnance.
      @Raisonnance. 4 роки тому +25

      They fight for France even if they don't want.

    • @francinesicard464
      @francinesicard464 4 роки тому +35

      The Legion is the only part of the French military that does not swear allegiance to France, but to the Foreign Legion itself.[

    • @nikolatomic5287
      @nikolatomic5287 3 роки тому +5

      @@francinesicard464 it' pointless to ask them to swear allegiance to france. they do not have patriotism for france.

    • @vonb2792
      @vonb2792 3 роки тому +7

      In the 1960's they tried a Coup D'État... by trying to assasinate the French President over not ''bringing back the bodies of the fallen legionaire of the Algerian wars''... So DeGaule forced the incorporation of the Legion into the French Army and the people trying to stage the assasination were removed for ever

    • @jmb2140
      @jmb2140 3 роки тому +23

      @@francinesicard464 1 - Legionary, you are a volunteer, serving France with honor and fidelity. Art. 2 - Each legionnaire is your brother in arms, whatever their nationality, race or religion. You always show him the close solidarity which must unite the members of the same family.

  • @jardindelafontaine7785
    @jardindelafontaine7785 6 років тому +429

    "When the terrorist sees the foreign legion, he does not sing anymore."

    • @lion1368
      @lion1368 6 років тому +15

      nimes 00030 no he dances instead

    • @jslfcs7087
      @jslfcs7087 6 років тому +39

      Liam Hare He dances with death.

    • @Kingleazard
      @Kingleazard 5 років тому +22

      Who cares about the color of your sockets? Same with the skin. And if you hate our Soccer because it is too black for you; check your NBA first.

    • @aesirknight9202
      @aesirknight9202 5 років тому +19

      but there are also too much terrists in France, we shall call back the Legion, they'll have more work here than in Mali . Terrorists strike almost every week now in France, and governement just says "they are not from ISIS so don't worry" .... what a joke , execute these traitors !

    • @robertwagner6183
      @robertwagner6183 5 років тому

      @@aesirknight9202 france is the terrorist!

  • @rosshaslett362
    @rosshaslett362 5 років тому +60

    The legion is what it is, The embodiment of dedication to an ideal no matter what the cost

    • @natewatl9423
      @natewatl9423 4 роки тому +3

      Weaponized prostitution, dedication to demonic ideals'. That's what it is.

    • @tigertank3024
      @tigertank3024 4 роки тому +12

      Natewatl omg stfu snowflakes

  • @WestTNConfed
    @WestTNConfed 6 років тому +282

    Very interesting that someone from my home state of Tennessee traveled half way around the world and ends up with the FFL. Wow!

    • @blitzkrieg459
      @blitzkrieg459 6 років тому +15

      [90thIN] Seth Prather lol I’m from Nashville too, and I was what?! That’s amazing the diversity of the unit.

    • @gulfrelay2249
      @gulfrelay2249 6 років тому +3

      blitzkrieg459 turned down for D.U.I? ridiculous. I had a coworker who failed a background check to scoop up sand!B.P. oil spill.

    • @patrickmcshane7658
      @patrickmcshane7658 5 років тому +2

      Astro Mars
      is he Alan Seeger?

    • @Dunning.Kruger
      @Dunning.Kruger 5 років тому +5

      2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment from Fayetteville Ga 30214

    • @fredericr7867
      @fredericr7867 5 років тому +1

      Some americans don't respect us... They are A best Army

  • @colingoldthorpe5918
    @colingoldthorpe5918 5 років тому +39

    Much respect for the Legion, very dedicated and well-trained fighting force, to mock is to not know who or what they are. Met many of them years ago, very dedicated and extremely professional.

  • @jed-henrywitkowski6470
    @jed-henrywitkowski6470 5 років тому +9

    The tone of there cadence, their marching posture, and then it leads into dropping to the knew, (5:13) and then being commanded to open fire! Wow, such emotion, beautiful videography!

  • @tennesseeridgerunner5992
    @tennesseeridgerunner5992 4 роки тому +22

    Way to go Corporal Brandon! Representin' the Volunteer State of Tennessee for the Legion! VIVE LA FRANCE from Tennessee!

  • @mfarl2001
    @mfarl2001 5 років тому +44

    Read up on the Legions service at Bir Hakeim 1942 a fight to be remembered for ever!

    • @ceciletokarev3689
      @ceciletokarev3689 4 роки тому +3

      It was the 13eDBLE, the same legion unit of this broadcast

  • @danielpatrick3761
    @danielpatrick3761 5 років тому +17

    Got total respect for the Legion and its soldiers. Real espirit de corps. Proper martial ideals.

  • @kcass72
    @kcass72 5 років тому +38

    Thank you France for the help 👍🏻🇺🇸

  • @navneethetaanful
    @navneethetaanful 5 років тому +43

    The Italian Sergeant looks so sad leaving the Legion !

  • @Ggwp15mins
    @Ggwp15mins 6 років тому +283

    Vive la france, vive la legion etrangere.

    • @black_eagle_7559
      @black_eagle_7559 4 роки тому

      @@andrewleonard475 take a look at the history of the foreign legion moron

    • @charlesdecharleville6287
      @charlesdecharleville6287 4 роки тому +1

      @@andrewleonard475 a lot of army around the world say it.

    • @andrewleonard475
      @andrewleonard475 4 роки тому +2

      @@black_eagle_7559 Oh yes, the foreign legion is proof that the french army is so bad at fighting that they need foreigners to do it for them.

    • @black_eagle_7559
      @black_eagle_7559 4 роки тому

      @@andrewleonard475 XDDDD not just because of history, you know ? Colony etc ? Just because take locals fighting for us is better than taking metropolitans troups and send them in asia, africa or old time, america, learn history no ? The metro troops are capable too, ur just a hater of our army, Keep crying moron

    • @black_eagle_7559
      @black_eagle_7559 4 роки тому +1

      @@andrewleonard475 the metro troops are the regulars, non foreigners, sorry, il was thinking that you have a brain, but mostly of french bashers dont know how to use it sorry for that

  • @utpalwailong4913
    @utpalwailong4913 4 роки тому +16

    Fascinating . Really admire the individuals who choose to join the Legion.

  • @amramjose
    @amramjose 4 роки тому +34

    Much respect and admiration to the Legion from the USA! Vive L'France!

  • @shadow-Sun
    @shadow-Sun 5 років тому +27

    A great outfit The Legion are exceptionally well trained professional soldiers their history is facinating and honourable (some would argue that point ) but I have nothing but respect for these men and this branch of the French armed forces .

  • @kiankoonlim6536
    @kiankoonlim6536 5 років тому +22

    FFL reminds me of Spartan. They are trained solely to fight enemies with strict disciplines, without fear of death and loyalty to one cause only. They deserved a lot of respect.

    • @KonEl-BlackZero
      @KonEl-BlackZero 5 років тому +5

      The spartan "way of the warrior" is a myth but the Legion is real

    • @aesirknight9202
      @aesirknight9202 5 років тому

      actually, most armies are supposed to work like that .

    • @rawradio9549
      @rawradio9549 5 років тому +3

      @@aesirknight9202 "Supposed" is the key part of your sentence.

  • @CrazyMonkeyKid7
    @CrazyMonkeyKid7 6 років тому +180

    Met some french soldiers in Africa. They are insane. Hope I cant meet some FFL

    • @JohnDouille
      @JohnDouille 4 роки тому +17

      Yes, I think in term of training the french army may be the best in the world.

    • @Chungus581
      @Chungus581 4 роки тому

      Obi-Wan Kenobi definitely not lol

    • @gregmcfaul3657
      @gregmcfaul3657 4 роки тому

      Why not?

    • @johan4310
      @johan4310 4 роки тому +5

      @@Chungus581 Well, he's right bro, don't understimate france

    • @ohpatriote5622
      @ohpatriote5622 4 роки тому +2

      France and his army still in Africa...since 2 centuries

  • @jonatan100402
    @jonatan100402 6 років тому +27

    I am a french expat, and I would give "my kingdom for a can of Navarrin d'agneau" :-)

  • @SgtSayWhat
    @SgtSayWhat 4 роки тому +32

    Lot of respect for the French army and Foreign Legion

  • @CMASKV
    @CMASKV 6 років тому +63

    Respected job

    • @natewatl9423
      @natewatl9423 4 роки тому

      Weaponized prostitution is not to be respected.

  • @bravoapk276
    @bravoapk276 5 років тому +15

    Vive la France! Thanks guys for served .We were part of NATO task forces 234 mixed up of Foreign Legions all Man were great & respected .We all were in Afghan rohilla parts most terrorist operation here .but Dueto tough French guys all went through well .Miss you all guys .👍

  • @randallpetroelje3913
    @randallpetroelje3913 5 років тому +3

    Tres bien! Absolutely brilliant and badass. Informative and precise

  • @hipflask
    @hipflask 5 років тому +6

    Awesome vid. Very informative

  • @davidroldan9423
    @davidroldan9423 5 років тому +31

    Im scot english and very proud normandy french

  • @AlternityGM
    @AlternityGM 6 років тому +14

    While not the only elite French military unit, the Foreign Legion certainly is one of the best in the world & with a long record of experience. They're often the first to fight for France in foreign lands.Not sure when this documentary was made but looks relatively recent. It seems the FFL have new standard assault rifles. Also I'm glad they didn't adopt the digital camo pattern which is seems to be all the range nowadays. In practice, they found the digital camo isn't as effective as the more traditional camo styles.

    • @aoj-iy9fz
      @aoj-iy9fz Рік тому

      True. The regular French army uses a BDU-style pattern so it makes sense the Foreign Legion also uses it as they are not Special Forces who sometimes use MultiCam. The French Army has decided to continue shying from digital when they announced a new pattern for 2024 that is based on MultiCam.

  • @canadiandrumer
    @canadiandrumer 5 років тому +12

    I like the wagon fort style encampment

  • @blaircalvin5025
    @blaircalvin5025 5 років тому +9

    Great reporting Claire👍

  • @clown7841
    @clown7841 4 роки тому +4

    My father always admire this fighting force.

  • @tomseggie9929
    @tomseggie9929 4 роки тому +11

    He will never feel like civilian again.

  • @gnedelcu7
    @gnedelcu7 4 роки тому +6

    Paix!
    Nous vous remercions pour ce video
    Ce corps d'elite est vraiment une legende.
    Bucuresti, RO

  • @valhalla_7778
    @valhalla_7778 5 років тому +5

    Admirable Work

  • @irishjw
    @irishjw 6 років тому +34

    Thing I found funny was the Legion make sure everyone speaks French. I was standing next to a fellow soldier who complained out platoon Sargent would not talk to you unless you spoke Spanish.

  • @Kiwionwing
    @Kiwionwing 6 років тому +90

    My sons friend Lorenzo died last year with them. Extremely sad

    • @blaisebravo6797
      @blaisebravo6797 6 років тому +58

      Lorenzo Rodriguez, South African from the Bluff in Durban. I served with him too. we played rugby for the French Army together RIP bru

    • @teller1290
      @teller1290 5 років тому +6

      I know it's personal but can you tell where it happened? Mali or some other terrorist pit? Sad but honorable.

    • @jivasasha
      @jivasasha 5 років тому +2

      rip

    • @enricoroutabille7943
      @enricoroutabille7943 5 років тому +8

      Je suis desole , Monsieur pour la perte du fils de votre ami .
      SVP . Dites lui Merci et si je peux me permettre , dites lui aussi qu il est certainement en tres bonne compagnie et qu il peut etre fier de lui .
      Un Francais .

    • @chicodecoster
      @chicodecoster 5 років тому +13

      @@blaisebravo6797 May your Legionnaire Brother Rest in Paradise. I have lost to many Military Brothers that I served with in both the U.S. Marine Corps and in the U.S. Army. Much Respect.

  • @davismathis845
    @davismathis845 5 років тому +7

    As an American I’d never join a foreign Military but these people got balls that most people don’t have.

    • @robertcottam8824
      @robertcottam8824 Рік тому

      But as an American, the only way for you to join a decent military is to enlist in a foreign one.
      There can't be much pride in being in an army that just loses all the time: Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Cuba, Korea...
      Best wishes

  • @michealfriedman7084
    @michealfriedman7084 2 роки тому +19

    Je me suis retiré après 20 ans au Corps maritime des États-Unis. Merci pour votre service, Beaucoup de respect.

  • @dennisriblett4622
    @dennisriblett4622 5 років тому +2

    I Attended the #7 French Commando School at Breisach in 1977 as a member of a Platoon made up of Scouts and Infantry from E-TRP 1ST AND 10TH CAV , We were at Wiesbaden out of Fort Carson as a Strike Force and I was there for 30 months ,The Cadre were all Ex -Legionnaires ....I must admit it was a hell of a lot of Fun !

    • @barrycalvert9336
      @barrycalvert9336 5 років тому

      Hello Dennis, i also spent a week at Breisach around 1980 when i was in a British tank regiment attending the commando course. There was also French troops and American troops taking part.
      My lasting memories were the high rope course, and being told not to raise the union jack flag before the French tricolour on the morning parade, looking back i really enjoyed the week.

    • @gabrielmondragon7124
      @gabrielmondragon7124 2 роки тому

      How often did you smash broads?

  • @Kasyom
    @Kasyom 5 років тому +179

    I don't like sand. It's coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere.

  • @flowerofash4439
    @flowerofash4439 5 років тому +16

    Mr. Johnny English doing his best 2:33

  • @loganbaileysfunwithtrains606
    @loganbaileysfunwithtrains606 2 роки тому +2

    “It’s alarming their equipment is so old” lmao 40 year old trucks in military service are still basically brand new, guy would have a stroke to find out how old the M2 browning is

  • @mrpeel3239
    @mrpeel3239 6 років тому +3

    Great segment!

  • @pasquinomarforio
    @pasquinomarforio 5 років тому +10

    As a U.S. Marine, my most cherished memories of the FFL are getting into bar fights with FFL guys. We usually started by asking, "How many French divisions does it take to defend Paris?" The answer is, of course, is that no one knows because it's never been done before.
    But there was always a non-verbal agreement, never ever spoken through the years, that the fights wouldn't break bones or incapacitate each other. We all wanted to wake up the next morning prepared to fight the real common enemy.

  • @user-id3uj3db6o
    @user-id3uj3db6o 4 роки тому +3

    Respect from ROK.
    True soldiers, sound mind in a sound body

  • @oranjelicht
    @oranjelicht Рік тому +2

    my uncle was 18 years in the legion, one cousin 18 months and another one 3 years

  • @MisteriosGloriosos922
    @MisteriosGloriosos922 2 роки тому

    *Thanks for posting this video!!!*

  • @brettlaw920
    @brettlaw920 4 роки тому +4

    Legendary.

  • @camiloparada9529
    @camiloparada9529 5 років тому +6

    I served in the U.S Marine Corps and now im getting ready to join the FFL can any others with similar experience tell a bit about how it compares?

    • @johnhansen2187
      @johnhansen2187 5 років тому

      I heard another legionnaire in a different video say that the legion is a little slack on inspections compared to the Marines. I think an ex Marien would find it easier than an ex-army or Airforce guy. That is just my opinion, I was never in the legion, and I'm' 86 so no chance now.

    • @elijahbarely9885
      @elijahbarely9885 5 років тому +3

      Bravo Bruh! I’m getting out of the U.S. Navy and after spending a couple months in my home State I’m gunna book a flight to France to join. Hopefully I see you there!

    • @billmorrison9068
      @billmorrison9068 2 роки тому

      Two years later, how was your experience?

  • @ferdinandmiranda899
    @ferdinandmiranda899 4 роки тому +1

    I didn't know that they're unique & diverse. Thanks for the educational & informational upload.

  • @exposingproxystalkingorgan4164
    @exposingproxystalkingorgan4164 2 роки тому +1

    This documentary video is good and very informative.

  • @timothymartino4716
    @timothymartino4716 6 років тому +106

    Love France from America longest Ally

    • @blackfenbldr9178
      @blackfenbldr9178 6 років тому +12

      Timothy Martino since the first days of your country as a free country

    • @titi710
      @titi710 5 років тому +7

      so why all the surrendering mocking. we don't do this like the USA didn't won a war since 1945 and recently cowrdly left the battlefield in syria.
      I dont speak directly to you but french bashing isn't worth it, it's brainwashing to me. i hope some day americans get an idea or self crtic and make their own mind aminds a wr without political influence like Trump's

    • @valmeysien9680
      @valmeysien9680 5 років тому +10

      @@titi710 The man you are responding to does not deserve that type of criticism. In the US many love France and many despise France. That's the way it is. Timothy Martino should not be held responsible for something he did not do nor expressed since he obviously loves France.

    • @Alexander-zt9kz
      @Alexander-zt9kz 4 роки тому

      @@titi710 US has only " lost " the Vietnam war after withdrawing because it was pointless. Every other war was won; Afghanistan, Iraq, you name it

    • @brynotar
      @brynotar 4 роки тому +2

      @@Alexander-zt9kz I'm interested in knowing what your definition of winning a war is? The Korean war wasn't exactly a victory and Afghanistan is definitely not a victory.

  • @Nipit-po8fl
    @Nipit-po8fl 5 років тому +13

    Brandon fighting for democracy. Very rare situation he's in. Thanks bro

  • @Nosurrender115
    @Nosurrender115 5 років тому +14

    My grandfather served in the French foreign legion.

  • @MrAutore
    @MrAutore 4 роки тому +8

    I wanted to join the Legionnaires as a kid but when I did JROTC in the US I realized I was not cut out for any kind of military service!

    • @Bringmeoneofthosechickens
      @Bringmeoneofthosechickens 4 роки тому +6

      Don't worry bro. They dropped don't ask, don't tell. You can still be gay and join the Army

  • @rudeone4life
    @rudeone4life 6 років тому +3

    Mad Respect!

  • @scottcarter512
    @scottcarter512 5 років тому +5

    Respect !

  • @dmjaxun9848
    @dmjaxun9848 4 роки тому +3

    3:16 Can't believe I've been that close to the FFL base, been over that bridge

  • @hmoobmeeka
    @hmoobmeeka 5 років тому +7

    I regret not trying out for the french foreign legion when I was younger

  • @ademmalik3388
    @ademmalik3388 3 роки тому +6

    Kudos to the French Foreign Legion..,so reminiscent of "SPQR," of very long ago.

  • @Kingleazard
    @Kingleazard 5 років тому +14

    " La Legion Etrangere " Best army in the world. period.

  • @country3608
    @country3608 2 роки тому +2

    Great, Great Video and you have to thank these folks in this elite Force, I've heard about them that there one hell of fighting force! 👍⭐️🏹⚔️

  • @PasDeBrasFR
    @PasDeBrasFR 5 років тому +6

    Quelle fierté pour la France !

  • @davidwadsworth8982
    @davidwadsworth8982 5 років тому +3

    Exceptional Soldiers.Long long basic, tough and so motivated.Would not like to be a bad guy and engage them in a fire fight.

  • @AaronfromEngland1989
    @AaronfromEngland1989 6 років тому +4

    Respected by many the legion.

  • @mac1975
    @mac1975 6 років тому +14

    LPN Legionnaire une jour Legionnaire toujours..

  • @llorensl
    @llorensl 6 років тому +83

    Claire Pacalin was "embedded" with the legionaries. It's a miracle that she can still walk.

  • @chiccomazrui9168
    @chiccomazrui9168 3 роки тому +7

    im kenyan and when my country was mentioned i feel so inspired cause I want to join too reply if you are from E.A

    • @psychout3481
      @psychout3481 2 роки тому

      Imagine wishing to join a French mercenary group which maintains French imperialism in Africa, especially as an African yourself. These Foreign Legions have been caught bombing Malian weddings, killing 19 and getting away with it. And here you are trying to join them? As if all those anti-France protests in Western Africa, be in be in Mali or CAR, weren't enough to open your eyes.

    • @fabs8498
      @fabs8498 Рік тому

      @@psychout3481 troll

  • @gaetaboss_mattj3047
    @gaetaboss_mattj3047 5 років тому +10

    Respect à la Légion!

    • @natewatl9423
      @natewatl9423 4 роки тому

      Sorry, mate, but weaponised prostitution is nothing to respect.

  • @sundowner998
    @sundowner998 4 роки тому +3

    These are very good men doing a very important job.

  • @TwoFistsOneHalleluja
    @TwoFistsOneHalleluja 6 років тому +49

    So many kiddies dropping surrender jokes in this comment section.

  • @petemcdonald8894
    @petemcdonald8894 5 років тому +14

    Met some of the guys on R&R in Cyprus and having done time where they had just been serving I was impressed with their behaviour in front of civilians on holiday. Reminded me of how well diciplined the Gurkhas are. .... Except the Legion like the vodka :) - cost me :)

  • @roshanthakur8081
    @roshanthakur8081 6 років тому +319

    I want join FFL but get France visa verry hard for Nepalese... Higher costs for visa iam a middle class family.... So for me hard but i do hard work and collect money..... I join FFL .... That's my dream..

    • @lioneliv3195
      @lioneliv3195 6 років тому +50

      Roshan Thakur maybe visit the french embassy in Nepal to ask them some questions

    • @roshanthakur8081
      @roshanthakur8081 6 років тому +21

      I already try Embassy they want bank statement , that's my problems i have no lot money

    • @thatdutchguy2882
      @thatdutchguy2882 6 років тому +85

      Roshan Thakur Get a tourist visa,...go to France, join the Legion.

    • @hammerdown184
      @hammerdown184 6 років тому +8

      PM me

    • @345675387
      @345675387 6 років тому +41

      Go Gurkha

  • @radiolefantome8936
    @radiolefantome8936 Рік тому

    Ah my gramps was apparently in the legion.Proud granddaughter. I still never found out that much about him.still luv you.

  • @liamh6225
    @liamh6225 4 роки тому +2

    a lot of great guys there

  • @mrznjaljubav3014
    @mrznjaljubav3014 5 років тому +5

    RESPECT TO FFL!

  • @SAIKODA777
    @SAIKODA777 5 років тому +3

    I have so much respect for them, but it's kinda sad because when there's no one else to go upfront against the enemies the legions the first to go and get shot.

  • @tacitusthehistories5417
    @tacitusthehistories5417 3 роки тому +1

    My mom had me shooting paper targets at 6 years old with a Ruger 22 rifle from the sitting position. Mom was a Marine! So was dad! I served 27years. I'm 72.

  • @8aleph
    @8aleph 6 років тому +27

    The Legion is firstand last a brotherhood of the most professional Soldiers on Earth. they owe loyalty to their fellow Legionaires.

    • @natewatl9423
      @natewatl9423 4 роки тому

      A brotherhood of male prositutes showing "loyalty to their fellow prostitutes."

    • @natewatl9423
      @natewatl9423 4 роки тому

      @UMBRELLA CORPORATION mercenaries are the lowest form of human life, with the exception of those who go into business to hire and sell them as groups. Or in this case France, as an archaic holdover from the 18th and earlier centuries when so-called governments or rulers either purchased
      or pressed foreigners or their own citizens into units which they then used themselves, or sold to others The most dishonest word used by the United States government in the past 20 years is the term contractors in reference to its mercenaries. What is more, the term is a contradiction of the United States Treasury definition of a contractor as the individual or business entity that contracts with another entity. These bloodthirsty armed assailants acting as agents of the United States, I am certain, do not have individual contracts with the United States but are properly termed subcontractors because of the evil doing entities, be they Partnerships or corporations, that gather them together and do in fact have contracts with the United States government.
      So much for my rant against the United States of America. As for France, the practice of creating false identities is nothing short of organized crime, but then France has shown itself as willing to sell weaponry to enemies of innocent nations or even it's so-called allies -- so why is it a surprise that they maintain a cadre of armed individuals who are willing to enter into a Faustian relationship with the laughably idealized nation of Liberty equality and fraternity? Show me another so-called nation that has had so many different changes of government and type of government since the year 1750. To be honest, I think that the reformed nation of Germany that has improved itself so well as a freedom-loving nation since VE day and denazification should be given rule over France, the so-called birthplace of modern democracy.

    • @frederic4844
      @frederic4844 4 роки тому +2

      Natewatl
      Are you another one of these Putin’s troll ?

    • @gregmcfaul3657
      @gregmcfaul3657 4 роки тому +1

      @@natewatl9423 we do the shite so you can sleep safe you ungrateful pos

    • @sisamusudroka3000
      @sisamusudroka3000 3 роки тому +1

      @@natewatl9423 obvious troll is a troll

  • @rogerscott8211
    @rogerscott8211 5 років тому +4

    the legion looks very cool to join

  • @nice4615
    @nice4615 5 років тому +11

    did you know that if you get injured by the enemy you can get a free french citezenship

    • @guguss3804
      @guguss3804 5 років тому +5

      Nice Yep, It’s called « French by spilled blood »

    • @jamesdoermann233
      @jamesdoermann233 4 роки тому +1

      Nice Well you’re serving as a French foreign Legion as soon as your five-year commitment is that you also become a citizen if you desire

  • @HICKSKE
    @HICKSKE 2 роки тому +1

    4 month deployments and led by a Sergeant? Not one lieutenant in sight? Sign me up.

  • @andrewgoetzsche8858
    @andrewgoetzsche8858 2 роки тому

    Good job well done fab reporting