Summary
In this podcast episode, Chuck and Josh delve into the history and activities of the French Foreign Legion, a military fighting force made up of foreign dissidents and nationals. The Legion has been stationed in Algeria since their inception and is known for their tough and disciplined soldiers who wear a distinct flat cap with a little cape in the back called a KP.
The hosts discuss the Legion's tradition of anonymity, where recruits take on an assumed name for the first year of service, and the strict set of rules they must follow during that time, including wearing the uniform at all times and not being allowed to have a civilian bank account or get married. The Legion has seen more continuous action than any other fighting force in the world and has been involved in just about every conflict that the French have been in since 1830.
Chuck and Josh also talk about the current activities of the Legion, including their fight against illicit gold mining in Guiana. They mention the requirements and salary of legionnaires, as well as the nihilistic culture within the Legion. The hosts briefly touch on the Spanish's failed attempt to form their own foreign legion in 1920 and the idea of the US forming one.
The episode ends with a listener mail segment about autopsies, which is unrelated to the main topic of the episode. Overall, the hosts provide an interesting and informative overview of the French Foreign Legion's history and current activities.
