Le jour de gloire est arrivé! (by Mitch Sisskind)

A few months ago, when I began thinking about joining a military organization, I undertook some serious youtube research to find the outfit that was right for me. At this point I've pretty much settled on the French Foreign Legion. There are several reasons for this, all of which are documented in the video below.

First, the diversity of the Legion really appeals to me. The Foreign Legion is called "foreign" not because it's stationed outside France, but because it's made up of foreigners who are willing to be used as cannon fodder without endangering French citizens. Whatever. The result is a genuinely multi-cultural group of guys. No girls yet, but that could change. Also, maybe not that many Jews -- yet.

Second, the type of rifle used by the Legion -- with the magazine behind the trigger housing -- is called a bullpup, and i love the word bullpup. Just being in an army where you can say "bullpup" all day would be great.

Third, there's something inherently humorous about the French language when used in a military context -- although this may be less true for people who actually understand French. (You have to know French after one year in the Legion or they kick you out.)

Also, singing is tremendously important in the Legion. Youi don't have to sing well but you do have to sing. They have a peculiar style of marching: slower than most armies, and with singing.

Finally, after watching lots of military training videos, the Foreign Legion seems to be the only army in which the instructors actually do some of the exercises along with the trainees -- pushups and so forth. And you can't help but like Sergeant (?) Lopez in this video. He's only in his 40s and he's been in the Legion for about 25 years. It must have something good or he probably would have gotten out. He doesn't seem stupid.

Like most men, I want to suffer, I want to be miserable, and I refuse to enter old age without satisfying these authentic needs. "Alons, enfants de la patrie..." This is the first part of a multi-clip series on a six-week jungle training exercise. If you like it -- and what's not to like? -- you can find the rest on youtube.

Comments

[Laura Orem]

What a great idea - I can see you in one of those hats with the handkerchief on the back. And I agree - bullpup is a great word.

[Stacey Harwood]

Sign me up too!

[A Sparkling Planet]

GI Stooge - Three Stooges in the Foriegn Legion...it is superb! Thanks for reminding me and go get it. you'll love it!