How the French Foreign Legion Helps Veterans Cope with Life after War

[@visayzepascal6736]

On June 5, 2003, Siegfried Freytag, the man with 102 victories, is buried with military honors in the military square of the Puyloubier cemetery. In addition to the military honors owed to a former legionnaire, the director of the institution addressed the deceased saying to him: "My commander, your glorious past in German aviation will not be forgotten". On the decorations cushion, in addition to the French decorations, was the Ritterkreuz. An officer representing the Luftwaffe was present.

[@dantirk4560]

Thank you for saying that, I had the honor of serving him while on detail there as a recruit in red phase. I will never forget how beautiful it was, the peacocks, the surrounding scenery, feeding the pigs the left overs and the bread was the best I’ve ever had. It was one of the best times of my life, I’ll never forget them. Rest In Peace, Officer Freytag.

[@StormLaker]

We USED to do this here in the U.S., but over the years, the "veterans homes" have been slowly disappearing in favor of the VA hospitals. We treat criminals better than we do our veterans here...and that's a damn shame!

[@Dragon34th]

I guess for career soldiers sadly the real war begins after the service. Retirement, the same old rotten civilian life that you were trying to escape in the first place. A decent roof over your head, some place safe where you could keep your regiment pictures, a square meal, some gardening to keep you going & a few old friends to share your stories with. Just the same old rotten civilian life. I'm proud that France is looking after them. God bless them. Shame on countries who neglect their heroes. They deserve better not food banks or charities. :(

[@rod.lunx0]

you said everything my friend.

[@johnjay3928]

Shame on the USA. I'm considering not re enlisting in the Army and instead joining the FFL.

[@pbrumlik]

John Jay spent 5 years with them after Vietnam. You could lose your USA citizenship. Great multicultural guys. They will never leave you behind.

[@chemerich]

And a decent burial

[@eleanormccallion9514]

Franck Yan i

[@kris4897]

At the end, 10:35, the officer says "The legion never leave behind his legionnaires, neither in battle, nor in life"

[@D3w10n]

This is why, in my opinion, Legion is more effective than PMCs... when the PMC soldier dies, there is no retaliation or nothing... but when this happens in Legion, there is massive retaliation, which makes enemies less willing to attack Legion recruits.

[@franksalvatore4094]

General MacArthur once said Old soldiers don’t die, they just fade away.

[@khalilnouira3182]

the officer continues "There You Have It All."

[@neelonghunglow]

1831..

[@MrBigblue88]

As a retired old soldier, I actually find this heartwarming. How many countries have a place like this? I bet this the only one and if you spent your life serving and you have no one else in your life, what a wonderful way to spend your golden years. The narrator was right about them being with the only family that they have this point, at least someone is there to care for them and remember them when their time comes. BZ legionnaire.

[@thCentury-rx9di]

MrBigblue88 yeah

[@gordonwiessner6327]

Your wrong. In Maryland there is a place called Charlotte Hall. Its a veterans home.

[@4006-c5o]

As old soldier (not retaired yet) I agree with you 100%

[@tombell5599]

In the UK we have the Chelsea Pensioners

[@carlozalex]

I'm a veteran of us navy...I regret that I did not pursue my desire to join the Legion after 4 years in the navy.....the Legion has a great camaraderie.

[@joshuabergeron5545]

Shit isn't over. I'm going this summer- Infantry

[@l_dogd8587]

rob vanderwiel how hard are the tests?

[@carlozalex]

The navy was one of the best parts of my life . camaraderie at

[@carlozalex]

Great Lakes was good,just had to get over small bulls hit issue,but nothing too bad.i wish you luck with ffl.

[@carlozalex]

?

[@Nica-Ra-Wata]

I served in the United States Marine Corps and as a warrior I give respect to these.

[@Greensiteofhell]

+77musica Usually Marines are warriors ;)

[@Arno-wr8vz]

And sometimes we kick the ass of morons like you the way you don't touch the ground anymore.

[@rogerfournier3284]

FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION SEMPRE LA FRANCE!!

[@BodohYono]

Soner or later you guys will be replace by robot... haha

[@Edwin6932]

As retired member of the US Army 82nd Abn and 10th MTN division I learn to respect courage and traditions . The man of the Legion have build a tradition and reputation that must be respect it and emulated . I read how the 2Para during the war of indochina rip their regiment colors and gave a piece to each of their members so the color did not fall in the hands of their enemy. The French officers and Army at that time fail them by not keep them resupply and end up capture. Only 3,000 of the 16,000 there made it back to France......

[@justinmccarthy2195]

+Edwin Ramos It appears that the Legion does take care of its own. It is unfortunate that we do not have a comparable place for our lost vets that have no one else. Not a bad way to finish out ones last years by being with comrades in arms.

[@Survivaurbatchev]

+Edwin Ramos The husband of my grand-aunt was a paratrooper in Dien bien phu (biggest battle during indochina war), and managed to get back, but he turned crazy after the battle...

[@Edwin6932]

+José Arcadio Buendia my respect to him and those that fought the good fight. They knew that there was no air support and that they where seriously outnumber and still they fought. That is a testament to the courage and elite status of the Legion.

[@Survivaurbatchev]

+Edwin Ramos yeah I think this particular battle might have been the worse... He wasn't in the foreign legion though, he was a "béret rouge" from the 6e RIPMa (6th Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment) if I remember well. Respect to you too, being in the US army must have been tough... (Even though I strongly disapprove most of the US' foreign actions)

[@warvandal3443]

+Justin McCarthy I agree - those delicious grapes! Wish I had a shot at joining, too late now at 56. I thought of it in my late 20s but didn't act upon it. Respect to the Legion

[@VredesStall]

I don't like the title of this video. Since when is taking care of these veterans considered a "crutch" or a "hand out" when, in fact, they have more than earned every bit of care they deserve?? Who are more deserving than these damaged men of war?? A lot of people like to make fun of the French. However, it is the French who are setting the right example. These other countries who make fun of the French 'know' what is right. But it is the French who "DO" what is right (or at least the Legion does).

[@jerflm0044]

hear, hear

[@yognut72]

Oui.

[@hutch1111111]

I wonder if the Legion does this because the men that entered left everything behind and nothing to go home to? The Legion has my profound respect for caring for these men.

[@MrNissetuta]

VredesStall: I couldn't say it better my self! In fact if I joined the legion and survived with "bad memories" I wouldn't want or need anything else than a meaningful job at a wine yard with ppl that understood me.

[@MrTryAnotherOne]

Absolutely correct, especially when one sees how veterans in the USA are treated.

[@rainmayhem7043]

they treat there vets better then we do in the USA

[@chrisholland7367]

Same in the U.k.

[@stinky_puppet5158]

RAIN MAYHEM that’s because they were expendable and they earned their right for a better life. Others just do it for a job

[@slappy8941]

Dear God man, learn your fucking language; you sound like an idiot.

[@Amir_Khosrowshahi]

The legion takes care of their own it’s like it’s own state

[@dieselscience]

In the Legion, you MUST make it to retirement, or you don't get benefits.

[@y24317861]

The fact that they look after their own is a great credit to them. In the UK veterans have no priority for housing, and many sleep rough. We are far more interested in housing Muslim immigrants.

[@justaguy7240]

y24317861 make America great again

[@manpy5504]

Fully agree says a sikh

[@Rodelero]

God be with Britons from Texas, may the West never fall..

[@yaknbo]

I am an American francophile. I am a conservative, gentile white male. There were no soldiers in the 20th century like the French at Douament and Verdun. Also, Jean Baptiste Ellisalde (sp?) is my favorite rugby player. Long live Louis Celine, Flaubert and Victor Hugo.

[@lgjd7621]

Ancien sous officier de l'arme du Génie, je suis fier de cette Légion qui n'abandonne pas ses soldats quelque soit leur passé ou leur devenir - Puisse la Nation honorer ces hommes et l'institution qui est un exemple de fidélité a ses engagements.

[@chrismcnee9287]

In 1992, I was in Sarajevo as a Canadian infantry soldier on a UN tour. I worked around the FFL men, and it was a pleasure to work with them. Fine men.

[@ironwork92000]

These men take pride, time, and give alot of love to their vets.

[@Vato-Psyko-Loko]

This is how you take care of your own. Nothing like this in the U. S. Shameful.

[@slayerSRBIJA89]

Even worse of U.S. this people aren't French to begin with !! USA treats its veterans like shit.

[@pancholom]

Drug Addicted Pornstar After serving France with honour, and putting their lives at risk defending French interests all along the World, these MEN have earned the right to be treated like sons of France.

[@alexanderrahl482]

pancholom amazing comment. The fact that my republic shit on our service men and women is despicable.

[@Paddydhistorian]

Jose, yes and no. To society at large we may be looked down on. However, I am receiving VA healthcare. The comradeship you will find there is heartwarming to a veteran.

[@janshegers7667]

how long did you serve?

[@williamrichardpabstcathey3644]

Thank You France, Thank You Foreign Legion for taking care of your Veterans Foreign Legion Soldiers.

[@mac1975]

The best 5 years 4 months of my life, I went to pulylobier when I was at castelnaudary, went back again a few years ago.

[@Haforn44]

It does show that the Legion looks after its own when they are too old or ill to survive outside. Shame on the UK for letting its veterans live in poverty. I served for 8 years; the best time and the best friends of my life.

[@janshegers7667]

not just in the UK, in the USA as well.

[@mentalmelonhead2249]

And Australia

[@sonsoftheconstitutionmilit8179]

Jan Shegers who told you they dont care of veterans in the USA? im a U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN THEY TAKE CARE OF US VETERANS SINCE PRESIDENT TRUMP TOOK OFFICE..WE GET OUR BENEFITS AND OUR FREE HEALTH CARE..WE HAVE THE VA THEY HAVE VETERANS THERE WHO HAVE NO FAMILIES AND THEY TAKE CARE OF THEM..SO MAYBE YOU SHOULD DO MORE RESEARCH BEFORE YOU SPEAK ON SOMETHING BECAUSE YOU ARE WRONG...I RESPECT THE FFL THEY ARE A TIUGH BUNCH WORKED WITH Them IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN

[@moistjohn]

@@janshegers7667 it's a 50/50 from what I hear mostly beurocratic bloat fucking up the system rather than lack of funding

[@S62bhas]

God Bless the Veterans & Thank You for Your Service

[@cavscout62]

One of the if not the biggest mistake of my life was not joining The Legion. I let a family member talk me out of that and instead spent a career in my native lands Military. It was not a bad life however I’ve met and known some Legionnaires and they have a bond that is like no other.

[@hmmmmmmh6539]

aha, hilarious, This is propaganda, Legionnaires are treated like absolute shit. They are the cannon fodders's cannon fodder.

[@HeadhuntexGamer]

@@hmmmmmmh6539 We are soldiers like any other, there are actually more native French soldiers dying than French Foreign legion ones. But whatever, youre not a soldiers and will never understand it. We are proud to serve France and its people and your irrelevant opinion wont change that fact.

[@cuddlybear9041]

the respect and care to the men here is awesome, well done the legion, you have my respect for that alone

[@idleonlooker1078]

Great to see the FFL looking after it's own. Every military service should use this as an example to follow! 👍

[@larchange1657]

There were 53 major conflicts in Europe. France have been a belligerent party in 49 of them, and the United Kingdom in 43. Among 185 battles that France delivered during the last 800 years, french armies have won 132 of them, and will have lost 43, leaving only 10 undecided battles. So giving to the French servicemen the record of victories in Europe" BBC Oh and by the way the battle of france; it was 6 weeks and not "less than amonth". And during these weeks, the germans lost 160 000 soldiers, most of 50% of the Luftwaffe sent in France and 1800 tanks (second most bloodier operation after Barbarossa) Not bad for cowards as you think.

[@malachy1847]

Approx 300,000 French were taken out Dead missing or Wounded compared to 130,000 German approx 1,750,000 French forces were captured and as for the German Airforce they lost just over twenty five Percent of it's Aircraft in losses...kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKjTaJ-eepWWqrs

[@MattUSMC1000]

What loyalty! I wish America took care of it's own.

[@apachecatcat3495]

These guys joined the Legion for a new life. This is their Family. After they have served they should take care of them.

[@osmansamilaydn9197]

@@dataassassin280 You born again...

[@claudesledge9102]

Make no mistake about it,I definitely admire the FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION for their principles:1)...to become a soldier, first. 2)Honor the unit and cohorts,and lastly 3)NO ALLEGIANCE TO THE POLITICIAN. This gave me goosebumps,damnit man.

[@falconswift]

So proud of the FFL for taking care of their own after time served. So happy we of the USMC never tangled with you fine men, for it would have been a tough stand, man to man, and lord have mercy, sometimes hand to swearing hand. Go eacy, fellow vets and new recurits. Happy to have, at least, known of you. Besides, you give a guy a break.....he got a little sideways with the law. New name, new start. Simper fi.

[@MrJimmyboy1972]

i think that the legion does look after its own, like most armies in the western world, america, and australia and nz. but, as an ex british army soldier (15yrs) i am so glad that i have my comrades,but, live with my family. god bless guys. you are some of the best.

[@nodbudda]

Right on! As an American born of French parents, when I think of the legion I am so proud I can tell you. J'espere que la France sera toujours fidele a vous...vous le merite.

[@chrishilton1490]

Respect to the Legion Treat their members as family.

[@XAnunkasanX]

I have a rendezvous with Death At some disputed barricade, When Spring comes back with rustling shade And apple-blossoms fill the air- I have a rendezvous with Death When Spring brings back blue days and fair. It may be he shall take my hand And lead me into his dark land And close my eyes and quench my breath- It may be I shall pass him still. I have a rendezvous with Death On some scarred slope of battered hill, When Spring comes round again this year And the first meadow-flowers appear. God knows 'twere better to be deep Pillowed in silk and scented down, Where love throbs out in blissful sleep, Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath, Where hushed awakenings are dear . . . But I've a rendezvous with Death At midnight in some flaming town, When Spring trips north again this year, And I to my pledged word am true, I shall not fail that rendezvous. Alan Seeger... (22 June 1888 - 4 July 1916) American Poet/Legionnaire Volunteer fought & died in WW I

[@jefftaylor4707]

Vive la Legion.This is how all veterans should be looked after. The British government should hang it's head in shame at how some of ours are existing ,homeless and alone on the streets .This life these men lead is more than deserved. "Vive la Legion".

[@clusterguard]

The Legion is the Ultimate Cohesion among Men. Nothing than that can be better. Comrades until the last breath. VIVE LA LEGION!!

[@maxwellharris507]

Think about this: the legion has a reputation of never surrendering EVER! They always to the last man still drawing breath. Think of Captain Dejieu and his company; they got swarmed by a Mexican battalion and only five legionnaires made it out alive. No ammunition left, so they fixed bayonets and charged; they never surrendered.

[@videogamepro964]

And that's why the Legion is special, there willing to go to any god forsaken hellhole on the planet without questioning they do shit that not even famous special operation forces can do.

[@kentamitchell]

Ever heard of Dien Bien Phu?

[@keithcleghorn5102]

KentA Mitchell Yea that was some fucked up shit. but they fought like lions. Not the troops fault that their commander had a brain fart when it came to selecting a location to stand their ground. Who would have thought that the V.C could have gotten all those howitzers into place and supplied them using bicycles. Those little shits are bad ass war fighter to. The downside is we supplied them to the Vietnamese during WWII to kill Japanese. The really screwed up thing is that HoChi Min petitioned the U.S.A for support and was blown off, it was only after Dien Ben Phu that the Russians started supplying them. History is very interesting.

[@keithcleghorn5102]

Ray Asahara Jean Danjou (15 April 1828 - 30 April 1863) was a decorated captain in the French Foreign Legion. He commanded the two lieutenants and 62 legionnaires who fought the legendary Battle of Camarón during the French intervention in Mexico. He was killed during the battle. One serious BAD ASS

[@warp10warp10]

KentA Mitchell that was paratroopers

[@robsan52]

I'm glad they at least try to help them and they deserve that help. I had a friend who was a vet of the Legion. Typical of his generation he wouldn't talk about his service. He wasn't rude, in fact he was a gentlemen in all ways. Being careful not to be pushy we'd go out for dinner and drinks at the away from home terminal (railroaders) and keep plying him with glasses of wine and we could get him to tell us a few stories. He fought in Algiers against the Berbers and Arabs, his battalion eventually had something like 80% casualties so almost every soldier was at the least wounded once. We got him to talk about the training and it was what you'd expect of an elite fighting force. He'd ask me if I was a draft dodger and I'd tell him no and he'd say well that's good, I think the military is good for a boy! But I'd be thinking "well yeah but probably not the Legion!" Many of his guys were Germans and he asked if I knew who they were and I said yes I was aware of that. What was interesting was his parents had been put to death by the SS or Gestapo I forget which and I don't know where in Europe. He said his finest memory was when after spending what seemed to be a lifetime training he was finally called by his name (and not something like moron, shithead etc.) and given his Kepi, candle light, hundreds of people and family he hadn't been allowed to see until the ceremony. Glad to see they at least attempt to help them.

[@choiwong262]

Something both the British and Americans need to consider if they want to attract loyal young men.

[@philipwesselhofff]

No, the us army certainly does not do such a thing. Look it up.

[@DarkFenix34512]

PhlpxWslf Also the Navy, just on my ship, South Africa, Nepal, China, Russia, Poland, Philippines, Lithuania, Australia, I even met a Japanese person at boot camp, and became a US citizen by Serving in the US Navy....

[@philipwesselhofff]

i emailed and asked an official reqruiter. You HAVE TO HAVE A GREENCARD.

[@philipwesselhofff]

She must be a troll or something. Stop responding to her.

[@mauriliogilolvera700]

+idliketoshootyou are you fucking stupid? I went to San Diego to try out with Army and Marines...and none of them let me get it because I didn't have the g.c .

[@motorcop505]

There’s only around 7,500 Legionnaires. That is extremely elite. These guys are first class.

[@danmacartain9973]

For large number of people who never served in the Foreign Legion, retirement is a sad waiting room before dying..... The Legion does try to look after its own, and comes out well in comparison with, say, the UK..... The narrator is very much flaunting his own prejudices.

[@nymuseum4918]

And that of the producers, writer &, editors.

[@maureenbernhardt1934]

Dan MacArtain I

[@jlambuth]

Legion veterans face the same fate most of us US military veterans: alcoholism, violence, depression, no assistance, and little chance of employment. Different uniforms, different wars, same fate. Only fellow warriors know the pain.

[@frenchforeignlegion294]

Jake Lambuth dude the legion its totallly diferent with the US they make you to overpas your limits

[@markmanwaring3823]

Was offered a chance by a very dangerous man a long time ago talking in a bar late one night ,he appreciated the skills of Aussie infantry . At least the Legion look after the living dead , most govts don't .

[@orsonkaart1853]

Veterans deserve all they get, and more!

[@djk3420]

Beaucoup de respect pour la Legion Etrangere et sa soldats!

[@Mr9Guns]

Nice to see they have something for them to do. It's not easy in the base case to readjust to civilian life after time in the military.

[@GUARDSMAN133]

The battle history of the Legion is second to none...and the Legion takes care of its own.

[@philipwesselhofff]

What do you mean? Do you know that the Legion had been in literally EVERY battle since it's start!

[@talbotsplace7316]

That narrator has no idea what a soldier is. He wouldn't know honor if he stepped in it. Bravo to the legion for caring for their own.

[@fredblair4307]

That's a lot better than some of our poor guys get and from what I know of the legion its not been easy to say the least

[@plakerd5241]

After I'm done with my studies and my current contract, the legion begins a whole new chapter on life.

[@alexsp7086]

+plakerd Think before you go there its not what you think it is. You need to have that state of mind first becasue its a long journey and not something you can give up after a year.

[@Raynorrules]

same here brother, 3 more years until my 6 year contract ends.

[@DM-qr8zi]

Any news on you guys?

[@samuelf8879]

DM working at 7/11

[@mr.c6324]

any news?

[@thewhitedeath586]

Yeah this is bullshit. If only America had something like this for vets!

[@tidefanyankee2428]

www.afrh.gov/locations/afrh-g-history

[@michaelpal7641]

The Legion provides a home for legionnaires who are old! My God-do you know what it takes to get a VA appointment here in the states? The respect I have for the Legion is all encompassing!

[@landsurfer66]

Vive la France, Vive la Legion. More Majorum.

[@GeorgiKaua]

If every military in the world took care of their own after their service, too bad

[@ovidiurotarescu409]

RESPECT FROM ROMANIA!!!

[@theandy4ever]

its a beautiful place i loved and enjoyed working, helping there for a week.

[@theandy4ever]

The back of the kitchen had some cats arround, they also had Indian peafowl birds there. I guess it depends on the cheff that works in the kitchen, some like it more clean than others. My cheff enjoyed his car clean too, so I had to clean it :D

[@dmc3071]

theandy4ever they where there already in. 1997

[@MrNedsaabdickerson]

Yeah the tile is a Misnomer! I am glad The Legion takes care of it's veterans.

[@johannesslobbe6854]

At least, the Legion takes care of it's own! My friend, spent 18 years in the Legion, and it was not only soldiering, because for those who want it can get an education. My friend did, and landed himself a good job in the Netherlands after his time. But, he could always touch base, if it was needed.

[@patlelion]

The French commandant: “I don’t want to upset you (the English reporter) but I m Afraid that ex German pilot shot 104 Anglo-Saxon during ww2”....

[@davidsechet434]

A lot of germains always servs in ffl before or after ww2 ,Freytag like a lot of his camarades was not a nazi just a man who have lost bis family died in baltic sea and his house now in Poland

[@thatdutchguy2882]

You get a better salary then a Gurka and promotion chances, you get a French passport after serving your term, a Gurka gets send back regardless, you can retire with the help of the Legion in that nice chateau between the wine and good food, a Gurka go's back to his mountain home between mountain goats and snow avalanche. The Legion takes care of its own and Gurkas are joining up in ever increasing numbers.

[@maxmg2227]

I'm gonna play the devil's advocate but tbh the british army is less "in the business" these days than the french army, I guess they would higher up their offer if they were in need of soldiers. Anyway, nothing is comparable to the famous légionnaires "esprit de corps"

[@grassfuse]

We now need similar 'Units' in the U.K.. We have Soldiers who have spent all their adult lives in or training for Active Service,and often on actual 'Life or Death' combat.Many years have been spent to develop their altered perspectives,they are far from the Civilians who joined so long ago.If needed they should be able to live usefully in Veteran's groups,living a life they understand,usefully with pride.

[@adammetcalf8954]

We have one. The Chelsea Pensioners live there.

[@grassfuse]

+ Adam Metcalf Your right,The problem being The R.M.H. Is essentially a retirement response and (quite select),for Older Veterans ready to undertake the life offered there.I fear that the last 10-15 years of very 'Active' service in very complex campaigns has resulted in many still relatively young people now being in profound need of continued support,We spend a lot of time and money to condition our Military to become the effective Combatants needed to do what is required of them.This takes them far from home and the people they were when they joined,often irrevocably so.I just think we all need to share the consequences of this,and do what we can to ensure they too can find a way of living the rest of their lives usefully and with honour and hope.

[@adammetcalf8954]

I am an ex-soldier myself, and I totally agree. There is support out there, but unfortunately many of my peers (myself included) often have pride issues, and see it as weakness to seek that help. I personally would never judge anybody for needing help, but I would fear being judged myself. its a strange situation.

[@grassfuse]

+ Adam M. Yes,Me too and exMental Health,even back in the 90's it was necessary to do a what could be done covertly,often in Police and A and E!Soldiers esp NCO's would create situations in order to just work through recurring 'crunch' times such as anniversaries,I'd hoped things would be better now,never dreaming the sort of numbers Iraq and Afghan. Would generate!H.M.G. has got to get its hand in its pocket now and meet its responsibilities.

[@adammetcalf8954]

Aye I heard on radio 4 the other day that Combat stress (the charity) have seen a massive increase in the number of squaddies from our recent conflicts.

[@charlieredleg1582]

The Foreign Legion defiantly has my respect......

[@MH5XXXX]

THIS IS OUTSTANDING. THIS IS THE WAY TO TREAT THE VETS PROPERLY.

[@marcusw3023]

The title of this video is WRONG!!! FFL take care of their veterans much more Then other countries!!! No crutch they are being well taken cared of and serving a purpose into the end! Respect! Regards from Sweden

[@brianfuller5868]

The Legion is family and most French don't really understand it. Unless you somehow mess up really bad, the Legion is still Family. Many in the Legion actually have families but all the Legion are family. They take care of their own and most civilians cannot grasp it. Only a few can earn and wear the Kepi Blanc.

[@hutch1111111]

Just realized the one drinking wine at 2:45 was missing most of the fingers on his left hand. Harsh.

[@mac1975]

His name was mominot, he lost his fingers in an accident with a VAB door

[@importantname]

True point - whilst in the Military we are taught to look after our own, to leave no one behind. Then the day you discharge you are on your own. Many Nations could learn much from this Institution.

[@LuciusCorneliusMacro]

Same goes for almost all soldiers of all nations. They fight for their comrades first, their country second.

[@avengernemesis7990]

My father was in Seige of Stalingrad and the Battle of Narva. After the war he wanted join the Legion. Then he married my mother- the Legion would have been better for him.

[@robw3027]

From the outside looking in they appear to have an unmatched combination of camaraderie and discipline. Both must haves.

[@georgebuller1914]

As an Englishman - who will always regard the French with some degree of mistrust (sorry, Centuries of history of my ancestors fighting the buggers makes me feel that way) - I wish to say that I have the ultimate respect for the 'French Foreign Legion'. In my 7th Decade on this planet however, I see the futility of ALL wars, but also the need for soldiers such as these. I also believe that those who have given so much for their country - or indeed another country - should be treated with respect and yes, compassion, once their usefulness as a fighting soldier is past. Chances are, they have seen things and done things that will haunt them until the day they die! I will not live to see it, but I hope that one day we (Humanity) will learn what truly matters in life and learn to live together and work together in such a way that EVERYONE - no matter his colour or Creed will be given an equal crack at life. Good luck guys - and may life for you from this day on, be more peaceful and rewarding.......

[@Arthur-sf1go]

Well said. Both our countries have been fighting for centuries, so the feeling of mistrust is mutual, but paradoxally, I think it created an unique bond. We are the true rulers of Europe, and used to be the rulers of the world. We wouldn't have fought each others so much if we weren't the two mightiest powers humanity ever knew. No western country comes close to the richness of our culture, the fear and respect our armies left on their path, the footprint we left of human history. Some countries have done it, sure, but these countries weren't born over a millenia ago (looking at you, Germany and the US). I'd treat the englishmen as natural adversaries, not enemies. I wish you a long a healthy life, and trust you are doing well on that 7th decade of yours. - a frenchman

[@awacs2187]

The best soldiers in the world!!!

[@journeyer13]

Its called looking after your own. A civilian would have difficulty understanding that concept.

[@xanxongxingza]

+journeyer13 Not really, I believe you can compare it to a close bond of friendship or mainly your family.

[@mlew96]

+Steelie “SIB” Fridh the bond from war is way different than that

[@xanxongxingza]

No_eL Supreme Maybe, but most bonds arent formed in war.

[@mlew96]

+Steelie “SIB” Fridh bruh we are talking about the difference between the bond in war and a family/friendship bond. That war bond is going to be greater than a family or friendship bond. you know how someone's friend or loved one would use the phrase I would take a bullet for you, but they just use it as a expression informing that person that they would do anything for them? In war they literally mean that, your buddy would risk his life to save you dead or alive. That bond in war is totally different

[@mlew96]

+Steelie “SIB” Fridh but I see where you are coming from and I'm not knocking your opinion down

[@mariar4431]

That is wonderful. God bless them all.

[@kaptainkaos1202]

I was a USN Naval Aircrewman in the 80's. Our aircraft was doing magnetic research around the world and we spent 3 weeks in Papeete. One day while working on our aircraft it was a blistering day, 90's and humid. We could see the FFL sentries in their metal can towers and knew they had to be melting. We were in uniform and approached the towers with liters of cold water raised high to show our intent. We were hoping to swap unit patches. No more than 20 meters or so from one tower we made eye contact and hollered hello to him with the water bottles clearly shown. In return he charged his weapon and pointed directly at us. We stopped and walked back to our aircraft.

[@VinhNPL]

It sounds rude, but regulation and discipline is at the core of FFL Training, they don't mess on duty... Although, after duty, they sometimes go overboard...

[@niuanconquistador422]

This is good......its rare to see other countries give so much opportunities for 🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵foreign veterans...

[@douglasrodrigues332]

These are truly men of honor.

[@sixbells99]

The story of the German flying ACE is sad but also astonishing. Imagine being decorated with the iron cross the highest honor in your country. Then to find as the war ends all the people you loved and known were wiped out. Nowhere to go he ends up as a lowly foot solider fighting in Indochina for France a country for which for a time was under German rule.

[@p.b6032]

The end of your comment is so fucking stupid, Germany was also under France occupation during napoleons, same for England in the beginning of the 11th century, and no one give a damn fuck, even France, so stop calling France a "nation under"

[@brunofernandes6096]

Also, he lose the war

[@sixbells99]

Draft baderraser France got invaded and was “under” occupation by the Germans. I think there are some photos of Hitler sightseeing in Paris, with his brand new country. Also France keeps trying to rewrite the history books on the number of French collaborators which was HUGE! Far more French traitors supporting the Nazis compared to other occupied countries. Of course there were a “few” brave French who did help in the D-day landings but not nearly as many as France wants us to think there were. Germany brought France to it knees in record time, it was mechanized monster that no one could defeat. Thankfully Hitler was a lunatic opened too fronts with Russia, the Americans got involved, the only country that could match Nazi Germany. Do not underestimate just how powerful Germany was it crushed France like an ant. This is just reality, THANK GOD we won, but it was far closer than people want to think.

[@p.b6032]

just like prussia was under napoleonic france occupation, and prussian soldier where forced to fight under napoleon, it's called an occupation, also, did you just said that the US was the only country to be able to deal with the nazy ? hahaha, thank you for this joke, it was russia that did 90% of the work, the US keep trying to rewrite the history book on how many they lost and how they beat germany, but the truth is that the french lost 300000 soldiers and more with the resistance ( 800000 casualty in total ), when the US, the BIG POWER, only lost 500000, which is big, but far from russia, also, you should know that your " glorious D-day wouldn't have been possible without the french resistence, and the US, UK, canadian and FFF would have been destroyed. also, I found it funny the way you're talking about the glorification of the resistance by the french, considering that you're from the US, a country that keep glorifide themself for WW1 and WW2, a war you joined when it was nearly finish

[@sixbells99]

Draft baderraser Well that little Dwarf Napoleon got his ass kicked by the British, and was UNDER British guard while he sulked on an island while listening to ABBA Waterloo… Na Na Also why do you assume I'm American, I'm roast beef!! :) FROG!!! FROGS Always like to be UNDER everyone.

[@attilakonkoly4329]

I spoke with Freitag! All my respect to him!

[@zolikomuves2784]

Respect to veterans ,viev LEGION ETRANGERE.

[@notsosilentmajority1]

The title of this video is completely misleading.

[@DrCruel]

"Damaged by life?" Pardon, but if there's any damaging to be done these glorious badass bastards will do it, s'il vous plait.

[@s.sestric9929]

Subtitles would have been nice.

[@rauljavier2174]

Subtitles are available. Just press the three dots on the top/right of the screen. Choose caption, English.

[@Pfsif]

Upper right hand corner after pressing CC.

[@Derna1804]

Most units of any military around the world don't have any such facility to provide for veterans like this.

[@gilslyman9214]

God bless you,old soldiers.

[@mariodobra6593]

Honneur et Fidelite Mes frères 🇫🇷⚔️🦅 Longue vie Legio Patria Nostra

[@rtfm767]

The Foreign Legion one of my favorite units I would join them if i had the money to get to France....Much respect to the men of the Legion..You wanna know how hard they are read up on Diem Bien Phu the paras jumped into combat even tho the battle was lost jus to be with there brothers fighting and dying on the ground...Vive la France...

[@mouniradghoughi]

thank you Damian for this info feel the comment on this video is very rich jusr help to discover more history about our legion.

[@Edwin6932]

I respect courage not matter from who it comes from. The man of the legion would not kill innocent people like ISIS did in Paris.....

[@ashleysaunders9947]

respect for france, they look after their own warriors

[@otakuleatherneck83]

Vive Le Legion, blood of heroes! Legio Patria Nostra forever :) The FFL indeed, and an old Legionnaire never dies he just marches onward to eternal victory!

[@VredesStall]

Not only does France offer men who are trying to escape their checkered-past an opportunity to redeem themselves and start over... France also doesn't forget them once their service is up. America could most certainly learn something from this.

[@johnhenrique8780]

La légion a toujours su intégrer les meilleurs combattants, sans jamais regarder leur provenance. Elle a intégré de nombreux communistes républicains Espagnols anti Franquistes en 1939, comme elle accueillera en 1945 les anciens soldats de l'armée Allemande ou Italienne, et autres... il n'existe pas d'idéologie politique, de races, ou de religions à la légion. La légion gère par la suite, suivant les origines des conflits. Lorsque la légion est parti se battre en France pendant la guerre 1914/1918, les légionnaires Allemands sont restés en Afrique, sauf les volontaires désireux de se battre contre leur propre pays. Ceci dit, il reste parfois très difficile, pour certains légionnaires, de se ré insérer dans une vie civile normale.

[@kriddie88]

May God take care of the soldiers that died for nothing, that were scarred for nothing, abandoned by their government and forgotten by their people. No more wars! No more bloodshed!

[@awacs2187]

Great men all of them!!!

[@Hawaiian80882]

God Speed to my French Legionnaire brothers; United States Marine Corps 1980-1991 Semper Fi

[@reivax58]

LEGIO PATRIA NOSTRA ! Longue vie à la Légion !

[@teller1290]

How much more French can you get! A winery!

[@SWToDi-qc8hb]

Can anyone tell me the name of the string section music at the end of the video ? It sounds so poignant !

[@jeangabrielkahane2961]

Le temps des cerises.

[@kirstinetermansen7234]

They fought your. Freedom. Send. Flowers and love

[@robertosanfilippo376]

La famiglia vera non abbandona mai i meno fortunati. Onore alla legione!

[@jeffyoung60]

Believe me, I respect the history of the French Foreign Legion and its fighting men. But hear this. The French Foreign Legion prides itself on its still renown, fierce and ruthless discipline which harkens back to the Roman legionaries. Its reputation for one of the toughest and brutal basic training disciplined regimen is the stuff of legend. It's not just to be sadistic for itself. The average citizen man off the street typically doesn't need that harsh of a basic training program. Average Citizen Joe will take orders and do what he's told, often submissively. Remember, the French Foreign Legion historically took in men from all over the world who were often angry, down on their luck, undisciplined, brutal men in their own. In order to break down and train savage, undisciplined, harsh men, it took brutal discipline and punishment but it worked. Such men could be broken down and reconstituted as disciplined yet hard-fighting men. The French Foreign legionnaire was a tough fighting man who was just one step away from fighting fanatically to the death like the WWII Japanese, only he wasn't that fanatical to be suicidal. The French Foreign Legion is not for every man and enlistment consideration should not be taken lightly. Check the Internet. Many one-time enlistees have a double view of their past enlistment in the Legion. They say that they are proud to have been legionnaires but if they were to do it all over again they would never have enlisted in the legion. That said, many men do find a lifetime career in the Legion because they need the Legion to be their one and all existence.

[@jimmccormack7507]

The best of the best from all around the world.