Very good nuts and bolts look at day to day life in the Legion. Well worth reading (I don't automatically give 5 stars). One thing I noted. Training at the small unit level seems to be OK but with seemingly an over-arching emphasis on physical fitness over tactics. Training at the battalion level and above seems to be scarce. Combined arms or joint training seems to be totally lacking. What this means is that in the legion (and maybe the whole frog army) you have units who can't shoot, manuver and communicate at a level above (perhaps) company. Combat isn't totally or even primarily a PT test. Not reassuring if we ever have to depend on them on our flank in a pinch, granted an unlikely scenario. And who could ever depend on the french anyway??

This is a great book, however it's now either out of print or difficult to get. Do a searach here at Amazon for the paperback edition that's in stock and a dollar cheaper.

For anyone potentially interested in joining the FFL, or anyone who simply wonders what it would be like, this is probably the best book currently available. The author was a legionnaire and a member of the elite 2nd REP in the late 80s and early 90s. This book is partly an account of his experiences, but as the subtitle states, it is mostly about how to join the FFL and what to expect once you're in. This book describes what life is like in Legion in an institutional/organizational sense. What the rules are, how the 'system' works, and how the Legion actually functions on a day to day basis. Many aspects of life in the Legion are discussed including basic training, life in the barracks at Calvi, and deployment to Africa and Yugoslavia. There are many personal anecdotes in this book as well, but if you are looking for a more personal/emotional recounting of experiences in the Legion, Tony Sloane's `The Naked Soldier' is much better. The image that Mr. McGorman paints of life in the Legion is one of drudgery and boredom. Lots of mindless (and mind numbing) rules, any romantic notions of life in the Legion in the Beau Geste tradition are quickly dispelled. This book makes it pretty clear that the image and the reality are very different. An interesting read in any case, whether you are considering joining, or just want to know more about the Legion.

THIS BOOK PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT OVERVIEW OF THE SELECTION PROCESS OF THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION. I BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR SOME HELPFUL INFORMATION, AND THATS EXACTLY WHAT I GOT. A DEFINITE BUY IF YOU ARE MAKING PLANS TO JOIN THE FFL.THIS BOOK ALSO GIVES SOME GOOD INSIGHT ON WHAT TO EXPECT IF AND WHEN YOU GRADUATE FROM BASIC TRAINING AND ASSIGNED TO A REGIMENT.

I have always been very curious about elite unit of warriors. This book answers all my questions in detail. Anyone interrested in joining the legion should read this book. And, anyone interested in Military History, and Elite Warriors should read this book.