Here it is in English, the Write Up at least :
My old stamping ground
Who are these bearded legionnaires with their shouldered axes who march at the head of the legion?
Why do they have this honor?
Is it compulsory to have a beard to be pioneer, and if so why?
The mountain was blocking our way.
The order was given to pass anyway...
The legion executed it.
True but where was the mountain and what era, how long would it take the pioneers to dig a tunnel through a mountain?
The pioneers were originally grenadiers, who were considered elite soldiers because they would be at the head of their troops in order to lobe grenades at the enemy. In order to distinguish them from other soldiers they would wear an insignia on the their uniforms of a grenade.
Did you know that it was Rosenberg (who was himself a legionnaire) who designed the exploding grenade of 7 flames. If any legionnaire is asking himself who Rosenberg is, you only have to take a look at you company's club walls. But was his design made compulsory? No, just take a look at the insignia of the DLEM.
Next up (in part 5) will be the 'Musique de la Légion Étrangère' and the Origins (?) of The Boudin.
Although I have to warn you in advance, no-one knows for sure. + a little more about the uniform, for example where and why we got all those creases in our 'tenue de sortie' shirts.
I know that most of you don't give a f@ck about the traditions, or perhaps telling yourself that you will learn it all once you are in
If I was on the recruiting board, and someone says to me how much they have always wanted to join the legion.
"
That is all I've ever dreamed about since I was ten years old" Even though that person is now 30, I would take then on their their word and immediately continue the interview in French, and then ask them what they know about the different regiments. Or in most cases (before they get through Castel)
about the REP. Then I would start on the better known of the traditions...
Au suivant !
However, for all those of you are current or ex US serving members, I uploaded this this morning:
US CJTF taking part in French desert Commando course Preparation, Djibouti.
US military in training before they tackle the French desert commando course in Djibouti, Horn of Africa.
Planning and Preparation Prevents... we all know the old saying.
In addition to the heat, there is nothing to take cover behind.
For all the anciens legionnaires, Africa is practically a second home. However for the neophytes to the harsh, dry, and hot environment it can be a rude awakening. Which is the whole point of this 'dry run '; not to test their endurance or their capacity in adapting to a hostile, arid and parched area, but as part of their training.
Who can say where tomorrow, these soldiers under the stars and stripes flag of the US military will be sent.
At least if it is to another African or any other country where the rate of evaporation is greater than precipitation, they will be ready and prepared for combat.
Des militaires américains en formation avant de d'entamer le cours de Commando Désert Français à Djibouti (dans la Corne de l'Afrique).
"La planification et la préparation préviennent"... comme le dit si bien le vieil adage anglais.
En plus de la chaleur, il n'y a rien pour s'abriter des tirs.
Pour tous les anciens légionnaires, l'Afrique est pratiquement une seconde maison.
Mais pour les néophytes de l'environnement dur, sec et chaud, le réveil peut -être brutal.
C'est là tout l'intérêt de ce "dry run", non pas pour tester leur endurance ou leur capacité d'adaptation dans une zone hostile, aride et dèsséchée, mais dans le cadre de leur entraînement.
Qui peut dire où demain, ces soldats portant le drapeau aux étoiles et les rayures de l'armée américaine seront envoyés? Au moins, si c'est en Afrique ou dans tout autre pays où le taux d'évaporation est supérieur aux précipitations, ils seront formés et prêts au combat.