Life in the French Foreign Legion

by Evan McGorman

"First let me say that I would not recommend joining the French Foreign Legion to anyone."

With that disclaimer, author Evan McGorman begins a fascinating, first-person account of his French Foreign Legion experience, from the "pure, heart-pounding rush" of his first day at Fort De Nogent, to his days in Sarajevo at the height of the war, to his final day of service five years later.

Beyond McGorman's personal experiences, this definitive handbook covers nearly every aspect of Legion life including where to go to enlist, what to expect during boot camp, how to make friends (and avoid making enemies), how to survive, and two chapters dedicated to desertion.

"Most of your fellow hopefuls will be down to earth and have their heads on straight, like yourself," says McGorman. "But you will also be in the company of many criminal minds, fly-by-night dreamers, kooks, and loonies from whom you should definitely try and keep your distance."

About the Author: In 1983, McGorman read a magazine article about the French Foreign Legion and was amazed to discover it still existed. For the next six years he was consumed by the romantic notion of running away to join. In 1989, after serving four years in the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, he went to France and signed on for a five-year stint with the Legion. He currently resides in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction, History, War

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who is strongly considering joining the Legion, I found this book very helpful, enlightening, and entertaining to read. You follow the author from his initial consideration to join at home, until some time after he left his service after his initial 5 year contract.

The book is filled with adventure and grueling misadventure from the dreaded corvee (chores), to being stranded in the deserts of Africa, to coming under attack during his time in Sarajevo. The author seems very trustworthy, in that he doesn't make unbelievable claims and seems very genuine about his time spent in the Legion and how he feels about his service there.

He also, perhaps, most importantly, takes the time to tell you everything the hopeful seeking to join the Legion would want, or need to know, and even provides some tips on how to keep in line and enjoy yourself.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in joining the Legion, or anyone who is simply curious about how the Legion operates, though some practices may be outdated since the author's time spent there.

Overall, I found it hard to put down (Though I was often forced to). Very enjoyable and I'm very grateful that the author took the time to write down his experiences and give insight and advice to those considering.

[Derek Perumean · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book! Author had a nice style that made it easy to read and very enjoyable. Plus you can clearly see the author's point: DO NOT join the French Foreign Legion. It was nice to have someone pull back the curtain and give you a look at what goes on rather than just another history book. And after reading this I'd also want to give up french fries, french toast, french literature . . . you get the point. It seems more like daycare for soldiers than actual military life: endless duties (based on the adage "idle hands are the devil's workshop" that would infuriate even the Amish) broken up by brief moments of military training. Plus there are also inane french customs that would foster a lot of ennui and ressentiment. Just stay home and play Memoir '44 or Call of Duty instead.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evan McGorman spent 5 years with the French Foreign Legion. He had researched this military unit extensively and yet when he enlisted it was not exactly what he expected.

His book tells how to join and what to expect, as the title indicates. But he adds the daily, mundane, tidbits the one can expect. You will learn where to join, what to pack, what you can expect to be taken from you. He details the basic training and goes through the rank structure and the makeup of the various divisions within the Legion.

Don't expect Beau Geust because you will not get it.

[John]

Hey, you never know.

[Bukhari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very eye-opening first-hand experience of an American's five years in the French Légion Etrangère (FFL). He recounts the process of joining in, the initial probation, training period, assignation into a regiment, and overseas posting. I find it to be honest, very informative (one of their main songs is about blood sausage which they sing before eating every day), humorous and rather detailed. The author compares with his experience in the army of his country, and finds several points that he has a hard time dealing with in the FFL. This was all based on experience in the early 90s so things might have changed then. Even if you're not familiar with military jargon, he keeps it simple and gives several tips for those wanting to join or even desert once they're in (apparently it's a recurrent problem in the FFL). He tells it how he sees it, often portraying the harsh reality on an otherwise rosy and pristine picture many people have of the French Foreign Legion.

[Bobby24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and an intelligent format, the bottom line is the Legion is for dreamers, losers and men who's own countries offer them nothing, i thought about this for years and now im glad i didn't bother when he says you'll spend more time holding a broom than a gun or that he was glad he never had to go into combat with them (due to the language barrier) or that Bullying by higher ranks is basically state sponsored i thought you can keep it. It also says something that drinking a beer at 9'o clock in the morning is considered acceptable.

[Brian Leet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and comprehend. Once you start reading, it is hard to put down this book.
This is definitely in the list of required reading for anyone interested in the FFL or thinking about the joining the FFL. McGorman also included his experience as an UN peacekeeper in Yugoslavia and in Africa; primarily Chad and Djibouti.

[Christian Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, extremely well written, a very thorough insight into life in the Legion. Perhaps slightly outdated in 2020 but still a truly enjoyable read.

Kudos to the author for his 5 years of service.

[Chris Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old enough to remember talking about running off to join French Foreign Legion or the circus as completely off-the-rails paths to take. Fascinating to see what life is like in the actual French Foreign Legion.

[Kevin Lum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading to get an insider’s view. If recent knowledge about the Legion is your end goal, check out one of the multiple podcasts that former US Navy SEAL and Legionaire Taylor Cavanaugh has done or read “Appel” by Joel Struthers.

[Matthew Okuhara · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a technical manual than a book, this story is nonetheless still a good read.

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing little about the FFL, curiosity pulled me to this book and I couldn't have found a better initiation into the world. Having been in the Legion, McGorman gives you a blunt, informative, and equally entertaining layout of what to expect if you're even considering joining.

And per his advice, I think I'll not join.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tres bien!

The author just does an outstanding job. I had a friend who tried and failed to join the legion in the mid 90's. He should be glad he failed, he would never have made it. This book covers everything in outstanding detail. If you have any interest in the legion, this is a must read.

[BT Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enticing read

Written as a "How To" mingled with a collection of military stories, this book is directed to the few that choose to wander off in search of excitement under a kepi blanc.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for delivering exactly what is promised: an instruction manual on joining and living in the FFL. The only book of its kind. Includes desertion tips in case you change your mind.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing but informative, not for someone looking for endless adventure and firefights however. This is very much a manual for the perspective volunteer, I found it very useful

[Michael Romo · Rating 4 out of 5]

McGorman describes how to join the Legion and what you can expect when you join. Clearly, the Legion is not a picnic nor is it for the faint-hearted!

[Matt Walker]

I'm marking this as to-read because I want to steal the title for something someday.