French Foreign Legion - Life in the Legions boot camp in Castelnaudary FAQ #4

[@juliehaward7270]

Mr Gast you’re a true FFL warrior! My husband served in the 90’s. He would of been so proud to see your vlogs. Lpn xxx

[@zilvinas82]

Thomas you are very interesting person and you perfect representative French foreign legion...

[@Sch00lbu5]

I like it when you drop in some French and are realistic about violence, toughness and physical challenges. I'd like to hear more about not wanting to see leadership behavior, Chef's, in recruits. I understand everyone needs to learn the basics even when some have previous military experience and some do not. More on that point, please, and on the recruit's experience. Thanks

[@RackwitzG]

You are very helpful in preparing applicants for what to expect when they join. Pure glorification, especially of the first months, would be deceiving. Can you tell us about the gruesome things, maybe of battle, you have experienced.

[@Magajiada]

First to watch, always waiting for your new video. Thanks, ​Thomas.

[@robfla6471]

What types of wine 🍷 do they drink in the FFL?

[@darionhester6932]

Could you do a video on GCP!!

[@JosePerez-gn5xn]

oh that was nice, im only 30 and still want to join the french foreign legion.

[@pajanko9259]

thanks you my commader army is all disame only language different

[@steveb8033]

Nice informative video, keep up the great work !

[@bonzodogsbody5882]

The Legion Etrangere is unique. Several other armies recruit foreign nationals but only to a limited extent.For some people who are born in impoverished countries are even one's with a decent economy the legions pay is attractive. It is not the best paid in the world and if one takes a look at the pay on offer to soldats de rang and sous officiers it is certainly lower than than in Danmark, the U.K. USA,Canada and Australia. Iess fact the Officiers earn far less than than their counterparts in many NATO armies. They have a history and traditions that are distinct from the french Armee de Terre. All armies have their respective traditions. The recruit induction course is quite short when compared to other Major armies. Many recruits who have served in other armies would have undergone far more lenthy and rigorous initial training and so would not find the legion etrangere recruit course particularly taxing. For those without military training it would appear a touch course. For those starting afresh who may remain in the legion for 15 years are more, it offers a home and refuge and the Legion celebrates Christmas/Noel with its own and families come second. Legion Discipline can be harsh and a minor infringement often results in a lenthy stay in a legion jail which is not recommended. Recently the legion have been recruiting francophiles from french seaside resorts. I am given to understand that unless one is french are takes french nationality the pay is tax free but a small amount is taken out for mutualities. The fact no deduction is made for board and lodging means more money for the Legionaire.Once a Legionaire passes is promotion courses and becomes a sous officier there is no more free board and lodging and also mess bills to pay. Extra pay for certain units and overseas locations can boast the pay considerably. Annual leave is good but I do not know if it is inclusive or exclusive of public holidays. I also do not know if they get additional leave before going to and returning from operations. 15 days in the first year, 30 days in the second year and 45 days thereafter.Not all information on the legion recruiting website is accurate. The annual leave is exaggerated and the pay rates often outdated. Many ex legionaires have written books about life in the Legion but often they contain in accurate information. Conditions change over time and never stay the same. It can and does offer a good lifestyle to those best suited to the military life. The Legionaire premier class is not the equivelent of a Lance Corporal in the NATO rank code. That is the rank of Caporal which is the equialent of a Lance Corporal in a English speaking Army. The rank of Caporal-Chef is the equivelent to a Corporal in the NATO rank code but as a different function that the rank of Corporal in the NATO rank code. Often legionaires on attaining the rank remain in it due to its priviliges. For further promotion they would have to revert to Caporal and then try for Sargent if they take and pass the lenthy course for sous-officiers. I do not know if legionaires get any marriage allowence should they marry when achieving the minimum rank that such is permitted. They do get to travel around france on SNCF for a quarter of the usual rail fare. They may get other allowances not published on their website. The main french army website could publishing a full list of such allowances. Most legion regiments nowadays are stationed in mainland France and deploy on exercise or operations from there. The food is considered very good in barracks but accomodation varies like in any Army Surrendering your passport is not always the best thing. I do not know what civilian clothing one can buy and keep during the 5 year contract and longer duration.In recent years nationalities never seen before in the Legion have jolined, including Nepalese citizens who would usually have joined the British or Indian Armies or Singapore Police..Life in the Legion is what you make of it and depends upon how quickly you learn to adapt. There will be bullies who hide behind rank and there will be excellent and trustworthy legionaire colleagues .You will certainly see more active service and acquire more medals in 5 years than most other armies, except for the American and British who appear to be perpetually at war with someone or other. After legion service and dependent upon qualifications, A second career could beckon in the Police or Gendarmerie if you have french nationality.. The Police get 25 days annual leave and the Gendarmerie 60 days.If qualified you can join as an Officer in those services. Likewise the Fire services.

[@OverlordARG]

Avoid showing leadership ? Damn, I was sure something like that would have been seen as a positive thing, rather than a negative one. Ty for the tips, I´m probably going to try to join in about 6-7 months

[@stefangiesche145]

Stimmt,der Wein der FF L ist spitze

[@snowwizard9440]

Can you say something ab language/s used in the ffl? Is french the only language used? Understand that french is the language used in exercising/manouver/combat, but are there within the legion different groups keeping together speaking german, english, latinos speaking spanish/port/rom/it, groups for slavs/russian, mandarin, swahili, whatever and how does this affect the common brotherhood?

[@thadaeuss9351]

Sehr interessant mit Gruß Thadaeus aus Berlin , a la prochain .

[@uropepe]

Hallo Herr Gast, Ihre Tipps sollten sich alle jungen Leute hinter die Ohren schreiben. Das gilt nicht nur für das Militär!

[@edobenindatawakeup1466]

This site deserve some accolade

I've been desperate to find out cuz I plan on leaving next summer for France to join the legion, I'm currently on testosterone injections once a week can I bring with me!?????

[@markhernandez3860]

I am 41 years old, there is something called a " Declaration Of Identity " on the FFL site. Is it possible to join at this close age with no prior military experience ? Thnx

[@kickboxer4340]

The maximum age limit is 39 years and 6 months

[@paulwardell4678]

Read a book, about a british guy that was over age and joined. They Changed his birth year. And he worked for the legion magazine

[@danielmckay4929]

Would stretch marks count as scars because I have so will I still be accepted. I am from South Africa and leaving next year for legion. How does the luc leger test work?

[@floydchris6420]

Daniel when next year are you leaving? I am also from South Africa and leaving in June.

[@Katmando376]

The Legion stole my darts

[@-fremdenlegionar-3422]

👏 weiter so

[@nathanielfegan2637]

Hello Thomas I am Nathan from USA ex us marine I would like to request permission if we can exchange personal emails I would like some more info on the selection process thank you sir

[@Katmando376]

do not join its dangerous

[@Katmando376]

Its nonsense I was stuck with English racists thugs made my life a misery staff did not help they locked me up and threw me out

[@fattshady2965]

What happened?