in south africa if u are a white male in a certain age group u just dont get work or can join the sandf and so yes i want a future for my self where i can be happy
Tommy
A disclaimer: I have never served, but members of my immediately family are serving French soldiers. So this is from them, not me. I have never been a soldier, my father-in-law is a Colonel and has commanded FFL units.
Understand this:
1. If you are accepted as a Legionnaire you will be fighting for France. The FFL is no longer a independent army (the Algiers failed Coup ended its autonomous state), its now a independent arm of the French military under the orders of French Army Officers. You are NOT a French soldier but you will be fighting for France. See if that bothers you or not.
2. The Legion mainly serves in some of the nasty places of the world (such as Central Africa, Afghanistan, etc..). You will very likely see combat. Being Wounded or Killed are real possibilities more so than in conventional armies. Again see #1. Ask yourself if you are ready to die fighting for the Legion even though you are not French?
3. Because you are NOT a French Soldier, the French Government sees you as totally
EXPENDABLE.. Thats why the legion exists, to send soldiers to a place too dangerous or miserable to risk actual French soldiers. The FFL gets the most dangerous assignments. Remember that.
4. Discipline is the same between the regular French army and the FFL, but it is applied MUCH more rigorously in the FFL. The FFL does things most normal armies don't...like corporal punishment. Nobody knows for sure what happens (ex-legionnaires don't talk about it) but the one thing they do say is that its brutal. The FFL is not your typical army, its has a different Ethos. Life in the FFL is extremely Spartan. Desertion is not only common, but actually considered normal.
5. Many Legionaries already have military training, so you may be billeting with people who are accustomed to military life. The FFL does often attract bullies, petty criminals, and other not-so-nice people. Americans in particular often have a tough time because of the negative world sentiments surrounding the US these days.
I am not trying to persuade nor dissuade you. But you should be aware that the romanticism about the FFL belongs in the movies. Although I would recommend you talk to a FFL recruiter first and foremost. I can speak to my relatives about any specific questions you might have.