2eme REP (tips for the new guys)

[Beau-Sheep]

Good morning ladies. The REP. Many of wanna go there after Castel, be warned, Camp Raffalli may be on a holiday island but this is not 18-30s. In my opinion there is only one other regiment where life is as tough as the REP, 3eme REI. Before you choose either of these regiments think and think hard. The 3eme REI is an option for some straight after Castel, be warned, its a tough option and your arrival in South America will demonstrate this to you, when you get off the plane you are not yet a member of the 3eme REI, nope, first you gotta get through jungle training and ladies.... this regiment wrote the book on jungle training, they train hard, very hard.

The same is true of the REP, when you arrive in Calvi you are nothing more than a recruit from Castel, its gonna be weeks before you get your wings and its gonna be weeks before you reach your company. A lot of guys were not ready for this and the shock of a "return to basics" really ****ed them up. Do not expect to get paid when you arrive and do not expect to go out into town for a while. You are the lowest of the low and thats the way it stays until you get your wings and go to your company (where you will become the lowest of the low again)

The only way the guys in your company can get to know how you tick is by putting you under pressure, the first few weeks you will get all the shitty jobs, do them and do them in silence, never and I mean never moan or winge... you will be jumped on from a great height.

As soon as you get some money get yourself into town and buy a GORTEX BIVVY BAG! You will not last in this regiment without one. Get your kit sorted before you go and spend your pennies on booze. My advice, find a British cpl or sgt in your company and ask him for an essentials shopping list. The two main items should be the bivvy bag and a leatherman (wave is the best) or a Gerber multi tool. There is a lot of other stuff you will need to, the French army is famous for handing out shitty kit, gortex socks are a must, buy two pairs and use them only when in the field, a fighting knife is a nice extra, nice to have not a must, try stabbing someone with a bayonet... see? Buy a Fairbairn Sykes!

Black out your webbing and start masking tapping pressure points on both your webbing and your sac a dos. You will carry a lot more weight in this regiment, make sure your sac a dos is comfortable and does not rub, if it rubs here in Calvi on a thirty K march ask yourself how it will rub in Africa... Ask the serving paras for advice on kit and you will demonstrate that you are here for business, go out on the piss that first night and do not sort out your kit first and see what happens. When new recruits join any section in the REP the platoon staff up the workload for a week or two... to "ease" the new guys in.

Be prepared ladies! Yes I know, you have not been out for over 5 months, your dick is dropping off from lack of use and you could murder a cold beer. Have fun but remember, tomorrow morning could find you in a Transal on your way to war....!

[Eagle eye]

But it's still possible to see a couple of Beausheeps hilarious posts on desertion and an introduction to 2REP, as well as posts from other members.I think that Beau Sheep is actually trying to warn off wannabes from joining the 2eREP unless they know exactly what they're getting themselves into.
No offence meant here, Craigm. I assume you have already been to the 2eREP.

[Beau-Sheep]

I aint trying to scare anyone off this regiment, just want them to know what its gonna be like when they get there. Like I said, its not a holiday camp and many of the people in your section will already have five years or more under the belt. They do not like fresh meat and they hate fresh meat with an attitude. **** around in those first two months in the REP and you will find a radio (big ****er) appears in your sac a dos, or you wake up one morning and find that you lost your FAMAS and got issued an AA52... ladies, believe me, you think marching in the REP is hard, carry an AA52 and tell me again how hard it is... You may even get really lucky and end up being married to a mortar base plate... then you really are living in a world of shit...!

[Eagle eye]

....unless they know exactly what they're getting themselves into....Never said you were scaring off anyone just giving your no BS advice to the benefit of wannabes.

You're giving a 'reality check' for those who have the comfort of the Legion Board. The comfort of the Board will disappear in a puff of smoke for months on end if and when the wannabes decide to sign the dotted line... That's another no BS 'reality check' for the wannabes.

[the_13th_redneck]

I don't think I'd want to join something like that straight away after boot. I think I'd want something a bit lighter to get a handle on my French and adapt to Legion life... improve my fitness a bit more before signing up for things like South America duty.

[Beau-Sheep]

In most cases they tell you where you are going, I finished first in my section and was offered the caporal course, then a horrible Polish Sgt whispered in my ear that if I stayed he would make my life hell... In the office I asked first to be sent to the 3eme REI (that god they refused), then I got cheeky and asked for Tahiti and he smiled at me and stamped my form... When he lifted the stamp up it had printed "2eme Regiment Etranger de Parachutistes". I could of cried! Laugh, was not that bad really once you get used to the shitty life they dish out.

[the_13th_redneck]

Oh right... like all militaries they will do the choosing for you. The ticking on the sheet is merely a formality lol. Actually I heard the choice is made depending on how well u do selection. The top of the class gets priority in his choice over 2nd etc down to the bottom.

[Lethalbit]

Oh what the hell, The whole French Foreign Legion idea it's all about joining the 2REP... or even 3REI if they say I'm not worth it. Not getting in neither of these Disney world of shit regiments would not be fun at all, ain't that right Beau-Sheep? All I have left to make is actually getting in, and prove I'm worth it.

Lethal :cool:

[the_13th_redneck]

You can always file for a transfer. Personally, I want to end up in 2REP.

[Beau-Sheep]

Oh what the hell, The whole French Foreign Legion idea it's all about joining the 2REP... or even 3REI if they say I'm not worth it. Not getting in neither of these Disney world of shit regiments would not be fun at all, ain't that right Beau-Sheep? All I have left to make is actually getting in, and prove I'm worth it.

Lethal :cool:How many faces look back at you in the bathroom mirror each morning? One! Yours. He is the only person on this planet you have to prove something to! Get in and earn a Kepi Blanc. Who cares where you wear it!

[the_13th_redneck]

lol good, sound advice that last bit.

[craigm]

No offence meant here, Craigm. I assume you have already been to the 2eREP.None taken! But I do find BeauSheeps post very entertaining - and I agree with you: he's getting wannabees to think hard about joining up, and he puts the point across in a humorous way :D

Craig

[Beau-Sheep]

None taken! But I do find BeauSheeps post very entertaining - and I agree with you: he's getting wannabees to think hard about joining up, and he puts the point across in a humorous way :D

CraigThanks guys. I seen a lot of good men make the wrong turn and end up regretting it, I just want you guys to get it right, you are important to me, you guys take the time to ask those who were there instead of taking advice from those who wished they were.

[john]

I said this before on the old board... but we all know what happened to that, so i'll say it again. Beausheep's posts are extremely valuable. In fact they are sometimes the highlight of my day....yes my life is not too exciting right now. Many people come on this board with just an idea of what the Legion is about, what their friends have told them, mostly of course this is all wrong. If Beausheep scares a lot of these people off then not only is he saving them a lot of heart ache, shitting themselves when they get themselves into something they thought was going to be a joy ride. He is also freeing up space for people who really want to go, and know what they are getting themselves in. The fewer people that go, the better my chances of getting in are.
Thanks beau, beers are on me anytime you feel like coming to collect them in France.

[the_13th_redneck]

Yeah I really want to know.
I have to do 2 years of military service before I can join the Legion. So that would be 7 years worth of military experience if I chose that route.
So I'm glad I found this board.

[john]

That 2 years could be the best thing to happen to you. you could decide that the army is the worst thing that ever happened to you, and you never want to see green again. its so easy to sit back and watch movies and read stories of legionnaires while we are sitting in our warm homes, it's a totally different thing once you are actually out there with your ass in the grass. Wherever you live, i'm sure the 2 years in your army wouldn't be as bad as 5 years of wishing you hadn't joined the Legion.

[the_13th_redneck]

Yup.
I've actually wanted to go career in military but I met the wrong father for that. I still want a job in defense/intel but careerwise probably not all military. Either way if anything's going to happen it'll have to be outside my home country. Or else I'll have to change answering machines every night because they're going to blow up from angry phone calls.

[Fabtinus]

Redneck, My advice to you it do your 2 years in a regulary army then see what you want after this. I have 10 years on my back in a regulary danish army and it is not all fun and games.

Also take Beau-Sheep words in deeply, trying to hike through a desert with a backpack weighing 20kg, weapon, webbing and a radio, only afther this can you tell if it is tough or not. My experience tells me it is never a walk in a park and I am currently locatet in Iraq with my army and doing the walk in 34c is not funny I can tell you.

But still after my 10 years in the army and my contract and tour of duty down here is over Feb next year, I am still a Legion wanabee and off next year to earn my kepi.

Good luck all your wanabees and F**K off all you hackers :mad: that ruins this nice site.

[Martin Scott]

When I served you were told were you were going. If You didnt get into the top ten after instruction, luckly I did 5th and choose 1er Rec,Scott avec 1Rec, whatever regiment you get posted to keep your gob shut and do all the shitty jobs which you are going to be given.

I asked about 2rep and the Sergeant said Scott are you ******* nuts !!!!!!!!!!!! that where we send all the head bangers

[ranger]

I asked to join 2rep and the Sergeant said Scott are you ******* nuts !!!!!!!!!!!! that where we send all the head bangers

"head bangers"? i don't get it... :confused:

[a1b2c3]

Hello everyone,

I'm one of the lurking wannabe's, and I just wanted to pop my head out the ground to thank Beau for the reality check. Due to this board, I've already made mental and physical changes to my lifestyle and plans in the next year to maximize my chances of making it to Castelnaudry.

2eme REP may not be an option for me anyways, as I will be at least 29 when I knock on the gates. And thanks to all the other Anciens who have posted, I have no expectations nor pretentions of greatness of joining the Legion...I will take my chances, and take whatever is thrown at me without complaint. Easier said than done, I know...but there's only one way to find out.

Dave

[FallenOne]

A1B2C3, Another person from the deserts of AZ. I am in Phoenix what part of this state are you in? :)

[Rapace]

Is it the "Arizonian connection" ?

[Martin Scott]

"head bangers"? i don't get it... :confused:
Yo.
Salut.
The literal translation to Head bangers is somebody who is slightly mental. If that means you have not got any fear in you what so ever. Beau Sheep hasn't , mind you we must all be slighty crazy when we joined the Legion. No wonder the REP think of themselves as a elite they are. Beau if you are ever in London give us a shout and lets get legless. For those of you that don't understand it means PISSED !!!!!!!!!! :) :mad:

[a1b2c3]

I'm in Tempe currently, will be moving to the Mesa/Gilbert area in about a month.

Dave

[Beau-Sheep]

Yo.
Salut.
The literal translation to Head bangers is somebody who is slightly mental. If that means you have not got any fear in you what so ever. Beau Sheep hasn't , mind you we must all be slighty crazy when we joined the Legion. No wonder the REP think of themselves as a elite they are. Beau if you are ever in London give us a shout and lets get legless. For those of you that don't understand it means PISSED !!!!!!!!!! :) :mad:Oh Lordy.... should be in London next month, I think we need the tribe sized pack of alkers dude... :)

[Slivovitz]

"that means you have not got any fear in you what so ever."

So would it be advisable to deck any Caporal's or Seargant's once in Castel? I don't mind the beating.
Cheers,
William

[Flavian-Brazil]

I'm going to the Legion to be in 2REP... maybe 3REI. Which one is the best trained?

[Bram]

I'm going to the Legion to be in 2REP... maybe 3REI. Which one is the best trained?It's good to have a plan but you make sure you get through selection and then basic training. Proove yourself when you're there... You can only give the best that you have. Maybe it's enough and maybe not.

[flash010]

"head bangers"? i don't get it... :confused:come out drinking wi me and bou and you'll see what they mean haha :D

[Madmonk 7.5]

I don't mind the beating.
Cheers,
William I shall gladly oblige :D

[thedrunkensailor]

Maybe I'm being stupid, but is there any point in the people who join the legion for the adventure, elitism and all the rest of the commando comic concepts not trying to go 2REP or 3REI? In the sense that if you're doing gonna go legion etrangere to test yourself and prove to the guy you see in the mirror that you're not just another 9 till 5 dickhead would any other regiment pass muster? Not that any I intend any offence to any anciens who served with any other regiment, just that the reputation the forementioned regiments have is that they are the best, and the way I see it is, if you ain't trying to be the best, you're aswell not bothering. As I've said before I'm nothing but a wannabe, who may not even be good enough to be a legionaire nevermind to serve with one of the "elite" regiments.

I'm curious as to what everyone thinks about this.


Paulo.

[flash010]

if you dont give it your all you are as well stayng home. its not a 9 till 5 its a way of life. you made a good point as i would expect from a fellow jock haha.;)

[Stoeng]

Well !! First of all I am not at all sure that the 2REP and 3REI are the best regiments in the Legion. Also, I would be very careful when calling the other Regiments 9 to 5 units.

The 3REI is certainly a very interesting regiment, but it is worth keeping in mind that due to its location, it is unlikely that it will get in to real action within foreseeable future. In the 3REI nobody has fired a shot in anger since the end of the Algeria war.

The 2REP is also a very good regiment that is among the best in the world. However, if you do some homework and look at the different conflicts during the last 20 years, you can make a comparison list between regiments of the participation armed conflicts. You will discover that due to its configuration (airborne, so less firepower and armour or mobility) unfortunately the 2REP has participated in less conflicts than the 2REI, 1(6)REG or the 1REC. I do not want to take any glory away from the 2REP and many of my best friends have served or are currently serving there. They are very good, but there is no reason today to put the 2REP higher than another Legion regiment.

[flash010]

Most guys who left the rep go to 2eme rei all the reg's are unique and contribute to the whole sum of the Legion. i mean i'd jump out a plane but did not like the thought of getting cooked in a tank. its all good lol ;)

[Martin Scott]

It doesnt matter what Regiment that you serve in the Legion is your family. There is competition between Regiments but that is just it. Personnally the best Regiment to serve in is 1 Rec.

[Stoeng]

Most guys who left the rep go to 2eme rei all the reg's are unique and contribute to the whole sum of the Legion. i mean i'd jump out a plane but did not like the thought of getting cooked in a tank. its all good lol100% Flash :D :D

But you know the old competition between REC and REP. The question is: are we more likely to be cooked in our tanks than the REP guys of being cooked in their planes before jumping? :p

[Martin Scott]

I could never understand why people wanted to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. My mates in The Rep could never understand why I wanted to drive a tank. Different strokes for different folks :D :D :D

[flash010]

i think enery boy who ever played comando's has wanted to be a tank comander or a para even in the rep the finns used the old tank we used for a target as a drinking den you could hear them making tank noses haha.as the french say were la meme merde and proud of it :D

[thedrunkensailor]

Also, I would be very careful when calling the other Regiments 9 to 5 units.


Sorry I never meant to imply that other regiments were 9 to 5, what I meant was that it's not wanting a 9 to 5 life that makes people wanna join the Legion.

Again I apologise for any offence was taken by anyone who served with other regiments, and I think everyone on here, well almost everyone as I have spotted a few twats posts, knows that all Legionaires are worthy of utmost respect. Maybe if you guys from regiments other than the REP wrote some more books???:D :D :D

Paulo.

[lawin]

What actually is the caporal course? how do you get into a caporal course?

[B-Lark]

Excellent post Mr. Sheep...As usual your advice is invaluable

[Cpl K]

What actually is the caporal course? how do you get into a caporal course?This is called a CME in the Legion, meaning Certificat Militaire Elémentaire. There are types of CME, short and long. Normally the short ones are for longer serving legionnaires and done in your own regiment. The longer ones are usually done at 4° RE at Castelnaudary but are also done in overseas regiments like the 3° REI etc. I joined the Legion at 18 and became a caporal before 2 years in the Legion, on one hell of a long caporals course in French Guyana (9 weeks) out camped in the Jungle was the best fun of my life ;)
To get selected for a Caporals course easy, get your self seen by others as a good legionnaire, no problems with drink, sport etc... and each time they ask what you want to do say > become a Cpl.

Cpl K......................

[DOOMSDAYDEXTER]

Nice picture Mr Mackay!
;)
Regards

[flash010]

thats officer mackay to you fletcher ;)

[Martin Scott]

Shut it Mac Callion. Fletcher to the black scotsman.
Now who do we get to play Mr.Barriclough and Lenny Godber any takers?

[another_wanabe]

as i understand there are 6 companies within the 2REP, now how does one become a combat swimmer ? Do all of those companies have to be jumpers as well ?

[Beau-Sheep]

as i understand there are 6 companies within the 2REP, now how does one become a combat swimmer ? Do all of those companies have to be jumpers as well ?Everyone jumps. The guys you see in frog suit outfits in the front of the plane with bellies... they aint swimmers... they are the cooks. Because they are overweight they are made to jump over water to keep airborne status and remain in the regiment.

How do you become a swimmer? You don't. They make you one. After the promo (jump school) you go to the company who is most in need of fresh meat. You have no influence in being sent to the 3eme Cie.

[EV_CHEF]

u saying that all cooks r overwheight? :mad: :confused: lol

[joette]

u saying that all cooks r overwheight? :mad: :confused: lol
mm? not the one I know.. hehe:p

[flash010]

Everyone jumps. The guys you see in frog suit outfits in the front of the plane with bellies... they aint swimmers... they are the cooks. Because they are overweight they are made to jump over water to keep airborne status and remain in the regiment.

How do you become a swimmer? You dont. They make you one. After the promo (jump school) you go to the company who is most in need of fresh meat. You have no influence in being sent to the 3eme Cie.the nearest some get is garde center amfibie a boring garde and if you cant get the next cunt up you end up with a double garde. picked intervenion now tha was a good one if johny yates was sarg stop at foyer have a beer stop at sou's off mess have a beer with adj h the mad larger then out for a stroll. ave some:cool:

[Krechnek]

Everyone jumps. The guys you see in frog suit outfits in the front of the plane with bellies... they aint swimmers... they are the cooks. Because they are overweight they are made to jump over water to keep airborne status and remain in the regiment.

How do you become a swimmer? You dont. They make you one. After the promo (jump school) you go to the company who is most in need of fresh meat. You have no influence in being sent to the 3eme Cie.Who get to do the High altitude Low opening jumps?

Joette, PM on yahoo me and I send you the address in Germany. I'm living among the WTC right now...Goobersville.

[flash010]

you jump high and leve it till the last min to open your canopy to avoid getting spoted :) :) ps send yor contact to me to plz :cool:

[Eagle eye]

Well !! First of all I am not at all sure that the 2REP and 3REI are the best regiments in the Legion. Also, I would be very careful when calling the other Regiments 9 to 5 units.

The 3REI is certainly a very interesting regiment, but it is worth keeping in mind that due to its location, it is unlikely that it will get in to real action within foreseeable future. In the 3REI nobody has fired a shot in anger since the end of the Algeria war.

The 2REP is also a very good regiment that is among the best in the world. However, if you do some homework and look at the different conflicts during the last 20 years, you can make a comparison list between regiments of the participation armed conflicts. You will discover that due to its configuration (airborne, so less firepower and armour or mobility) unfortunately the 2REP has participated in less conflicts than the 2REI, 1(6)REG or the 1REC. I do not want to take any glory away from the 2REP and many of my best friends have served or are currently serving there. They are very good, but there is no reason today to put the 2REP higher than another Legion regiment.....All this chatter about best unit/regiment/comapny is really balloney: what is important is your OWN INDIVIDUAL EFFORT once you're in the FFL....in giving your best or reasonable effort without excessive or unreasonable expectations can spare you serious disappointment and betray the word and contract signed and stamped at the beginning of your FFL "porridge": so just take it a day at a time and spare yourself some grief and potential thoughts on desertion....you'll find good, the bad, the ugly and the really lousy in most companies in any army at different times....so just stop thinking about 'best unit' but focus instead on your 'best effort' at most if not all the time....and make sure you survive the different phases/cycles; ebbs 'n flows of FFL life...Good luck to those who are going: RYTM....:rolleyes:

[Eagle eye]

Everyone jumps. The guys you see in frog suit outfits in the front of the plane with bellies... they aint swimmers... they are the cooks. Because they are overweight they are made to jump over water to keep airborne status and remain in the regiment....Does an overweight cook doing a bellyflop on landing in Calvi bay equate to a TSUNAMI.....still just a passing thought.....:o

[Martin Scott]

I see your back then. :D :D :cool:

[last-man-standing]

Good morning ladies. The REP. Many of wanna go there after Castel, be warned, Camp Raffalli may be on a holiday island but this is not 18-30s. In my opinion there is only one other regiment where life is as tough as the REP, 3eme REI. Before you choose either of these regiments think and think hard. The 3eme REI is an option for some straight after Castel, be warned, its a tough option and your arrival in South America will demonstrate this to you, when you get off the plane you are not yet a member of the 3eme REI, nope, first you gotta get through jungle training and ladies.... this regiment wrote the book on jungle training, they train hard, very hard.

The same is true of the REP, when you arrive in Calvi you are nothing more than a recruit from Castel, its gonna be weeks before you get your wings and its gonna be weeks before you reach your company. A lot of guys were not ready for this and the shock of a "return to basics" really ****ed them up. Do not expect to get paid when you arrive and do not expect to go out into town for a while. You are the lowest of the low and thats the way it stays until you get your wings and go to your company (where you will become the lowest of the low again)

The only way the guys in your company can get to know how you tick is by putting you under pressure, the first few weeks you will get all the shitty jobs, do them and do them in silence, never and I mean never moan or winge... you will be jumped on from a great height.

As soon as you get some money get yourself into town and buy a GORTEX BIVVY BAG! You will not last in this regiment without one. Get your kit sorted before you go and spend your pennies on booze. My advice, find a British cpl or sgt in your company and ask him for an essentials shopping list. The two main items should be the bivvy bag and a leatherman (wave is the best) or a Gerber multi tool. There is a lot of other stuff you will need to, the French army is famous for handing out shitty kit, gortex socks are a must, buy two pairs and use them only when in the field, a fighting knife is a nice extra, nice to have not a must, try stabbing someone with a bayonet... see? Buy a Fairbairn Sykes!

Black out your webbing and start masking tapping pressure points on both your webbing and your sac a dos. You will carry a lot more weight in this regiment, make sure your sac a dos is comfortable and does not rub, if it rubs here in Calvi on a thirty K march ask yourself how it will rub in Africa... Ask the serving paras for advice on kit and you will demonstrate that you are here for business, go out on the piss that first night and do not sort out your kit first and see what happens. When new recruits join any section in the REP the platoon staff up the workload for a week or two... to "ease" the new guys in.

Be prepared ladies! Yes I know, you have not been out for over 5 months, your dick is dropping off from lack of use and you could murder a cold beer. Have fun but remember, tomorrow morning could find you in a Transal on your way to war....!Cheers for all the info in this. I aint read every reply so sorry if you have already answered this. Would I get my kit back if i bought all of the above before leaving for France even before being accepted? As for the booz I dont drink, so I'm cool : heat and alcohol don't mix.

[corvee de chotte]

Yes of course bring all this stuff with you and the relevant receipts then hand them in to the SGT ,he will give you another receipt for the kit which will be returned to you at a later date.

[section8kffk]

How many faces look back at you in the bathroom mirror each morning? One! Yours. He is the only person on this planet you have to prove something to! Get in and earn a Kepi Blanc. Who cares where you wear it!

Damn if that isnt the best advice above all. You see your face every morning. You are the only person you have to prove something to. If you fail its because YOU let yourself fail. Nothing to but to do it.

[Aolain1]

Man, this is an old thread!

I wonder what happened to Beau Sheep? I use to like reading his posts.

[Martin Scott]

Man, this is an old thread!

I wonder what happened to Beau Sheep? I use to like reading his posts.
Left mate like a lot of others

[Chas]

Aolain 1,
Sadly Beau-Sheep was not the ‘Beau’ he purported to be. A question of service. 'Nuff said by me, other than to agree that his posts were amusing. You can pm me but all remains private.