The French military itself is a tough fighting force. Even during World War II, the French soldier himself fought hard and well. However, their leaders learned the wrong lesson from World War I- avoid war at any costs, instead of develop new technology so we don't have fight in the trenches anymore.
I still have a high regard for the French military...it's just that their leadership is a bunch of EU weenies who are scared of their own shadow, and the 10-12% Muslim population they allowed into their country.
