HDWill

You'd have to understand how the Legion differs from other Western militaries (including the regular French Army). The 'scum of the earth' factor is much higher. There are various 'gangs' within the Legion based on nationality-- for instance the Russians tend to gang up on and terrorize recruits from 'soft' countries like the UK and US. Apparently vicious beatings resulting in hospitalization are not uncommon.

Not that I would expect many to be aware of this history. But deserting the Legion does not mark one as a dirtbag/criminal in the same way it does with other forces.

kimilseung

Wouldn't the good moral character go out the window with joining the Legion?

Lion in Winter

i've been struggling not to post a pic of the old Beau Geste film.

TexanScot

Hardly.

Running away and deserting from the military would be viewed a a funny tale to tell down the pub in the UK, rather than the deep stain on your moral character that it would be in American culture - they take that sort of commitment extremely seriously here.

Military service (and the military in general) is not viewed in anywhere near the same light in the UK as it is in the US.

jkeller

LOL, me too. They don't make them like Gary Cooper anymore.

Lion in Winter

OK, that does it.

Nutmegger

Now all I can think about is Marlene slogging through the sand after him in her finery!

kimilseung

Now I get it. Foreign Legion, shooting at Arabs before it was fashionable

nofrills

private message sent a few hours ago, not sure if you got it

morpeth

i responded

Pollyana

Not to the outsider maybe, but to fellow Legionnare (and former ones) its a slightly different view.