Yes, I saw that programme.
A mate of mine joined many years ago. he couldn't get into the Marines due to a criminal record and ran away to the legion.
He spent a total of 12 years in and said once through the initial induction, it was a fantastic life.
You are well paid, have to pay for absolutely nothing whilst you're in and have virtual celebrity status in France.
Public transport carries a 75% discount for all legionaires whilst in service and health care is provided, courtesy of the legion for the rest of your life.
The attraction for many is that tha legion will change your identity for you upon induction and provide you with paperwork to support your new identity when you leave.
This coupled with the fact that they will take individuals with criminal records, obviously has some appeal to those who have a past to hide.
My mate was trying to get his Para wings whilst in, but broke a leg on an exercise. To achieve his wings, he had to make his final jump; a night time jump, into water.
By definition, foreigners in a French army, they are mercenaries. This is overlooked by the French government.
A special breed.
