[LouD]

Good post, Ivan.

But - I would take exception to his comment regarding le Legion Etangere, however tongue in cheek. Whatever the shortcomings of the French (and they are many) the Legion is a fine fighting organization (maybe because it is made up of non-frogs) with a history of gallantry. While we certainly don't need their help, they would be a welcome addition.

Now if he were talking about regular French troops...

[CatoRenasci]

Yes, the Legionnaires are fine soldiers. Unfortunately, they are led by French officers.

[ijcr]

All the officers are French, no matter the quality of the rank and file. The soul of St Cyr rules the legion,its motto is "s'instruisent pour vaincre" loosly translated as fight to the death...when cornered like a rat.

[quidnunc]

LouD wrote: But - I would take exception to his comment regarding le Legion Etangere, however tongue in cheek. Whatever the shortcomings of the French (and they are many) the Legion is a fine fighting organization (maybe because it is made up of non-frogs) with a history of gallantry.

And how do we know; what evidence have we seen that this is still true today?

They certainly didn't show us much in Desert Storm I or Somalia.

While they're good at strutting along in that 'slow march' of theirs, I haven't seen any proof of their fighting prowess during my lifetime — outside of the movies.

[xJones]

The French Foreign Legion must be foreign to the French because it is held to MUCH higher standards.

"THE LEGIONNAIRE'S CODE OF HONOR

1. Legionnaire : you are a volunteer serving France faithfully and with honor.

2. Every Legionnaire is your brother-at-arms, irrespective of his nationality, race or creed. You will demonstrate this by an unwavering and straight forward solidarity which must always bind together members of the same family.

3. Respectful of the Legion's traditions, honoring your superiors, discipline and comradeship are your strength, courage and loyalty your virtues.

4. Proud of your status as a legionnaire, you will display this pride, by your turnout, always impeccable, your behavior, ever worthy, though modest, your living-quarters, always tidy.

5. An elite soldier : you will train vigorously, you will maintain your weapons as if it were your most precious possession, you will keep your body in the peak of condition, always fit.

6. A mission once given to you becomes sacred to you, you will accomplish it to the end and at all costs.

7. In combat : you will act without relish of your tasks, or hatred ; you will respect the vanquished enemy and will never abandon neither your wounded nor your dead, nor will you under any circumstances surrender your arms [No wonder they need a Foreign Legion].