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Feature
Here Comes the Foreign Legion
A great French institution shows no signs of slowing down.
(Page 2 of 2)
Given the economic conditions in Eastern Europe, the Legion gets lots of eager candidates from the region — one employment agency in Budapest advertised that the Legion was hiring and proposed transport to the nearest recruiting station in France. Oddly, some Japanese recruits enlist because they think a Legion tour looks good on their CV. Former Red Army officers have also shown up. They say a Legion general reviewing new troops thought he recognized one of the men. “What were you before joining the Legion?” he asked. “A general, general,” the recruit replied, snapping to attention.
ACTUALLY BECOMING A LEGIONNAIRE starts at the 4th Foreign Regiment at Castelnaudary in southwestern France with four months of boot camp, twice as much as the regular French army, of which the Legion is an integral, a special, part. Recruits are immediately shipped out to the boondocks to rough it for a month in a “cohesion phase,” a complete break with ordinary life when they bond, whatever a new buddy’s nationality or language. The result, for these men without a country, is a near-fanatical dedication to an ideal: the Legion itself, whose motto, Legio Patria Nostra (the Legion is our homeland), says it all.
This ideal itself creates unusually strong bonding. Legionnaires never leave a wounded comrade on the battlefield; in combat they often shield officers with their bodies. In return, officers leave their families at home on Christmas Day to spend it with their men — and these tough guys delight in decorating their posts with traditional Nativity scenes. Officers also serve their troops breakfast in bed on the Legion’s annual day, April 30. “This camaraderie is no myth,” says Captain Joel Bonis, a veteran of the 13th Foreign Demi-Brigade in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa. “The other evening I was in a bar with a civilian friend and he pretended to throw a punch at me. Suddenly a Legionnaire was pinning his arms behind him, growling, ‘Nobody lays a hand on a Legion captain.’”
Still, discipline is strict and punishment swift, though the days are past when an officer might run his saber through a Legionnaire’s chest for murmuring in the ranks, or a drill sergeant punch out a recruit for neglecting to shave. “It’s tough, but not in a stupid or brutal way,” Alex Lochrie, retired Scottish Legion veteran and author of the recent Fighting for the French Foreign Legion, told me. “Legionnaires are hardened during training so they don’t suddenly find themselves disoriented in combat conditions like forces that rely heavily on reservists. The result is that only a small number of them suffer from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.”
For many, the hardest hurdle is the French language itself. The drill sergeant’s first phrase is usually, “Those who can understand French, sit down.” Those still standing quickly learn survival French, with every instruction session a language lesson. Any time left over is spent ironing the proud uniform, with no fewer than 15 precisely placed creases in the shirt to pass inspection. Besides intensive training in basic soldier’s tradecraft, recruits spend weeks learning to march at the Legion’s special cadence — 88 steps a minute, vs. the usual 120 for other armies — a pace that gives the impression they are still subconsciously tramping through the Sahara. And while marching, they have drilled into them the Legion’s traditional songs: slow, melancholy chants that refer to suffering and solitude as the Legionnaire’s lot.
After boot camp, actual combat training at an assigned unit starts early, ends late, and hones men to a sharp edge. As a British sergeant (with this outfit you don’t ask names or hometowns) who instructs sniper marksmanship told me, “This is the way soldiering should be, highly trained and disciplined. Give a Legionnaire an order and it’s done and done right. Other outfits today are too lax.” I saw some of this training at the 2nd Foreign Airborne Regiment’s base on the Mediterranean island of Corsica.
This is the Legion’s crème de la crème, priding itself on jumping at lower altitudes, higher speeds, and more tightly bunched than any other airborne troops. In a rugged, remote area of the island, I watched a squad, uniforms dark with sweat, practice patrol tactics. They dived to take cover when “enemy” fire crackled just ahead. Suddenly a hand grenade came out of nowhere and landed beside the point man. He was reaching down to throw it back when it exploded — covering him with white flour. “You’re lucky that was a practice grenade,” his sergeant bellowed. “They only throw grenades back at the enemy in war movies, you idiot. In real combat you hit the ground as far away as you can jump.”
AT DAWN NEXT MORNING I was jammed in with 80 troops in full combat gear, heavy backpacks and two parachutes each, aboard a deafening military transport. When the jump master raised his arms like an orchestra conductor, sticks of men on both sides of the plane sprang up, hooked their static lines to overhead cables and crowded toward the open rear doors. Suddenly a red signal light went green, a klaxon shrieked, and the assistant jump masters at each door began screaming “Go! Go! Go!” The pumped-up Legionnaires piled out almost on top of each other — two per second according to my watch.
We climbed to 8,500 feet and the Legion’s elite commando jumpers in fluorescent red helmets repeated the operation with flying wings. They went into free fall for long, breathtaking seconds before popping their chutes. Circling above the drop zone, deftly controlling direction and speed, they landed on a small bull’s-eye in the middle of the zone. In combat they can drift like that for miles into enemy territory at night on commando jobs without being seen or heard.
Today the Legion is putting its experience in the world’s hellholes to good use in the foothills of Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush as part of NATO’s American-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). First thing its contingent of 800 men (integrated with France’s 3,400-man contingent) did on setting up their Tora base in the Surobi district east of Kabul was to mark out their turf: clambering onto the HQ roof, they cockily painted Legio Patria Nostra in big white letters. With NATO’s rules of engagement emphasizing making nice with the local population, there have been no legendmaking heroics, Taliban insurgents usually melting away into villages after taking sniper shots at them. The ISAF commander, General Stanley McChrystal, dropped by for a get-acquainted visit, telling the French commander he had grown up as a big admirer of the Legion and congratulating him on his troops.
Legionnaires, of course, are used to basking in American admiration. So impressed was General H. Norman Schwarzkopf by the Legion’s performance in the 1991 Operation Desert Storm that he presented it with his famous four-star cap as a token of esteem. But perhaps the highest praise has come from that other elite fighting outfit, the U.S. Marine Corps, whose official Gazette once concluded, “No combat unit surpasses the Legion in wartime exploits, professionalism, and courage.”
About the Author
Joseph A. Harriss is The American Spectator’s Paris correspondent. His latest book, An American Spectator in Paris, was released this fall.
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Old Marine| 2.25.10 @ 10:00AM
I have always admired the Legion. Their battlefield exploits and camaraderie are the stuff of legend.
A nation whose finest fighting outfit is composed entirely of foreigners, however, receives no admiration from me.
NavyBrat | 2.25.10 @ 12:25PM
Old Marine. You said:
"A nation whose finest fighting outfit is composed entirely of foreigners, however, receives no admiration from me."
I've also found that little factiod ironic throughout history. I also find it ironic that the men who serve in the Legion don't consider themselves as "fighting for France," but "fighting for the legion." It speaks volumes to me.
Alan Brooks| 2.25.10 @ 5:53PM
and the Lafayette Escadrille.
That was when men were men and sheep were sheep.
NavyBrat | 2.25.10 @ 8:46PM
AMEN!!!
Bruce | 2.25.10 @ 1:24PM
QUOTE: "A nation whose finest fighting outfit is composed entirely of foreigners, however, receives no admiration from me."
Incorrect. The majority of noncoms and all officers of the Legion Etrange' are all French Army regulars.
chris| 2.26.10 @ 3:44PM
YOU, good sir, are incorrect. Officers of the legion are from the French Regular Army, that is true. But non-commissioned officers (NCO)? They are all from within the ranks of the legion itself. As for all of these other "experts" on statistics about La Legion Etrangere, go to their public website, and it will tell you everything.
LAURENT| 2.26.10 @ 3:43AM
who are you to think that French army and nation needs your admiration? just for your information, approx 50% of soldiers are french, the most part of the sergeants are French and 90% of officers are French. and be sure that all these guys are not hide behind the foreigners.
TAW| 2.26.10 @ 5:12PM
The Legion has my respect...although they don't need it, they've earned it.
Ex-US Navy Sailor
Larry| 2.25.10 @ 10:12AM
Like so many other German soldiers after World War II, my father, who is now 82, spent seven years in the Legion before coming to the United States, serving in Viet Nam and Morocco. He takes great pride in his former French Foreign Legion service, even to this day. I sent a copy of the article to my father; I know he'll enjoy reading it as much as I did.
Al Adab| 2.25.10 @ 11:40AM
The article mentions Douglas Porch. His book on the Legion is the definitive history and well worth the read. Your father would no doubt find it of interest as well. What a great family history.
Dan| 2.25.10 @ 11:46AM
It's far more difficult to get into the Legion than the article let on. And it's not just certain criminal activity that will see a man refused admittance.
The Legion is so small now that they only allow in the creme de la creme of those seeking entry. Which means former soldiers, oftern former commandos. The Legion is now a home away from home for former soldiers from all across the world.
The Legion now refused perfectly fit men, simply because they don't have former military experience. Whereas before men in their 40s could get in, ------------ now, again because the Legion's numbers are so few, they're only taking young men, and very fit men at that. If you show up with a paunch, -------------------- forget about it.
The author of the piece remarked upon the affection the French people have for the Legion, and that's certainly true. But their feelings for the Legion are more rightly described as ambivalent. They're a trace of derision in their feelings about the Legion. Perhaps that's merely the typical telltale of the Left, and the influence of the Left. But whatever the origin, there is that present in their attitude towards the Legion.
And as for their professionalism, which they are rightly known for, ---------- what's the good of such professionalism if their political leaders refuse to allow the Legion to engage the enemy throughout islam.
Take a gander at their ROE in Afghanistan. Pretty pathetic.
Cuffs| 2.25.10 @ 1:16PM
Wonderful article!
I learned much and enjoyed your
enthusiasm for military expertise.
A refreshing change from all this political
commentary.
Bruce | 2.25.10 @ 1:30PM
I had the very great pleasure of meeting and chatting with many members of the Legion at the New York City "Welcome Home" parade for Vietnam vets years ago. As Navy Brat correctly points out, these guys fight for each other - not France - in the tradition of the US Marines and Army. In my years in LE, there were very few men I would not go toe to toe with. These guys are ones I would not want to face down. These guys are pros, they're touch, and they fight to win. You do NOT want to meet them in a dark alley if up to no good.
Steve Sundberg| 2.25.10 @ 1:39PM
This article is a very refreshing change from political commentary ...
Richard Baker| 2.25.10 @ 7:32PM
Outstanding story about a truly one-of-a-kind unit. I recommending reading Bernard Fall's book, "Hell in a Very Small Place" about Dienbienphu where the Legion is prominently featured. Vive La Legion Etrangere!
Richard Baker| 2.25.10 @ 7:33PM
Correction:
I recommend reading Bernard Fall's book
Laguna Beach Trad | 2.25.10 @ 7:49PM
I've been a fan of the Legion since a very young man and considered joining several times.
When I lived in London, I associated with a few ex-Legionnaires, mainly chaps from South Africa and Rhodesia. Hard, fit, taciturn men. The tales they recounted, though maybe tall, were harrowing in the extreme.
My favourite Legion book by far is Mouthful of Rocks by Christian Jennings, with Simon Murray's book a close second. Highly recommended.
My favourite ex-Legionnaire is Ernst Junger.
Nothing the Americans can put together even comes close to the Legion.
LiveFreeOrDie| 2.26.10 @ 9:22PM
"Nothing the Americans can put together even comes close to the Legion. "
Horseshit! You "considered joining" and "associated with a few," listened to admittedly tall tales and have a "favourite" which shows your obvious bias.
You don't know a thing about what the elite forces of the United States has to offer. Spend some time with force recon or the seals, they would change your mind in a minute. It's one thing to kiss the ass of the organization you didn't have the balls to join but don't trash my military you pile of euro trash.
Laguna Beach Trad | 3.3.10 @ 8:55AM
By 'horseshit' I assume you're referring to the US military?
Face it, the US military has seen better days and now exists mainly as a sort of adult day-camp for ambitious blacks, corporate men, wayward females, naive Southern boys, and various third world populations who make up an ever-increasing percentage of the force.
Good luck trying to rule the world with a bunch of feminists and illiterate little peasants from the developing world. You can't even rule your own cities!
The US military has been transformed into a global relief agency whose focus is on providing welfare srvices to the third world.
Officers and men of quality who display any signs of courage and tradition are forced out. Political Correctness prevails.
Units such as the French Foreign Legion and the Royal Marines stand head-and-shoulders above the US military.
Christopher Holland| 2.25.10 @ 8:06PM
What do they think of gays in the military? I can imagine what the response will be. Either you have a disciplined, motivated fighting force or you have a social organisation that wants people to feel good. I know which one is better at defending the country
Jocon307| 2.26.10 @ 9:46AM
A very interesting article. Cole Porter in the French Foreign Legion, amazing!
BHG| 2.27.10 @ 6:28AM
Porter was seriously in the closet. No way the Legion would have tolerated an openly gay légionnaire. From a French cousin-in-law, retired regular army general, PDs (pédérastes) aren't acceptable evn now.
Curtis| 2.27.10 @ 11:48AM
I don't doubt that there were, and may be gay legionnaires.
But the fact remains, you either chase what your heart and loins want, or you put behind your personal desires and dreams and uphold your oath to serve and sacrifice on behalf of something you believe to be bigger then yourself.
Complete your duty, serve admirably, and after you're discharged and done, you can live your life in the best manner you see fit.
Alex Lochrie | 4.6.10 @ 9:16AM
It is intersting to read all the comments. That is one of the reasons I wrote my book 'Fighting For The French Foreign Legion' Memoirs of a Scottish Legionnaire. I have tried to expose many of the myths about the Legion. Today it is a small professional fighting force and is heavily involved in Afghanistan, suporting US and UK forces high in the mountains where other units fear to tred. Mr Harriss was good enough to ask me for a quote but can I recommend that you either get my book out of the library or buy one if you want to learn more about this unique unit. Once you have done that you might come back with different comments.
No one 'elite' force is better than any other. They all work hand in hand on the front line in todays fight against the modern terrorist. If you have been there and done it then your comments will be constructive. If not follow my suggestion and read up on the subject.
Alex Lochrie
Cal Disher| 7.24.10 @ 1:34AM
Amen......
Jack| 5.9.10 @ 7:15PM
I thought the legion was how so many dog muslims got into france.
Jim| 7.18.10 @ 12:55AM
The Legion is highly respected and admired. I wish them well,
ex. Canadian Paratrooper
fromer recon| 11.12.10 @ 5:42PM
I am a former Marine, 2nd Force Recon. Got out for the wrong reasons, now although definitely still fit unable to return due to age. I recently made the decision to join the Legion. They support the ideas of espirit de corps that I joined the corps for, I have always viewed myself as a professional soldier and this unit will give me what I want. I have 11 friends, all former operators in the spec ops community and they will attest to the professionalism of the Legion.
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