

April 25 2008 - post from Mad Jock who got a inapte definitif

May-31-2007 - post from rickyhimalayan who is a serving Legionnaire



January-21-2007 - post from E.V.(Rifleman) who just returned from Aubagne



July 30 2006 - post from Legionnaire who just finished basic training



July 4 2006 - post from former NCO "reality check" for wanabees



> November 4 2005 - post from Milan BB about his enlistment and getting a Inapt Temporaire for 18 months



August 25 2005 - post from "a Canadian Deserter" about his regrets and advise to wannabees



April 19 2005 - post from "Martin Scott" about requirements to join.

In conjuction with a serving sergeant



April-10-2005 - post from "Legionet" about the new test that will replace the Cooper test.

translated by Patrick Hervier



December 29 2004 - post from E.V. (KBF) Who was accepted and subsequently deserted



December 15 2004 - post from E.V. (nick name Tragedy) "An american who was told to come back in 18 month's"



September 27 2004 - post from E.V. who decided the Legion was not for him and got himself released after six months and Follow up as to reason to depart



August 29 2004 - Excellent post about Joining and basic training by Juxtaman



March 15 2004 - Post Info about Fort Nogent (Paris) recruitment center



March 7 2004 - Post from Tony reply to commando question



March 7 2004 - Post from E.V. (volunteer recruit)Mike who just returned from the Legion



March 7 2004 - Post from Tony reply to commando question



Feb.10 2004 - Post from E.V. (volunteer recruit) who just returned from the Legion



February 8 2004 - Post about French Special Forces By Peter Lyderik



January 27 2004 - Letter from brother who joined recently. It is in English and Finnish



January 22 2004 - Latest Information from legionnaire who returned after BSLE interview



2b - Latest Information from a serving legionnaire



November 2003 post about eyesight



1b - Latest Information from legionnaire who returned after going rouge

1 - Letter/post of enlistment requirements

1a - Latest Information from E.V.

2 - letter/post about joining procedures

2a - Letter/post Cooper test info

3 - letter/post about joining and basic training

4 - Letter/post about joining and leaving

5 - Personal view of joining the Legion

6 - Letter/post joining process

7 - letter/post about joining process

8 - Joining criteria of a recruitment officer

9 - Information about Legion commandos

10 - Tips about joining

11 - tips about joining

12 - Pay in the Legion

13 - Letter/post about joining the Legion

14 - Letter/post about joining the Legion

15 - A poem about the Legion

16 - Latest(jul-aug 2001) info about joining the Legion

17 - Various info about the Legion (pay, french citizenship, etc)

18 - Letter/post about what to bring when joining (June-25-2002)

19 - Letter/post from Legionnaire presently in basic training (July-20-2002)

20 - Letter/post apt reply By former warrant officer to insulting remarks(July-21-2002)

21 - Directions to reqruitment station in Paris





TOP





Epsa_May-6-2016:



Epsa's account of joining, basic training and leaving.



Re: [wannabe] joining somewhere in summer 2010

Update:So, I made it in, I write this day by day like a diary and not from memory (some syntax edited by Voltigeur for easier reading)



Day 00.

I did get selected with a group of 25 out of a group of 39, 5 guys were Europeans.

I did 9 paliers and 8 tractions, climbed the rope with my feet.

In the psychotechnic test, I scored very high showing my six years of university were not in vain.

It took me 2 days to get black, 2 to get green and 13 to become rouge. The group that went before mine had 29 selected out of 50.

As I see it, the selection consists of passing the tests, being approved by your immediate superiors, like the caporals and sergents, and only after that the comission decides.

I saw the selection process as being a transparent and righteous. Every arrogant guy was put in place and I believe that the people meant for the legion were in at the end.

I don't say that because just because I got selected myself.

I spent a total of 9 days working outside the base in legion facilities, that and seeing the just incorporated legionnaries helped me to get to know what would have awaited me had seen it through.

I didn't see corruption or ethnic bands or anything. Contrary to what you have heard all languages you know will help you communicate, especially English.

One given day there where 135 people doing selection, 25 of whom where russian speakers, about 15 rumanians, etc.

Most are here for the money because of the crisis and the romantics and those don't last long, but the legion wouldn't be what it is if it didn't take people with a harsh past.

I had a very realistic idea of what it would be and am highly motivated to go professional and I know there are others that will strive also to achieve the best.



Day 20.

When you get rouge you are initiated to army tasks, like doing guard duty, learning the code of honor, recognize different ranks and, last but not least, cleaning the rooms of your superiors.

So far I haven't ever had a problem with authority.

Many guys need additional guidance as they don't understand orders, more so in an unknown foreign language or are unwilling to work in a group.

Physical fights are strictly prohibited between equals in rank. I am worried about the rumours of homosexuals being attracted to the legion, but have not seen anything compromising by myself, yet.



Day 21.

We were issued the gear we will need at Castel and today we received the money, 170 euros each. It will be deducted from our salary later.

There are people in our group with military experience and for me they, and the francophones are the most valuable.



Day 22.

There is a way of keeping money rotating inside the very legion, it's also a form of enforcing comraderie.

Many times we are almost forced to spend our money.

These are the times I feel proud for not drinking, smoking or using drugs. You can remain a man even if everything around you goes chaotic but in a so patriarchic medium like the army, you must hide it just to not be swept away.

The people in the midst of us who have the military background keep helping me and teaching me new things, they have the highest working ethic, even if they come from the third world.

I'm just more than three weeks here, but it seems like three months as every day is different, not like in civil life.

Physically it seems I'm improving just because of the regime here, for instance I have no more belly fat.



Day 23.

To get extra food or sleep or anything here you have to use wit, social skills and every talent you have to improve your wellbeing little by little.

It is not that obeying every rule will kill you instantaneously, but it will drain your energy.

Today I signed my 5 year contract and all of my group is going to Castel. Most of the army problems arise because of the peacetime syndrome, my believe is that with all the population growth and lack of resources it won't happen to us.



Day 25.

No time for writing. Going to Castel.



Day 26.

Second day at Castelnaudary. Yesterday did all my medical. The doctor said something about my knee, but I think the test results show what I'm capable of.

The food for lunch is very good. Today was my physical, on the Cooper I ran 2850m and fulfilled the standard situp, pushup and pullups. From the initial 31 we are just 29 left. No fights, robbery or other issues yet. Climbed the rope without legs for the first time in my life.



Day 28.

Today seems like a holiday, the ordinaire is closed and we eat rations all day.

Received all our color shoulder strap and are now officially voluntary conscripts of the 4th foreign regiment of the french foreign legion, assigned to our company and section.

The farm that i thought was going to last 4 months ended up to be only of 30 days, after which we return to Castelnaudary and do the rest of basic training.

The superiors give us always time to adapt to our new military life, sometimes i hear that nobody wants the instructor job, but almost everybody does what they ought to do.

The discipline, loyalty, order and fidelity i see here resembles so much my catholic french order school that i'm just enjoying all this experience, but not letting anyone know, as it's not what you should do in the army.



Day 32.

Yesterday I finally got through all the procedures to receive eyedrops for my conjunctivitis issue.

My throat is not a problem, the doctor said.

We are learning a lot, like marching, singing and all the military stuff we will need. As we progress in training, there is more responsibility, more opportunities and everything is more serious and organized.



Day 34.

The new rouges are adapting rather fast. We are already distributed into three groups for the farm and the caporals and sargeants in charge are attached.

I'm in the most anglo-western group. My preparation includes taking all the salt and sugar I can, like in the anti-cholera beverages.

It is said that the food isn't the biggest problem at the farm, but I think the sleep will be the rural version of Aubagne.

When I'm free I try to learn french talking with the caporal, translating porn and military magazines at my room.

The German and Japanese are also in my group that doesn't seem to be random.

Yesterday I did above average on the swimming test. The philosophy of preparing for the unknown, using the knowledge base of your sport does prove to be beneficial.



Day 35.

Parting for the farm, located 15 minutes from the regiment.



Day 37.

Life is not as bad here, hot water, food. I started getting calluses on the palms because of the pushups.

Disarmed, armed and safety checked the FAMAS faster than anybody, and that having lost one detail.

Today we go running for the first time in here.

Everytime a superior acts aggressively physically towards me, I'm reacting like I would in the ring, that shows character but also undiscipline.

I also show too much initiative for a soldier, especially with intellectual tasks.

Not a lot of physical violence here anyway.

We were divided into three groups by running aptitude, got into the second group of those running less than 3000 on the Cooper test.

We continue to learn survivalism, singing and marching.

I ate garbage from the garbage pit. If a man can live 7 days without water, then i wonder how many days can one live with little food and water.



Day 39.

Yesterday was the hardest day in here. Woke up at 0530 for a 2km run from our tent camp to the farm. Lost my teaspoon and fork in the process.

Then formation and marching with songs. Then an hour run in sport uniform. Lots of food at lunch, though. Made myself a wooden spoon.

After we had weapon training and other stuff that I don't remember, and before dinner carried trunks round the stadium.

At night i did guard duty and pomped because no one wanted to replace me.

I was astonished to see at combat class how inexperienced the recruits are.



Day 40.

Today was a rest day. In the morning we did the obstacle race, after which a dozen people needed medical attention.

It is like they want to test how though we are. After that we had plenty of time for cleaning our clothes and ourselves.

The food is still good, and even when we go camping like today, we are allowed to eat before and after.

A soldier must be very balanced, what concerns me most is my relative low stamina while running, though I do better on marches with weight.

Today they announced the table with the sports results and there is just a handful of people who swam only the minimum required.

As I'm sure everything counts in the selection after training, I try to show, if not initiative then at least motivation and intellectual capabilities.

In all areas like gun management, hand to hand combat, language, etc I'm ahead of the group.

Recently I found out that there are really special forces in the legion, called GCP.

The superiors seem to take their job seriously, really focusing on knowing well the recruit.

The people are becoming very edgy and uptight, even I had altercations and I had to stand up for myself five times.

I try to not explode as I don't have the strength even for running, much less for streetfighting.

The atmosphere becomes very electricized and this is not even the end of the first week.

All it takes to make people mad is take away basic necessities like bathroom use, food, communications, sleep, etc and the beast shows it's real face.

Seeing this as a human experiment it is very interesting and valuable for me.

One guy is going civil, interestingly He is the one that always gave lots of advice, good sportsman and all that.



Day 41.

The two rest days are coming to an end. Today we did rugby voluntarily and siesta.

Good soldiers ought to be annoying, to annoy the enemy, that is what i'm starting to think and be more cool about it.

The next week has to be harder, so I will probably have no time for writing as in the abscence of food and sleep it is really hard to think.

Nobody here wants to kill us, just keep us on edge to make the weakest quit.

Already two people are demanding going civil.



Day 51.

Doing guard duty the last five days was killing me, I started falling on the walk.

Today they opened the buffet and I could get chocolates and soda.

They don't want to kill us, but rather give us days with lots of work followed by a good meal.

I'm fine now, going at 2330 doing my guard so I have to finish writing.

The forest and tactical training is very entertaining, marching too.



Day 52.

There is civilian personnel in the legion. Even in the fourth regiment there are at minumum three female cleaners, so it's not that hardcore.

I feel very well after an obstacle course training and having eaten well yesterday. I'm still in medical care mode for the last five days, with sport shoes instead of boots and no running, so i'm full of strength compared to the others.

We study, as I understand it, anti-guerrilla tactics, as we are all infantry.

I started to remember songs from my school and started laughing like back in the day when i did it out loud. This is so a good therapy for the soul and the body.

I'm so much more ripped every day from work and the marches, that I'm amazed.



Day 54. Survived the 25km march with the fit as hell sergeant.

As fatigue starts accumulating I'm becoming less concentrated, more talkative and prone to be picked on as a scapegoat. I should keep to myself and not call attention to my self.

At this point all the officers, sub-officers and military ranked personnel know everything about everybody.

I don't know how good their intelligence and communication is or if the Gestapo is leaking information, but it's better not to pretend what you are not.

Controlling oneself is sometimes difficult, if I wrestle I want to win, if somebody asks, I want to answer, etc and that creates problems. On the other hand you stand out, and it is known there is a ranking system for recruites in the legion and that the superiors objective opinion is important.

I'm feeling worried about my relative low running times, as they keep scaring me on the thoughness of the combat regiment. Today I called to much attention to myself.



Day 59.

Yesterday we should have fulfilled all our pensum, as they don't teach us much more French. The ones that teach us french or tactics don't know the language very well.

Being isolated from mainstream France and surrounded by foreigners is the biggest barrier for me to learn new things. Many words used in the legion are not in the dictionary, even verbs.

The kepi blanc march will be two days long and we should be carrying the FAMAS, which will make it much difficult. I hope there is a chance to hang it on the bag.



Day 65.

Finished the kepi blanc march. I had and still have an issue with my ankle from carrying two bags at the mountain on the way down, nevertheless I finished on time. nevertheless It all seems easy on paper, but in reality the lack of sleep, food, the changes in the pace of the march and the low quality shoes make it way harder. neverthelessThe ceremony was in a little nearby town, the people knew who we were and were very nice.

Tomorrow we should go to Castelnaudary back for another three months of hard training.

I can barely believe I received a kepi blanc and have so many emotions and ideas it will take some time to formalize.

Now the moon is full and I'm already two months in the legion. I hear many bad things about the Rep.

Like high prices on the island, harsh discipline, slavic racism, low recreational possibilities, hate of the locals, etc. But from what I see, the best staff comes from the Rep.

Others are fit too, but I don't want to spend my time with people whose motivation is money and the passport but with the real soldiers.

It is difficult to make a right decision with my lack of military experience. I can only judge what i see.



Day 71.

I started to know how to get food and other stuff in the regiment. Yesterday we had a mass in a catholic shrine, I cried for the first time in a long time.

We are becoming soldiers little by little, capable of doing a job or arranging ourselves in a two-column formation, march and then change formation again, all without a supervisor.

Life has been calm all this week, I can even write my diary sitting on the toilet while awaiting to be called to the infirmery for my ankle to be viewed.

Our guard duties are starting this week, the jobs around the regiment too.

I'm trying to access the internet but haven't been succesfull yet.

While working in the cuisine one can buy oreos I didn't have for 10 years in my country.

There is also female military personnel in the legion, it must be French army personel working inside. Today I saw a female Commander I didn't think it possible.

The doctor gave me 7 days of rest, that means I'm losing guard duties and physical training, which is only running, for the rest of the week, then immediately we part to Formigueres for a week of rest.

Today, at the time of another evening military nonsense group drill in the corridor I got into my first fight, me on the ground and he standing, so there is not much to tell, comrades intervened but it was invigorating anyways.

Two thirds of the pills they gave me at the infirmery are painkillers, so hardcore i don't feel anything in my legs and can run like before.



Day 76.

My guard sucked. At the last time I ****ed all the ironing of my chemisse (shirt), so I had to rendre compte. At the end of the day lost one of my kepi blancs.

Many guys, mostly the younger teenagers, are going civil. This army is one of rough men with a life experience, I understand why they go, as they haven't had a taste for life yet and are afraid of being maimed.

Yesterday the professional biathlonist refused a direct order, that got everyone in trouble.

We are going to be 35 men at the end of the week. The problem is that as the most educated and sensible types leave, only the thirld worlders and the criminals will remain.

We were allowed to go to the local store for the first time oficially, but no drinks, besides mineral carbonated water, (I got two bottles of those), or food allowed. The prices are normal by european standards.

Yesterday evening we changed rooms randomly so we can learn comraderie and our rooms were dearranged for us to understand order and cleanliness.



Day 84.

Spent a week in Formigueres doing mountain training.

I talked to the section leader, He said that people who wanted to be soldiers, go to missions and didn't care for partying on weekends. The Rep was the best option where the corvee there is minimal.

We were allowed to leave for two hours in the city, but there was no internet.

I bought chewing gum and lots of milk.

Fought again with a bigmouth who didn't want to respect me. On the stairs, after he hit me with a useless jab, I took him and his friend down, dropped on him from the side and delivered three punches that left marks on his head.

The caporals all knew about the incident but didn't say anything as we both denied it happened.



Day 87.

The first day of our company's field operation training we slept all night doing guard without shelter and didn't have breakfast.

When I saw the legion has a field cuisine, I understood I love this place.

Little by little we are treated more humanly and given little privileges.



Day 95.

Just returned from our four days in the farm. This was the last time we visit the place who gave us so much pain.

An army has to be rough, in order for the men to give the best of themselves.

The next week will be guard and regimental duties, and then we are going to the firing range.

This army doesn't know how to survive cold weather. My french is improving as I'm studying it old school while, for example, standing in line.

I'm starting to solve problems I have with my fellow soldiers verbally abusing my reputation. Morale is good.

The date of our return to Aubagne is already known. My hands are rougher than ever.



Day 96.

Today I worked at the cuisine, which means access to the store and lots of food that I was lacking on the field.

The food has to be prepared by yourself to be clean and good, I stopped trusting restaurants.

The camelbacks are for one-day missions, not for use at this level.

The women working at the kitchen seem narcotic addict prostitutes.

The caporal said that for each combat legionnaire there are three for support.

The GCP is 60 men strong what roughly equals to 0.9% of the legion force.

When you have only 15 minutes for yourself a day you start to appreciate the beauty of, say, the full moon.

I started to remember times and people past and experienced a little nostalgia.

Today I had to slap-jab another guy who wasn't showing me the respect I think I deserve.

They start with joking, but slowly try to put you down to the point it became instinctive for me to use force.



Day 100.

Today, during the medical test following the sport test I was told by the colonel it could be very difficult for me to get into the Rep with my knee injury.

The first thing that came to my mind was that I'm going civil if not sent where I want to go, as I saw many injured people.

Anyway, I said only one desired regiment, but he said that it would be unprobable or something.

Maybe I can find another regiment with the same action, missions, pride, more freedom, return home or just persevere.

The most difficult thing is to get accurate info, as everybody here lies, is in for the money or is simply scared.

The sport tests i did average, with a 2950 Cooper, 0853 seconds to climb the rope, 15 pullups, etc.

My blood pressure is 127/64 that I don't understand anyways, but my pulse is 50 per minute, as in my teens.

Overall I think I got already healthier in these three months. My weight is the ideal 82kg, though my body hasn't changed that much for me to tell without a camera.

The biathlonist told me he doesn't want the Rep as it's a prison and suggested the 2 Reg as a good alternative.

Whatever the rumors I will keep the Rep my first option.

At last got a nailclipper and noticed I have no more a nail in my little toes, the whole toe is a callous mess and I wonder how many other physical changes will I undergo in the army.



Day 102.

Did the 8km with a 11kg sac-a-dos in 45 minutes and the swimming test in a time they didn't let me know, but far better than the average for what i heard.

I'm not the best runner and start feeling pain in my knee, that's why the infantry wouldn't be the best choice for me.



Day 105.

In the morning we snuck out of the regiment to go a party.

We had two groups going and returning in the morning, so I was very tired.

I'm not doing this again as it's not the way I want to spend my weekends, doing BBC (bitches, beer, cigarettes).

From what I see here it must be like that in a regiment like 2 Rep with a harsh regime.

The thing is, with everybody doing it, it could be very miserable to keep oneself apart.

The internet and phone I can get regularly here, to know if there is someone on civil waiting for me.

The 2 Reg seems like a good option as I'm an engineer and have plenty of skills like swimming that you don't get without technique.

As I'm told they are not only builders, they have also 3 infantry companies, compared to 5 in the REI.



Day 107.

Three more guys are going civil after instruction. I heard that during basic training the first two months in the regiment is possible to go civil.



Day 115.

My morale is low nowadays as I have skyped to the civil world, as many go civil, as punishments continue, freedoms are restricted and I'm scared of a prospect of a second class soldier with my injured knee.

On one hand I'm eager to see the real regiment and missions, on the other hand I don't want to do the things I could do in civil.

I'm closer than ever thinking about civil.

I'm doing the guard 24, which is easier if you know what you want to do.

To get essential things like tea, coffee and clothing from the store is easier but forbidden as a rule.

One guy got injured and when he wanted to jury with the legion, they found out he had police problems and are saying that he will be deported.

I'm getting pain on my knee everytime I run on concrete, and I do it every day for an hour or more and with boots.



Day 117.

Our test of French was fake, though it's true that we four knew French well, but I think it's the same for the others. Ok, there is corruption here, it is the army.

Today they announced the vacancies: 9 Rep, 9 Rei, 4 Regs and Rec, 4 for Guyana.

I lost a little want of going to regiments with so many vacancies.

An army like the Legion is better man for man than the armies of Nato because these men are hungry for food and women, not like a paramilitary, say, Finnish army.

The driving test was real, I passed but they said I'm not so good.

On the parade I saw the wife and child of one of our top cadres and was disappointed.

These last three weeks are passing relatively slow, as I'm getting used to it. At some point I think I'll have to choose between civil family life and the celibate adventure of the army.

As I promised it will be my last adventure before settling down.

Ultimately, i'm a man who needs food, shelter and a woman.



Day 127.

Returned from the field. We made a combat training scenario with the whole regiment.

Deplacement, communications, etc may not seem a lot, but they are the base of any army and the bigger part of the rest is a joke.



Day 131.

Yesterday we returned from the farm and our instruction is over. We did nuclear defense, FAMAS, patrol and other tests. I'm demanding civil the first opportunity I have. In 12 days we are going back to Aubagne.



Day 134.

Today I work at the officers ordinaire, yesterday asked civil and nobody made a problem. In a month i should be out. I'm so tired of no sleeping.



Day 137. I asked the Chef of the company formally to go civil. He said I should wait for 10 days for the paperwork.

It happened that I finished fourth of the 48 initially in the section and was offered all regiments including the accelerated Caporal program by the chef of section.

Shamefully I don't see the sense in being looking forward to go to the ville inside a prison when I can get freedom right now.

This army is more rough and limitative because it is supposed to hold people with no other place to go, and that is true.

It seems everybody in my section got the regiments they wanted and are happy.

I was told to wait on the stage of peinture anti-stress till the administrative job is done.



Day 138.

I'm way more relaxed now. In the morning I was taken to the bureau major to do paperwork, instead of a sudden permission for the group to do sports, the Caporal there said I should wait for 2 or 3 weeks for the paperwork and for me that's fine.

I'm paid so they won't keep me for ever. My group leaves in 5 days, but some will return to do stages or wait their regiments, so I won't be alone here.

I'll be free in 20 days approximately and I wait, read a lot and so.



Day 147.

These last days are passing easy. I can have internet, phone calls and store almost at a cadre level.

I'm sleeping not less than 10 hours a day.

I'm working as a barman, which means I'm getting food, no dirty work and weekends.

I was thinking that my intelligence is what pleased the cadres, mostly my French language skills.

Being outside the initiation system gives a perspective about the shit and lies the soldiers live in.

I have already won the right to phonecall in civil life, so why should I renounce to it?



Day 152.

As I was told by the chef of company, I came to Aubagne on time. I already saw the local Chef, handed in all my military things and I'm waiting another six days to leave definitely.

Only 31 guys out of 48 made it through Castel. The Colonel that said I won't go Rep was a general, so I had no chance.



Day 155.

One thing that caught my attention is the lack of smokers in the guys going civil compared to those of my section, it's like five to one.

Most of the legionnaries of my section had backgrounds linked to drugs.



Day 157.

Yesterday talked to the ex repman, ex para, who received a paradrop trauma and he said the hardest part is knocking the door at Fort de Nogent, getting the kepi and finishing instruction, as the rest is mostly bureaucracy.

Djibouti has already been closed and transferred to the regulars, according to the people who have been there.

We are all twelve leaving tomorrow after midday.

TOP





EngageVolunteer_AUG52015:



My Experience at Aubagne.





https://www.cervens.net/legionbbs123/showthread.php?16724-Part-I-My-Experience-at-Aubagne&p=194131#post194131



Posted on deCervens forum. Written by EV: Michal Jack/James Martin

My Experience at Aubagne My Experience at Aubagne



First let me say that no two experiences are identical during preselection. The procedures change daily and nothing that you read can actually prepare you for the experience. Also, preparation is not indicative of your success. I will elaborate on my experience and hopefully assist future EV’s in one form or another.



BIO: 35 year old white male (turned 36 while blue, no cake) with no prior military service (Gov’t Contractor) and in peak physical conditioning. Pre-Training: Followed Stoengs 3 month training plan, learned Legion Chants, history and memorized the Code of Honor prior walking through the gates.



The walk through the Gates:



On August 28th 2015 I took a taxi from Marseille to the front gates of Aubange. I exited the vehicle, grabbed my bags and was waved in by a tall dark skinned Corporal who was guarding the gate.

He looked at my passport and smiled while saying “American ha ha, walk in there” as he pointed towards an open door.

I approached the door and stuck my head in as I knocked. The Corporal Chef who was smoking on a cigarette glanced at my passport then waved around the corner and said in broken Anglais “sit next to the other.”

I walked around the corner and saw a few guys sitting on this little red bench.

I sat down next to them. It soon became clear that waiting would be a major part of preselection.

As I sat on the bench clearly overdressed in black jeans a black shirt and combat boots, the sun slowly crept a little higher by the hour.

After about two hours a Corporal Chef exited the door and called me into a little room. My bags were inventoried, my money was counted and my undesirable possessions were tossed out.

Lucky for me I came relatively light and the only thing tossed was a first aid kit.

Contrary to what I thought prior to entering, Cell phones are inventoried and placed with your other belongings.

I happened to send mine back to the US with my Laptop and Driver’s License that very morning (I regretted this later).

Once I signed off on the inventory I sat back outside on the little red bench where I continued to wait with about half a dozen other gentlemen most of whom were speaking Spanish. We waited silently for several hours cooking in the sun as I started to question my clothing choice with sweat pooling in every crevasse possible.

Finally the Corporal Chef walked out with his bag and or files and told us to debout.



My heart started to race as we walked deeper up a hill and into the installation. I was thinking to myself “yes, all of the preparation and planning has paid off, I am finally here.” I was extremely happy and confident with my decision. This was day one, or so I thought.

As we approached a building we were told to wait by the entrance. I was very happy not to be sitting on that little red bench and the adrenaline was pumping. I hardly noticed standing in the sun for 30 min in silence just awaiting our next orders.

We were then waved into the building and told “silence” or Silance as it was pronounced by the Corporal Chef. We were led into a room some of us more fortunate than the others by receiving reasonably comfortable chairs while others were handed little metal stools.

One by one we were briefly interviewed and asked family questions. Each person sat for about 30 minutes with the Corporal Chef as we were given our new identities.

Yet again, some of us were more lucky than the others, it just so happens that I was given the precious name of Michal which might be Mike in Russian but by all other accounts it sounds like Michelle when pronounced by any other of my Corporal Chefs.

(Just so you future EV’s understand you will more than likely be answering to a Corporal / Corporal Chef. My experience during Aubange was almost solely dealing with Corporal Chefs. It is in your best interest to learn how to read the ranks and how to address them before walking through the gates.

Once I was given my name which you will have no control over unless you are a combat veteran who has earned a couple of medals than if they like you they might let you pick your own name. Regardless don’t count on it. You are who they say you are. I was “Michal” and proud of it.

Once you are given a name you are then sent outside into for lack of better words the “prison yard” this is the case if you came straight to Aubange, the “Prison Yard” is not occupied by those who are from Paris or already completed their sport and medical somewhere else.



The “Prision Yard” is perhaps the first test for those who have come directly to Aubange. It is an easy but grueling experience and I believe that it may be designed as such.

Basically you have four things which must be completed before you make the transition from Civil to an actual EV. The name change, the medical, the sport test and the contract signing. You would hope to knock all of these out in a day or two but during my experience it was one per day. How long do these things take?



Day 1 - Name change: 2 hours Day 2 - Medical: 5 hours Day 3 - Sport Test: 15 mins Day 4 - Contract Signing: 2 Mins



Now you ask well what the hell do I do with the rest of my day while I’m waiting to become an EV. The answer is tres simple. YOU WAIT!

Basically your day will go like this. 5:00am wake up then wait, 6:00am eat then wait, 8:00am Test (either medical or sport) then wait. 12:00 Lunch then wait 6:00pm Dinner then wait 10:00pm shower then sleep.

It may sound easy enough but it is truly the first test of the Legion. Are you content with sitting without being able to do any sport and just sit and wait for 18 hours a day in uncomfortable conditions?

Also I deceive you when I say breakfast, lunch and dinner. You may eat but unless you are a squirrel it is not even close to enough especially if you are a larger muscular person. You will starve and grow weaker by the day. It is all part of their process. I came in doing 25 pull-ups and left struggling to do half as many.

Your body starts deteriorating and burning muscle the second you walk through the gates. So you are waiting for 18+ hours a day for 4 days some for more and a few get lucky and get away with 3. You can optimize your chances by coming in on a Monday morning or a Sunday evening.

If you come in late in the week then you will be spending your weekend doing corvee before you even get to do your medical.

The best part of the waiting game is that you immediately begin building strong relationships with your comrades. By the end of day 4 I had developed relationships that will last a lifetime. These unfriendly conditions leave you picking each other up when your mind starts playing tricks on you and believe me everyone there at one point or another asks themselves, what the hell am I doing here. Every day is like a rollercoaster. You have your good moments and then you have your moments of doubt. They usually come when your stomach is in knots and you are sitting there contemplating chewing sticks and rocks.



The Medical: I was a bit terrified of the medical as those who have mentored me on here over the last several months know I had injured my ankle, torn ligaments and the whole nine. I wouldn’t of been able to go through those gates a day earlier than I did I mean I really pushed my luck.

That being said I did successfully pass MEPS (US MILITARY MEDICAL) two years prior but I was very concerned about failing because it’s not like you think. That goes for the entire Legion. It is not necessarily performance based. If someone doesn’t like you, they will fail you. I witnessed this during the medical. The Doctor who is a very hands on type gentleman and also a high ranking officer holds your key to the Legion.

I saw two slightly chunky guys go in and one got sent home because he was too fat. The funny thing is he was skinnier than the other guy who made it in. You have to be respectful and keep your mouth shut “silance” when you are sitting there bored as hell for hours staring at the wall. SHUT THE HELL UP. I can’t stress this enough.

It could cost you everything! The medical is pretty nerve racking. The day after I went 14 guys went to get there medical and only four passed. It’s common that if the doctor hears a pop or crack or just suspects there is a problem then you will get a paper and you are out until you return with that paper and another medical professional’s opinion.

The good news is I saw 6 people leave with papers and come back either the same or the next day. It’s not the end of the world if you get one just get it checked out at the hospital and come back.



The Sport Test: Ok so I must have been reading some old documentation because I over trained like a mofo. I was climbing rope and running 2800 meters in like 12 minutes trying to prepare for the test. What I should have been doing is the beep test and a couple of lousy pull-ups.

As for me though I sort of dropped the ball on the beep test. My sport test was the first time I ever ran a beep test. Let me touch on a couple of things about the Legion Sport Test.

Depending on your Corporal Chef in charge of the test is going to determine how well your group does. For instance, the Corporal Chef in charge of my groups test made us run both feet past the line. My group made levels 8 and 9. However the next day’s group had a different Corporal Chef and they only had to put one foot past the line.

This is about 2 to 3 meters shorter than the way we did it and their group all made 9 to 10 levels. The same thing with the pull-ups, some Corporal Chefs let you kip a bit and others are exceptionally strict.

This I think is a big issue that they should sort out because their controls aren’t the same so their results are flawed IMO. Other than that the test was ridiculously easy. I regret not practicing the beep test prior, I feel that better technique could have resulted in a bump up in levels. Be sure to practice. You do the pull-ups immediately following the beep test so practice as such.



First let me say that no two experiences are identical during preselection. The procedures change daily and nothing that you read can actually prepare you for the experience. Also, preparation is not indicative of your success. I will elaborate on my experience and hopefully assist future EV’s in one form or another.



The Contract: Sometimes you will sign it the evening of the sport test and if you are like me you wait a whole extra day and sign it the following day. They take pictures of your scars and tattoos then you sign a contract and become an official EV. Up until you sign that contract you are nothing. You are Civil. Now you are official and you feel a remarkable pride. You are also issued your blues, your super comfortable and not tight at all underwear and are issued your Blue kit. This is when the fun really starts. I loved every single minute including the 1 minute showers!



Being Blue: The next steps you will take will be the following. Aptitude Tests: 1 ½ hours Psychiatrist: 1 hour Medical #2: 1 hour Gestapo: 1 hour



A day as a Blue: You wake up, make your bed, clean your dorm, hit a quick workout outside, run, formation, run to breakfast, eat your petit dejeuner (piece of bread), run, formation, repose, run, formation, repose, corvee, formation, repose, workout in the yard, formation, repose, corvee, run to lunch, formation, repose, corvee, run, formation, repose. Your shoulders will hurt, your feet will go numb and you will learn to love it.

I chose to always be in the front row as close to my Corporal Chefs as possible. A siren goes off at any given time and you sprint into formation.

My thoughts were first to the front, they will remember my face. The back rows have it much easier especially if you are standing there for hours. They can stretch their arms and cheat quite a bit but if you are in the front you lead by example and remember all eyes are on you.

I did my best to be noticed and stand as still and upright as possible. I was under the impression that the Corporal Chefs had total power of my future and I wanted to set a good example for the younger guys as well.

Back to a day as a blue. Formation, pull-ups, formation, repose, corvee, formation, dinner, formation, pull-ups, wait, maybe if you are lucky the Foyer would open up and when it does the little things in life really turn a shite day into a true treasure.

A Cola and a candy bar really boost morale especially because you are still starving 90% of the time. Finally Formation, Appel, Dorm assignment, Make bed, 1 minute shower, inspection, wash clothes in the sink and last sleep.

You hope that your name is towards the rear of the column so that you can run your ass off and get one of the single beds instead of the bunks. When you are a big guy you will really appreciate this. That about concludes a day as a blue. Now just repeat 7 to 10 times and viola if you are lucky you go rouge. & yes luck has a bit to do with it.



Aptitude tests: That’s what they are. There are more questions that anyone except Einstein can answer in the amount of time allotted. You figure out the rest that’s all I’m saying on that topic. Do some spatial reasoning and math puzzles if you want to practice. That will help.



Corvee:

Corvee is sometimes a test and there is also a great deal of favoritism and discrimination involving some duties.

The discrimination lies mostly within the kitchen. My Russian buddies would get to corvee in the kitchen because they could speak the language. They also would come back bragging on how they ate all day and feel like they are going to pop from being so full.

This is painful to hear when you are starving and they have the same complaints every day. There were a couple of guys who actually put on weight while we were there. I found this hilarious and upsetting in the same sentence.

It isn't just the kitchen though. There are other places where countrymen stick with and lookout for fellow countrymen. However if you are an American you can just suck it up and forget about all of that countrymen shite because you are all alone brother. You will have to out work and out starve many of your comrades.

I didn't mind it that much because it toughens you up quick and doesn't give you the false security blanket that mommy usually packs for you.

The other side of the corvee is when you go and work for other Corporal Chefs.

These are tests and you should always attack the duties vigorously and passionately although don't expect it to mean a damn thing in the end. Just do what you are told and don't expect a cookie or a good job. You might be lucky enough to get a punch in the gut which you should wear like a badge of honor.



The Shrink:

Ok so this is the most important interview that you will have in my opinion. Again everyone’s experiences are different but here’s how mine went.

There are 3-5 different shrinks there at any given time. Some are more likeable than others. It’s just my luck that I was travelling to the other side of the earth to sit down with such a loveable character.

Here is the problem with this interview. This guy or girl if you are lucky sit down with you for 1 hour and their words hold more weight than the Corporal Chefs who are with you all day every day.

Basically your Corporal Chefs can love you and tell the Officer in charge of the commission that you are the model recruit after observing you for weeks, watching how you wake up, take orders, corvee, but none of their words can trump the LT or the ADJ who sit with you for an hour.

It was my luck that I had sat with a shrink right before lunch and the shrink was clearly grumpy and agitated with me before I even opened my mouth. To add insult to injury I come strolling in totally unrehearsed and chipper so excited that I’m here and experiencing all of this beautiful camaraderie. I was under the legions spell.

It all started to go wrong when we were talking about my job and how I make 6,000 bucks a month back in the US (meanwhile the shrink makes like 2,500 a month). I was told that I have it all a car, a job and why would anyone in their right mind come here to the Legion where life is hard and food is scarce.

My explanation was simple. For the discipline and the camaraderie. I explained that I had originally planned on joining the Army in the US but I lost my father and by the time that was all over with I had already reached the age limit.

I had brought with me letters of recommendation from a LT COL and all sorts of documentation and accolades I received as a Gov’t contractor.

I believe that all of these things hindered me more than helped me for it showed them that I was not desperate and that I had someplace to go. Unlike many of my friends who were there as a last resort or for the money.

I was actually there on principal by choice which in hindsight was clearly a mistake. I should of came desperate and in need of the Legion not as I did. The shrink was very snooty and Psst at every answer that I gave. I left actually feeling good like I answered every question to the best of my ability and I was excited to take the next step.



The Gestapo:

Again everyone’s experience is different. Some guys said they got thrown against the wall while I was just asked the same questions that I was asked by the shrink but by a really nice and relaxed guy. I was in and out in an hour and felt great about the way things went.

They all seemed to focus on different questions and when I tried to go into detail many times I was cut off and we moved on. I would do a few things differently if I was able to do the interview again.

When I was rushed onto the next questions I would have him slow down and go back.

If there is lack of clarity or your answers do not match exactly then they consider you untruthful or so I think and I know that when we were talking about my immediate families medical history and focusing on my father I had failed to mention my brothers diabetes and my grandmothers cancer.

These same questions were asked during my medical but in more depth directed towards any of my family members. It’s these discrepancies which haunt me and I wish I would have corrected.

Also, my juvenile record which they don’t have access to was rushed through when I tried to explain it in further detail I was just blown off but it’s what they see on paper that they use as tools to decide whether or not you’ve been honest.

Just remember be thorough and be precise with your answers. Always answer the same. Do not get diarrhea of the mouth is advice that I should of took a bit more seriously.



Medical 2: It was a hearing test. The guy messes with you leaving long breaks in between the beeps. Only push the button when you hear beeps. It’s easy. I get ringing in my ears sometimes from all of the shooting that I do and the harder you try to hear something the more they ring. Just relax and don’t over think it. It’s really easy.



Selection Day:

You say your goodbyes, then get called into formation. Some names get called and others don’t. It’s really luck of the draw.

I watched guys who Corporal Chefs in charge of Corvee wanted to see sent home make it and guys who the Drill Corporal Chefs thought were solid candidates and endorsed go home (like me). I found out after I “went civil” which is what happens if you are not called to go rouge.

I was told as I was driving to the bus station by my Corporal Chef he said “I don’t know who you pissed off but I was endorsing you as an exceptional candidate.”

He told me that I was exactly what they were looking for, although on paper I’m a 36 year old with no military background and apparently a crappy review from the shrink on my motive for being there which is extremely important, but then again who really knows after all it is the Legion and the Legion does things the Legion way.

It may not be the best way, it may not make any sense to you but it is the Legion way and there is a reason it is so.







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Mercator:



My three weeks in the Legion by Mercator.





https://www.cervens.net/legionbbs123/showthread.php?15740-My-three-weeks-in-the-Legion

I hope this proves valuable to some. So after 1½ year of dreaming of the Legion, ½ year of preparation, I finally tried. It turned out that “my profile does not correspond to the needs of the Legion.”



Preparation :

My physical condition half a year ago was abysmal : 107kg for 1,78cm, not a single pull-up, barely 3 on the shuttle test (Luc-Léger) !



Nutrition :

I started by getting my nutrition in line, no more junk food, lots of fruits and vegetables (salads became most of my meals) and a very tight calorie budget.

With training added to the mix, I lost 20kg in four months. I also added protein supplements to avoid loosing too much muscle mass.

My typical daily diet started with a cup of milk with a protein scoop (chocolate flavored whey) with a chocolate bar (my little sugar rush for the day) for breakfast; and a big salad (tomatoes, cucumber, salad, carrots, tuna, eggs, cheese...) for dinner. I drank a lot of water, so much that my bladder was always full.



Training :

I joined a gym for three months. I had been procrastinating for so long. Paying the monthly subscription gave me the incentive I needed.

First month :

I did 10 minutes of cross-trainer for warm-up then did weight training. One day for Pecs and Shoulders, one for the Back and one for Quads. Core muscles and calves I trained every day.

I chose heavy weights, so that I would be able to do only 3 to 6 reps per set. Always looking for the point where the muscle fails to deliver what you're asking it to. That's what makes it grow and improve.



Second month :

I started to run on the treadmill 12min at a constant speed. Started at 8km/h then kept slowly increasing, reaching all the way to 14km/h by the end of the third month. I also added an inclination of 1° to simulate air resistance. I kept training with weights all the same. Increasing the weights as I grew stronger.

I started training for pull-ups. I did 4 sets of 8 negative pull-ups, as I couldn't do a regular pull-up. You just jump up and hang for a second, then slowly lower yourself to the ground all the way till your arm extend fully. Then I followed with pull-downs and other back exercises.



Third month :

I started running outdoors. I did 6km in 45min the first day. Then started running 8km a day. At the end I could run it in 42min. Then I started running 20km in 2h, every two or three days, as it takes a toll on your joints, especially at first.

After the run, I'd go to the gym and run on the treadmill. 12min. I'd start at 9,5km/h with a 1°incline and add 0,5km/h every minute. Then I4d do my weight training.

For the pull-ups, I did as many as I could, then followed with negative pull-ups, pull-downs and other back exercises. By the end, I could do 6 pull-ups, and run 2800m in 12min.



Psycho-technical test :

I didn't need to prepare for this one, but I've seen so many people fail this ! Do a lot of IQ test puzzles before you attempt to join. There are tons of them online.



Pre-selection in Fort de Nogent

I joined in Bordeaux. They sent me the next day to Fort de Nogent in Paris. There I did the following things :

- entry test : a pull-up test (3 minimum) and a mini psycho-technical test (12 questions in 12 minutes, 8/12 good answers minimum)



- incorporation :

they create your file, measure your weight and height, take away your phone, any written phone numbers, any money exceeding 50€ (you get it back later), USB sticks, any cards you have in your wallet...

You keep all your stuff with you for now. You are given a uniform to wear and clean sheets for your bed.

You should bring a watch, sandals, soap/shampoo, towel, shaving tools, cigarettes and lighter if you smoke and a good pair of running shoes. You shouldn't bring SIM cards or credit cards (or hide them well in your bag before joining, cause they destroy them when you go red).



- psycho-technical test:

a test on the computer. Three categories : numerical, spatial and non-verbal. About 20 minutes each, 20 or 30 questions. Failing this one in Paris, doesn't get you thrown out. Consider it training. The real official one takes place later in Aubagne, during selection (the one in Paris however will apparently become official soon, so beware).



- medical test:

you fill a form with your medical history then they test your eyesight, your urine (for drugs, diabetes...), your heart, your blood pressure, your weight, your hearing, then you see a doctor who checks your breathing, your heart, your footprint and your balls (lol !).

If you need glasses bring them. If your teeth are screwed up, fixed them first. If you have had a surgery, bring any documents you have for it. Be prepared for the possibility that they may send you do some tests in a nearby hospital if need be (broken bones, crooked spine, problem with the urine or hearing results...)



- security/motivation interview:

a brief interview about your reasons for joining the Legion, your desired regiment, your history, potential problems with the Justice...



- sports tests:

a shuttle test (Luc-Léger). As already describe before by others, you run between two lines, 20m apart. You have to reach the line before every beep. The beep frequency increase every minute.

You have to reach Level 7 (7 minutes) minimum. Then comes the pull-up test : you have to do 3 at least. I did Level 11 on the shuttle test and 7 pull-ups (I'd say you should do 10 or more to maximize your chances, some did 20+).

If you've made it to this point. You sign a bunch of papers and are sent to Aubagne (groups leave every Tuesday and Thursday). Every day from this point on earn you about 30€ that you receive at the end of the selection period.



Selection in Aubagne



I was sent to Aubagne on December 31st. Arrived there, we became ‘bleus’ (blues). The steps here were as follows:

- incorporation:

this time all our clothes and backpacks were taken and put in storage. You get issued a small backpack with everything from socks, underwear to razors, shaving cream and a roll of toilet paper. You also get a uniform. We wore a camouflage "Parka". It looked cool as hell.



- psycho-technical test:

this time it's the real deal, same as the one in Paris, except this one counts. Three tests (spatial 20 questions, numerical 36 questions, non-verbal 36 questions), 20 minutes each. If you fail this one, you're out.



- personality test:

on the computer, like the previous test. You are given a list of qualities or weaknesses, you are asked to rate them according to how close they apply to you. The psychologist will later use your answers for his interview.



- Medical test:

you get an injection in your forearm. It's a Tuberculosis test (thanks for the info a1b2c3). It gets checked after 48 hours. If you have a swelling/redness bigger than 3cm, you're out. I didn't get any redness at all, some did, but no one failed this one. You also have an interview with a doctor, but it's of no consequence, just going over what you did already in Paris.



- Psychology interview:

you get an interview (30min-1h) with a psychologist about your personality, your past, your reasons for joining.



- ‘Gestapo’ interview:

they take your prints and a urine sample then they ask you about your past, any problems you my have had with the law, your history and your reasons for joining (last 1h-2h)



After you've done all this, your file goes in front of the Selection Commission which will decide your fate (it meets every Thursday).

If you're lucky, you get to have your head shaved, become ‘rouge’ (red) and get to wear a military uniform in which you spend a week while you wait to be sent to Castelnaudary for training.

If you're like me, you get your stuff back and some money for the days you spent in Aubagne. If you've made it all the way to the Commission, you'll get rejected permanently.

If you've failed a test like sports or psycho-technical, you usually get only a temporary rejection (3-18 months).



If you make it to Rouge, you're basically in. You get the money you've earned so far, you start earning a bit more as Rouge (about 45€ a day), start learning the Code d'Honneur, learning to count in French, learning to march...

Twice a week, you go for a run in a nearby forest, 13km or so. You also do some further medical tests (x-rays of your lungs and teeth) and receive some vaccine shots.

I learned that after a month in Castelnaudary, you are indeed allowed to make phone calls and even go out in the city on Wednesday afternoons if you've been a good boy.



From my experience, I learned that - being French - speaking French - having prior military experience improve your chances while - having a criminal history - being oldlower your chances, especially the last one.



Final thoughts:

I think I was rejected because I had an asshole psychologist, he was angry through the whole interview, I don't think he liked me one bit. He asked me the bare minimum questions, with sarcastic remarks here and there.

He didn't give me a hard time about one particular thing, I think it is mainly about his first impression.

I was sent on corvée that afternoon by mistake, instead of being told to wait for the interview.

When he called my name and didn't find me waiting He went mental.

They brought me back from where I was in a rush, but I guess he was already too pissed off by then. I'm not even sure I was rejected because of that, but that's all I could think of.



Still, it was a great experience over all. Met a lot of friends in there. I wish I was able to pursue it further, but it wasn't meant to be.

If you get in, expect to work your ass off every day, all day, either you're doing a test, or you're doing a ‘corvée’ (cleaning floors, setting up tables, helping in the kitchen, gardening, cleaning showers/toilets, washing dishes...). I did not mind working. What I hated was when we had nothing to do.



This forum helped answer a lot of my questions. Sharing my experience is my way of giving back to the community. I hope people find value in this. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'll be answering questions for as long as I can. I can't answer questions about whether the Legion is the right thing for you or not, you'll have to find that out for yourselves.

And I wish good luck to all the wannabes !





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Post from ransac



By forum member ransac

Posted March 2011 by ransac on de Cervens legion forum.





My Experience in the Selection of the French Foreign Legion.

By Member "ransac" of the forum http://www.cervens.net/legionbbs123/forum.php

9th February 2011 16:25 - I'm in Aubagne

Just arrived at Aubagne this evening (9 Feb) from Paris. Will hit the gate in the morning. I've prepared for this so long. The gate of the Legion is suddenly in front of me.

I haven't posted much at this forum but have been wisely use the search button to get the updated info I need. Thanks everyone who has contributed to this forum. No matter what the result I will have, I will try to post what I have experienced and gone through here in the future for other's reference.



Frankly I am nervous and a bit hesitate now.... I won't possess too much and high expectation tomorrow as I know that the Legion will get what it really wants. I will just frankly expose myself to them for choosing. Nonetheless, I will do my best in every tests and interviews.



Only a wanna-be steps into the gate will know what's going on and the reality of this place. I know that since I enter the gate, my life has changed.

Best wishes to you and other wanna-bes.



At the beginning of Feb I left a message here saying that I would hit the gate of the Foreign Legion in Aubagne.

My selection is over and I didn't make it. I'm now back to my country safely and recollect myself the things happened in Aubagne.

Before I joined, I said I would post my experience of the selection here for others' reference in the future. I honor my words and have started to write. I intent to put down my experience into different sections and post them in various threads. I will edit this post from time to time and update the links to each section.



Your experience in the selection could be different from mine but these are my personal account. Things could be changed there, but at least this post could give you some idea on what is going to happen in the weeks of selection.

Enjoy reading and good luck!

#1 Legion's Gate in Aubagne

There are some good posts in this forum describing in details how to get to France and the different stations of the Legion in France. You can use the search button to find them so I don’t repeat here.

My story started at the Legion’s gate in Aubagne. If you join in other stations in France, ultimately you will be sent in group to Aubagne.

If you can afford the additional travel expense, I advise you to hit the gate at Aubagne directly, since I heard from others that they had to wait in Paris or other recruiting stations for up to a week or two before being sent to Aubagne.



I arrived at the Legion’s gate and told the guard that I want to become a legionnaire (in French). He checked my passport briefly and asked me to wait, as it was lunch time (1200-1400). Couple of guys arrived after. There’s a notice showing what to bring to the selection, including toiletries, slippers, underwears, sport shoes and clothes. It’s good to have a look and make sure that you don’t bring less than the required. But try not to bring too many belongings, including valuable items, as this is not boy-scout camp.



At around 1430 a caporal-chef (1 gold and 2 green chevrons on the shoulder) came and asked if we wanted to join the Legion. He checked and collected our passport. There was a guy from a European country with only driving license and citizen card and he was rejected by the caporal-chef.

We followed the caporal-chef and entered the gate. There were 7 of us at that time and later a few of them became my good friends there.

I was excited as it’s my first time to enter the Legion’s camp where the selection was held. Nothing is more exciting than realizing the dream for long time. We passed the big parade ground in front of the gate, with a statue of 4 soldiers in the middle and the words “Legio Nostra Patria” on the wall in the end. We also passed a place called “Centre de Sélection et d'Incorporation” (Center of selection and incorporation), where you will spend weeks or months there to know if you will become ‘Rouge’.



Always bring a VALID passport, which means it is not expired at the time you present yourself to the Legion, no fallen pages and is intact.

We were brought to an office and were asked to put all our belongings on the table. The caporal-chef came and made a checklist of items one by one. Keep your items tidy and in group, which can ease the work of the caporal-chef. He also searched our body and see if there’s any prohibited items. He retained the valuable items e.g. mp3 players, wallet, cell phone, etc. You can’t bring any papers in too. All these items will be put in a separated envelop with your name in it. If you are lucky enough you will see them after 5 years.



We were asked to fill in some forms in another room. These forms include the personal info, parent, emergency contact, the reason you join the Legion, etc. The caporal-chef then asked us a couple of questions like personal information, how we came to France, previous employment, education, etc. and type into the computer. He also counted the cash I had in the wallet and returned me around 80 euros. The rest were put back into the envelop. Then we had to sign some forms written in French (one of them is the check list of our belongings) and left our bags in a locker.



We were asked to stay in an area outside the office, where there’s a tent and a room with TV and some old movies (I call this the ‘civilian camp’). There were some Képi Blanc magazines in the room too. We met some other guys in the room who had been there earlier. We saw some guys wearing blue sportwear (I call them blues) in another side of the fence. We were not allowed to talk to them. We were still civilian at that time, though our passports were retained by the Legion.



All we had to do was waiting. Try getting used to ‘waiting’ as it is the major part of life in the selection process. There was another Caporal-Chef in charge of our living there. Our area of staying is outside the window of his office. We kept an eye on the window and when the caporal-chef showed up in the window, we lined up quickly in front of him for his order.



We ate in the same mess hall with other Legionnaires and blues. There was not much time to eat. But we always get the food earlier than the rest. You can see so many races of legionnaires and blues in the mess hall! If you are lucky you can find some people from your country there. At night we were assigned in group to get the bag back and take shower. We slept in a room with bunk beds in the ground floor of the office building.

#2

Initial Medical Examination

In the next morning after breakfast, the Carporal Chef called several guys out, me included, and headed for the medical center. We were asked to strip off the clothes until underpants and stayed in a room. We waited for 2 hours until the doctor (I think he’s an adjudant) came and started to do some medical tests, like measuring weight, height, blood pressure, heart rate, eye sight and color blindness.

We also needed to complete a form with more than 50 questions of your medical history, declaration of any illnesses, whether you do regular exercise and the frequency of doing so. The form is printed in several languages and the adjudant will give you one you understand. We also had to sign a consensus of receiving vaccination if we are accepted to the Legion.



Then we had to wait outside of another room again. We saw other legionnaires coming and had medical consultation and the new Rouges for extracting blood samples. We were called one by one into the room to meet another doctor for checking the teeth, joints, movement of arms and legs, and the balls – I don’t know if the size of the balls matters but I passed the medical anyway. The doctor also asks if you smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs.



The whole medical examination took over 3 hours. Again waiting took most of the time. After the examination the doctors found some problems in 2 of the guys. They were given a letter stating the problems and were asked to have medical check-up in the civilian hospitals before coming back again. They were sent away immediately in that afternoon.



Later I learned that the Legion keeps certain number of blues in the selection camp. The day before I did the medical examination some blues were sent away and that’s why they put us to blue the next day.

When we came back to the civilian camp, some more new guys arrived in the morning. Some of them joined in Marseille and other locations and were sent to here. There were over 20 civilians.

After the lunch, I and other guys who passed the medical exam were called out. We knew that we would become blue in the afternoon. We got our bags and were brought to a building in another side of the parade ground. After waiting in the corridor of the building for another hour, we were called one by one to see the Commandant (4 gold stripes). My file had already been presented on the table of the Commandant. He asked again your reason of joining the Legion. He knew I could speak a little French and asked some more questions about my home. Then he asked me seriously if I wanted to become legionnaire, and the contract lasted 5 years. I replied “Oui commandant!”, and signed on the contract.



Then the Carporal brought us to the “Centre de Selection et Incorporation”. We went to the cellar of the center and already there were some blues waiting for us and ready to give us clothes to change. We stripped off all the clothes.

They rationed the following items: 2 underpants, 2 pairs of white socks, a black t-shirt, a blue sport jacket and pants, a bag of toiletries including tooth-paste, tooth-brush, shaving cream, razor and a bar of soap, a pair of slippers, a roll of toilet papers, and a green backpack for putting all the things in.

These are all your possession during the selection and if it’s lost, it’s hard to get re-issuing. We put on the clothes they gave and our own sport shoes. We were allowed to keep only our cash and all our belongings and the civilian clothes were locked up in the store room. When it’s done, we were discharged to the open area next to the center, where it is surrounded by fence, and met other blues there.

The life of blue started.

#3

The Life of Blue

Let me explain these words clearly before going on. Blue: Candidates for the selection to be the legionnaire. The blues wear two types of T-shirt – Black T-shirt and Green T-shirt, depending on the stages of selection they have gone through.

Black T-Shirt: represents new blues (just came from civilian camp) and those who have completed the Psychotechnical test.

Green T-Shirt: those who have completed the Sports tests and awaiting for the remaining parts of the selection process.

Rouge: The guys who have passed the selection and have been selected in the weekly ‘Commission’. Officially they are called ‘Engagé Voluntaire’. They wear combat uniform but without rank slides, or sometimes green track suit and white t-shirt. If you see guys with combat uniform cleaning toilet or floor, guarding in the gate of the center, or walking around and repeating the code of honor, he must be Rouge. Rouges usually stay in the Center for one week before going to the 4th regiment for the basic training. Some francophone Rouges can stay in Aubagne for more than a month to help training other new Rouges or doing other duties in the office.



When you become ‘blue’, you say good bye to the civilian world. You will have punishment from Carporal or other officers in the center if you are dumb enough to make mistakes. You are not technically the legionnaire so the punishment is not quite hard on you. But if you mess up, the Rogue suffers, and you won’t have a good time there as well. So behave yourself or you will be sent away before the Commission.



The common question asked by the blues there is, when will I have my Security Interview (Gestapo)/Commission? While the official recruitment website tells that it takes around 10 days to finish all the tests, interviews and selection, the actual time for each one can be different. I saw a guy who had been blue for over 1 month and still waiting for the Gestapo. Another guy became Rouge within 2 weeks. Some guys who came later than me finished everything and waited for the final result from the Commission, while I still didn’t know the time for the Gestapo.



The bottleneck could be in the Gestapo. There can be over 30 new blues coming in a day, but on each day at most 10 to 12 guys will be lucky enough to be called to have the Gestapo. Once you go through the Gestapo, you know it is a long but important process to the Legion. There’s reason for it to be slow. I will talk about the Gestapo in the later section.



Be sure that you can stay in France for a period of time without trouble in your home country if the selection goes longer.

The sequence of tests and stages of selection are Civilian > Initial Medical Exam -> Blue (Black T-shirt) -> Psychotechnical Test + Personality Test -> Sports Tests -> Blue (Green T-shirt) -> Medical check-up -> First Interview -> Second Interview -> Security Interview (Gestapo) -> Commission (every Thursday) -> Rouge

The following is the schedule from Monday to Friday in the Center.

0445 wake up, get dressed, room cleaning, make bed.

0530 assembly, head count and breakfast

After breakfast, assembly again. The Carporal/Carporal Chef asks “Qui veut partir civil… who wants to go home, papa, mama, playstation…”

0530 – 0800 free time

0800 assembly. Assignment of work (corvee). Call out for tests and interviews.

0800 – 1100/1130 work in different location in the camp

1130 assembly and lunch

1200 – 1400 free time

1400 assembly. Assignment of work (corvee). Call out for tests and interviews. Announcement of the blues who fail in the test of the day and go civil in the afternoon.

1400 – 1700/1730 work in different location in the camp

1730 assembly and dinner

1800 – 2000/2030 free time, the foyer (cantina) will be opened for selling cigarette, chocolates and soda.

2030 assembly and head count. Room assignment for new blues and other blues who spend the night outside the camp for work.

2030 – 2130/2200 shower, room cleaning, make bed, room inspection by Carporal or Carporal Chef

2200 Light out and sleep

For Saturday, Sunday and public holiday in France, you can sleep until 0530 or 0600 and have breakfast slightly later. The schedule for the rest of the day does not change.

#4

Psychotechnical Test, Sports Tests and Medical Test

You need to pass three tests in the following sequence: Psychotechnical, Physical and Medical. No test is done during public holiday, Saturday and Sunday.

Psychotechnical Test

The test is usually done in the morning and occasionally afternoon. It has 3 parts, each of which lasts for 20 min with different types of question. The test is done in front of the computer. Before entering the test room, the Carporal in-charge will give you some sample questions of the 3 parts with explanation written in your own language. (And DO NOT fold the sample questions…) Before the start of each part the Carporal will demonstrate how to use the computer to do the tests, and give you chance for questions.

DON’T ask me what the questions are. You will know it from other blues there or you will find it out yourself in the test room.



You never know the passing mark of the test. But you must know whether you pass it or not. If you can’t make it you will be called out in the assembly after lunch and will be sent away in the afternoon on the same day. If you do the test in the afternoon but is not called for the Sports Tests in the next morning, you probably fail and will go home in the next afternoon. You can come back 18 months after if you fail this test.



I don’t think there’s way to prepare for the test but if you are afraid of failing, get some education (I mean schooling) before you come. Most people passed. But I did see some blues who failed the test in the first time and came back. Some of them passed the second time, and some failed again…



Sports Tests

The test has only pull-up and luc leger. I haven’t seen any rope climbing and sit-up. The test is done every morning except Saturday, Sunday and public holiday. An Adjudant conducts the test. The size of the group doing the test can vary, from 4 or 5 blues to a large group of 12 or 13, depending on how many blues (black t-shirt) passing the psychotechnical test the day before.



1. Luc Leger There’s a speaker playing the tape of the beep test. The ‘beep’ sound is very clear but the announcement of the number of level (palier) is a bit hard to catch. I can’t remember how many ‘shuttles’ were there in each level. You have to run faster and faster between the beeps when the level goes up. Many people consider level 7 to be the passing line. But there’s no guarantee for that. Run as many levels as you can.



Tip of the test

Get a pair of running shoes with good grip to the ground. When I was in Aubagne it was spring and it rained sometimes in the early morning. The test was still carried on even the ground was wet. I saw many guys wearing the running shoes provided by the Legion. It’s the same as the one rationed to the Rouge. I have no idea on its quality.



Be sure to step on the yellow line at each end before the beep sound. You could be stopped by the Adjundant if he thinks you cannot make it. Find the old post and download the sample beep sound track and get some practice before you go.



You will be called for the test in the assembly after the breakfast and wait in the foyer. The test normally begins at 0800 so you have plenty of time for digestion, hydration and toilet. So do have breakfast before the test.



2. Pull Up

Soon after you finish the luc leger, the pull up test begins. There are three pull-up bars with different heights. If the group is large two blues will do the test at the same time.

Tip of the test

Make sure your hands are straight when you are in the low position; otherwise the Adjundant will press on your shoulder to lower down. The pull-up starts immediately after running. Your arms could be numb as your heart is still pumping fast and the blood circulates to the lower body. You may do less pull-up than normal. Again, practice before going.



If you fail the Sports tests, you can come back 3 months after. Please train yourself before coming. I never heard about the passing mark of each test there. But the Carporal will tell you whether you pass or fail. Some said it’s comparative of your performance with others in the same group. I can’t comment.



Once you finish the test, you will be given time to take (quick) shower and change your black t-shirt to green. This does not mean you pass the test. If you fail you will be called out in the assembly in the afternoon and go home.



Medical Test

Soon after you finish the physical test in the morning, and if you are not called out to go home, you will be sent to the medical center for the test in the afternoon. The doctor will inject something to your left forearm and draw a big red circle around the injection area. There will be a red spot coming up in the area 1 or 2 days after. You are told not to scratch or rub it.



You will be back to the medical center after 1 day for re-examination of the area (if you did the test on Friday, it will be the next Monday). The doctor will measure the size of the spot. If the size exceeds the standard, you will be failed and given a list of civilian hospitals in France to conduct the test again at your own expense, and come back anytime with the certification issued by the hospitals.



Upon completion of the tests above, what lies ahead are the 3 interviews. You won’t fail in the interviews as your file will be presented to the Commission for consideration. The decision of the Commission is final and permanent so if you fail to become Rouge in the Commission, you can never come back.



That’s why some blues (black t-shirt) decide to fail the sports test intentionally once they find that they are not up to the standard. They can prepare again and come back after 3 months. This is not a bad move.









TOP





E.V.







Volunteered Early 2014 • Made It to Final Selection Commissioning but Not Accepted

Hey guys.

I volunteered earlier this year (2014) and made it all the way to the final commissioning, but was not selected. I spent about a week in Marseille, and about 2 weeks in Aubagne.



If anyone is thinking about volunteering, and has any questions about what you might experience during selection, go ahead and ask me. I can only share what I personally experienced, anything else is either just my opinion or second hand information.



Please don't ask me about what they are and aren't looking for, as I have no idea, and most currently serving Legionnaires I know have no idea either. Also PLEASE do not speculate on why you think I may not have been selected I AM NOT asking this question, I am merely providing insights based on my own personal experience of the FFL selection as it was February/March 2014



Thanks for accepting me on your forum.



Originally Posted by D

Bravo sir! Any guys with glasses make it in?

Answer:

Yes, there were guys with glasses who made it in.



Originally Posted by T

The only page on the official recruiting page that won't translate to English for me is the medical one. Are the doctors weary about you having any scars, or just surgical ones? Thanks for taking the time to fill us in.

Answer:

They seem to be weary of all scars. Everyone that went through the medical in my group that had a scar, including me, got ‘inapte temporaire’ and had to go get them checked out at their own expense.



Originally Posted by P

Thank you for sharing your expirience, good luck in the future! Were there any guys over 30 with you?

Answer:

Out of the 300 or so guys I met while I was going through selection, there was only 10 that I knew for certain were over 30. EVs don't really walk around asking each other how old they are, and a good amount of the time no one knows what the hell anyone else is saying anyway. Extraordinary experience.

In an attempt to preempt what your next question might be. I only saw one guy, that I knew was over 30, get selected.



For all those private messaging me about what the ‘Tests’ involve, check out the official French Foreign Legion recruitment page.

http://fr.legion-recrute.com/

If you are having trouble navigating the site then:

Check out these links:

For more information on the 'physical' requirements, check out this link:

http://fr.legion-recrute.com/mdl/info_seul.php?id=7

For more info on the medical requirements check out this link:

http://fr.legion-recrute.com/mdl/info_seul.php?id=8...

They don't check your teeth out until you have made rouge (red), that is if you make rouge.

For more info on the what the ‘psycho-technical’ test covers check out this link:

http://fr.legion-recrute.com/mdl/info_seul.php?id=10...

It is just a test like you would do at school when you are about 15 (in a first world school).

For the ‘motivation’ interviews, just check out this link:

http://fr.legion-recrute.com/mdl/info_seul.php?id=11...

It is just like a job interview.

This links is for the fitness requirements:

http://fr.legion-recrute.com/mdl/inf...titre=sportifs

Please don't complain to me that it is in French. Use Google Translate or something.

It is the French Foreign Legion, they will only speak to you in French for the most part, so best get used to it.

The most intensive test, if you can even call it that, is the DSPLE (security screening). It's not really a test, it a security screening, but it is more intense than the motivation interview.

You get asked some really strange questions, and you get asked them over and over and over again.

You get asked the same questions multiple different ways too. In a lot of ways it is a bit of a test, one of nerves. The interviewer just sat there eyeballing me a lot of the time. You are asked to do all sorts of things.



Take off all your clothes in under 45 seconds, put them back on in 45 seconds. Stand on one leg. At one point the interviewer walked behind be while I was standing in my underwear on one leg and aggressively kicked over a rubbish bin. To be honest it is hard not to laugh sometimes. I bet this sort of stuff cracks some guys, I know one kid came out and burst into tears, it looked like he had already being crying for a while.

The interviewer also threw his beret at me out of nowhere. He was a very peculiar German guy which made the nickname the ‘Gestapo’ quite fitting. He sat there making funny noises at one point, constantly staring at me, while wearing this surgical type mask. I think the mask was to stop him from getting sick, all the EVs were really sick while I was there.



Originally Posted by k

Thanks for sharing.

When purchasing a round trip ticket, what time frame would you recommend putting between your arrival and departure from France? I've heard 3 weeks, 5 weeks, buy a one way ticket and bring money so you can buy a return ticket whenever. What time frame did they gave you to potentially come back and try again? Thanks.

Answer:

In my humble opinion, because that is all this is, there is no hard and fast answer to this. It depends on where you are planning on volunteering, and when. Personally I bought a return ticket so I would not have any problems getting into the country (or out) in the first place.

I considered the whole one way ticket scenario, but the complications that could have arisen going through customs regarding this did not appeal to me i.e. questions I did not want to answer.

It may have taken some jibber jabber just to get out of my own country on a one way ticket to France. So again in my opinion, unless you are from the EU, I suggest pre-purchasing an ‘exit’ ticket of some form.



If buying an exit ticket I suggest booking it out 3 weeks and paying extra to make it ‘flexible’. However this would only be if you are going to volunteer in Aubagne. If you are going to volunteer in Paris I would book it out 4 weeks. If you are going to volunteer around some ‘significant’ French, or international holiday time, one where the Legion is likely to be ‘preoccupied’ with other things I would add another week. So 4 or 5 weeks respectively.



This is just my my opinion based on what I read on this forum before leaving, and my own observations while I was there. I was there for almost three weeks and I volunteered in Aubagne. Some of the guys arriving from other locations, like Paris, that had volunteered around about the same time as me, still had a week to wait for selection commission (if they got past the DSPLE). So this meant some of those guys (the ones that weren't turfed by the DSPLE) would have been going through the selection process for over three weeks. However some of them went up for the selection commission at the same time. I get the impression the FFL doesn't always run like clockwork. They try their level best, but every EVs situation is unique to him, so some blast through the process, whereas others linger for some time.



The official FFL recruitment page says up to three weeks, so that seems fairly accurate from what I saw. As for the time frame they gave me to ‘potentially come back and try again’, there was none given. I was given ‘inapte définitif’. So that is it for me.



Originally Posted by M

At least you went. Fair Play. Now move on in life young man.

Answer:

Thanks M. I've already moved on. It turns out not being accepted by the FFL was the best thing that could have happened to me, every cloud has a silver lining I suppose.

I was very unsure of what to do next when I was not accepted into the ranks of the Legion, I had put a lot of time and effort into preparing, and was definitely ready for the challenge. However I only malingered over what to do next after I was not accepted for about two weeks, and then got right the **** on with it. As I said not being accepted seemed to trigger a ‘butterfly effect’ of good things. I was able to turn my life around somewhat in the last few months, and things are going great for me now.



Originally Posted by D

You mention you only “have to do 3 pull-ups” and that some guys even get in with 1. Just about every tale I've heard of people who go to Aubagne has mentioned that right at the front gate they make you do a certain number of push ups (4-6 seems normal) before letting you in. Was that not a thing when you showed up?

Answer:

No, I was not made to do any push ups at the ‘gate’ (it's a window at Aubagne), or anything like that. I also never heard or saw anyone else having to do this. I did see a big fat guy (and I mean obese) and his skinny mate get turned away when they turned up with just their passports and no kit. I couldn't hear what was being said, but they walked away laughing. If I was turned away like that, without being given a chance, I would have punched the Caporal in the nose, so I think he could just tell they were not serious.



Originally Posted by cu

Does this include burns? I got a burn on my hand about 1 and half CM big from a hot glue gun.

Answer

They seem to be weary of all scars. Everyone that went through the medical in my group that had a scar, including me, got ‘inapte temporaire’ and had to go get them checked out at their own expense.



Originally Posted by E-P

They have no basic fitness requirements? Really, or am I reading this wrong?

Answer:

Being able to do 3 tractions (pull ups) is definitely considered a ‘basic’ fitness requirement. So yes, if you are referring to anything I have written, you are reading it wrong . The basic fitness requirement in order to be ‘eligible’ to pass the ‘fitness’ test during FFL selection, is now set at being able to do trois (three) tractions, and ‘perform’ the Luc-Léger V02 Max test. There is no minimum set to ‘pass’ the Luc-Léger.

You can check this out on the official FFL recruitment page.

While I was there I saw a few guys who were passed only running palier six (level six) on the Luc-Léger, and squeezing out 3 ‘shitty’ tractions. One guy even passed running a palier cinq (5) and squeezing out one shitty traction. That guy even went on to become a ‘rouge’ candidate.

Of the other guys that only managed palier six on the Luc-Léger I only saw one make it. Most guys who couldn't manage palier sept (7) were failed ‘inapte temporaire’ on the fitness test, regardless of how many tractions they could do.



From my observations they were only really passing people who could run at least parle sept on the Luc-Leger, any less, more often than not, got an inapt temporaire fail. The amount of tractions you can do seems to be meaningless.



Please don't ask me why they let some people through for achieving a much lower fitness 'score' than others, I have my 'theories' but I really don't know the answer. When being administered the fitness tests the Caporal Chef didn't even seem to be paying much attention to us at all, he certainly didn't scrutinise the 'quality' of the tractions, even after taking the time to being very specific about how they should be performed.



Originally Posted by B

... was wondering about if they do any extensive colour-blindness tests and if any colour-blind volontaires made it through? Also, do you know why you weren't let through?

Answer:

Yes they do extensive color blindness tests. I have no idea if any color blind volunteers made it through. But why would they? Why administer a color blindness test and then pass anyone who fails it anyway? Makes **** all sense to me, but then again a lot of things don't make sense there. So in short, I don't know the answer to the second part of your question. I don't know of anyone who failed the color blindness test, so I don't know if anyone who failed the test made it through. Logic tells me they wouldn't have.



No I don't know why I was not selected, they don't tell you. I did ask and was told by the Caporal-chef that he did not know and that it was not up to him. What I do know is that roughly 50% of the guys who go up for the final selection commission each week don't make it. I have a hunch that it is largely a numbers thing though because a Caporal-chef gave all the EVs going up for commission in my group (about 40 of us) a big speech about how they would only be taking 20 of us, and that if anyone wanted to quit they should quit now or they would potentially be taking someone else's place.



So that says to me that a lot of it comes down to numbers. They have about 40 guys going up for selection commission each week and only need about 20. So they cut 20 from the mix just because they can't take everyone.



Look at it like this. If you **** up in the DSPLE interview and have ‘serious’ criminal problems you get sent home. I saw this happen. If you have lied about your criminal past, they make you yell out “Oui Caporal-chef!” the next morning, when all the EVs are asked if anyone wants to leave. I think this is to embarrass you in front of your peers. Not sure. One kid came back from the DSPLE in tears. He was quietly escorted out some time later.

My point?

All of the guys who make it to the final selection commission are potentially of ‘legionnaire quality’. If they weren't they would have been sent home after the DSPLE interviews, or the ‘motivation’ interview (I saw this happen too). From how it appears to me they just have too many people by the end of the process. ****ed if I know how they choose who they choose, again I have a ‘theory’ but I am not prepared to spell that out publicly on this forum. For the most part, if you make it this far, I believe it comes down to what you say in the motivation interview.



Essentially they need guys who are going to ‘stick around’. So they make their best guess based on the intel they have gathered about you since you volunteered. They definitely don't (can't) get this right all the time though. It takes longer than 2 to 3 weeks to really know someone. There was an EV there who told me he was going to desert right after basic training, and that he was only there to get “ripped” ; he got selected, I did not...



Originally Posted by A

I think that you know for what you are not in, but that's my opinion. Just to mention that from my brother's group in the end of the farm was left only 5 boys. So they really need to pick from these 40 the best ones. On the other side I know few guys , in which was given even possibility to go out and bringing medical notice, which confirms that no have any healthy problems. So they really giving you the chance, other is the question - are you really for the Legion?

Answer:

I have already mentioned that I have a ‘theory’ why I may not have been selected, not to mention I spelled out that they had 20 guys too many, I'm fairly certain that was a contributing factor. ‘The best’ is subjective, and obviously they are getting it wrong if they only have 5 men left at the end of basic training. I know for a fact that they selected a guy who planned on deserting right after he finished basic training (if he actually completed it at all), because he told me this is what he was going to do.



In regards to your last question. No, not now, but at the time yes, absolutely. I have far too much going for me now (too many positives in my life) and the Legion would think me a fool to be volunteering, I would agree with them.



Part of answer to useless questions:

I actually wrote this thread to answer any questions other guys who are planning on volunteering might have about the selection process, as I experienced it as of February/March 2014. Nothing more, nothing less. In regards to the guy who told me that he was going to desert right after basic training. Yes I believed him, why the **** else would someone tell you something like that if they weren't going to do it? Whether he was or not, that is a fairly strange ****en thing to go around telling people if you aren't going to do it.



My point is that had that got back to the 'selection committee' I doubt he would have got in. He got in because they didn't know he was planning on doing that, or at least telling some people that this was his intention. I don't think it that odd to believe someone who says they are going to do something like that. Look what Asia_Y wrote above about her brothers 'group'. Only 5 men left after basic out of 40. That is a terrible turn out.



I wouldn't know a good candidate from a bad one as I am not, and will never be, a part of the Legion 'selection committee'. I simply pointed out that some EVs who passed the 'fitness' tests were 'unfit' by international standards, and compared with other military 'minimum requirements'.



The international standards set out for the Luc Legar test, (which the Legion uses as part of their fitness test), for 18 - 35 year olds says that a parle cinq is considered very poor. There was an EV who was selected who only just managed a parle cinq. He was also only able to manage one poor form pull up and was visually overweight.

Another couple of EVs only managed parle six. Again by international standards this is considered 'poor'. Parle six is the equivalent of a 'fairly' fit 40 year old, and parle cinq is the equivalent of a 'fairly' fit 50 year old. You can look it up yourself.

Again most guys were not being passed without at least a parle sept, which is considered 'fair/average'. To give you an even more alarming comparison, FEMALE volunteers of the British Army are required to run at least parle huit virgule un, and the men parle dix virgule deux to pass the fitness test. And that is just the running.



I met some EVs that I would have been very happy to bump shoulders with as a Legionnaire who were selected, conversely I met some that were not selected either. The same goes for 'the others'. I met some guys I was cringing that I might have to bump shoulders with as a Legionnaire who were selected, however a bunch of these guys did not make it in also.



Admittedly the guys who were selected that were 'very unfit', for the most part, were great blokes. There was only one guy who I am certain would have committed suicide one week into basic training, but that is just my opinion.

I believe he was selected because he claimed he was on his sixth try. He claimed he initially failed the medical for being anemic. He returned and failed again for being too anemic. Third time he passed the medical but was failed on the fitness test for parle quatre. Fourth time he was failed for parle cinq. Fifth time he passed the fitness test with parle sept but was failed on the intelligence test. Sixth time, the time I was there he 'passed' the fitness test with parle six, and supposedly passed the intelligence test (he wasn't the brightest spark).

This is why I think he was selected. He just wouldn't ****en give up. However I personally could smell weakness in him and frequently saw him being 'bullied' and 'stood over' by other EVs. While he was rouge I saw him being told by other rouges to stand at attention (gardez vous) and recite the Legion Code of