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QUESTION Learning French and Military Service

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I’ve done the search on the forums and wanted a more clear answer. Apologies in advance for the time you gentlemen will take in helping clarify this.

1. I’ve downloaded the “Babbel” app and have begun practicing basic French vocabulary and pronunciation in preparation. However I don’t feel as though I’ll be 100% fluent by the time I arrive at the gates. With that being said;

Will the interviews be conducted in English?
Will it be better to attempt to speak French or admit I know a little or would it be a detriment for me to attempt to speak French as it might seem like I’m a “know it all American”?

2. I plan on bringing my Honorable Discharge paperwork from the army. Originals not photocopies as I don’t want to give the impression I plan on going back to the USA. Would it be better to not tell them about my prior military experience? I feel as though if I tell them then I would be scrutinized even more on everything that I do and what could be a simple mistake for a civilian and overlooked might make me look like a “screw up” because I’m prior service.

I got out of the army in 2015 and am a little rusty on land navigation etc.

3. I’m not interested in becoming a cook or logistics or non-combat roles though I am 100% prepared to do whatever the Legion asks of me. With that being said, if I want to be in a combat job will they allow me that preference after I’ve completed my training?


Thanks in advance for your time.
 
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I’ve done the search on the forums and wanted a more clear answer. Apologies in advance for the time you gentlemen will take in helping clarify this.

1. I’ve downloaded the “Babbel” app and have begun practicing basic French vocabulary and pronunciation in preparation. However I don’t feel as though I’ll be 100% fluent by the time I arrive at the gates. With that being said;

Will the interviews be conducted in English?
Will it be better to attempt to speak French or admit I know a little or would it be a detriment for me to attempt to speak French as it might seem like I’m a “know it all American”?

2. I plan on bringing my Honorable Discharge paperwork from the army. Originals not photocopies as I don’t want to give the impression I plan on going back to the USA. Would it be better to not tell them about my prior military experience? I feel as though if I tell them then I would be scrutinized even more on everything that I do and what could be a simple mistake for a civilian and overlooked might make me look like a “screw up” because I’m prior service.

I got out of the army in 2015 and am a little rusty on land navigation etc.

3. I’m not interested in becoming a cook or logistics or non-combat roles though I am 100% prepared to do whatever the Legion asks of me. With that being said, if I want to be in a combat job will they allow me that preference after I’ve completed my training?


Thanks in advance for your time.
would take photo copies not originals. how long did you serve what rank was you? prior military service will look good as long as you made some progress in your Army. I mean if you were a 5 year private then they might look at it sceptisch. If it was me i would try to learn French as soon as you go do not be the Biff who never gets promoted.
 
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would take photo copies not originals. how long did you serve what rank was you? prior military service will look good as long as you made some progress in your Army. I mean if you were a 5 year private then they might look at it sceptisch. If it was me i would try to learn French as soon as you go do not be the Biff who never gets promoted.
I respect your response but wonder why photocopies instead of Originals? Wouldn’t that show some hesitation to leave my old life behind?

I did a 4 year contract and made the rank of Specialist (E-4) in my military. I was attached to 5th SFG and have some specialty schools I have attended.

I’ll learn as much French within the 3 months I have.
 
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I respect your response but wonder why photocopies instead of Originals? Wouldn’t that show some hesitation to leave my old life behind?

I did a 4 year contract and made the rank of Specialist (E-4) in my military. I was attached to 5th SFG and have some specialty schools I have attended.

I’ll learn as much French within the 3 months I have.
just in case you don´t get in. They might get lost. Of course you might be able to get them again from your Military. just what i would do. up to you.
 
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I think what will be more important to them is your medical. If you have had any operations ..etc. then i would take an original X Ray ..etc.
 
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I think what will be more important to them is your medical. If you have had any operations ..etc. then i would take an original X Ray ..etc.
Roger that. Fortunately I have never broken any bones or had any surgeries. I have two scars. One minor one on my arm from going through a window when I was younger and one about 2 inches long on my knee from busting it open on a rock as a kid.
 
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Roger that. Fortunately I have never broken any bones or had any surgeries. I have two scars. One minor one on my arm from going through a window when I was younger and one about 2 inches long on my knee from busting it open on a rock as a kid.
I don´t think you will have a problem. I am sure their doctors can tell a superficial wound from an Operation scar. However (just my opinion) the 2 inch scar on your knee i would get a doctors letter a copy maybe saying what happened. Knees & lower backs they look at in any army. knees 100%.
 
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The knee scar

Not sure I can get a doctors note tbh. Homeless without health insurance.
 

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if you´re homeless how will you get to France? what is your plan? maybe too private to write here. just get over to any recruiting station you can afford. bear in mind you might have to go back to the US. Go for it bro.
 
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if you´re homeless how will you get to France? what is your plan? maybe too private to write here. just get over to any recruiting station you can afford. bear in mind you might have to go back to the US. Go for it bro.
I have a job but it’s not enough to pay rent and everything else etc.

I’ll have enough saved for a round trip ticket.
 
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Just remember (which I'm sure will be RobinSage's case), that it isn't all for free, the legion expects you to give your maximum in return.

Absolutely. The Legion gives me a chance to start fresh. If accepted the Legion is my new life. If I am accepted I owe everything to it and to France. I do not go with intentions of quitting. The motto is “march or die”. I will not be leaving my opportunity unless it’s in a bodybag.
 

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Knew of a Yank (he actually left a fashion college in New York, where it's 89% women; to try for the Legion. Nuts) who knew a bit of French. So he told the Staff that. So the Staff gave instruction in French, which confused him cause his French wasn't that good. Now I went and knew a little French but told them I didn't. So I got instruction in English. So I knew what I was doing during my tests.
You either know French or you don't. The Staff won't entertain your pocket French.
 
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Knew of a Yank (he actually left a fashion college in New York, where it's 89% women; to try for the Legion. Nuts) who knew a bit of French. So he told the Staff that. So the Staff gave instruction in French, which confused him cause his French wasn't that good. Now I went and knew a little French but told them I didn't. So I got instruction in English. So I knew what I was doing during my tests.
You either know French or you don't. The Staff won't entertain your pocket French.
Roger that
 

Joseph Cosgrove

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There is no harm in telling the interviewer that you have been learning French. Au contraire, it shows that you are will and keen. They may test you on your French, but there is no way that they will interview in french.
However, as Ex-Pongo points, when on work details, there is no point in saying that you you understand French.
 

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I respect your response but wonder why photocopies instead of Originals? Wouldn’t that show some hesitation to leave my old life behind?

I did a 4 year contract and made the rank of Specialist (E-4) in my military. I was attached to 5th SFG and have some specialty schools I have attended.

I’ll learn as much French within the 3 months I have.

at one time having the original of your DD-214 and safe guarding were paramount. Today, you can get your DD-214 from the Veteran's Administration eBenefits with a registered account. Keep your original safe somewhere, the VA Copy will suffice.
 
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