Post: #1

Honestly this sort of was bugging me for a while now, but I guess it came back to my head when I was in the RVF chat today. I'm considering just skipping college and just joining the French Foreign Legion. I want to major in engineering and just live it easy travelling abroad, but I don't think conventional work satisfies me as much as a running business or the possibility of adventure. Also the college is going to be debt free if I decide to go as I'm not taking out any loans due to parental support as well as scholarships I've earned. What are some of the thoughts the rest of RVF has on this? Are the benefits worth it to leave life in the States behind or would it be much better for my future goals to just go to college(planning to live in Russia eventually and if I don't join the Legion to learn Japanese and head there right after working for a year or two out of college. I really have a desire to live there and enjoy the country, but it doesn't have to happen)? Either way I get to travel and gain more from the world, but right now I'm just looking towards what I want to do with my life.

Side note: I already know quite a bit of conversational French so finishing it up as a requirement for the Legion shouldn't be too hard.

Post: #2

Met a guy in Thailand who was in it, told me some pretty crazy stuff about being in Haiti and some of the war torn countries in Africa. If that is your idea of adventure then you should go all in. If not, just stick with school.

Post: #3

Maybe I'm just crazy, but I say do it. I did the opposite, I went to college for engineering, got a tech sales job, and I'm not happy with it. And I got the debt to boot. I thought about the legion too but let my parents talk me out of it at the time. Reminds me of Roosh's post about what he'd tell the teenage version of himself if he could travel back and give him the advice he'd accured throughout his life up to this point. I'm the future you. I say legion. Life is really short (31 and I can't believe how fast it's going by) and being overly cautious is no way to live. Even if you don't do the legion, do something else that won't result in you working in a cube. Good luck.

PS, now you got me thinking about enlisting...

Post: #4

(05-26-2014 08:58 PM)Big Country Wrote:  Met a guy in Thailand who was in it, told me some pretty crazy stuff about being in Haiti and some of the war torn countries in Africa. If that is your idea of adventure then you should go all in. If not, just stick with school.

I don't know if I'll be satisfied in the States or working that average joe life. I hate the work I do already, and this seems like a perfect way out. I'll just be sacrificing a lot to take part in this opportunity. I can otherwise just live comfortably as an engineer, and work abroad too. I just don't know if I should just choose the comfortable lifestyle where I'll be maintaining the relationships I've made or giving it all up for adventure as well as completely living for myself but not with as much mobility to later go on to live comfortably in places like Scandinavia or Japan where I wouldn't find work in such a profession if join the legion.

Post: #5

(05-26-2014 09:02 PM)hwuzhere Wrote:  

(05-26-2014 08:58 PM)Big Country Wrote:  Met a guy in Thailand who was in it, told me some pretty crazy stuff about being in Haiti and some of the war torn countries in Africa. If that is your idea of adventure then you should go all in. If not, just stick with school.

I don't know if I'll be satisfied in the States or working that average joe life. I hate the work I do already, and this seems like a perfect way out. I'll just be sacrificing a lot to take part in this opportunity. I can otherwise just live comfortably as an engineer, and work abroad too. I just don't know if I should just choose the comfortable lifestyle where I'll be maintaining the relationships I've made or giving it all up for adventure as well as completely living for myself but not with as much mobility to later go on to live comfortably in places like Scandinavia or Japan where I wouldn't find work in such a profession if join the legion.

Private Military Contractors are on the rise. I could see the legion being a hell of a resume builder for that. And they're in many countries. And yes, you won't be satisfied with the average joe life. If you're questioning it now, it won't get better.

Post: #6

Bear Grylls did a documentary a while ago where a few British guys were sent to Morocco and basically had to undergo training similar to what recruits into the French Foreign Legion go through... not sure how authentic it was as I haven't been in the Legion myself, but the trainers were ex-legionnaires apparently. Might be worth watching.

Post: #7

(05-26-2014 09:05 PM)nek Wrote:  

(05-26-2014 09:02 PM)hwuzhere Wrote:  

(05-26-2014 08:58 PM)Big Country Wrote:  Met a guy in Thailand who was in it, told me some pretty crazy stuff about being in Haiti and some of the war torn countries in Africa. If that is your idea of adventure then you should go all in. If not, just stick with school.

I don't know if I'll be satisfied in the States or working that average joe life. I hate the work I do already, and this seems like a perfect way out. I'll just be sacrificing a lot to take part in this opportunity. I can otherwise just live comfortably as an engineer, and work abroad too. I just don't know if I should just choose the comfortable lifestyle where I'll be maintaining the relationships I've made or giving it all up for adventure as well as completely living for myself but not with as much mobility to later go on to live comfortably in places like Scandinavia or Japan where I wouldn't find work in such a profession if join the legion.

Private Military Contractors are on the rise. I could see the legion being a hell of a resume builder for that. And they're in many countries. And yes, you won't be satisfied with the average joe life. If you're questioning it now, it won't get better.

Living like an average joe in the States is not even part of my plan. At the bare minimum I'm becoming an expatriate, but should I go the extra mile and just skip the college and go into a more exciting lifestyle rather than live at ease banging girls while having a solid pay roll without being shot at. Also some tips on getting my body in shape for such a choice? I'm in good shape, but I'm still skinny just very toned. What would be a good way to build muscle?

Post: #8

(05-26-2014 09:10 PM)hwuzhere Wrote:  

(05-26-2014 09:05 PM)nek Wrote:  

(05-26-2014 09:02 PM)hwuzhere Wrote:  

(05-26-2014 08:58 PM)Big Country Wrote:  Met a guy in Thailand who was in it, told me some pretty crazy stuff about being in Haiti and some of the war torn countries in Africa. If that is your idea of adventure then you should go all in. If not, just stick with school.

I don't know if I'll be satisfied in the States or working that average joe life. I hate the work I do already, and this seems like a perfect way out. I'll just be sacrificing a lot to take part in this opportunity. I can otherwise just live comfortably as an engineer, and work abroad too. I just don't know if I should just choose the comfortable lifestyle where I'll be maintaining the relationships I've made or giving it all up for adventure as well as completely living for myself but not with as much mobility to later go on to live comfortably in places like Scandinavia or Japan where I wouldn't find work in such a profession if join the legion.

Private Military Contractors are on the rise. I could see the legion being a hell of a resume builder for that. And they're in many countries. And yes, you won't be satisfied with the average joe life. If you're questioning it now, it won't get better.

Living like an average joe in the States is not even part of my plan. At the bare minimum I'm becoming an expatriate, but should I go the extra mile and just skip the college and go into a more exciting lifestyle. Also some tips on getting my body in shape for such a choice? I'm in good shape, but I'm still skinny just very toned. What would be a good way to build muscle?

Their motto is "march or die". From what I understand, you'll need muscular endurance more than anything. Bodyweight exercises and running (push-ups and pull ups). I looked into this a little bit when I was 18 (even the vision requirements as I have shitty vision).

Post: #9

I researched it extensively when my resigning period was around in the army reserves. My final decision was that I wish I knew about the legion earlier, but I would be wasting time already invested if I dropped out of school and the us military. Do it because you'll be paid nicely(high monthly pay in one of the world's highest valued currencies) and trained to be one of the toughest regular army soldiers on the planet.

The downsides are that the legion is almost always deployed to a remote, forward location. They live by strict rules even determining leave, car ownership and marriage. They are trained rigorously and often brutally. You body will be punished. You have to have a strong, resilient mind beforehand. Work on the mind, body and French. You should rank in a timely manner. Good luck

Post: #10

Guy I met was absolutely jacked. If you go that route you'll be trained hard. As a bonus the Thai ladies absolutely loved him, well, more so than the average Westerner.

Post: #11

(05-26-2014 09:12 PM)TonySandos Wrote:  I researched it extensively when my resigning period was around in the army reserves. My final decision was that I wish I knew about the legion earlier, but I would be wasting time already invested if I dropped out of school and the us military. Do it because you'll be paid nicely(high monthly pay in one of the world's highest valued currencies) and trained to be one of the toughest regular army soldiers on the planet.

The downsides are that the legion is almost always deployed to a remote, forward location. They live by strict rules even determining leave, car ownership and marriage. They are trained rigorously and often brutally. You body will be punished. You have to have a strong, resilient mind beforehand. Work on the mind, body and French. You should rank in a timely manner. Good luck

The downsides in reference to the strict rules are the main issue. I want to learn Japanese also and live out my 20s in Japan, but that can't happen if I choose the legion. A big part of what I want to do lies in the other direction as well. I think I need to do some soul searching and research some more.

Post: #12

Think of opportunity cost. You'd be living a regimented, completely controlled life for 5 prime years of your youth, and for what? For all you know you may never even see action. You'd basically be giving up everything for the possibility of brief periods of excitement. There are more efficacious ways to find adventure than joining a military force.

If you're really set on doing something crazy, go for a 1 month trip to the Central African Republic and you'll probably see as much if not more crazy shit than you would in 5 years stationed at some sleepy French village. And you'll only be out 1 month of your life, not 5 years.

Post: #13

(05-26-2014 09:16 PM)rekruler Wrote:  Think of opportunity cost. You'd be living a regimented, completely controlled life for 5 prime years of your youth, and for what? For all you know you may never even see action. You'd basically be giving up everything for the possibility of brief periods of excitement. There are more efficacious ways to find adventure than joining a military force.

If you're really set on doing something crazy, go for a 1 month trip to the Central African Republic and you'll probably see as much if not more crazy shit than you would in 5 years stationed at some sleepy French village. And you'll only be out 1 month of your life, not 5 years.

The French Foreign Legion is stationed and fighting as we speak. I can guarantee I will see action, but the opportunity cost yes is the main issue.

Post: #14

I've heard that a lot of thugs join the French Legion, the kind of people who have nothing else to look forward to and may be wanted for crimes in their countries. As a US citizen looking for military experience, why not just join the Army or Navy? Maybe do some research and pick the most elite part of it you can get into?

Post: #15

(05-26-2014 09:18 PM)Brodiaga Wrote:  I've heard that a lot of thugs join the French Legion, the kind of people who have nothing else to look forward to and may be wanted for crimes in their countries. As a US citizen looking for military experience, why not just join the Army or Navy? Maybe study the subject and pick the most elite part of it you can get into?

I would never join the United States military as I would have much less to gain from it. The French Foreign Legion on the other hand would give me an instant EU passport as well as a high paying job(not to mention working for private military contractors later as the Foreign Legion on one's resume give much more prestige). I also happen to not like the United States on a personal level as well as studying and joining the elite sections is much harder than the Foreign Legion as the Legion forces the training onto you rather than the one in million chance I land in the SEALS.

Post: #16

If you think you have the body for it, and the idea of going without sex for long periods of time, then go for it. You will come out stronger than you went in.

However, you could just skip college and use those same 5 years with your own self-descipline and teach yourself a valuable skill like programming or whatnot, and seek out a normal job as well.

There is also the risk that you could join but not learn any useful skills and be stuck without a job after you complete your tour of duty.

Post: #17

You probably do Hwuz. Your goal entering the legion should be to make corporal in the first couple years. NCO's are allowed to own cars and given some privilege of leave. First year enlistees aren't even given leave. They offer 4by5 enlistments at the minimum. Your goal should be to save all your pay or gain French citizenship, possibly both. Supposedly they don't even want you if you don't seem to be interested in a career with them(lie up front about this).

After I finish paramedic school I'm thinking about getting in on that Canadian oil money a thread here was dedicated to. Join me up there if you can't find anything more satisfying. That job promises some excitement to it, obviously more pay and flexibility.

As I get older I realize the two biggest let downs in my own regard were not finding flexible work and not finding work that paid well enough to allow flexibility.

Post: #18

(05-26-2014 09:28 PM)Samseau Wrote:  If you think you have the body for it, and the idea of going without sex for long periods of time, then go for it. You will come out stronger than you went in.

However, you could just skip college and use those same 5 years with your own self-descipline and teach yourself a valuable skill like programming or whatnot, and seek out a normal job as well.

There is also the risk that you could join but not learn any useful skills and be stuck without a job after you complete your tour of duty.

I've already decided on Engineering if my job is going to be normal as later experience in the field would be relevant to my interests. A general question is will it give me enough experience to work for a military contractor or for a mercenary group?

Post: #19

(05-26-2014 09:29 PM)TonySandos Wrote:  You probably do Hwuz. Your goal entering the legion should be to make corporal in the first couple years. NCO's are allowed to own cars and given some privilege of leave. First year enlistees aren't even given leave. They offer 4by5 enlistments at the minimum. Your goal should be to save all your pay or gain French citizenship, possibly both. Supposedly they don't even want you if you don't seem to be interested in a career with them(lie up front about this).

After I finish paramedic school I'm thinking about getting in on that Canadian oil money a thread here was dedicated to. Join me up there if you can't find anything more satisfying. That job promises some excitement to it, obviously more pay and flexibility.

As I get older I realize the two biggest let downs in my own regard were not finding flexible work and not finding work that paid well enough to allow flexibility.

In all honesty, military is the only hands on work I actually would not mind doing. The oil money is not my kind of thing. Engineering offers me the flexibility as I have family and family friends who could offer me work in that field so connections are established there. It's more of a matter if I will be satisfied going into it and the opportunity cost for that satisfaction. If I go all in, I'll be a bum on the streets if it doesn't work out.

Post: #20

I have a friend who was married in college then divorced before gaining his degree in engineering. He enjoys regularly shitting on people lives on social networks by showing them how nice he's living. I'll have to ask him how he got there.

I can understand your desire for military work, namely combat. Unfortunately the Legion is mainly tasked out on rainforest gold smugglers and civilian extractions in militarized, francophone, African nations. Not very 'glorious', but dangerous work.

You really only know if military life is right for you until after you're in it. As Samseau said, you'll go without sex for extended periods. The greatest gain you take away from the Legion is that you'll leave with a steeled body and immensely resilient mind. That's why I encouraged it.

•If your looking for end means rather than the experience itself, don't let yourself down. Find something more appealing•

Post: #21

(05-26-2014 09:49 PM)TonySandos Wrote:  I have a friend who was married in college then divorced before gaining his degree in engineering. He enjoys regularly shitting on people lives on social networks by showing them how nice he's living. I'll have to ask him how he got there.

I can understand your desire for military work, namely combat. Unfortunately the Legion is mainly tasked out on rainforest gold smugglers and civilian extractions in militarized, francophone, African nations. Not very 'glorious', but dangerous work.

You really only know if military life is right for you until after you're in it. As Samseau said, you'll go without sex for extended periods. The greatest gain you take away from the Legion is that you'll leave with a steeled body and immensely resilient mind. That's why I encouraged it.

•If your looking for end means rather than the experience itself, don't let yourself down. Find something more appealing•

I want both. I want the experience and the ability to live comfortably after. Seeing the veterans in the States makes me sick as they come home to just be homeless. On the contrary, my grandfather who was a merc became rich and lived happily(well as close to happy as he could get). He had a lot of regrets, but he lived successfully. I can't have my cake and eat it too shall I say. Long periods without sex I can still deal with as I'm young, but I'm not sure as I've never had too. My recent dry spell has been the longest since I lost my virginity and it's pretty annoying although I have put up with it.

Post: #22

Why do you want to learn Japanese?
It's not the successful economy it once was.

Post: #23

(05-26-2014 10:02 PM)Faust Wrote:  Why do you want to learn Japanese?
It's not the successful economy it once was.

Culture, nature, women, and personal interest. It is not for economic or material gain just something I've wanted to do for a couple of years now and put much thought into.

Post: #24

Man, go be a trooper if it's what you really want. I may be crazy enough to think that being around 'thugs' is a learning advantage in its own sense. The dry spell will be enforced on you so even if it bothers you, you'll become disciplined regardless. It's true that they hold high regards in mercenary openings after you retire. Just because you won't have a marketable skill after you leave service doesn't mean you can't swindle something great out of that situation. I was raised by poor, uninformed parents which made the us army sound like a good investment. The time demands of being reserves has cockblocked a lot of other plans I wanted to pursue and to work the benefits like I wanted to I had to search hard and over years. In complete honesty, I ended up back at my parents house last year after I fell for a sociopathic roommates sob story when everything was smooth before. That's how I realized how close to the poverty line I've been living at that the military in the states is bullshit for building a future on. Make the choices you want and follow through brother

Post: #25

(05-26-2014 10:12 PM)TonySandos Wrote:  Man, go be a trooper if it's what you really want. I may be crazy enough to think that being around 'thugs' is a learning advantage in its own sense. The dry spell will be enforced on you so even if it bothers you, you'll become disciplined regardless. It's true that they hold high regards in mercenary openings after you retire. Just because you won't have a marketable skill after you leave service doesn't mean you can't swindle something great out of that situation. I was raised by poor, uninformed parents which made the us army sound like a good investment. The time demands of being reserves has cockblocked a lot of other plans I wanted to pursue and to work the benefits like I wanted to I had to search hard and over years. In complete honesty, I ended up back at my parents house last year after I fell for a sociopathic roommates sob story when everything was smooth before. That's how I realized how close to the poverty line I've been living at that the military in the states is bullshit for building a future on. Make the choices you want and follow through brother

When I first moved to the States, I lived in downtown Detroit with my parents while my dad was getting his Master's and working at a 7/11. As an elementary schooler and even in high school recently seeing/interacting with thugs was a learning experience.