Marching with the Devil: Legends, Glory and Lies in the French Foreign Legion (Hachette Military Collection)

An interesting and factual account of life in the modernised French Foreign Legion and far from what it used to be now that it has been completely bought up to date . The FFL is now more skilled based and fitness than ever before not unlike any modern army , a very readable and interesting story from an Australian point of view .

A very forthright account of his time in the legion.Anyone thinking of joining should read this. As an ex Royal Marine Commando I'm pleased the author was impressed with the lads from 45 Commando.

The author joined up looking for challenges and adventure but instead had to contend with the bureaucracy, office politics and pettiness expected from a small town office job. It’s well written as you’d expect from a well educated author and certainly provides good insight into Legion life- anyone planning to sign up would do well to read this (although it is 20+ years since the author served). I agree with other reviews that the negativity can become draining to read but if it reflects the authors experience there’s no way to sugar coat it. If I had another criticism it would be a lack of ‘action’. I expected a bit more excitement and colour from 5 years of service. Held my attention though and worth a read.

The first half of this book is a well-written series of revelations about the stereotypically accurate cultural arrogance in the French Foreign Legion, that range from sad to terrifying. Unfortunately the second half just goes on and on and on and on in the same vein and descends into a repetitive whinge-fest, with nothing new to sustain interest. Overall I'm glad I read it, but I did have to push myself to keep going to the end. The section where they are on exercise with some Royal Marines is excellent; but highlit to me that this is really a great short story or magazine article, not a book. Recommended if you're keen to know more about the FFL, otherwise there are much more exciting military memoires out there.

This is not a sensationalist gung-ho account of the author's service, aimed at the adolescent market. Rather, I found it a thoughtful and ultimately quite depressing deconstruction of the Legion, its mystique, and its esprit de corps (or lack of it). Mason served his full five-year contract, and the main conclusion he drew from his experiences in the ranks is that the Legion's standards and collective competence are painfully low due to its inability to retain a cadre of professional SNCOs beyond the five-year point. Having followed his journey through the book it is hard to disagree. The failings of leadership at all levels are self-evident. As to whether his portrait of the Legion is accurate, or whether things have changed a quarter of a century on, I am not qualified to judge. Overall, though, his style is credible and his book is very readable.

When I was in my mid 20s I thought of joining the legion. I didn't. Having read this book I made the right decision. No instructions, guidance or education from either officers or Ncos.Well done David for completing your contract of 5 years.

not a bad book

A great book, and extremely accurate if somewhat jaded look at the Legion. I knew Dave, a lovely bloke, and thank him for taking me back in time to my rose tinted view of life at that time. Ps. I'm the Brit mafia in the photo with him.It was a shame to have certain 'rumours' confirmed. Chef Mahmoud (not his real name) for instance. A lively, funny man that met his end too soon. I will always look back at our very philosophical conversations with great admiration for the author.Thanks Dave.Joe de Meyer