Introduction

[Chet Sanders]

Hello Gents,
I was doing a bit of poking around about the FFL and stumbled on here, which appears to be the biggest source of info.

A little about myself. I am American, and no, Chet is not my real name. I did time in the US Army finishing as a sergeant in the military police. I served one tour in Afghanistan. When I got out I was a police officer and was considered by performance reviews and my peers, among the best. I served in some special assignments including SWAT.

After about 5 years on the force I was involved in a drunk driving crash(off duty) and was forced to resign. I had no negative marks on my record up to that point.

At the time of the accident I was a candidate for the national guard (basically reserves) special forces (green beret) program but was unable to continue for obvious reasons.

I am unable to get a job elsewhere as a police officer, and am unable to re-enlist in the US Military. I have tried my hand at civilian work, and while I make a decent living I find it completely unsuitable for my personality.

The shame and guilt I feel about this situation weigh strongly on me, everyday even though this incident is over a year in the past. I often feel shame and embarrassment on a daily basis as I was held in high regard and known by many in my area, not just my coworkers, and can’t even make a trip to the store without someone coming up to me and asking how I am doing, and what am I up to now.

I am interested in the FFL and although just a thought at the moment, this thought is a seed that may very well grow.

Obviously I am doing research but have a few questions that I am curious about that I haven’t immediately found the answers to through a quick search. If they are out there on search and you don’t feel like answering, a f*ck off to the search bar is expected, but any answers are greatly appreciated.

After the incident I made a choice not to drink alcohol anymore. Although I was not an alcoholic by definition I did plenty of hard, hard, drinking both in the army and police, and decided the price I paid, and could pay again in the future was not worth it for me anymore. The FFL (as with most militaries) has a reputation of being hard drinkers. That is not what concerns me. From the sounds of it, drinking comes across as almost mandatory ha ha. Just something I’m curious about. Essentially the question is can you get away with not drinking, and if you can, will you lose others respect and trust because of it.

Secondly, if I did join my 300m target (US Army for long term objective) would be to make my way into GCP. Losing out on earning the special forces tab was a double blow to me after I lost my career in the police. Naturally I would have similar aspirations in the Legion.

I am very physically fit, having often received perfect marks on the army and police fitness tests, and still maintaining that level even after all of this. I am also educated receiving good marks in both grade school and university.

Overall I am happy to introduce myself to this community and besides all of the above would like to hear your general thoughts as well as thoughts on if I would/could be successful.

Cheers

 

[Joseph Cosgrove]

Hi Chet and welcome to the forum. I'm off to the gym now, but I'm sure that others will be glad to answer your questions - although take into account the time difference. You may want to check up on the age limit for joining GCP. If not I'll do it when I get back..
I'll let Dusaboss explain why I put a cup of coffee there.

 

[Chet Sanders]

Believe it or not I’m only 30. When I put all that on paper it makes me sound quite older, I was motivated and a fast mover. Did university after my time in, at night school.

Wikipedia doesn’t give the details on GCP age restrictions and that’s all I could really find.

 

[dusaboss]

Hi Chet and welcome to the forum. I'm off to the gym now, but I'm sure that others will be glad to answer your questions - although take into account the time difference. You may want to check up on the age limit for joining GCP. If not I'll do it when I get back..
I'll let Dusaboss explain why I put a cup of coffee there.

I'm not explaining an sh*t. (and I didn't understood what you meant Joe). Especially not to those Rambo-SF- I can kill whole platoon by myself- guys.

If he is that good I don't know what he want from us? Just go there and be accepted. Do you want us to confirm your stories on how great you are? Pat you on the back? NO THANKS!

BTW I didn't see any question in his post apart "Do I have to drink in FFL?". And my answer is "Yes you do!" If you can't drink responsibly , don't go.

 

[Chet Sanders]

Dusaboss,
The post surely was not meant to be braggadocious, but was meant to provide my history and demonstrate the extreme washed up/has-been nature of my situation.

Thanks for your input on the drinking. I wonder how the Arabs make it in the Legion?

As far as green berets being rambo, well that’s probably more myth/lore than fact something I’m sure members of the legion are familiar with.

 

[Pink Floyd]

Hello Gents,
I was doing a bit of poking around about the FFL and stumbled on here, which appears to be the biggest source of info.

A little about myself. I am American, and no, Chet is not my real name. I did time in the US Army finishing as a sergeant in the military police. I served one tour in Afghanistan. When I got out I was a police officer and was considered by performance reviews and my peers, among the best. I served in some special assignments including SWAT.

After about 5 years on the force I was involved in a drunk driving crash(off duty) and was forced to resign. I had no negative marks on my record up to that point.

At the time of the accident I was a candidate for the national guard (basically reserves) special forces (green beret) program but was unable to continue for obvious reasons.

I am unable to get a job elsewhere as a police officer, and am unable to re-enlist in the US Military. I have tried my hand at civilian work, and while I make a decent living I find it completely unsuitable for my personality.

The shame and guilt I feel about this situation weigh strongly on me, everyday even though this incident is over a year in the past. I often feel shame and embarrassment on a daily basis as I was held in high regard and known by many in my area, not just my coworkers, and can’t even make a trip to the store without someone coming up to me and asking how I am doing, and what am I up to now.

I am interested in the FFL and although just a thought at the moment, this thought is a seed that may very well grow.

Obviously I am doing research but have a few questions that I am curious about that I haven’t immediately found the answers to through a quick search. If they are out there on search and you don’t feel like answering, a f*ck off to the search bar is expected, but any answers are greatly appreciated.

After the incident I made a choice not to drink alcohol anymore. Although I was not an alcoholic by definition I did plenty of hard, hard, drinking both in the army and police, and decided the price I paid, and could pay again in the future was not worth it for me anymore. The FFL (as with most militaries) has a reputation of being hard drinkers. That is not what concerns me. From the sounds of it, drinking comes across as almost mandatory ha ha. Just something I’m curious about. Essentially the question is can you get away with not drinking, and if you can, will you lose others respect and trust because of it.

Secondly, if I did join my 300m target (US Army for long term objective) would be to make my way into GCP. Losing out on earning the special forces tab was a double blow to me after I lost my career in the police. Naturally I would have similar aspirations in the Legion.

I am very physically fit, having often received perfect marks on the army and police fitness tests, and still maintaining that level even after all of this. I am also educated receiving good marks in both grade school and university.

Overall I am happy to introduce myself to this community and besides all of the above would like to hear your general thoughts as well as thoughts on if I would/could be successful.

Cheers

Chet, soldiering is like football...its a young man's game. You are already on the wrong side of 30. As for the GCP, there's nothing wrong with big dreams, but how about getting accepted first. Do your basic at Castle, then onto your Régiment. That is the process in the Legion. It's up to you now. You're 30, get moving. The clock is ticking.

 

[Chet Sanders]

Chet, soldiering is like football...its a young man's game. You are already on the wrong side of 30. As for the GCP, there's nothing wrong with big dreams, but how about getting accepted first. Do your basic at Castle, then onto your Régiment. That is the process in the Legion. It's up to you now. You're 30, get moving. The clock is ticking.

Valid points. Obviously making it far enough to even consider GCP should be the priority, I was just looking for some general feedback/peoples thoughts on the unit. In the end something like that shouldn’t be a sole motivation for joining, I’m just looking to get as much info as possible. Cheers!

 

[Joseph Cosgrove]

Dusa, lighten up man, I was joking about the cup of coffee. I'm not even sure what it's doing there.
Chet, I'm pretty sure that there is an age limit. I just can't remember where I saw it. Anyway as Pink Floyd says you first of all have to decide if you want to join. Then you have to be accepted and finish high enough in your section to go to the REP. Then you will have to wait around two years to go on your corporal's course (GCP requires you to be minimum Cpl) and then you have to pass the REP's pre-selection.
I've found this : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commando_Parachute_Group

If I come across where the age limit is, I'll post it.

 

[Perun]

Hello Chet,
Welcome to the forum. I like your introduction, short and defined (with head and tale).
If what you wrote is true (don't get offended - it's just that we don't know each other ) to me you sound like a perfect candidate. (Prior military exp. ; healthy head, physically fit, need a second chance and know what you want in life....)
Regarding the GCP and carrier in general, who can say how far can you go? (i can't)
Good luck with preperations, if any Q - just ask.
Cheers!
(you probably tried this yourself, some old threads about GCP: https://cervens.net/forum/index.php?search/7481/&q=Commando_Parachute_Group&o=date)
(best site re LE; IMHO: http://foreignlegion.info/?s=gcp )

 

[SnafuSmite]

Hi Chet, welcome to the forum. Its a shame how one stupid incident or mistake can tarnish one for life. GCP is a very small community, at most a platoon size, most are at least 7 years in according to previous information provided. Its highly unlikely you will get in on your first contract, and you'll be 35 when that comes up. I read somewhere but I'll have to confirm that 33 was max at the start of training for GCP. Your best bet would be to become fluent in French ASAP and get your ass over to Aubagne yesterday.

 

[Chet Sanders]

Hi Chet, welcome to the forum. Its a shame how one stupid incident or mistake can tarnish one for life. GCP is a very small community, at most a platoon size, most are at least 7 years in according to previous information provided. Its highly unlikely you will get in on your first contract, and you'll be 35 when that comes up. I read somewhere but I'll have to confirm that 33 was max at the start of training for GCP. Your best bet would be to become fluent in French ASAP and get your ass over to Aubagne yesterday.

Thanks this is definitely the type of info I was looking for from the original post.

 

[SnafuSmite]

On a side note, everybody wants to be in REP and GCP, so avoiding waffling on about that, no EV will ever go to GCP straight away. Focus on being as fit as possible and learning French to a decent level, that will only help improve your chnaces of getting a good placement in Castel where you can maybe have a chance to ask to go to REP.

Legion decides where you go based on space or requirements. So dont have your heart set on only one thing. Theres plenty of other regiments in the Legion, 2 REG is mountain warfare and has a unit similar to GCP called GCM as well as DINOPs(combat divers), then there's 3REI which are masters of Jungle warfare and help protect the European space agency in Guyana, then there's the cavalry and infantry. Plenty of jobs, each with their own roles and challenges.

Your no1 is go to France ASAP.

 

[Countdown]

most are at least 7 years in according to previous information provided.

I know about a guy that got into GCP a few years ago after about 3 years of service - but that might have been an extraordinary case

 

[SnafuSmite]

In order to serve in the GCP the candidate must meet the following requirements- To belong to a regiment of the 11th Parachute Brigade (11e Brigade Parachutiste) you must fit the following requirements:

• To be the rank of Corporalin the French Armed Forces
• Must pass 11th Parachute Brigade / Commando Parachute Group selection
• To be medically fit for parachute jump and thus acquiring the following qualifications: TAP et Chuteurs Opérationnels.

S I G Y C O P (Troupes Aéroportées)

2 1 2 3 3 2 1

S I G Y C O P (Chuteurs Opérationnels)

2 1 2 3 2 2 1

• To be adept whilst out in the field minimum 4 month plus deployment ( More than 4 month on OPEX).
• To have security clearance type classification (SD)
• Minimum rank of corporal required
• To pass Pre-Selection, which consists of:
  • 2 rope climbs carrying full opex gear and arms
  • A swim in combat fatigues that includes underwater tests and 5 meter rope climb from the water; depending on mother regiment this may be in rough winter seas.
  • An obstacle course to be completed under a set time.
  • An orientation/navigation test to be completed under a set time.
  • A 30 km TAP in full fighting order to be completed under a set time with record held by CCH PLM of 2e REP GCP in 2hrs 28 min
  • 1500m and 8000m runs in full opex gear and arms, to be completed under set times.
  • Unarmed combat skills and aggression tests including 'milling' a type of no rules boxing.
  • An interview and general skills testing with current serving members of the GCP
• To pass the physically and mentally demanding Brevet Niveaux 1 et 2 du Centre National d'Entraînement Commando (The National Commando Training Centre) (CNEC) at Mont-Louis
  • Brevet Niveau 1 : « Commando Entrainement »
  • Brevet Niveau 2 : « Moniteur des Techniques Commandos » for senior NCOs and officers or « Moniteur des Techniques Commandos Spécialisés » for junior NCOs
  • Brevet Niveau 3 : « Instructeur des Techniques Commandos »
• To pass the 'Chuteur Opérationnel' de l'ETAP course (stage 55 501 SOGH) that lasts three months.

Upon completion of program, candidate is integrated in GCP Teams.

 

[SnafuSmite]

I found that on Wikipedia, if you look at some of the requirements such as a minimum rank of Caporal, 1 opex of at least 4 months, and security clearance. The biggest hurdle would probably be security clearance, you would need to be rectified and probably have French residency/citizenship. It may be possible in 3 years, but everything would have to work out perfectly with no hiccups.

 

[dusaboss]

Thanks for your input on the drinking. I wonder how the Arabs make it in the Legion?

Man I was joking. You don't have to drink, but it certainly helps.

As far as green berets being rambo, well that’s probably more myth/lore than fact something I’m sure members of the legion are familiar with.

It's not a myth. John Rambo was green beret.

 

[Chas]

Chet,

Welcome to the forum. But don't call me Rambo or even imagine that I am like him even if Dusa (?) says so.

But once I wore the 'Coveted Green Beret' So long ago now, that I barely remember it. So just fond memories.

Note the input from those in 'green'.

 

[sexpert]

On a side note, everybody wants to be in REP and GCP, so avoiding waffling on about that, no EV will ever go to GCP straight away. Focus on being as fit as possible and learning French to a decent level, that will only help improve your chnaces of getting a good placement in Castel where you can maybe have a chance to ask to go to REP.

Legion decides where you go based on space or requirements. So dont have your heart set on only one thing. Theres plenty of other regiments in the Legion, 2 REG is mountain warfare and has a unit similar to GCP called GCM as well as DINOPs(combat divers), then there's 3REI which are masters of Jungle warfare and help protect the European space agency in Guyana, then there's the cavalry and infantry. Plenty of jobs, each with their own roles and challenges.

Your no1 is go to France ASAP.

yes there is the cavalry i do remember a sgt passing SAS selection who was about your age(around 30). was a very special soldier though.

 

[A_Wanderer]

We all f*cked up at some point, but as you know, you just have to grab your three-piece, give it a little shake to remind yourself that you're a man, and keep moving. Good luck out there.

 

[Pink Floyd]

PLM still holds the record (2REP early 1990's) for the 30km route march in full combat kit...just under 2/half hours.