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Appel: A Canadian in the French Foreign Legion
Appel: A Canadian in the French Foreign Legion is the first-hand account of the author’s six years as a professional soldier during the 1990s, and his experience in the Legion's elite Groupe des Commandos Parachutistes (GCP). Joel Struthers recounts the dangers and demands of military life, from the rigours of recruitment and operational training in the rugged mountains of France, to face-to-face combat in the grasslands of some of Africa’s most troubled nations.
Told through the eyes of a soldier, and interspersed with humorous anecdotes, Appel is a fascinating story that debunks myths about the French Foreign Legion and shows it more accurately as a professional arm of the French military. Struthers provides insight into the rigorous discipline that the Legion instills in its young recruits, – who trade their identities as individuals for a life of adventure and a role in a unified fighting force whose motto is “Honour and Loyalty. ”
Foreword by Col. Benoit Desmeulles, former commanding officer of the Legions 2e Régiment Étranger Parachutistes.
Told through the eyes of a soldier, and interspersed with humorous anecdotes, Appel is a fascinating story that debunks myths about the French Foreign Legion and shows it more accurately as a professional arm of the French military. Struthers provides insight into the rigorous discipline that the Legion instills in its young recruits, – who trade their identities as individuals for a life of adventure and a role in a unified fighting force whose motto is “Honour and Loyalty. ”
Foreword by Col. Benoit Desmeulles, former commanding officer of the Legions 2e Régiment Étranger Parachutistes.
250 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2019
52 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 1, 2020
I do like books about the French Foreign Legion and this is one of the best - a very positive account by a positive man from Langley BC Canada....definitely one to read if you are thinking of joining or just looking for a picture of life in the legion.....you'll finish the book much wiser and just a little bit jealous of his experiences
May 5, 2021
Absolutely fantastic book ! I heard about this from Joel being on Jocko's podcast. Very good telling of a man on an adventure
February 9, 2020
Outstanding
A book that captures a first hand account of his time in the French Foreign Legion. His account is insightful and easy to read. Interesting is an understatement. Thanks to the author for sharing your experiences with us.
A book that captures a first hand account of his time in the French Foreign Legion. His account is insightful and easy to read. Interesting is an understatement. Thanks to the author for sharing your experiences with us.
December 12, 2019
Enjoyable trip through a world few experience.
I enjoyed the first person perspective of the experiences of the author. Many times during the course of his story I would feel our worlds held similar experiences and feelings whether training, deployments or garrison life. Definitely worth the read, I’ve learned more about the FFL then I’d ever known. Thanks! K Lieuwen, CPL, USMC.
I enjoyed the first person perspective of the experiences of the author. Many times during the course of his story I would feel our worlds held similar experiences and feelings whether training, deployments or garrison life. Definitely worth the read, I’ve learned more about the FFL then I’d ever known. Thanks! K Lieuwen, CPL, USMC.
August 16, 2020
GREAT AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STORY OF LIFE IN THE LEGION
This is a very nuts and bolts look at one soldiers life and the French Foreign Legion. It covers the author's six year tour of duty from his entry until his release from active duty & return to his home in Canada. It is well written in clear direct declarative prose. The author served in the Legion from 1994 to 2000. His description of both training and operations has given without drama and has the ring of truth. It is well worth reading for anyone Interested in life in the contemporary legion.
This is a very nuts and bolts look at one soldiers life and the French Foreign Legion. It covers the author's six year tour of duty from his entry until his release from active duty & return to his home in Canada. It is well written in clear direct declarative prose. The author served in the Legion from 1994 to 2000. His description of both training and operations has given without drama and has the ring of truth. It is well worth reading for anyone Interested in life in the contemporary legion.
August 16, 2020
Interesting read
I have read several accounts of life in Legion and this one is one of the more positive. Its good to give you insight into how life in legion works. If you consider joining, there are better books out there giving many details of what it means. Book contains many pictures, hence the inflated file size. On downside, it was difficult sometimes to keep track of the postings or tours. Author likes girls and wrote about some but tha wasnt why I purchased this fairly expensive book. All in all - interesting and upbeat book on life in Legion
I have read several accounts of life in Legion and this one is one of the more positive. Its good to give you insight into how life in legion works. If you consider joining, there are better books out there giving many details of what it means. Book contains many pictures, hence the inflated file size. On downside, it was difficult sometimes to keep track of the postings or tours. Author likes girls and wrote about some but tha wasnt why I purchased this fairly expensive book. All in all - interesting and upbeat book on life in Legion
January 2, 2022
Book gives you a real good look into what it takes and the culture within the French Foreign Legion. Some other books out there give it a lot of negativity because they were deserters or things like that.
This book gives you a real good insight into what it takes and certain options once within the Legion, really a book I'd recommend to anyone remotely considering taking this extraordinary route in life.
This book gives you a real good insight into what it takes and certain options once within the Legion, really a book I'd recommend to anyone remotely considering taking this extraordinary route in life.
July 4, 2022
Book gives you a real good look into what it takes and the culture within the French Foreign Legion. Some other books out there give it a lot of negativity because they were deserters or things like that.
This book gives you a real good insight into what it takes and certain options once within the Legion, really a book I'd recommend to anyone remotely considering taking this extraordinary route in life.
This book gives you a real good insight into what it takes and certain options once within the Legion, really a book I'd recommend to anyone remotely considering taking this extraordinary route in life.
March 28, 2025
An interesting book about the author's life in the French Foreign Legion. One feels that the work is honest, Joel Struthers does not hide his reasons for enlisting, nor his defects before and during his military life. He does not try to be moralistic, or to make considerations about the situations he has experienced or the places he has visited. We can be sure of your love for Africa and its people as they are.
February 29, 2020
The only book that gives you a more modern true perspective of what being in the FFL is like. It settles what is myth and what is truth.
April 25, 2020
A great read. Thanks to the author for an honest, intelligent look at the Legion and his experience.
February 1, 2022
Fresh new glimpse into the modern world of the French Foreign Legion. Exciting stories and a really easy read.
November 11, 2024
A great book about the 2 REP, French Foreign Legion.
September 15, 2025
Great read. presently surprised by this book. I wasn't sure how it would be as it was based mid to late 90s but incredible read
February 17, 2024
The initial several chapters were very good but then the book becomes all about the hum-drum operations of military life. Still, I enjoyed the book and it is one of few books that paints the FFL in a positive light.
September 22, 2025
The book I took with me to the French Foreign Legion.
A great way of describing the FFL in the 90s, written very simply and to the point.
A great way of describing the FFL in the 90s, written very simply and to the point.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews