Part of my motivation is motivated by hopes of greater social status. Recently I read that sociometric status is associated with greater happiness which fits in with my notions about the esteem of the military. However, when I read about the empirical research on the correlates of sociometric status (at least in kids) it appears to be traits very very different than would be expected in the military!
Also, I ran across a paper and a podcast I remember saying that peers ratings (essentially sociometric status) factor in to military career advancement so there is that confounding things.
I think I prefer to be a lover, than a fighter. I mean, I am probably driven to fight by my childhood trauma and I shouldn’t give in to that. I can gain a better life by growing through developing a secure attachment style probably instead.
Interacial dating
Yes, when I went out with another asian girl in the past someone once said: it’s an ‘x’ (can’t remember what they guessed) and an asian together?′ it’s a really strange voice—they were two teenage guys. Not quite rascist, but it could be in the future. I’m mixed ethnicity but appear either dark skinned Latino or Arab I guess.
Re STD check
It happened in Sunday the 16th. I will not have sexual contact till I get tested, but because some STI’s incubate p to 9 weeks (hep c—but I couldn’t be exposed to that). The next longest is HIV 1-3 months but that’s low likelihood since I didn’t have unprotected penetrative sex so I am not concerned this time (but don’t do it again, Clarity! Just in case! Oral herpes which is 4-6 weeks but apparently everyone has that, even kids, so I am not concerned. But the same for genital herpes (4-6 weeks) which I am concernd about so I will wait well the average upper 6 weeks to get tested. That means testing on the 27th of November. I’ll just have to do it when I’m overseas I guess...
Part of my motivation is motivated by hopes of greater social status.
That would be a bad reason to join the FFL. It is a small clique of people that would assign higher social status to a legionnaire, current or former. Most, thanks to Hollywood, will think you a psychopath or maybe a fugitive on the run. At best your so-called friends and family will be left wondering “why France?”—because in their minds the only justifiable reason to serve is patriotism, and how can you be a patriot for a nation that is not your own? You don’t even get a French passport at the end unless you are wounded in battle.
So if it is social status seeking by people you already know, then the FFL is not for you. But if you think it’s more than that, read on.
I would read some works by David Grossman, specifically “On Killing” and also “On Combat”. Maybe start first with this classic essay by him, excerpted from “On Combat”:
Ask yourself: are you a sheepdog? Not do you want to be a sheepdog, but are you? Is that how you define yourself? If so, the path of a warrior might have value for you. But don’t take this question lightly. Talk to those whose opinion you trust and who know you well. Only tell them as many details as you need to, but get their opinion of you. You might recognize things you never realized in how others see you. Maybe reach out to some warrior forums and get some opinions from those who did serve.
If you do join the légion étrangère, it is really in your interests to go all-in. Make sure you excel at everything you do, top of the class. Then volunteer for the 2e REP parachute regiment, which is the special ops branch. Volunteer for as much advanced training as you can get. You’ll then serve the remaining 3-4 years of your tour on assignments in various hot spots. Get to know everyone, but particularly focus on those that are the most professional. This will help your career whether you stay with the legion or not.
When you’re out you’ll have access to the alumni network of people that live not above but outside the rule of law. Those who understand the true nature and basis of governance and serve when it is necessary as its blunt instrument. Your reputation is what gates access to this network.
One thing to note: “soldier of fortune” is misnamed. You will not get rich being a merc. The pay is decent, and tax-free, but we’re talking like maybe $100k/yr. You can do way better in tech or finance and without putting your life on the line. Only do this if it is a serious calling.
it’s an ‘x’ (can’t remember what they guessed) and an asian together?′ it’s a really strange voice—they were two teenage guys. Not quite rascist, but it could be in the future. I’m mixed ethnicity but appear either dark skinned Latino or Arab I guess.
Nah man that’s totally racist, and f—them. I would have been in their faces causing trouble if that was at me or my girl. That goes far beyond “having a good comeback” territory.
Thank you for your advice.
French Foreign Legion
Part of my motivation is motivated by hopes of greater social status. Recently I read that sociometric status is associated with greater happiness which fits in with my notions about the esteem of the military. However, when I read about the empirical research on the correlates of sociometric status (at least in kids) it appears to be traits very very different than would be expected in the military!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1619136 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3286817 https://www.jstor.org/stable/23086265?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
Also, I ran across a paper and a podcast I remember saying that peers ratings (essentially sociometric status) factor in to military career advancement so there is that confounding things.
I think I prefer to be a lover, than a fighter. I mean, I am probably driven to fight by my childhood trauma and I shouldn’t give in to that. I can gain a better life by growing through developing a secure attachment style probably instead.
Interacial dating
Yes, when I went out with another asian girl in the past someone once said: it’s an ‘x’ (can’t remember what they guessed) and an asian together?′ it’s a really strange voice—they were two teenage guys. Not quite rascist, but it could be in the future. I’m mixed ethnicity but appear either dark skinned Latino or Arab I guess.
Re STD check
It happened in Sunday the 16th. I will not have sexual contact till I get tested, but because some STI’s incubate p to 9 weeks (hep c—but I couldn’t be exposed to that). The next longest is HIV 1-3 months but that’s low likelihood since I didn’t have unprotected penetrative sex so I am not concerned this time (but don’t do it again, Clarity! Just in case! Oral herpes which is 4-6 weeks but apparently everyone has that, even kids, so I am not concerned. But the same for genital herpes (4-6 weeks) which I am concernd about so I will wait well the average upper 6 weeks to get tested. That means testing on the 27th of November. I’ll just have to do it when I’m overseas I guess...
That would be a bad reason to join the FFL. It is a small clique of people that would assign higher social status to a legionnaire, current or former. Most, thanks to Hollywood, will think you a psychopath or maybe a fugitive on the run. At best your so-called friends and family will be left wondering “why France?”—because in their minds the only justifiable reason to serve is patriotism, and how can you be a patriot for a nation that is not your own? You don’t even get a French passport at the end unless you are wounded in battle.
So if it is social status seeking by people you already know, then the FFL is not for you. But if you think it’s more than that, read on.
I would read some works by David Grossman, specifically “On Killing” and also “On Combat”. Maybe start first with this classic essay by him, excerpted from “On Combat”:
http://www.killology.com/sheep-wolves-and-sheepdogs
Ask yourself: are you a sheepdog? Not do you want to be a sheepdog, but are you? Is that how you define yourself? If so, the path of a warrior might have value for you. But don’t take this question lightly. Talk to those whose opinion you trust and who know you well. Only tell them as many details as you need to, but get their opinion of you. You might recognize things you never realized in how others see you. Maybe reach out to some warrior forums and get some opinions from those who did serve.
If you do join the légion étrangère, it is really in your interests to go all-in. Make sure you excel at everything you do, top of the class. Then volunteer for the 2e REP parachute regiment, which is the special ops branch. Volunteer for as much advanced training as you can get. You’ll then serve the remaining 3-4 years of your tour on assignments in various hot spots. Get to know everyone, but particularly focus on those that are the most professional. This will help your career whether you stay with the legion or not.
When you’re out you’ll have access to the alumni network of people that live not above but outside the rule of law. Those who understand the true nature and basis of governance and serve when it is necessary as its blunt instrument. Your reputation is what gates access to this network.
One thing to note: “soldier of fortune” is misnamed. You will not get rich being a merc. The pay is decent, and tax-free, but we’re talking like maybe $100k/yr. You can do way better in tech or finance and without putting your life on the line. Only do this if it is a serious calling.
Nah man that’s totally racist, and f—them. I would have been in their faces causing trouble if that was at me or my girl. That goes far beyond “having a good comeback” territory.
On Combat is a pretty great book. Enjoyed it.