Hello everyone,
My names Al, I'm 25, and I'm from the frozen wastelands of Canada. I'm not sure where to start, so bear with me as it may be a long post.
Ever since I was little all I've wanted was the military. I never cared much for what country said military would be in, just as long as it was the military. Although, since I live in the "western civilization", the US military is practically all over in terms of media, so naturally, the Marines was something I absolutely wanted throughout my "younger" years. Unfortunately, after so many years of research, and getting so many different answers, I wasn't sure what was right or wrong but eventually I found the right one. Which was when they say "foreigners can join" they mean "Green Card" which you can't get unless you are sponsored by an employer or marriage to an American Citizen which would still take 2 years after until you receive your "full green card".
I can definitely say I was devastated. There was nothing I wanted more, and obviously none of those options would work in the timeline that I wanted it to, even now. I then turned to the Royal Marines Commando, and since I am a Canadian Citizen and part of the Commonwealth, I would be able to join that easily. Much like the FFL, all I'd have to do is go there, after applying and whatnot, but of course not as fast. It looked incredible, and I couldn't wait. Until April 2013, when they passed a law that you have to LIVE in the UK for 5 years before applying, regardless of commonwealth status. Suffice to say, that was not only incredibly annoying but very upsetting.
Now, at that time, I had three choices. Since I am originally born in Brazil, I could join theirs, but unfortunately after getting information from family members that I asked to call and whatnot, it seems you are not able to join after 18 unless you have a specific trade skill, which I do not. I don't know how this makes sense, but what can you do? So, home country's military is out of the question, which leaves me with the last two options. Canadian Military and French Foreign Legion.
I've avoided the Canadian Military for a few reasons, and even now I am a bit... iffy about it. Many members seem to be leaving it due to government problems, outdated equipment, and whatnot. Current members seem to say the same, and are practically calling it more of a "Political Army" than anything else nowadays. Although, of course, I understand there will always be people out there, no matter what career they're in, that will always find something bad to say, even if there aren't any. If I were to join the Canadian Military, there are many things I'd like to accomplish, and learn, especially with all the courses they have. I do understand that the Canadian Military is well-trained, so regardless of the crap people say, I'd still join it.
Having said that, I have applied and successfully passed all steps. However, I was put on hold due to a few things I have to "hand in" such as medical information (allergies), payment receipt or payment plan of certain debts, etc, but even after I do so... The one who interviewed me said that he would have to take all of this to the detachment commander and "it could take months, or years, depending on if he approves now or not". Frankly, after hearing something like that, it is really disheartening. The problem with the Canadian Military is that it has the LONGEST joining process in the world.
Now, I'm pretty much at a crossroads. I'm 25 years old. I don't want to keep waiting for my life to start, let alone wait for these guys to process my application, to POSSIBLY tell me that I'll have to wait even longer. I'm a very, very patient man, if I was already in the military and had to wait for certain things, I don't mind that at all, but I'm not in yet, so I feel like I am wasting so much time on NOTHING.
So, I have two choices, for which I've made a plan, I guess you could say. Wait for the Canadian Military to reply when I hand in these last few things (which will be start of next week) or Join the FFL. I'm familiar with the FFL, I've been researching it for years, and this website is ridiculously helpful in that regard as well. My plan is to see if I have any sort of replies from the Canadian Military until start or end of July. If nothing by then, I'll withdraw and join the FFL.
I should say, I'm somewhat fit, but improving every day. I don't smoke. I don't drink. I don't do drugs. I don't get in trouble with the law. No bullcrap. I have made sure of this because the military is what I have always wanted, so I wanted to be... "clean", for lack of better word. I love physical activity, I'm a fast learner, hard worker, I'd like to think I'm pretty smart, but no Einstein of course, aware of my surroundings, and I put a hell of a lot of effort in everything that I do, even if it's a crappy job. I'm the type of person that can't quit what I'm doing unless I'm done, I don't like to half-ass things. I'm a perfectionist, but not obsessive. I don't mind doing the mundane tasks of everyday life. I don't mind repetition. I can't see myself doing anything else. My original "life plan" consisted of Military, then Police. Although, I have always leaned toward making the military a career, assuming I like it as much as I think I do. I should also point out the fact that I am fluent in English, and Brazilian Portuguese. However, I am able to understand, read but not pronounce Spanish, French and Italian simply because they are all very similar. Having said that, I am by no means an expert, or fluent in any of those, but reading french seems to be somewhat understandable without actually knowing it.
If I do join the FFL, I do have a few questions that I'd like some recent information on, if possible.
1. In regards to your declared name, when you join, would it be changed? I've read a few things in regards to this but I am unsure. Some say yes, some say no.
1a. If it has to be changed, is that only for the FFL or if you wanted to keep that name, you were able to afterwards, if you decided to leave?
1b. If it does not have to be changed, could you anyway?
2. It seems you are able to "apply" for French Citizenship after 3 years of FFL service. Has anyone here done this or heard/know of people who has? If so, is it a long process? I feel like if I did join the FFL, I'd want to start a new life there, and not go back to the west.
3. I like the fact promotions go by examinations rather than degrees. Having said that, I've read that non-french cannot be Officers. Is this true? If so, let's say one would apply for citizenship and got it after whatever amount of time it took, could he do it then? Or am I mistaken in reading this?
4. After two years, it seems, you are able to specialize in different things. Do you get to choose this or is it chosen for you? Could you perhaps choose multiple at once? What about courses, to learn different skills, or is that the same thing as specializing? I am really confused.
5. On the FFL main website (assuming it is the main website: http://en.legion-recrute.com) on the "Wages" tab, it says "During your first years as a legionnaire and until you obtain the rank of corporal (i.e. 2 to 4 years), you are equipped, fed and accommodated free of charge. " I'd love some clarification on this. Would these things cost after you reach Corporal? There wasn't any explanation so I thought I'd ask.
6. In terms of deployments, how often are those after you report to your chosen, or selected for you, regiment? Is there a regiment that has more deployments than others, if at all possible? If not, could you -volunteer- for a deployment? I think it'd be disappointing not to have one at all.
I would appreciate any and all thoughts, advice, criticism, anything at all.
Thanks!
My names Al, I'm 25, and I'm from the frozen wastelands of Canada. I'm not sure where to start, so bear with me as it may be a long post.
Ever since I was little all I've wanted was the military. I never cared much for what country said military would be in, just as long as it was the military. Although, since I live in the "western civilization", the US military is practically all over in terms of media, so naturally, the Marines was something I absolutely wanted throughout my "younger" years. Unfortunately, after so many years of research, and getting so many different answers, I wasn't sure what was right or wrong but eventually I found the right one. Which was when they say "foreigners can join" they mean "Green Card" which you can't get unless you are sponsored by an employer or marriage to an American Citizen which would still take 2 years after until you receive your "full green card".
I can definitely say I was devastated. There was nothing I wanted more, and obviously none of those options would work in the timeline that I wanted it to, even now. I then turned to the Royal Marines Commando, and since I am a Canadian Citizen and part of the Commonwealth, I would be able to join that easily. Much like the FFL, all I'd have to do is go there, after applying and whatnot, but of course not as fast. It looked incredible, and I couldn't wait. Until April 2013, when they passed a law that you have to LIVE in the UK for 5 years before applying, regardless of commonwealth status. Suffice to say, that was not only incredibly annoying but very upsetting.
Now, at that time, I had three choices. Since I am originally born in Brazil, I could join theirs, but unfortunately after getting information from family members that I asked to call and whatnot, it seems you are not able to join after 18 unless you have a specific trade skill, which I do not. I don't know how this makes sense, but what can you do? So, home country's military is out of the question, which leaves me with the last two options. Canadian Military and French Foreign Legion.
I've avoided the Canadian Military for a few reasons, and even now I am a bit... iffy about it. Many members seem to be leaving it due to government problems, outdated equipment, and whatnot. Current members seem to say the same, and are practically calling it more of a "Political Army" than anything else nowadays. Although, of course, I understand there will always be people out there, no matter what career they're in, that will always find something bad to say, even if there aren't any. If I were to join the Canadian Military, there are many things I'd like to accomplish, and learn, especially with all the courses they have. I do understand that the Canadian Military is well-trained, so regardless of the crap people say, I'd still join it.
Having said that, I have applied and successfully passed all steps. However, I was put on hold due to a few things I have to "hand in" such as medical information (allergies), payment receipt or payment plan of certain debts, etc, but even after I do so... The one who interviewed me said that he would have to take all of this to the detachment commander and "it could take months, or years, depending on if he approves now or not". Frankly, after hearing something like that, it is really disheartening. The problem with the Canadian Military is that it has the LONGEST joining process in the world.
Now, I'm pretty much at a crossroads. I'm 25 years old. I don't want to keep waiting for my life to start, let alone wait for these guys to process my application, to POSSIBLY tell me that I'll have to wait even longer. I'm a very, very patient man, if I was already in the military and had to wait for certain things, I don't mind that at all, but I'm not in yet, so I feel like I am wasting so much time on NOTHING.
So, I have two choices, for which I've made a plan, I guess you could say. Wait for the Canadian Military to reply when I hand in these last few things (which will be start of next week) or Join the FFL. I'm familiar with the FFL, I've been researching it for years, and this website is ridiculously helpful in that regard as well. My plan is to see if I have any sort of replies from the Canadian Military until start or end of July. If nothing by then, I'll withdraw and join the FFL.
I should say, I'm somewhat fit, but improving every day. I don't smoke. I don't drink. I don't do drugs. I don't get in trouble with the law. No bullcrap. I have made sure of this because the military is what I have always wanted, so I wanted to be... "clean", for lack of better word. I love physical activity, I'm a fast learner, hard worker, I'd like to think I'm pretty smart, but no Einstein of course, aware of my surroundings, and I put a hell of a lot of effort in everything that I do, even if it's a crappy job. I'm the type of person that can't quit what I'm doing unless I'm done, I don't like to half-ass things. I'm a perfectionist, but not obsessive. I don't mind doing the mundane tasks of everyday life. I don't mind repetition. I can't see myself doing anything else. My original "life plan" consisted of Military, then Police. Although, I have always leaned toward making the military a career, assuming I like it as much as I think I do. I should also point out the fact that I am fluent in English, and Brazilian Portuguese. However, I am able to understand, read but not pronounce Spanish, French and Italian simply because they are all very similar. Having said that, I am by no means an expert, or fluent in any of those, but reading french seems to be somewhat understandable without actually knowing it.
If I do join the FFL, I do have a few questions that I'd like some recent information on, if possible.
1. In regards to your declared name, when you join, would it be changed? I've read a few things in regards to this but I am unsure. Some say yes, some say no.
1a. If it has to be changed, is that only for the FFL or if you wanted to keep that name, you were able to afterwards, if you decided to leave?
1b. If it does not have to be changed, could you anyway?
2. It seems you are able to "apply" for French Citizenship after 3 years of FFL service. Has anyone here done this or heard/know of people who has? If so, is it a long process? I feel like if I did join the FFL, I'd want to start a new life there, and not go back to the west.
3. I like the fact promotions go by examinations rather than degrees. Having said that, I've read that non-french cannot be Officers. Is this true? If so, let's say one would apply for citizenship and got it after whatever amount of time it took, could he do it then? Or am I mistaken in reading this?
4. After two years, it seems, you are able to specialize in different things. Do you get to choose this or is it chosen for you? Could you perhaps choose multiple at once? What about courses, to learn different skills, or is that the same thing as specializing? I am really confused.
5. On the FFL main website (assuming it is the main website: http://en.legion-recrute.com) on the "Wages" tab, it says "During your first years as a legionnaire and until you obtain the rank of corporal (i.e. 2 to 4 years), you are equipped, fed and accommodated free of charge. " I'd love some clarification on this. Would these things cost after you reach Corporal? There wasn't any explanation so I thought I'd ask.
6. In terms of deployments, how often are those after you report to your chosen, or selected for you, regiment? Is there a regiment that has more deployments than others, if at all possible? If not, could you -volunteer- for a deployment? I think it'd be disappointing not to have one at all.
I would appreciate any and all thoughts, advice, criticism, anything at all.
Thanks!