Originally posted by zigzag:
The FFL is usually made up of people who usually have a past to run away from. Some do it simply because they want a French passport (or any passport at all, for that matter)... Its is not unusual to have some pple in there who have criminal records and less than wonderful pasts...
There are some military people who regard the FFL more as glorified merceneries who fight under the French flag, and even within the French services, some French soldiers have the impression that they are not fully fledged forces. They are taken care of, given a roof over their heads, and are even given French lessons. But until they become French citizens, they are not allowed many liberties.... They cannot get married, they can't even buy a car.... Worse of all, they are considered 'expendable'. Like one ex-French serviceman told me, "Why do u think the French always send the Foreign Legion first?" The current situationin Congo is a good example.
However, this cannot take away the fact that the FFL is well-trained, tough and has a very proud tradition, especially for those guys who have chosen to go in. In many instances, the FFL is the closest thing to family that they have, and they are willing to die for it if the need be. Just
That is complete nonsense, you know nothing about the legion !
Murderers are not welcome in the Legion. Small matters like assault however will not necessarily prevent you from joining.
Some people here asked why joing the FFL if you can get more $$ in the SAF !! That really shows how you have no idea on one's motivation to join the FFL. Give me a break about the French passport thing... there are large numbers of American, British and German in the FFL, you think they are there for the passport?

Let me tell you why some American ex-USMC, Brit ex-RM, etc... go and join the Legion: because they want to know what it is to have a REAL soldier life. There is no PC bullshit in the Legion and how can you claim to be a real soldier if you never see real action ?
In your opinion zigzag, what is your % of chance of seeing real action in the SAF compared to the Legion, hmm ??

The Legionnaire are not mercenaries, where did you get this stupid idea from ? When the regular army is sent to fight it's normal but when it's the Legion then they become mercenaries ? You should cut on Jean-Claude Vandamme movies my friend... it is clouding your judgement. The Legionnaires are not expendable, they are trained to fight so that's what they do when it's their duty to do so, what is so difficult to understand about that ?
I suggest you visit some website aout the FFL, there are a lot, written by ex-legionnaire, in English. That will be an eye-opener for you.