Training has begun...plus some photos

The training has started...this week we were introduced to some of the other "tools" we will be utilizing. The ANF1 7.62mm machine gun, the M2 12.7mm machine gun, PA MAC 50 9mm pistol, and the LRAC 89mm anti-tank rocket launcher. Plus, since we're in the business of blowing things up, an introductory course on explosives; plastique (it's like Play-Doh!), TNT, detonators, detonation cord, etc.. AND also an introductory course on vehicles that the regiment uses, from the VAB (4-wheeled lightly armored transport) to P4 (French Jeep...pronounced Pee-Kart. It took a little while for the internal laughter to die down). Plenty more to follow, PLUS the CCL company song "Contre Les Viets" AND the 2eme REG song "Rien N'Empeche". Rien = nothing, empeche = impedes; I'll le y'all figure out the meaning. I do have to admit that marching while singing is pretty cool, when done well. The Legion marches and sings at a very slow cadence compared with other armies (88 steps/min vs. 120 or more) traditionally, to show respect and solemnity for our departed comrades. Not quite like the singing you see in "Full Metal Jacket".

Update on the address, apparently this is the correct FRENCH way of writing it:

Legionnaire Chin Yi
CCL, Section Instruction
2eme Regiment Etranger de Genie
Quartier Marechal Koenig
84390 Saint-Christol
France

Never mind the silly accents on some of the letters. Since I'm on a French keyboard, it's actually pretty easy. But I still don't bother. Legion Française...it's definitely NOT normal Française. A lot of people have replied expressing their surprise that I've picked up French so quickly. Let me explain a bit better...I can communicate well enough in the Foreign Legion. The French spoken here is an evolution (or de-evolution) of civilian French, and spoken by foreigners, therefore when I go outside (like last weekend in Marseille), I frequently could not understand as much as I do with legionnaires. Plus there's a specific accent and speech pattern unique to Marseille. The additional motivation of doing less push-up's or squats or marché canard is quite strong; call it a survival instinct if you will.

I forgot to mention last time...I got my military driving permit, along with a civilian endorsement; which means I can drive in all of France! I took a driving test in Castelnaudary my 2^nd to last week there, and although I had some problem with roundabouts/traffic circles the 1^st time on the test circuit, I passed. Not quite sure on why exactly I have a licence, since I'm not allowed to own a car until after 5 years of service, and I don't want to be the chauffeur for an officer. Now if only the Legion lets me take the motorcycle test or course...

Some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

My kepi blanc, with my epaulettes de tradition, ceinturon bleu, cravate vert, and the 2 good luck charms my cousin Elaine sent me. Legion colors are green and red...the colors of Christmas. The epaulettes de tradition and ceinturon bleu are used on our guard dress uniforms. The kepi blanc is sacred to the legionnaire...NEVER touch the white part, and NEVER touch a legionnaire's kepi without asking for permission first.

Me in front of my home for the next 3 months. Yup, the words are in French. This partly explains why I picked up French quickly.

Some photos of photos from my kepi blanc "ceremony", when I officially became a legionnaire.