Sarajevo1992
Super Active Member
So where is all the fun then?Just don't get drunk andavoid the bars.
So where is all the fun then?Just don't get drunk andavoid the bars.
from reading your post though and the tone it gave off (i can be wrong as its just a written post), sounds like you might attract more problems cuz of the way you think/worry.
Edit: realise now the OP was talking about selection. C'est pas grave...
Now I am not suggesting that you will go as far as waving your passport and shouting that you are American (in Marseille of all places) but what I would suggest is that you eat some humble pie, keep a low profile and not get lured into any discussions on how great America is or is not.
Hi Andy, I lived several years in France after the Legion and I have to say that I have never experienced anything like what you have described.How many times have the French administration (judges, police, préfecture, social workers) and the general population told me “casse-toi”, “rentre chez toi, sale Rosbeef” or “t'es pas de chez nous” (bugger off, go back home bloody Brit, you're not from here)? I have lost count
Ex-legionnaire or not, am still not considered by them. This is a typical, common attitude, among the French. An anti anglophone xénophobie and concerns not just "Yankees", but any buddy who refuses to incline to the French dillusion of being the best at everything... They've done it all, they do it best, they know it best. My hairy arse, they do ! (...)
Hi Andy, not quite working in the US consulate as such. I was working for G4S and I could have been working anywhere that G4S chose to put me. Before that I was working in different places around Marseille, in security. Can't really offer an opinion on the carte de séjour. It does seem strange the way they have treated an ex-legionnaire.Working at the US consulate? Try living 15 years in a so-called “quartier sensible”, Beurs, Black and Blanc, same republican schooling and what really boiled my piss, was the 4 years waiting for "them", to deliver my carte de séjour. With a baby in tow and an interdiction de quitter le territoire. No allowance for young child and the rest of the beans (my, that was a tough ride, hardest thing I've ever done in all my life ). My son is now 21 and lives near Larzac, passed his Bac Pro and has applied to join the army (regular). Why not?
WTF is your problem? Feeling bad for being American and you heard that some nations or not so crazy in love with yours? Imagine being growing up as a Serb in 90s? Do you think we had good PR at the time? (now, still is not good , but is much better than then).
You have to accept that a lot of people on this planet doesn't like Americans because US foreign policy and bombing campaigns in name of "freedom" and "democracy".
Also you have to have in mind that there is a lot of people (like myself) who do not distinguish people by country of origin, rather on who that person really are and what is their way of thinking and views on world.
If someone in FFL get suspicious about your American roots... that gonna be with a reason. Guys from US and reach western countries in average desert more than others.
I know that old Anglo mafiose wouldn't take this kindly, but sorry that are facts. It has nothing to do with one being better than other. Unfortunately, much of it come down to money and more options back at home.
Of Course there is many Americans who are great legionnaires, but that's not a pint.
I have to answer to your question which was really wrong and I think .You should really deeply think again about your view of FFL an rest of the world.
Greetings!
No one gets hazed in the Legion, no one. It's too political. The French officers would have a hay day crying to the highest chain they can and then whatever comes down from it. If you put hands on anyone here, it's a wrap. You won't be kicked out, but it will go in your dossier and all hope is gone. The Legion just does not want to draw attention. If you do, you will end up stage cuisine and be opening cans of beans for five years and no possible chance to sign on and more, you won't get the your 10-year residency after.
I know a few pickles now who open beans. One was a Cpl, and was going to Stage Sgt but then it all vanished after he tried to make someone drink alcohol out of the "casque" (helmet) and punched and kicked the Brazilian a bit. Next thing you know... The Lt. caught wind and the Cpl is a 1er classe and opens bean cans now. The most action you will get is fighting with insane Paki cab drivers... Somewhere.... But do what you want, I don't know anything or what I am even talking about, now that the Legion is like the French Army.
What you fail to realize now Dusaboss, this was a NATO OPERATION, NOT A US MILITARY OPERATION.
Maybe NATO should have stayed out of your Civil War. just annex you .
let Russia just annex you again like back in the good old days.
Can you elaborate? What did you tell the DSPLE in your time ? I am asking because you said you are from UK.They weigh up the pro's and con's