Appel

A Canadian in the French Foreign Legion

By: Joel Adam Struthers

Narrated by: Paul Boucher

Appel: A Canadian in the French Foreign Legion is the first-hand account of the author’s six years as a professional soldier during the 1990s, and his experience in the Legion's elite Groupe des Commandos Parachutistes (GCP). Joel Struthers recounts the dangers and demands of military life, from the rigours of recruitment and operational training in the rugged mountains of France, to face-to-face combat in the grasslands of some of Africa’s most troubled nations.

Told through the eyes of a soldier, and interspersed with humorous anecdotes, Appel is a fascinating story that debunks myths about the French Foreign Legion and shows it more accurately as a professional arm of the French military. Struthers provides insight into the rigorous discipline that the Legion instills in its young recruits - who trade their identities as individuals for a life of adventure and a role in a unified fighting force whose motto is “Honour and Loyalty”.

Foreword by Col. Benoit Desmeulles, former commanding officer of the Legions 2e Régiment Étranger Parachutistes.

From the Foreword: "Travelling through these pages, you will discover how a restless young Canadian turned himself into a professional soldier, and then a pathfinder immersed in a system that, even if could always be improved, remains a reference in terms of soldiering. You will appreciate the quasi-monastic life - made of satisfaction, celebration, hard training, operational commitments, but also of routine and service - of these soldiers who decided to leave everything they had to come and serve in the Legion. And finally you will discover from the inside this esprit de corps that empowers the Corps and helps these hommes sans noms to cope with the tensions of their new lives."

©2019 Wilfrid Laurier University Press (P)2020 Wilfrid Laurier University Press

Critic reviews

"In Appel, Joel Struthers has illustrated a soldier’s life on and off duty through his vast experience in diverse training activities and operations. Those with a military background will find this a fascinating story, laced with humour, and told through the eyes of a professional soldier in a renowned military organization, the French Foreign Legion. Those who have not experienced military life will be equally fascinated with a soldier’s insights into the dangerous and demanding profession of arms. (LGen (Retired) RR Crabbe, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD, B Sc)

Interesting Perspective

Normally, a book about the French Foreign Legion is not written as an autobiography, so this book was more interesting.

Interesting story, excellent narrator

An interesting story, very well written and told story of the author experiences, narrator was excellent

And that's how you write a military memoir

A very well-written book. The guy is hardcore but not Superman, something I like, making it real. Highly recommended

Reality of the Legion

This book give a snapshot into the life of a legionnaire. All the details, good and bad to paint a picture of the life in full swing. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the modern legion.

Great Book

Great book that provides a snapshot view of a legendary military element known across the world.