Originally Posted by
Less Hair
1. Didn't they even have the formal requirement to officially be not french when joining? Like french people pretended to be swiss in order to be able to join for some long time?
2. Officers where in fact french forever but regular french army staff.
3. But why would a french guy not join the regular french forces right away and opt for the legion instead?
.....
In late 1978 (when Batco enlisted in the Legion)..
1. Yes. Belgian and Canadian (Quebecois) nationality was popularly claimed. Swiss less so in my recollection.
2. Yes.
3. The contract was the same as those Frenchmen who volunteered (as opposed to conscripted) for the French military, so why not go for the 'glamour' and kudos of the Legion? One or two claimed to be 'se plonquant' ie hiding themselves.
As to the food and condiments, rustic French throughout (but not in great quantities).
Regards
Batco