Female question about the FFL?

[Bags]

If this is a stupid question....I'll apologise now BUT it is a question which I am very interested in?


My Thoughts...

If I was a bloke and was interested in joing the FFL, I'd look for a site like this one...join....quietly...read all the mountains of information that is in here...quietly...all the while...watching, listening and learning...think I'd PM one or two past/present legionnaire's just to talk about them, hopefully they'd share maybe a little of their experience and hope for some input/advice to be thrown my way by the men who know...then & only then when I knew that the FFL was the life that I wanted & I knew that I was totally prepared for it...I'd book my ticket & go to enlist...quietly...


My Question...

what are the statitics of successful enlistment from member's in here...?


1) Are the guys who ask all the public questions & openly talk about joining and say...'In 4 months I'll be ready to go' etc etc & so forth...

OR

2) Are the quiet ones who join without introduction...who quietly watch, listen & learn...who may possibley PM past/present legionnaire's for some insight, advice or just wanting to talk?...

Which are most likely to succeed in joining the FFL? or is there just no way of knowing?

Bags

[Stoeng]

Difficult to know, but it remains obvious that most of the virtual warriors here actually have no whatsoever intentions of joining.

They are in reality more than satisfied with just talking about it, and is seems like in some cases it almost makes them feel like they have already made it.
At least that is what I deduct from some of the postings.

[RadioTex]

Bags, I don't think there is any way of knowing. It all depends on the individual and the situation in Aubagne. I believe that someone who wants all the answers before they decide to go, will not make it, even if he decides to go. Traditionally, La Legion has been made up of men who are willing to face the unknown, and come out on the other side with the knowledge that they have accomplished what they aimed for. As for myself, I set my goal and let nothing keep me from it. I was pre-internet---1985--The main question I had was, "Where do I join?" I have seen all kinds on this site--most are too caught up in the internet for all of their needs. They want to know all of the minutia before they decide. They usually don't make it. Too many expectations. We anciens just made up our mind, and got there, by hook or by crook, took our chances and voila, we became Legionnaires. We knew we would find the answers upon arrival. Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. Aubagne is a mystery--some fully capable guys are rejected--some wankers are accepted--it's a dice-roll. Just my two cents.

[Kronenberg]

I think Stoeng and Radio have hit the nail on the head.

As far as Stoeng's comments are concerned, there are a lot of guys on here that speak as if they are either in or have been in. Mixing with "us" somehow makes them think they have a Kepi Blanc in their cupboard. It's the illusion of the internet....

As far as Radio's comments are concerned it sums up everything that has been said before about the type of recruits now joining. Certainly when I signed up in the late 70s we were all running from something - mainly a probable prison sentence, and that made the Legion what it was - a bunch of "rough diamonds" that played hard, fought hard and didn't ask questions because we were all grateful for our new lives.

The softening up of social welfare in society and "human rights" for offenders means there is no old-school motivation left to keep the legend of the Legion alive as it was.

The mere fact that Legion-Eire recently stated that he was considering refusing the Afgan posting in exchange for a few months en taule speaks volumes for me personally. I cannot imagine under what circumstances 99.99% of "us" anciens could possibly have even thought about refusing a mission...

[Legion-eire]

The one thing one must keep in mind is that, concerning the guys who use this forum, the ones who stay silent profit just the same as those who come out asking the questions. Occasionally a fresh question is posed that isn't present in the archives, but for the most part the questions are re-hashed. If one took two test samples - a mute and active Cervens user - and sent them to the Legion, they could very well be near-identical in mindset and "supposed" knowledge of the Legion.

As RadioTex said, some guys here seek TOO MUCH information, but the ones who keep to themselves could be just like the quiet kid who doesn't raise his hand in class for fear of making a fool of himself. Everyone profits the same. Sometimes the onslaught of questions on trivial matters is unbearable, but bearing Kronenberg's point in mind re: softening up of social welfare in society and "human rights" for offenders means there is no old-school motivation left to keep the legend of the Legion alive as it was, it's 100% true but if the information is available, why NOT profit from it?

It would be interesting to see the statistics as you suggested Bags, but near impossible to formulate them unfortunately.
Good thread, this.

[Scouser]

I can speak only for myself but as I stated in my intro and also to give a twist on what Kronenberg said re. the law and modern times etc, I came back on here after setting off for Aubagne after school ended for me but got no further than Ibiza. In Kronenberg’s day you could run from the law but nowadays you can’t pass through a ferry terminal or airport if you are on some computer somewhere. The age of the European arrest warrant alters things just as much as the things he describes does.

I came back so I could sort things out rather than leave it to my family and it all ended well. As I said in my intro I got no intention of trying again for the Legion or UK forces until I complete my course. It’s unlikely there will be jobs for me here though.

I came back to Cervens to apologise for the way I was previously and never intended to stay. I don’t like some of the Ancien’s on here but they do have a way of sorting you out and pointing out some home truths. A couple have helped me personally and in private and I thank them for that too. The newbie wannabees should take note that like ‘em or loath them, people on here have a lifetime’s worth of hard won experience and wisdom and are more than willing to help you out so don’t be so quick to snap back at them.

It’s interesting also to see what kind of others might be going and why (some good ones here – some dodgy ones too…) if the likes of RMD and Holfr and Outlander are there it seems a good place to be and the craic is good here too - it passes the daily grind and keeps the glimmer of new possibilities alive. I used to read the PRMC (Royal Marines forum) but it left me cold.

Having said that, I won't be back much as I have nothing to contribute and reading what I’ve read I think it will be the R.A.S.C. for me anyway. Hope that helps.

[Bags]

As for myself, I set my goal and let nothing keep me from it. I was pre-internet---1985--The main question I had was, "Where do I join?"

Ok say for instance......the internet had been up & running pre 1985 and this site had been here then...would you of used it??

Bags

[Mise]

That would be a sort of, If he had found it, If we had ham, If your granny had balls????????????????????

[Kronenberg]

This is why gurls are not allowed in the Legion.

[Hroflr Grimm]

This is why gurls are not allowed in the Legion.

LOL! You just made me spew Bermuda ginger beer through my nose with that one. :D

[RadioTex]

Doubtful--for me it was the challenge of the unknown. Not much of a challenge if you know what awaits. I prefer a bit of mystery--helps to keep the blood flowing.

[Bags]

This is why gurls are not allowed in the Legion.

or why "gurls" aren't welcomed in here...?

[Kronenberg]

or why "gurls" aren't welcomed in here...?

Don't get all defensive now Bags - it was only a joke...

[RadioTex]

You are always welcome here Bags.

[RadioTex]

Bags, I thought you were married to an ancien--am I mistaken?

[John777]

Difficult to know, but it remains obvious that most of the virtual warriors here actually have no whatsoever intentions of joining.

They are in reality more than satisfied with just talking about it, and is seems like in some cases it almost makes them feel like they have already made it.
At least that is what I deduct from some of the postings.

I hate to go against you Stoeng, I know of two guys on here that have listened and gone, one failed, one made it. Sure some just talk, but some really go.

[RadioTex]

Stoeng did not say ALL--he said MOST. And he is correct.

[flash010]

dissagee all you want the adj tells it how it is and he said most not all

[SeanG]

I hate to go against you Stoeng, I know of two guys on here that have listened and gone, one failed, one made it. Sure some just talk, but some really go.

Fcuk me 2 guys out of how many on here, aint brill mate
Listen to Adj he is on the ball.

[John777]

Right you are gentlemen.

[Murph]

For a lot of us there was no internet. Was a question of hitching a lift with a couple of truck drivers down to Marseilles and see what happens. Reading a forum like this I wouldn't have hitched but flown straight away without wasting any time.

[Paris.Pete]

For a lot of us there was no internet. Was a question of hitching a lift with a couple of truck drivers down to Marseilles and see what happens. Reading a forum like this I wouldn't have hitched but flown straight away without wasting any time.

I think that the Internet plays a big part as to why guys do or do not join the Legion these days...there is so much rubbish around on the net now about the Legion or any Military, i mean all the info that they need is here on the net yet people still ask dumb questions, are they stupid or so insecure that they need a stranger to tell them that they will or will not be welcomed with open arms into the family that is the French Foreign Legion? I for one would of prefered to know nothing and just gone and find out for myself, for me the internet has taken away the (unknowness) of the Legion and im not so happy about that. Most of the Anciens just needed the Legion and one way or another they got there, to a life unknown.
Respect

[marinefather]

I want to know how many tell there family. not knowing still burns me.

[RMD]

I'd like to think of the interaction I have with you all on cervens.net as an education. I remember communicating with two members in the chat-box shortly after activation. We were arguing, & I made several silly comments about one member's nationality. These comments were removed by a Moderator the very next day. Now, this may be a small thing, but it got my attention & after that I took the forum rules a little more seriously & of course, the Articles. Especially Article 2.

Anyone can log-on, ask a question, receive an answer, & leave feeling a little better informed. But for those who recognize it, there is the opportunity for so much more, so In my humble opinion I think it's insight & an education that most hope to find on cervens.net. I would stop short of calling it 'experience', but an experience it is. & I think you need to interact a little more in order to get that. But don't, as Stoeng suggest many do, consider it as acceptance already.

This is the world we live in today, the information, an answer is always there, you've just got to ask the question. I'm not saying that this is good, or bad, I'm just saying that I & my entire western generation know nothing other than to be able to ask one question & to receive hundreds of answers in 0.05 seconds. But too many wannabe's treat cervens.net as a substitute Google & waste a very valuable resource.

Can any one Legionnaire honestly say that if he knew of a valuable source of information regarding the Legion, in his days before knocking on that door, that he would not have given it one good look?

[Bags]

Bags, I thought you were married to an ancien--am I mistaken?

No I was married to a British soldier for 15yrs.....for my sins ;)

Bags

[Hroflr Grimm]

.....for my sins ;)

Hahaha, nice. :)

[Bags]

I was just wondering and if this is a blonde question...I'm sorry.

When someone decides to joins the FFL Anonymously, is it totally Anonymously? or do the FFL keep some sort of record when the guy first enlists? or do they have to fill in a next of kin? only asking because what if the guy is seriously wounded and then dies....will his next of kin be informed? or will the FFL not notify anyone? and then no one will ever know what happened to him?

Bags

[Ex-Pongo]

I was just wondering and if this is a blonde question...I'm sorry.

When someone decides to joins the FFL Anonymously, is it totally Anonymously? or do the FFL keep some sort of record when the guy first enlists? or do they have to fill in a next of kin? only asking because what if the guy is seriously wounded and then dies....will his next of kin be informed? or will the FFL not notify anyone? and then no one will ever know what happened to him?

Bags

When you are in Selection you get made to write down a NOK. if the worst should happen, the FFL have someone to inform. What happens if you have no-one I don't know.

[Stoeng]

Yes they keep some kind of record, and any "anonymous" that dies immediately gets back his real identity and is buried with his real name.

Next of kind is informed if relevant

[Sparrow]

Interesting thread... For me... Yes I did read up allot about the legion before I joined, and yes I did ask questions on this forum, publicly and private. But before I asked questions, I did try to find the answer in old posts. I learned allot, and I THOUGHT I knew what to expect, but the truth is that I didn't have slightest clue what I was about to unleash onto myself! My personal experience is that yes the traditions stay the same, but in the end it all depends on your chef de section and the cadres. There is not one section going through Castel that have the EXACT same experience as the others! Ive heard many stories from allot of different legionnaires and not one of them were the same story... Yes everyone has to meet the same standard, but how the guys get there is all a different story.

It really is a hard thing to explain, you have to experience it for yourself to fully understand and appreciate it. But all in all it is the most awesome experience of my life and I simply LOVE it, but I would never do it all over again! I prepared myself mentally for the worst to come, and still got through with scars and bruises, but I got through and I have NO regrets. In the end everybody joins for his own personal reasons, and we learn to respect that of everyone and not judge anyone, because we all have one thing in common... We are brothers in arms! The rest is pretty much up to yourself, and what you make of it.

[flash010]

I think Stoeng and Radio have hit the nail on the head.

As far as Stoeng's comments are concerned, there are a lot of guys on here that speak as if they are either in or have been in. Mixing with "us" somehow makes them think they have a Kepi Blanc in their cupboard. It's the illusion of the internet....

As far as Radio's comments are concerned it sums up everything that has been said before about the type of recruits now joining. Certainly when I signed up in the late 70s we were all running from something - mainly a probable prison sentence, and that made the Legion what it was - a bunch of "rough diamonds" that played hard, fought hard and didn't ask questions because we were all grateful for our new lives.

The softening up of social welfare in society and "human rights" for offenders means there is no old-school motivation left to keep the legend of the Legion alive as it was.

The mere fact that Legion-Eire recently stated that he was considering refusing the Afgan posting in exchange for a few months en taule speaks volumes for me personally. I cannot imagine under what circumstances 99.99% of "us" anciens could possibly have even thought about refusing a mission...
the mission is sacred thats all there is you sware to carry out your mission with vigor

[Sparrow]

the mission is sacred thats all there is you sware to carry out your mission with vigor

And that's all there is to it, pretty simple actually.

[Martin Scott]

I want to know how many tell there family. not knowing still burns me.
I found out about the Legion after chatting to a mate who was ex RGJ, and was en perm from 2Rei. He told me its a hard life but you , make what you can off it. I went to Paris and the rest they say is history.
As for telling the family my Dad had a gut feeling that I was going, but I packed a grip bag. had me4 open ended ticket for a month and me passport and just went.
Thought I owed a explaination to my parents so wrote them a letter and left it by the tea caddie before I went and explained why I was going. After selection and the farm and our frist visit en ville I sent them a postcard just to let them
know I was Ok.
Letters after that to home were pretty regular after I joined the regiment.

[clyder]

Your two cents was spot on!

[clyder]

In response to RadioTex....your two cents was spot on!!!

[fiveOHsink]

I joined this site about a year and a half ago, immediately after I left the US Army.

I had a few technical questions, and once those were answered, I shut up.

I will go to Aubagne, just as SOON as the government finishes paying for my degree ;) What kind of soldier would I be if I didn't put the benefits to good use?

I really appreciate the chance to talk with Anciens, reading their stories, and watching how reactive and upset they get at stupid questions from wannabee's...