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Fighting for the French Foreign Legion
A soldier’s true story of danger and adventure as a modern-day legionnaire in Kuwait, Bosnia, and beyond. With no French language ability, Alex Lochrie approached recruiters for the French Foreign Legion in Paris and embarked on the demanding selection process that followed. When he was accepted, he and other prospective legionnaires were sent to Southern France to begin the harsh recruit training course. The mix of nationalities and backgrounds among his fellows was enormous. New members are traditionally allowed to change their identities—and Lochrie chose to alter his age, becoming twenty-eight instead of thirty-eight. Elite paratrooper training followed in Corsica before Lochrie earned his wings. The FFL is never far from the front line, and in this book he tells of challenging active service in former French colonies in Africa as well as during the first Gulf War, evicting Saddam Hussein from Kuwait, and operations in Bosnia and Sarajevo. This gripping account lifts the veil of mystery and myth, pulling you into the action—and revealing much about the realities of service in the Foreign Legion.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2009
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339 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 17, 2014
I wasn't sure for the first few pages whether I was going to take to this very down-to-earth narrative style, but it turned out to be a really excellent reflection of the narrator and the story he had to tell. Fascinating, matter-of-fact, and highly positive first person account of a man who joined the Legion at 38. While some former Legionnaires have darker experiences to recount, Lochrie's love of and pride in the Legion comes through on every page.
January 19, 2022
A good book. The author describes the feel and look of the Foreign Legion in a way that I can agree with his statements. I didn't go to Kosovo or Bosnia but can understand with what he went through there.
June 25, 2025
How is it that a person who has been in just one army claim it is the best in the world? I mean fall for the organisations propaganda all you like but it just makes you sound like a buffoon. And then to moralise on prostitution and brothels (the FFL are known to have both on their bases), whilst assuring us he has never had cause to use them goes well outside his wheelhouse. But hey, it is his book, and he can pontificate all he likes. I did enjoy some of his tales, the Peace Keeping in Bosnia for example, but it was over-ridden by some boasting of titanesque proportions.
February 15, 2021
Excellent read!
Great book. Well and honestly written. I simply could not put it down. Great kudos also to the author for his choice of career. He was clearly suited to it.
Great book. Well and honestly written. I simply could not put it down. Great kudos also to the author for his choice of career. He was clearly suited to it.
May 13, 2021
Excellent Modern Look Inside the FFL
Well written review of one Scottish citizens experience with French Foreign Legion from the mid 80’s to the mid 90’s.
Well written review of one Scottish citizens experience with French Foreign Legion from the mid 80’s to the mid 90’s.
May 23, 2023
In the book, Alex Lochrie gave a very simplistic and basic overview of his time in the French Foreign Legion without any interesting details or insights about the operations that he was deployed on. Instead, Lochrie spent most of his time describing how Legionnaires were super soldiers a cut above the rest while denigrating his fellow soldiers that were serving in the French army or other foreign militaries. Due to the lack of detail in the events that he was involved in, many of the stories and interactions he had with other people lacked any depth and many of the interactions were very 2-dimensional.
His telling of his time in the Legion wasn’t helped by how he was all over the place with his storytelling. For example, during his retelling of his deployment to the peacekeeping mission during the Bosnian War, he was describing about the accommodations for the 2e REP before suddenly changing topics to how the Serbs and Bosnians were giving free reign of the airport before going back to the issue of how the soldiers were going to be accommodated in the airport. All this was done while describing about the inadequacies of the previous French unit that they were replacing. However, I do admit that his retelling about his peacekeeping deployment during the conflict was more detailed and interesting than the other stories he recounted in his book.
More importantly, the final chapter left the book to end on a weird and distasteful note as he talked about how soldiers in recent conflicts were suffering from PTSD because of the stress of battle. Instead of expanding on the topic, he just mentioned how Legionnaires are super resilient with much lower numbers of PTSD cases when compared to the soldiers from other foreign militaries without giving any meaningful insight as to why this is so. This lack of empathy and respect for his fellow soldiers in other foreign militaries was disappointing, especially given how Lochrie kept talking about the combat stress that he had to endure during his peacekeeping mission in the Bosnian conflict.
If you are looking for a better written and more insightful book about serving in the French Foreign Legion, I would recommend Appel by Joel Adam Struthers or Legionnaire by Simon Murray instead.
His telling of his time in the Legion wasn’t helped by how he was all over the place with his storytelling. For example, during his retelling of his deployment to the peacekeeping mission during the Bosnian War, he was describing about the accommodations for the 2e REP before suddenly changing topics to how the Serbs and Bosnians were giving free reign of the airport before going back to the issue of how the soldiers were going to be accommodated in the airport. All this was done while describing about the inadequacies of the previous French unit that they were replacing. However, I do admit that his retelling about his peacekeeping deployment during the conflict was more detailed and interesting than the other stories he recounted in his book.
More importantly, the final chapter left the book to end on a weird and distasteful note as he talked about how soldiers in recent conflicts were suffering from PTSD because of the stress of battle. Instead of expanding on the topic, he just mentioned how Legionnaires are super resilient with much lower numbers of PTSD cases when compared to the soldiers from other foreign militaries without giving any meaningful insight as to why this is so. This lack of empathy and respect for his fellow soldiers in other foreign militaries was disappointing, especially given how Lochrie kept talking about the combat stress that he had to endure during his peacekeeping mission in the Bosnian conflict.
If you are looking for a better written and more insightful book about serving in the French Foreign Legion, I would recommend Appel by Joel Adam Struthers or Legionnaire by Simon Murray instead.
October 4, 2011
Another so/so ex-FFL soldiers accounts. I thought it might be interesting because Lochrie started his military career well into his 30s, so I presumed it would be a book about the sheer physical challenge of that; but he rarely touches on it. There's hints of a better book here - a failed relationship and an attempted suicide that drove him into the Legion; some reflections on the impact of combat stress on individuals - but he tends to gloss over them rather than explore them. If you've read a bit of FFL literature, there are bits of the book that don't entirely seem to ring true, so I suspect there may be a few long stories or chosen omissions here. However he does write interestingly about Legion involvement in Bosnia and the general failure of the UN, and that's worth a read. Curate's egg.
May 5, 2013
Excellent. Very atmospheric and told in a way that makes you want to join up. Well, almost!!
December 8, 2018
I've always found the topic of the French Foreign Legion to be fascinating. There is something inherently exciting and romantic about becoming an adopted son of France, enduring the hardships of a Legionnaire, and being almost guaranteed service in a combat zone, as France prefers to put the Legion in harm's way before utilizing their native army.
Alex Lochrie's FIGHTING FOR THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION is the first book I've actually read on the topic, and I am glad that it was my first. Lochrie does an excellent job showing us what led him to the Legion--a life of success and failure, and a desire to challenge himself--and then delves into life in the Legion and the assignments he held. Lochrie was an experienced man prior to enlisting, having been a police officer in his native Scotland, a pilot, an artist, and a homeless vagrant, all before fleeing to France. Thus, Lochrie's account reads like an old hand's narrative, refreshingly free of hubris or self-aggrandizement.
The only bit I wish there was more of is an in-depth look at the training a Legionnaire undertakes. Lochrie shows us reporting to the Legion's headquarters and the in-processing, but everything between arriving and the Kepi Blanc March is essentially glossed over. Whether it was because he found it to be uninteresting or for reasons of operational security is unknown.
That doesn't detract from the narrative, though. It's a thrill to read in some parts, and horrifying in others. In particular, Lochrie's service in Sarajevo will leave the reader in disgust at both the United Nations' infamous inaction during the 1990s and at individuals who disgrace the title of "journalist" in search of a story, which is no doubt what built to despots and autocrats seizing on those disgraceful actions in order to silence the entirety of the media in the modern day West.
FIGHTING FOR THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION is a grounded account, and yet it does not dispel the notions of romance and adventure many seeking the information experience. Instead, it adds humanity and substance to those notions and serves as a subtle warning: there is romance and adventure, but there is also hardship and psychological trauma to be had. The life of a Legionnaire is not one for the faint of heart, and from the account, Lochrie is certainly made of a stern constitution.
Excellent read. Highly recommended.
Alex Lochrie's FIGHTING FOR THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION is the first book I've actually read on the topic, and I am glad that it was my first. Lochrie does an excellent job showing us what led him to the Legion--a life of success and failure, and a desire to challenge himself--and then delves into life in the Legion and the assignments he held. Lochrie was an experienced man prior to enlisting, having been a police officer in his native Scotland, a pilot, an artist, and a homeless vagrant, all before fleeing to France. Thus, Lochrie's account reads like an old hand's narrative, refreshingly free of hubris or self-aggrandizement.
The only bit I wish there was more of is an in-depth look at the training a Legionnaire undertakes. Lochrie shows us reporting to the Legion's headquarters and the in-processing, but everything between arriving and the Kepi Blanc March is essentially glossed over. Whether it was because he found it to be uninteresting or for reasons of operational security is unknown.
That doesn't detract from the narrative, though. It's a thrill to read in some parts, and horrifying in others. In particular, Lochrie's service in Sarajevo will leave the reader in disgust at both the United Nations' infamous inaction during the 1990s and at individuals who disgrace the title of "journalist" in search of a story, which is no doubt what built to despots and autocrats seizing on those disgraceful actions in order to silence the entirety of the media in the modern day West.
FIGHTING FOR THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION is a grounded account, and yet it does not dispel the notions of romance and adventure many seeking the information experience. Instead, it adds humanity and substance to those notions and serves as a subtle warning: there is romance and adventure, but there is also hardship and psychological trauma to be had. The life of a Legionnaire is not one for the faint of heart, and from the account, Lochrie is certainly made of a stern constitution.
Excellent read. Highly recommended.
June 11, 2025
Alex Lochrie was a bit old for a new French Foreign Legion recruit when he signed up at almost 40, but he was committed to it- and he made it work. In classic Legion fashion, they just issued him an ID that took ten years off - and put him to work. It was the early 80s- and there were deployments in Chad and Djibouti on his dancecard, Then it would be the Second Gulf War and peacekeeping in the former Yugoslavia. His memoirs are compelling and well written, and readers of all stripes will find the book engaging and informative.
The book goes about trying to take the reader behind the romantic myths and legends to the core of modern legion life- professional soldiering. I've put Calvi, in Corsica, the home of the Legion after it's removal from Sidi Bell Abbes in Algeria, on my travel bucket list after reading this book. Lochrie tries to give the reasons for all the Legion rules or practices he discusses- a good way to teach. He takes time explaining the training and doctrinal elements of the courses, in a way that lay reader and military history buff alike will appreciate.
There are some adult themes and descriptions of intense combat, so this is a good book for the Junior Reader over 14/15 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, this book is useful- but not a single source. The gamer gets a lot of good best practices and contributory concept for Scenarios or campaigns - I found myself looking wistfully at some Peter Pig 15mm Legionnaires with those sexy FAMAS rifles...The Modeler will find the photos and drawings useful, but only if taken together with other sources. The Military Enthusiast is again the biggest winner here- as most Legionnaires do not chronicle their time with the French Brigade in book form. Seeing inside a legendary unit- even as that view busts myths and false narratives - is always worth the time spent on reading the book.
The book goes about trying to take the reader behind the romantic myths and legends to the core of modern legion life- professional soldiering. I've put Calvi, in Corsica, the home of the Legion after it's removal from Sidi Bell Abbes in Algeria, on my travel bucket list after reading this book. Lochrie tries to give the reasons for all the Legion rules or practices he discusses- a good way to teach. He takes time explaining the training and doctrinal elements of the courses, in a way that lay reader and military history buff alike will appreciate.
There are some adult themes and descriptions of intense combat, so this is a good book for the Junior Reader over 14/15 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, this book is useful- but not a single source. The gamer gets a lot of good best practices and contributory concept for Scenarios or campaigns - I found myself looking wistfully at some Peter Pig 15mm Legionnaires with those sexy FAMAS rifles...The Modeler will find the photos and drawings useful, but only if taken together with other sources. The Military Enthusiast is again the biggest winner here- as most Legionnaires do not chronicle their time with the French Brigade in book form. Seeing inside a legendary unit- even as that view busts myths and false narratives - is always worth the time spent on reading the book.
October 27, 2019
My Life By choice
A detailed historical factual experiences of one man's experience of life with his determination throughout from a child to an adult to instill the confidence in his capabilities denied by his parents but never accepted His life experiences begin in his native Scotland with relocation to London to advance his career and life experiences which then on return to Scotland a career in the scottish police force which was detrimental to an already insecure marriage which ended in divorce releasing to pursue his choice of further world experiences .his enrollment in the French Legionnaires which provided fulfilment and challenges at which he excelled despite being senior to his fellow recruits at 38 years of age he had no problems qualifying and establishing his natural abilities in art photography computers and GPS tech application despite things technology being relatively new
A personal and practical experience of conditions,policies of governments,in turbulent times of war and upheaval provides a synopsis of the political attitudes in that era but which are applicable today The pace of the story emulates military life will and then nothing on stop then peace and the cultural differences of different nationalities within his military unit all volunteers who had qualified physically and mentally with the atrocities he encountered in the course of his military duties plus the violence and hatred between a countries diverse population and nationalities and religions author with principles of the standards of life makes for a refreshing book that the reader will absorb and enjoy
A detailed historical factual experiences of one man's experience of life with his determination throughout from a child to an adult to instill the confidence in his capabilities denied by his parents but never accepted His life experiences begin in his native Scotland with relocation to London to advance his career and life experiences which then on return to Scotland a career in the scottish police force which was detrimental to an already insecure marriage which ended in divorce releasing to pursue his choice of further world experiences .his enrollment in the French Legionnaires which provided fulfilment and challenges at which he excelled despite being senior to his fellow recruits at 38 years of age he had no problems qualifying and establishing his natural abilities in art photography computers and GPS tech application despite things technology being relatively new
A personal and practical experience of conditions,policies of governments,in turbulent times of war and upheaval provides a synopsis of the political attitudes in that era but which are applicable today The pace of the story emulates military life will and then nothing on stop then peace and the cultural differences of different nationalities within his military unit all volunteers who had qualified physically and mentally with the atrocities he encountered in the course of his military duties plus the violence and hatred between a countries diverse population and nationalities and religions author with principles of the standards of life makes for a refreshing book that the reader will absorb and enjoy
November 21, 2021
Alex Lochrie has led a fascinating life in the FFL. A commando, an artist and an interpreter, his decision to join the legion at 38 and making it into the REP was engaging. His experiences in the first Gulf War were interesting but it was his experience of the Yugoslavian war in Sarajevo that was entirely engrossing and heartbreaking.
The author writes well - a straightforward manner and his descriptions get the point across efficiently.
"I cannot emphasise enough the outstanding bravery shown by the legionnaires who had to go out there night after night to help others. Not surprisingly I take exception to journalists like Jeremy Bowen of the BBC, who alleges in his book War Stories that the legionnaires 'played games' with the Bosnians trying to cross. When we first heard these stories being bandied about by the press, I was sent to the Holiday Inn in Sarajevo where Jeremy Bowen and his fellow press colleagues were staying, to invite them to go out on the crossing at night to experience for themselves what was happening. Not one of them took up the offer. Perhaps the bar was a more attractive option."
I certainly appreciate a man who says it like it is.
The author writes well - a straightforward manner and his descriptions get the point across efficiently.
"I cannot emphasise enough the outstanding bravery shown by the legionnaires who had to go out there night after night to help others. Not surprisingly I take exception to journalists like Jeremy Bowen of the BBC, who alleges in his book War Stories that the legionnaires 'played games' with the Bosnians trying to cross. When we first heard these stories being bandied about by the press, I was sent to the Holiday Inn in Sarajevo where Jeremy Bowen and his fellow press colleagues were staying, to invite them to go out on the crossing at night to experience for themselves what was happening. Not one of them took up the offer. Perhaps the bar was a more attractive option."
I certainly appreciate a man who says it like it is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2024
Really Exciting French Foreign Legion Story Up To Date. My only impressions of the French Foreign Legion previously were from the The author P C Wren and his Beau Geste books The author here joins the Legion in Paris at the age of 38 after briefly being a Scottish Policeman and with his marriage failing. He is accepted as a trainee legionnaire and is soon training as a parachutist and jumping from planes and many other adventures. Soon after some years in the Legion, and after several promotions the Legion form part of the United Nations Peace Keeping force in the Serbian/Croatia/Herzegovina war. I was really impressed with the strong comradery the author describes of the French Military and the support they have after leaving the military life.
January 10, 2022
Very interesting look into an elite military unit
As a career soldier I never had the opportunity to work with the Legion but can understand what it is like be go through a filtering process to make it to a special unit. To go through the training at 38 along with 18 to 20 year olds had to be amazing. While some details of this book were a little hard to track, it is worth the read.
As a career soldier I never had the opportunity to work with the Legion but can understand what it is like be go through a filtering process to make it to a special unit. To go through the training at 38 along with 18 to 20 year olds had to be amazing. While some details of this book were a little hard to track, it is worth the read.
July 4, 2023
Wanted to know more about the FFL and chose Alex Lochries book. I felt it was an honest appraisal as he started by myth-busting the generally understood entry criteria into the Legion. Also death and injury was treated really sensitively which I imagine is not common in this genre. His time in the Balkans was truly terrifying.
Given was at the sharp end of many well known conflicts I was not surprised to hear his views on politicians and journalists.
A great book
Given was at the sharp end of many well known conflicts I was not surprised to hear his views on politicians and journalists.
A great book
December 10, 2024
The perfect book if you're into Military History and/or the French Foreign Legion. Alex Lochrie goes into great detail of his time with the Unit, and the wars he was involved in. I recommend anyone interested in this particular subject read it as it has good accounts of the training, his time in Bosnia, Africa and the Middle East. Overall one of the better books I have read around this subject that is clouded in mystery.
June 30, 2017
This book is an honest account of life is like inside the French Foreign Legion. The author joined the Legion in his late 30's which is amazing in itself. He writes of his deployments including serving in Desert Storm, definitely a good read, he doesn't over glorify his experience, just tells it as he experienced it.
October 1, 2021
One of the best reads in a long time. I thoroughly recommend you read it too.
Very well written account of the French Foreign Legion. The author clearly loved the lifestyle and the lifelong friendships he made. Makes a change from some of the gung hi crap that has been published and , in most cases, is a load of verbal diarrhoea. This guy tells it as it is. Well done Alex.
Very well written account of the French Foreign Legion. The author clearly loved the lifestyle and the lifelong friendships he made. Makes a change from some of the gung hi crap that has been published and , in most cases, is a load of verbal diarrhoea. This guy tells it as it is. Well done Alex.
February 14, 2022
A well-written first-hand account of life in the Legion. The character's back story was very enjoyable and entertaining. The scenery detail and research really put the reader in the moment. The historical context mixed with current affairs gave real validity to the novel. Overall a very relatable and down-to-earth narrative, for an enjoyable read.
January 16, 2024
Interesting
That this man joined the FFL and then passed selection for their Paratroopers aged 38 is a testament to his physical and mental abilities. What came prior and after this explains why.
He cautions the reader several times not to believe all you read or see in news reports; I therefore hope this is the truth.
That this man joined the FFL and then passed selection for their Paratroopers aged 38 is a testament to his physical and mental abilities. What came prior and after this explains why.
He cautions the reader several times not to believe all you read or see in news reports; I therefore hope this is the truth.
October 28, 2018
This was a good read if a little lacklustre. Was impressed with how well written it was, given its just a personal account of his experiences. Certainly informs of life in the legion, which was fascinating to read.
November 12, 2019
I am retired U S Military. Fours years U S Marines - 1 year Vietnam. Seventeen years U S Army - Desert Storm Jan to Oct 91.
The minutia of everyday life of an enlisted man in the French Foreign Legion has been a great curiosity for me. This book answered many questions.
The minutia of everyday life of an enlisted man in the French Foreign Legion has been a great curiosity for me. This book answered many questions.
December 26, 2021
A great account of the French Foreign Legion
This was an excellent account of the author's time in the French Foreign Legion. A very straightforward story without a lot of over graphic war stories or bragging about his exploits.
This was an excellent account of the author's time in the French Foreign Legion. A very straightforward story without a lot of over graphic war stories or bragging about his exploits.
August 8, 2023
Information Aplenty
Well written, excellent description of Legion life, and honest portrayal of world political events involving the Legion. Worth reading. Go find a YouTube video of legionnaires marching on Bastille Day…badass
Well written, excellent description of Legion life, and honest portrayal of world political events involving the Legion. Worth reading. Go find a YouTube video of legionnaires marching on Bastille Day…badass
February 21, 2024
Great book!
This is a great story. Alex, thanks for your service and for sharing your story about life in the FFL. As a retired Army senior NCO, it brought back good memories of the Brotherhood that makes serving so special.
This is a great story. Alex, thanks for your service and for sharing your story about life in the FFL. As a retired Army senior NCO, it brought back good memories of the Brotherhood that makes serving so special.
July 5, 2025
Honest And Informative
Before reading this book I knew nothing about the French Foreign Legion other than the name. I'm so glad this Legionnaire has shared his experience with the rest of us.
Before reading this book I knew nothing about the French Foreign Legion other than the name. I'm so glad this Legionnaire has shared his experience with the rest of us.
March 31, 2018
In depth and interesting insight into the life of a soldier in the French foreign legion
June 25, 2019
Great short account of a mans life in the Legion.
November 5, 2019
Good reading for French Legion wanna be. The truth is out here !
December 18, 2019
Good Read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews