Choosing the Right Path: Russian Foreign Army vs French Foreign Legion
When considering military service outside your home country, you are faced with a multitude of options, ranging from the American spanish Legion to the African commandos. Among these, the French Foreign Legion and the Russian Foreign Army stand out as the most popular choices. But, which is truly better? Let's break down the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Your Options
The French Foreign Legion (FFL) and the Russian Foreign Army are two distinct entities with different cultures, livings standards, and contract requirements. While you may be tempted by the allure of serving in a highly-regarded military unit, it's crucial to weigh the financial and legal implications.
Financial Considerations
1. French Foreign Legion Pay: According to the FFL, the minimum pay is around 1600 Euros per month. This competitive salary, along with a 5-year contract, is a significant draw for potential recruits. The Legion offers a structured environment, where you can fully trust the organization to provide for you, unlike the unpredictable nature of military service in some other countries.
2. Russian Foreign Army Pay: Serving in the Russian Foreign Army may seem appealing, given that you can join without a Russian language requirement. However, your earnings are likely to be significantly lower than those in the FFL, making it a less attractive option financially. Moreover, living standards and quality of life in Russia may not meet your expectations, especially for someone from Bangladesh.
Legal and Citizenship Concerns
European Citizenship: It is important to note that EU nationality does not exist as a generic term. Instead, you need a specific EU citizenship, such as German, French, or Austrian, which automatically grants you EU rights. Joining a foreign military can have serious legal ramifications, including the potential loss of your EU citizenship. This can impact not only your diplomatic service but also your ability to study in Europe.
For instance, serving in the Russian Army can result in the loss of your European citizenship, which can have long-lasting repercussions on your future career and personal life. Similarly, joining the FFL may not be the best idea, as it carries similar risks of losing your European citizenship.
Selection and Training Process
French Foreign Legion: The FFL's selection process is rigorous and not for the faint of heart. While there is no specific religious requirement, as a Muslim, you may face challenges and the legion is known for its neutral stance on religion. However, the structure and support offered by the Legion make it a more stable choice compared to the often chaotic and unpredictable Russian Foreign Army. You will receive basic French language lessons, and the Legion's culture of support means that you are less likely to face the harsh realities that come with life in the Russian army.
Russian Foreign Army: Entering the Russian Foreign Army requires a significant investment in language and cultural adaptation, as Russian is a much harder language to learn. There are also strict requirements for joining, including language proficiency in Russian. This means that unless you speak Russian already, your chances of joining are slim. Furthermore, your life in Russia is likely to be more challenging, with lower pay and less support from the military.
Career Outlook and Personal Growth
While the idea of joining the military may seem exciting, it's crucial to consider the long-term implications. For example, 30 years from now, your body will be used up from the physical and mental demands of military service. A normal diploma is something that can provide a stable and fulfilling career path. If you are set on a military career, the FFL can offer a safer and more sustainable option compared to the Russian Foreign Army.
Conclusion
When deciding between the Russian Foreign Army and the French Foreign Legion, it's important to consider your financial situation, the legal implications, and the overall quality of life you can expect. The FFL offers a more stable and supportive environment with better pay and less risk of losing your European citizenship. While the Russian Foreign Army may seem appealing at first glance, the reality of a low salary and challenging living conditions may not be what you are looking for.