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 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

One of the best accounts of the FFL

Well done
From soup to nuts. A superb example of story strength and reality. Very much enjoyed this

Great memoir of the legion in the mid 90’s

Great account of the life in 2e REP during the 1990’s. Really appreciate caporal Struthers updating the public on the life. Vive la Légion.

Good honest book

Is not a book for the ones that search for history of great battles, heroic acts accounted on first person. For that I recommend "a handful of hard men".

Personally I enjoy the book, the narrator is good, the last part was my favorite, you never leave the Legion... Going back years later trough legion gates with his family...

Superbly Written! Bravo, Joel!

I knew so little about the French Foreign Legion before discovering Joel Struthers and reading Appel. This book is a real adventure, and captures the excitement of a young man leaving home & embarking on a soldier’s journey. Great background, detail, perspective etc. Your book is great specifically due to your honestly about where you came from, how you developed from a youth to a man to a warrior. This is a must read! Or listen… Cheers 🇨🇦🇺🇸

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.

Good true military book

I heard the author on the Jocko Podcast and picked up the book. There is a lot more to the book and enjoyed it throughout. The FFL is an interesting organization and this book gives a great modern description of the Legion. For what its worth, I am a military veteran and recommend it.

It will hold your interest

Great read and a fascinating look into a misunderstood unit. Anyone interested in modern military history should give this book a try.