French Foreign Legion

[ghost91w]

Can anyone provide more information about the selection process? The only material I can find says that it is a very selective process, and not much else. It's over 2k for a ticket there and I want to be prepared. Also is there some sort of medical prescreen I can take stateside?


I am Prior service(91w when I was in, medic), got selected at SFAS(no Q course), airborne, two deployments, Arcom V, went to PLDC and was getting groomed to become an NCO, etc. I had a decent career before I fucked it up and now I can't renlist. I haven't been able to find a decent job and have been fluxing between community college and shitty labor jobs. Just looking for some info, thanks.

[Old_Starlight]

Can anyone provide more information about the selection process? The only material I can find says that it is a very selective process, and not much else. It's over 2k for a ticket there and I want to be prepared. Also is there some sort of medical prescreen I can take stateside?


I am Prior service(91w when I was in, medic), got selected at SFAS(no Q course), airborne, two deployments, Arcom V, went to PLDC and was getting groomed to become an NCO, etc. I had a decent career before I fucked it up and now I can't renlist. I haven't been able to find a decent job and have been fluxing between community college and shitty labor jobs. Just looking for some info, thanks.

Brush up on your french. That's all I know :biggrin: Good luck!

[The Fat Guy]

Google Fu is your friend.

Bon Chance, Mon Ami

[bmbsqd]

Question...and I am not being a smart ass!!!!

Is FFL considered "SF" in the sense that the US SF, Rangers, Delta, SEALS, etc are? I know it is leagues beyond the old characterizations of being a felon army and I know there are some outstanding FFL soldiers here on SOCNET. I was just curious about the structure and how the FFL is categorized (not characterized) in the world of SOF.

Merci.

[Remington Raider]

I would recommend: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6777372516104300363# The Col. interviewed is, I believe, now the CG of the FFL. It's about ten years old so some things may be dated.

[JDAM]

I don't agree with his standpoint regarding how "everyone who joins the legion has had some kind of failure or problem".

While this might be a large portion, I'm quite sure many men join because they simply have to desire to be a warrior, fight and experience the adventure of a legionnaire.

Plus there are many good paying civilian opportunities for those who successfully complete their obligations and have that experience under their belt.

[Remington Raider]

I don't agree with his standpoint regarding how "everyone who joins the legion has had some kind of failure or problem".

While this might be a large portion, I'm quite sure many men join because they simply have to desire to be a warrior, fight and experience the adventure of a legionnaire.

Plus there are many good paying civilian opportunities for those who successfully complete their obligations and have that experience under their belt.

maybe the general should have said "a great number of" or "almost everyone", but since English is not his first language, I'm gonna say I get his point and agree with him. He IS running the show and has been there and done that. I posted the link because the OP said: I had a decent career before I fucked it up and now I can't re(-e)nlist. The FFL is Plan B for a lot of guys, but it's a damn good Plan B. Just sayin'.

[Tracy]

I don't agree with his standpoint regarding how "everyone who joins the legion has had some kind of failure or problem".

While this might be a large portion, I'm quite sure many men join because they simply have to desire to be a warrior, fight and experience the adventure of a legionnaire.

Plus there are many good paying civilian opportunities for those who successfully complete their obligations and have that experience under their belt.

I agree. I worked with the FFL in the past; and they may be a little 'off' but they're definitely not all failures or problems. Besides, we all screw the pooch at some point in our careers. Recovery is a challenge, but we're better for it. Maybe. ;)

Camerone!

[GreenMeany 5]

I agree. I worked with the FFL in the past; and they may be a little 'off' but they're definitely not all failures or problems. Besides, we all screw the pooch at some point in our careers. Recovery is a challenge, but we're better for it. Maybe. ;)

Camerone!

Agreed.....
I've also worked with the FFL and I made a good friend who, as a young child, had some very minor trouble with the law. It prevented him from joining the Brit Mil, so he went to the FFL. He was very professional.

That being said, they did have a few that were a bit 'off'. LOL! Good guys all around.

I saw a program not too long ago about the FFL. It followed new recruits and they made mention that they are much more selective regarding a recruits personal history now. The FFL instructor stated that recruits don't have to be spot free...but no violent crimes are allowed.

I'm sure one of our FFL members will come along shortly and help you out.

[Blackjack78]

I'm sure one of our FFL members will come along shortly and help you out.

Where the hell is Frenchie when you need him? :).

[The Fat Guy]

Not a 100% solution but perhaps good information.....

[grappler]

Not knowing how bad you "fucked it up"...

I've seen guys become ineligible to reenlist for some silly things while others practically get away with murder and continue on with their careers.

Where the hell is Frenchie when you need him? :).

Funny, I worked with a British dude in Iraq who was former British Army and later FFL, call-sign Frenchie.

The Frenchie I knew, didn't have very good things to say about the FFL BTW.

[JDAM]

This is a site with good info:

Home Page
http://www.kepi.cncplusplus.com

Frequently Asked Questions about the FFL
http://www.kepi.cncplusplus.com/FFL%20FAQ.htm

[Le3]

If you could become just a little more specific with your questions, feel free to PM me or post the questions here.

[ghost91w]

thanks for the info gents.


PM sent

[Thorshammer]

Having served in the Legion back when i was a young man, I do not regret serving but i would not advise anyone joining.

[ghost91w]

Why is that? Would you mind sharing your overall experience with the Legion?

[Just Another Guy]

Question...and I am not being a smart ass!!!!

Is FFL considered "SF" in the sense that the US SF, Rangers, Delta, SEALS, etc are? I know it is leagues beyond the old characterizations of being a felon army and I know there are some outstanding FFL soldiers here on SOCNET. I was just curious about the structure and how the FFL is categorized (not characterized) in the world of SOF.

Merci.

"... "SF" in the sense that the US SF, Rangers, Delta, SEALS ... ." They are SOF not SF (I don't think that has changed since my day).

[Old_Starlight]

Not knowing how bad you "fucked it up"...

I've seen guys become ineligible to reenlist for some silly things while others practically get away with murder and continue on with their careers.



Funny, I worked with a British dude in Iraq who was former British Army and later FFL, call-sign Frenchie.

The Frenchie I knew, didn't have very good things to say about the FFL BTW.

Half the Brit blokes who went FFL were c/s "Frenchie" :biggrin: The one I knew wasn't a poster boy for much at all except maybe retroactive birth control. I'm guessing we're not talking of the same bloke.

I went through 1RTB (Aussie recruit training) with a bloke many moons ago who had just come home from FFL. The Staff gave him holy hell but he laughed his way through the lot ... reckoned our staff had nothing on the FFL for bastardisation. ;) He actually was a stud and last I heard he was in Sniper Cell 2/4 RAR. He always spoke highly of the FFL for "the experience".

[Spinner]

Having served in the Legion back when i was a young man, I do not regret serving but i would not advise anyone joining.

Kind of like one of those "I wouldn't trade it for anything, but I wouldn't wish it on anyone" experiences, I expect.

[ghost91w]

Sounds like something I want to see for myself.

[SOTB]

Sounds like something I want to see for myself.So what's up? You gonna take the leap? I'm not pushing you one way nor the other, just curious.

I have worked with the Legion about 4-5 times since 1985. Twice in F. Guyana, once in Europe, and I think once in Astan. I also hung out around them for a couple of weeks in Africa.

IMO, I thought they seemed like a motivated group of people. I thought their equipment, weaponry, and tactics sucked. I thought they had some of the shittiest officer leadership I've ever seen. And I thought their NCOs and SNCOs were some of the most squared-away I've run into.

From the Americans I talked to that were part of the Legion, I got the impression it was a pretty serious culture change, but it didn't seem like it was that huge of a difference from being in any other forward-deployed mil org (or an org with that mentality). I certainly didn't get the impression that they hated their lives, although some seemed like they were not planning on re-enlisting (not that much different from US military people).

If you are going to go, you probably are going to find yourself never in a better mental and life position than when you decided to do it. Waiting for the right time will likely not give you the results you want....

[ghost91w]

I'm already making plans. I already have tentative dates and picked up an audio immersion kit in French. I just need a month or two to scrape together airfare and funds. If I don't get a waiver to renlist by then, I'm off to Marseilles.

[YUTARD]

i have an Aussie buddy who I trained with back in 2001 who joined the FFL and was in thier SF or whatever high speed unit. He got out after 7 yrs and is now back in the Aussie infantry. He enjoyed it a lot. He's a little rough around the edges and a fighter, which fit well in that community. He did say that if you are a westerner you better be a hard ass because you will get fucked with.

[BOFH]

My only experience with the Legion was the 13th DBLE in HOA. I went to the Commando course they have in Djibouti, and befriended a few of them. I basically agree with SOTB...shitty officers, spot-on NCOs...lots of motivation, but shitty equipment. They are definitely a different culture, but all that I met were hard, motivated dudes. If, for whatever reason, I could no longer serve in the US mil, I'd definitely consider the Legion...not sure I'd go, but not sure I wouldn't, either.

[Spinner]

A new books was just released entitled Voices Of The Foreign Legion: The History Of The World's Most Famous Fighting Corps.

I just checked it out from the library, and it looks like a pretty good read, although much of it is centered, as the title suggests, on the past exploits of the Legion, not so much its post colonial activities.

[Jungle]

One time when we worked with the FFL, one of their Officers gave us the recruiting brief, as we are all native (Canadian) french speakers.

The Officer went on about selection standards and stuff, and after he left we asked the SNCO about what a potential FFL recruit really needed; his answer: "If you have 2 arms and 2 legs, you're good to go !!"

Seems like the Officer/NCO divide is the same everywhere !! :biggrin:

[maim]

There's a whole series following recruits from initial selection to being posted to their units on youtube.
Good luck.

[ilots]

......lots of motivation, but shitty equipment. They are definitely a different culture, but all that I met were hard, motivated dudes. .... - "shitty equipment" - except for the combat shorts.

Based on the few months, I was collocated & supported French operations in the mid '90's - I always took them to be a French version of say the 7th Light Fighter - light infantry with limited organic support. I have always been curious based on that limited experience.
The NCO's & especially JR NCO's & enlisted always treated us well enough - albeit with some hesitation. As the Officers understood our highest ranking guy (most of the time) was an e-7, they couldn't give 2x sheots about us.

Also - don't ever watch porn with them... unless you are willing to broaden your horizons.

[BOFH]

I can pretty much agree with everything ilots says. Their officers seemed genuinely amazed that we let Es make actual decisions...they seem to regard that whole "having a brain," thing as pure heresy.

[BigRed]

I worked on a contract for a couple years that was very Legion heavy (majority from 2REP and CRAP). For the most part they had the lowest standard of weapons training, tactical knowledge, honesty, or common sense of any of the guys from Western countries. Just watching them on the range ruined any delusions I may have had of the FFL being an "elite fighting force"....teaching the Iraqis to fire on auto from the hip while making a circular motion with the rifle..."Ball of Fire". The two guys that got along with the ABCA types said they viewed their years in the Legion as a waste of time.

While they were poorly trained, I will not dispute that they were all tough and I imagine they have been through some very physically rigorous training.

[ghost91w]

Thanks for the heads up everyone (especially about that porn thing, wtf???). I'm gonna try to just be the grey man and basically be a robot until(if) I get some rank. Watching youtube videos of them in basic brought back some memories. It will be nice have a rifle again, even though I'm gonna hate that rucksack.

[Remington Raider]

Their officers seemed genuinely amazed that we let Es make actual decisions...they seem to regard that whole "having a brain," thing as pure heresy.

As Col Kurtz would say: the irony, the IRONY!!

the French officer corps at Dien Bien Phu was less than . . . stellar. IIRC, one put a bullet in his own head.

[troy2k]

Hopefully I didn't miss it, but it is Sunday am.

http://www.legion-recrute.com/en/

It's the official website, answers lotsa questions (yeah, I've run it through the hard drive once or twice).

As to second chances, let me ask, have you looked at NG SF stateside? I have been told more than once that the NG is used frequently to unfuck careers, and with SF being the great deal on the Guard side that it is, well it's win/win.
And hell, we need bodies. Especially if you were already selected, I would DEFINITELY call a NG SF recruiter. But it depends on your desire, mindset, etc...

Best of luck regardless. As to the Legion, well it's a military in the 21st century, with ALL that implies. Have a good friend who is LE (Legion Etrangere) and they are in the fight I assure you.

[RhodieBKK]

As Col Kurtz would say: the irony, the IRONY!!

the French officer corps at Dien Bien Phu was less than . . . stellar. IIRC, one put a bullet in his own head.

Sure... but do give credit where it is due,
that particular officer did achieve his objective.
:biggrin:

[LRS Guy]

Sadly at one time the French Army was considered to be top notch, well until Waterloo anyway.

We had a young man in another Plt when I was in the 82nd. He had done a tour in the FFL, I never got to talk to him about though. His nickname was "The Nose".

[BOFH]

troy2k raises a very good point. NGSF definitely needs people...and good people, at that. If you're "good people," then please, sign up.

[ghost91w]

Depends how you define "good people". I had a drinking problem that got me chaptered shortly after I PCS'd. Anyone who has worked with me knows I'm good people, but my DD 214 says I'm a shit bag. The way the economy is going these days, all the recruiters are basically telling me to fuck off.

I've already run through my options, I'm set on going, the only variable is when.

[Remington Raider]

Depends how you define "good people". I had a drinking problem that got me chaptered shortly after I PCS'd. Anyone who has worked with me knows I'm good people, but my DD 214 says I'm a shit bag. The way the economy is going these days, all the recruiters are basically telling me to fuck off.

I've already run through my options, I'm set on going, the only variable is when.

I doubt you will have much time or ability to do so, but keep us posted on your progress. If nothing else, it will be interesting.

bonne chance !

[CarbineM1]

..............IMMIC

[ghost91w]

I doubt you will have much time or ability to do so, but keep us posted on your progress. If nothing else, it will be interesting.

bonne chance !

Thanks.

I quit smoking cigs and started to pt again. I bought a weighted vest and it feels almost like body armor. Should be good to go in the fall. I'll try to post an update after basic.

[X18BSOCAL]

Would an American lose their citizenship if they joined the French Foreign Legion? How hard would it be to get it back? Not trying to rain on anyone's parade but that sounds like a pretty serious ambition.

[Hostile0311]

But in loss of your're citezenship you'd get a French passport. What more could you want? :biggrin:

[ghost91w]

Would an American lose their citizenship if they joined the French Foreign Legion? How hard would it be to get it back? Not trying to rain on anyone's parade but that sounds like a pretty serious ambition.

From what I've read, you get a false name the first year and they take your passport, but only because some recruits need to be anonymous and they don't want you deserting. After a year you get your real name(and I think passport) back, with those who need to stay anonymous keeping the fake name. For some countries, I think Poland and some of the eastern bloc, it is illegal to join the FFL.

I'm not planning to become a French citizen, if I could enlist in the Marines or renlist back in the US Army I would.

[X18BSOCAL]

But in loss of your're citezenship you'd get a French passport. What more could you want? :biggrin:

Possibly true for all of the Europe lovers like myself. I worked there as a civilian for a few years and would like to go back, but not until things stabilize again.

If I weren't in my late 40s I'd consider joining the Legion too. I'm not jealous, really, not at all! :biggrin:

[HighDragLowSpeed]

Sadly at one time the French Army was considered to be top notch, well until Waterloo anyway.

not to sidetrack the thread, but my understanding of the events at Waterloo are a bit different.

As usual, it's the story of good leadership changing the results, but surprisingly not the leadership of Wellington. The English lines were at the verge of collapse at one point.

My understanding is that had it not been for Blucher rallying his Prussians that had just gotten their ass handed to them just at the right time, the English lines would have arguably collapsed. Having Prussians show up on the French flank just as the French were going in for the kill completely changed the tide of the battle and forced the French to commit their Imperial Guard too early.

To give you some idea of the frenzy and turns in the battle, imagine cavalry so exhausted that they need to walk during several "charges".

You can read first hand accounts of the battle in David Howarth's "A Near Run Thing." My parents have a 1963 copy of Encyclopedia Britannica that has deep analysis of all of Napoleon's battles (unlike the superficial trash they put out now). Without Blucher rallying his troops, Waterloo could have been as great a victory as Austerlitz IMHO.

[RhodieBKK]

As usual, it's the story of good leadership changing the results, but surprisingly not the leadership of Wellington.
I believe John Keegan -QV his classic books on leadership & battle The Face of Battle & The Mask of Command- would beg to differ.

[HighDragLowSpeed]

I believe John Keegan -QV his classic books on leadership & battle The Face of Battle & The Mask of Command- would beg to differ.

I'll have to pick up that book when I'm in the states next. I'm no historian - just a shade tree admirer of Napoleanic tactics. That said, I'd believe that it's a hard argument that it was Wellington's leadership that saved the day with the British lines in disarray and the rested French Imperial Guard on the verge of being committed as reserves ...at least until after his change of fortune with the Prussians directly attributable to the leadership of Blucher.

I think even Keegan would admit that Wellington was in pretty bad trouble until that point.

[Rikkers]

My info is probably dated but...I saw some accurate perceptions here by SOTB, Tracy, and others. The tactics & weapons training could have been better. Getting used to living with next to nothing in harsh conditions is what you may gain from the experience. Things could have changed, but if I were getting ready to go to Castel, here's what I would do:

- Get used to the diet. It was bread and coffee for breakfast in the 90s.

- Start a running program. If you get decent at 10 Ks you should do fine

- Find what boots are currently issue, and get a pair

- Find what packs are currently issue and get one

- Put on said boot and pack & run 5 miles at least once a week with about 25 lbs

- Do a couple hikes per week with 35-45 lbs working up to 20 miles with no foot problems

- Learn to climb a skinny rope with out using your legs

- Learn as much slang French as possible

- Get a r/t ticket to Marseille, France with a 4 week gap, or an open ended ticket

- Don't tell them about your drinking issues unless they can find out somehow

- GCP and DINOPS used to be considered SF(ish) everyone else was just legionnaire

- Don't hang out in bars in downtown Marseille in the evenings. Just tryin' to keep you our of trouble :)

[BOFH]

My info is probably dated but...I saw some accurate perceptions here by SOTB, Tracy, and others. The tactics & weapons training could have been better. Getting used to living with next to nothing in harsh conditions is what you may gain from the experience. Things could have changed, but if I were getting ready to go to Castel, here's what I would do:

- Get used to the diet. It was bread and coffee for breakfast in the 90s.
I don't know if it was just the Commando Entreinement, but we were fed pretty well, plus wine at every meal, and Kronenbourg on "special occasions."
- Start a running program. If you get decent at 10 Ks you should do fine
Agreed on the running.
- Find what boots are currently issue, and get a pair
We wore US uniforms and boots, so I have nothing to add here...no idea what the current issue is.
- Find what packs are currently issue and get one
Same pack the Legion has used for pretty much forever...mine was stolen when my truck was broken into, or I'd post a picture...but you can pick them up cheap on eBay.
- Put on said boot and pack & run 5 miles at least once a week with about 25 lbs
Ruck runs, while bad for you, were a harsh reality at CECAP. Daily ruck runs.
- Do a couple hikes per week with 35-45 lbs working up to 20 miles with no foot problems
Pretty standard there
- Learn to climb a skinny rope with out using your legs
Agreed. In addition, at least at the Commando course, learn the "proper," technique for all the obstacle negotiation you can...
- Learn as much slang French as possible

- Get a r/t ticket to Marseille, France with a 4 week gap, or an open ended ticket

- Don't tell them about your drinking issues unless they can find out somehow

- GCP and DINOPS used to be considered SF(ish) everyone else was just legionnaire

- Don't hang out in bars in downtown Marseille in the evenings. Just tryin' to keep you our of trouble :)


My information is as of '08, so not AS dated, but could still be obsolete now.

Hope it helps.

[Rikkers]

I don't know if it was just the Commando Entreinement, but we were fed pretty well, plus wine at every meal, and Kronenbourg on "special occasions."

Yeah at commando courses you get fed much better. Back at the regiment it was bread and coffee for breakfast. You would generally have to get a small fridge in your room if you wanted something different for breakfast.

I saw a pic of Legion basic a few years ago, and it looked like they upgraded from the old turtle packs. Either way, find out, buy it (and the boots) and get past the hot-spots.
You'll be glad you did.

[ghost91w]

Thanks for the heads up about the bars downtown.:biggrin:

You guys know the nomenclature on the issue ruck sack? I found out the boots are "Rangers", pretty distinctive and not too hard to find online. But I'm having no luck with the rucksack. I'm only finding WWII era issue and ones that are way too small to be an issue rucksack.

[BOFH]

This tiny-ass pack is, no shit, what they issued us for CECAP. You'd be amazed how difficult it is to fit your entire "packing list," in that thing. That said, I was continually amazed at how many places I would go stateside where people would notice it, and know what it was. Wish mine hadn't been stolen.
http://socnet.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12584&stc=1&d=1276313625

[Rikkers]

That's the musette, not the legion patrol pack. The one pictured is just a small day-pack used to carry notebooks, snacks etc.

The Legion Sac a Dos / Backpack, is larger than this. Look on youtube for legion videos posted in the last year or so, you'll see the current patrol pack.

If you can't find any I'll scan some pics of what it was, but if you just gt a hold of the boots, you'll be ahead of the game.

[Le3]

The issue backpack is called the F1.
A google search will get you pictures ("SAC F1" or "sac à dos F1").

When I was still in a few years ago, we got better rucks as soon
as we finished basic. Most of the guys bought their own though.

My guess is that whatever the newest issue ruck in the Regiments might be
you will have to use the F1 in your classes.

The pictures above show the musette, but you will mostly use it for carrying your stuff to classrooms etc.

[Rikkers]

Link to the old F1 pack and boots (http://www.doursoux.com/product_info.php?cPath=976_1040&products_id=837)

I was hoping that they would have upgraded by now, but if not, the above link will get you a look at what was used 10 years ago.

There is recruiting websites now, you could probably shoot an email off and get links to the current issue just to make sure.

[Le3]

Mod feel free to delete. Sausagefingers on Iphone...

[Le3]

Link to the New 100l F2 ruck.
http://www.tam-surplus.fr/Sac-a-dos-100L-camo-CE-type-F2-sac-a-dos-EQUIPEMENTS/p/4/920/172/

But as I already said it is almost certain you will have to use the F1 during basic.

[Rikkers]

I didn't think they could possibly still be using that old F1 torture device. Hey that new pack looks like it might even have working padded hip support.

Ghost....just worry about the boots :smile:

[Le3]

Just one more piece of advice.

Some guys in our platoon bought the Gendarmeries Rangers as soon as they had the possibility (they are made of a thinner, softer leather).
I guarantee you that your superiors will notice and I also guarantee you that you don't want to be one of the guys that are ordered to suffer a raid wearing your issued parade Rangers.

Don't think too much about the Rangers. The pair I was issued first felt like sneakers from the beginning and I never had the slightest problems with them. As a matter of fact I really liked them. If this is not your case you will learn the tricks to make 'em real soft.

Learn to enjoy "La Piste garce er cruelle" is the best advice you can be given. This will allow you to have a great, enjoyable time. ;)

[JDAM]

Learn to enjoy "La Piste garce er cruelle" is the best advice you can be given. This will allow you to have a great, enjoyable time. ;)


LOL


Question for you out of curiosity, do FFL officers go through the same training as enlisted? What is the requirements/process for them?

[Le3]

To put it simple: Yes and no.

If someone is to become an O "directly" the process will be quite different from an enlisted.
It definately depends on the unit an aspiring officers wants to get in to. He will have to do the more "hands-on" parts of his curriculum in more "hands on" units.

BUT

There are quite a few Os who rose through the ranks. Enlisted men who got a slot for the NCO school - th ENSOA (if you, for instance, are a paratrooper and don't put out there you aren't guaranteed a slot in your original unit - which doesn't happen that often). After years as an NCO you could theoretically go to O-school. The men that are offered this are -to put it mildly- studs. Positive outcome guaranteed.
These Os are very sought after as you can imagine and mostly do their service in the Regiment they grew up in or in similar units.

Even the Os I got to serve under that came directly from schools knew they had to be topnotch (the exception proves the rule).

One fine example was a 4 star General who chose celebrating his retirement at our Regiment in conjunction with our platoon celebrating the end of our classes. He said a few words before dinner and told that it was our Regiment he began his service as a young private (he did Indochine...).
The General talked to us after the dinner and told us he preferred to celebrate this day with his brothers in arms than in Paris. One of the most moving moments in my life and one of the moments I understood what esprit de corps really means.

[Johan]

and forced the French to commit their Imperial Guard too early.

And the story of Soldiers of Imperial Guard, where lead Abt. dies to the man in place facing heavy rifle and artillery fire.

Losing 3, 4, 6, 8 Soldier every few seconds, and they do not break. They continue to reform and attempt to advance in formation, and die to the last Man doing so.

French military has been defeated in some battles, as with all military of all Nation. But French Soldier has usually performed as individual Soldier at least of level of opponents, often superior performance.

Another good book- 'The Face of Battle' by Keegan, very interesting research and analysis.

Regards,

[steyr223]

Look at Immersion Totale. It's a documentary authorised by the French government about entry, selection, and operation of the highly coveted force. It's the only documentary of its kind. For OPSEC reasons they don't show ALL of the training, but much of the selection process and day to day grind is shown in full.