French Foreign Legion Navy SEAL Taylor Cavanaugh | Mike Ritland Podcast Episode 165
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 พ.ค. 2024
- The French Foreign Legion - a unique corps of the French Army that, unlike nearly any other army in the world, allows foreign nationals to enlist at will. It's a diverse fighting force, deploying all over the world into any conditions necessary. They're also the home of Taylor Cavanaugh, a former U.S. Navy Vet that enlisted just a few years ago. But Taylor's not just any veteran - he's a former U.S. Navy SEAL from SEAL Team Seven.
Safe to say there's a lot of questions to ask here - why's Taylor living in France? What made him leave the United States to fight for another country? And how exactly did he come to join - and then ultimately depart from - the Tip of the Spear? One thing's for sure - when Taylor's at the wheel, it's gonna be a wild ride.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
04:20 - 2:15am
9:33 - SEAL Team Dreams
16:38 - Four Months in Lockup
21:36 - Welcome to the Navy
33:58 - SEAL Team Seven
40:00 - Operating with Handcuffs On
45:50 - Back with a Clean Slate (for 30 Days)
52:29 - General Discharge, Under Honorable Circumstances
01:02:09 - Kicking Fentanyl in Hawaii
01:06:59 - Hopping a Plane to France
01:13:18 - Welcome to The French Foreign Legion
01:31:06 - Legion Army Boot Camp
01:36:49 - Building a Brotherhood
01:45:06 - Live Fire
01:56:53 - Joining the Mountain Legion
02:05:31 - French Territory in South America
02:14:32 - Avignon to Estonia
02:31:05 - Going on TH-cam, No Editing Required
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Support Taylor Cavanaugh -
Website: www.taylorcavanaugh.com
Instagram: / tcavofficial
TH-cam: / @tcavofficial
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hello i m former french paratrooper, now i m officer in anti riot unit called CRS. i saw your channel by chance. I have of course a huge respect for the french foreign legion. This talk is amazing, especially because you are both former elite soldier. Moreover, your guest is sincere about his life.
the best french special forces are : 1 er RPIMA (marine infantery para regiment) and the Commando Hubert ( part of navy commandos)
Greeting from french Polynesia (Tahiti).
For the story, i enlisted in paratrooper because i saw the movie the longest day with John Wayne, as a kid. The moment the 82 nd airborne jumped on Saint Mère l'Eglise made me cry, so from this moment i wanted to be in the airborne.
Merci pour ton service !
So ya saying ol boy might not be talking 100% truth/facts?
What he says about the withdrawl is the real deal. I did heroin for 5 years every day and when i quit i slept for maybe an accumulated 8 hours a week for months. It was awful i lost everything including my social skills completly. Itve been clean now for almost 3 years and i almost never look back.
Good job dog. Hold strong
Without a doubt the worst thing ever.
Keep up the good fight, brother. Prayers up!🙏
Good.
That was your Vietnam
My favorite thing he said was “ Even stories of redemption aren’t fairy tales”. What a true and fair statement about our world, Taylor, bravo and Godspeed sir.
TCAV love him some roids!!
He's a storyteller first and foremost. Like most seals.
I’ve never had the patience to watch a 3 hour podcast but this guys life is the epitome of overcoming adversity and taking responsibility for one’s own actions. I hope Taylor has a successful life.
It takes balls to be this honest and admit when you mess up on a national stage for others to learn from.nothing but respect for this guy
Such an interesting guy and story. You can tell he’s actual tough and not just a tough talker , seems like he’s allowed his mistakes to season him vs defining him
Does it really? Nobody would know unless he told the story. What about people who get put on blast and don't have a choice if the world knows? He gets arrested and that's not gonna be broadcast. You and I get arrested? Pic on social media and the dollar page. I've had 2 news articles written about me that are completely false cause they only have quotes from 3rd hand sources. So I don't see the bravery here
Its a great source of pride, ones ability to stand up and admit your wrongs and shortcomings in todays world. I know it is for me too.
See my comment please
Respect for the guy who broke a guy’s face for no good reason and then tried to weasel out of any responsibility and happily admits he just stopped paying him the court ordered amount? The guy’s a POS.
This is fascinating.
His life story could've permanently run off the rails 1000 different times.
He is a cat with 9 lives.
Amazing.
I was under the impression that joining the French Foreign Legion is, generally, not considered as "not running off the rails"? He has since left the FFL. Interesting story, yes, but am I the only one here who finds it difficult to miss a pattern of quitting and/or unreliability here?
@clemenules Yes. Totally. Clearly not the guy I want my sister to marry. Probably wouldn't hang out with him, as it appears he can not go out in public without getting in a fight. I'm 43, I have a master's degree, wife and two kids, and a great career... the truth is, I still go to a ton of Jam Band shows and party like a mofo. I haven't gotten in so much as a scuffle since I was probably 19. He's one of those guys who can't control himself when he's partying. (He recognizes that after his 250th f*** up)
I guess what I'm saying is, I have a grudging respect for his wiley resilience.
Sounds like an A grade bullshit artist like all the rest of those seal big mouths.
@@clemenulesno,he’s definitely a guy that takes shit to its limit and then burns out ten minutes later. The guy promotes himself as a life coach but lacked the personal insight to go to rehab and went to play G.I. Bro in France for a few years. “I wanted to finish my tattoos” anywho takes advice from this guy is destined for failure
@@mattberg6816
Everyone has their own course. He's definitely a living ballistic missile, lol.
OIF 4/5 vet, fentanyl addicted For 11 years, this is the EXACT thought process! I went from writing my name on a shotgun slug to clean for 5 years now. Love these stories and podcasts. Thank you for putting light on this! Warriors need help sometimes…
👏
Amen.. glad you made it through the storm.. many of us don't.. I was in the same boat many times and will always respond if you ever need to share something.
We were OIF 03/04 and I literally burned shit for my 19th birthday in Iraq.. it was awesome.. except for those unforgettable flavors in the black smoke which always blasts ya in the face regardless of where you stand.. (God's a real ass sometimes.)
Anyways we had the little sticks on fire "for the cake" and I was gonna blow out the candles.. then the CMD shows up all mad because who TF would want to do that for their birthday blah blah blah...
He just didn't get the joke.. Best/Worst birthday story ever.
Cool story bro....my buddy did the same thing in 06 but he's not here ....he chose the slug
I went to RBHS with dude when he came over from Poway. Let me tell you this guy is an absolute unit. At house parties he would legitimately have 20 kids standing around him just trying to hang out with him. Chicks wanted him. He was the "jacked bro", but always chill to everyone. The guy has always been a legend.
Probably not a bad thing for the youth to understand. That you can be that guy and still treat people well.
That’s almost more impressive to me than the things he’s done as an adult. Not many people can be remembered as being both popular and nice in school.
Your statement is the finest of all.. hope everyone who reads it can look at our own life.. I flashed at myself..at 17..18.. thank you.. that was 1962..63..😊🤚🎶💎
Sounds like a real life Ferris Bueller, but badass lol
Wipe the man cream off your lips , bro.. wtf is wrong with you? Did u and he do something we need to know about????
“When things are going good, slow the fuck down.” - Taylor Cavanaugh
Some of the best advice I have ever heard. Keep doin you bro, I am grateful.
Im 54 years old now...and that caught me.
Hit me too. When I was at the top of my game I took it too far and paid a price. Live and learn, I suppose.
Amen!!!! I was on top of my game about age 30ish and I kept going fast until there's nothing left all by my one doing. If I had heard to slow my roll while I was on top I would have been in a lot better position with my life now. Shit always will be shit, are you going to step in it or step over it? You are a inspiration Taylor and thank both!!! It's never too late for redemption, look back and laugh but never go back. I'm 41 now and I'm only going forward, never backwards ❤
I think it's more something like : when it's going bad, you fight through adversity, but once life is good you become careless, you think you can afford to screw up a little bit and that you "deserve" to enjoy yourself. And you usually trigger your own downfall
Great interview, Mike. A Frenchman here. To complete Taylor's answer to your question at 2:08:25, France/Europe is also using the territory to launch its satellites (in Kourou) since it is close to the equator. So very strategic.
Not just France, NASA and Space X use it regularly too, China, Japan, India all sent satellites through ESA Ariane rockets too
This guy is just a jacked military Steve O. Great podcast!
Omg that’s spot on!
my exact first thought the second I saw him
Dude's a fkn fake
Same voice lol
1:12:11 at this point had not seen anything of the comments and then I looked down…so spot on 😂
At like 15:05 you mentioned, “something the homeless guy said to you”. I went from the opposite of a junkie to a full blown junkie (IV Heroin, Cocaine & Fentanyl) 10-11 years ago. The last time I was locked up in April of 2015, an older jacked up Irish guy (who I worked out with) was getting ready to get shipped out of the county, heading downstate to prison (for the fifth time). He asked me, “why did you start using again”? I responded, “wanted to do it one last time”. He told me he’s been saying that for twenty years and look at him, heading back to prison as a 57 year old. It dawned on me that “one last time doesn’t exist”. That was almost a decade ago. That’s why I try to talk to kids and anyone who’ll listen because you never know, something may stick.
Thanks man. Needed to read that xo
@@Johanna-yz5ip I’m glad I could help. That’s all I can do at this point because I know how/what it feels like to be lower than low (legal issues, incarceration, pushed to the side, looked at as a waste, trash, written off by many, etc.). But there was a reason I came back from my two ODs (one while driving on an interstate during rush hour). That’s why I give people second chances today.. because I got one.
I was negative 10s of thousands of dollars, opening bank accounts to get a blank check starter pack so I could walk outside, write $100 checks against the account (with $0 in it) and deposit it into the atm ($100 would clear instantly at the atm). I’m not going to get into too much detail because I’d like my identity to be kept confidential. I worked my fking ass off, went back to school and got myself to the highest position in my union. It wasn’t easy, there were blood, sweat and tears along the way. Sh*t there are still tears and hard fking times but, it’s a little easier facing these problems with no habit.
I bought my first home, got married and had a kid. Life can be beautiful, you just have to take that step. I don’t pray but I’ll keep you in my thoughts. I hope you find your way. ❤️
I stumbled on Taylor's yt channel around a month ago, and his brutal honesty of him talking about screwing up in his life really hit me in the nuts. He's proof that you can always pick yourself back up, it's when you give up on yourself is when it's over.
Your screen name is hilarious
Bra I love the beginning we don’t give a f about your feeling
Hope he stays off the sauce. It cost him his USN retirement.
He was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted....He's a complete BS artist.
He hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos with anyone who'll talk to him him in the US.
You're never more than 3 days in Fort de Nogent and there never more than 10 to 15 guys there before being shipped to Augbane, the only tests carried out are a prelim security interview and basic med check and sign a prelim contract, the vetting process is carried out in Aubagne and takes to 3 to 4 weeks.
You're also not in civilian clothes, you're in track suits even in Paris, you're also paid from the moment you sign your initial contract paper in Paris, you're not obliged to change you ID and you're only forced to change your ID if you have an outstanding warrant.
As for caring that he was a SEAL, they honestly don't care given the fact that they've had ex-SAS and SBS operators in the Legion.
"All the guys coming to the Legion can't swim"....spare me, I was a lifeguard and served with a Hungarian former member of Olympic water polo team.
Also lies about the food (it's outsourced in the main barracks as is the cleaning and recruits make the food under supervision at the Farm) and getting less food than regular French troops.
He served in an engineer regiment (6 REG) which is outside Avignon on the Rhone not the Rhine, he has no deployment medals (neither French Guyane nor the training mission to Estonia were deployments) which is strange given 6 REG deployed as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel was still in full flow until 2022 and he has a National Defence Medal and a Territorial Defence Medal.
I find it strange given he's an ex SEAL he didn't choose to serve with either 2 REP / 2 REI / 1 Cav /13 DBLE unless of course he was so badly ranked in basic that he wasn't given a choice because his story about the GCM is BS.
The percentage of French in the Legion is more 40 to 60%, they're required to change their nationality regardless of criminal background and their nationalities are changed to any country that speaks French i.e. Belgium, Monaco.
Also lies on rounds going off in a room, you don't have access to live rounds on guard duty plus range safety is extremely rigorous.
Also BS on the Legion allowing guys to go home to get their families.
There's no strippers at Christmas coming on the barracks.
Catering & cleaning contracts are outsourced so he wasn't working in the kitchens.
...as for being in a private residence that's a lie, he would have gone to either a Legion operated rehab facility outside of Marseille or the French military rehab facility at Besançon.
Renting an apartment or owning a car is a violation of regulations and jail time.
There also isn't a stack of rocks nd no 15km run with a 15Kg rock, he also doesn't know Legion history, giving citizenship to foreigners didn't start when the Legion was created.
The rule of "Par la Sang Verse" - By Blood Spilt didn't come in until much later.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
What a low life.
This guy reminds me of my son. A wild man who throws life to the wind. Glad it's all worked out for him in the end.
How is your son these days? Are you proud of him? How are you? A lot of personal questions but I’m curious lol.
Was glued to my phone 3 hours straight! Absolute treasure of a podcast!
Taylor’s story and personality is infectious af ♥️
Agreed
💯
You actually believe this guy ? He's a seal. You know you can't trust anything thise big mouth clowns say.
Charger in. Me too. Invest in a tablet. I go iPad or Samsung. Best thing I ever bought
To better inform viewers, Taylor apparently served in 2REG, but looks like he deserted. Many of his facts are incorrect. 2REG is one of the Foreign Legion Engineer Regiments, he even gets its location wrong. Now to anyone that knows the army, you don't compare US corps engineers with SEALS.
There is only one unit of the foreign legion comparable to SEALS. Its the 2REP, GCP Legion Parachute Regiments GCP. The GCP trains, and is part of the French COS (2eme tier). The COS is equivalent to US SOC and includes the GiGN, 1Rprima, 13 RDP, Commando Hubert (French SEALS).
We also have a good relationship with similar units in coalition countries including UK 22 SAS regiment, and 2 Para Pathfinders. As foreigners we are tier 2 SF in France due to security clearance, however, none of the tier 1 French SF or UK SF would state we are not professional. I never saw an ND, and during ops with US forces even Admiral D-Smith Naval Intelligence said we pulled off CT ops that US forces would not have dared to engage in without artillery and air cover.
In my time only the top 10% passing out from basic training were accepted to 2REP; the Parachute Regiment. If he cant run he stood no chance of getting into legion parachute regiment. And its the parachute regiment you go to if you want action, not the engineers.
2 REP is intense by any military standards. The psycological and physical strain led to a 50% to 70% failure and desertion rate in the first two years in the Regiment.
There are 1, maximun 2 openings a year for the GCP. Only legionnaires with a minimum of 2 to 3 years service in the legion Parachute Regiment may be invited to try for selection. 0nly 0.3% of the legion gets into GCP.
Selection is from one to two years long. Training includes HALO, HAHO, O2 combat diver or recon diver, several commando courses including instructor, unarmed combat school, EOD and sabotage school, hostage rescue, close protecton, sniping, intelligence gathering, electronic warfare counter measures, photography, computers, satellite comms, drones etc. Half of the unit have university degrees, multiple language, fluency in Arabic, Kurdish, Fasi, Russian, we dont need short language courses. Many served in other SF units including spetsnez, SAS, SBS.
GCP Operators are capable of extreme endurance. The basic test for recon operations behind lines is exfiltration in event of compromise (this training would have maybe changed the outcome of lone survivor) Being capable of out running an enemy is a critical skill when operating in small teams behind enemy lines. As the SEALS learned in Mogadishu (The legion kicked ass in Mogadishu) and in Afghanistan. You cant always hold off hundreds of heavily armed enemy, and you cant always count on being saved. Compromise training includes completing 30km full kit runs in the mountains of Corsica in less than 3 hours, then doing the same thing the next day, and the next day if necessary. The Legion GCP has the fastest time for this exercise at 2hrs 28 minutes, the previous fastest time was held by British Pathfinder /SAS 2hrs 37minutes.
We also have a 180km enduramce march / run over the GR 20 in Corsica (look it up, its no joke with snow covered mountains) the record is 23 hours.
I'm 55, joined FL 36 years ago, served 30 years military and Intelligence in every war from Bosnia to iraq and afghanistan where I did 7 x 12 month tours. Like all my brothers from GCP I've been up at 4am for 36 years starting my days alternatively with a 10km run or 2 hours gym or boxing. The Legion and particularly the GCP is a very tight brotherhood, very disciplined. I have several very good friends in the SEALS. Great guys, just need to compare apples with apples.
Get a life bro.. why so salty?
@@user-dr9nm5my9f what a waste of human potential you must be.
Mike is a top tier interviewer asking the greatest most interesting questions!
I agree, straightforward interviewer for sure. The experiences he went are surreal.
I agree. He was asking questions I was thinking!
@@rolandgriffin33 precisely!
Excellent interviewer - engages in intelligent conversation (unlike Shawn Ryan - no shade on him just not as sharp) while also asking more personal/gossipy questions. Subscribed
@RN-lo6xc Couldn't agree more. Mike is much more focused and his guests have great stories to tell instead of stories to spin. I love Shawn (and I'm a subscriber) but some of his guests are whack
Probably the most fascinating Podcast I've ever listened to. What a top level redemption story on life. Wheter you are a military guy or not, I don't see anyone that can't get something positive from this. It shows how when you're focused and disciplined what you can do, and when you are not what can happen. This is a human story from a guy who has been at the top and bottom of this mountain we call life. This is the ultimate winning, losing, and non stop fighting to get back to winning. Ultimate respect. Also you have to give Mike props on his own accord, but in this case as an interviewer. Mike is a Legend in his own right, but he has no ego in this interview and gets the best out of Taylor's story. You can tell the SEAL bond and love for one another even though they had never met or served together. Awesome to get Taylor on the show and Taylor to make the trip. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire interview. If I had kids this would be mandatory viewing. I hope this story can save someone someday, and I think Taylor's videos he puts out probably already have. Well done and wish both of you guys nothing but the best.
Thank you so much for the feedback, I sure appreciate it and you for taking the time to write it
Agree with the mandatory watch for my children 🎉😂❤
I couldn't disagree more,
He was enlisted with possession charges, inducted and graduated 1 of the hardest schools on this planet (duely noted and granted) and then continued to F$_! Up repeatedly after he pinned the Profoundly coveted Trident on his chest.
Not only forcing his superiors too cover his ass multiple times but shoveled more burden onto his teammates.
This isn't the respect or behavior of a deserving United States Navy Seal
I don't GAF what he admits to on the public forum, not only that, but he sat there multiple times and laughed about how much of a F up he was and still was chosen to be put into prestigious schools. Then he gets kicked out for steroids and goes exactly to the FFL where they only took him with open arms because he is a former Navy Seal.
I still carry the shame (30 years later) after fucking up my prospected military career. It may be tucked away, but I don't see an ounce of shame on his face. I would bet it's because he did everything he wanted to do with hardly any consequences.
This is an episode showing complacency of the U.S. military's desensitized gag reflex for bad behavior.and I should know because I'm a fuck up as well. It's easy to fall victim to your wants, it takes a man to secure his needs.
@@TimothyDalton-rk1ve brother, look I see your side, I'm probably like you in terms of holding onto guilt and the past. A few years ago I probably would have seen it your way because of things in my past. But I've also learned you have to move forward. Yeah the guy isn't a prime example of model SEAL or citizen. But for the message purposes and bigger picture, most common people aren't either. He could sit on his high horse and only tell the good but he shares the bad too, and if you watch his post on his channel he is much more serious about doing the right thing. I think you're seeing two guys who share a SEAL brotherhood bond understanding they are human too and can make mistakes, even as repeatedly as with Taylor. Not everyone grieves or compartmentalizes the same way. Give the guy a little credit, he has owned up to his mistakes even if he comes across to you as un authentic.
@@PilotParticiptionTrophyWinner
If one does not hold onto the past he is destined to make the same mistake.
Tyler proves this, because as I said, he doesn't carry the shame of his past. He doesn't only prove this once, but again by fleeing his past by absconding to the FFL as I tried to do because they historically "Offer" a place to run from your past. So it looks like I don't agree with you either.
You can defend him all that you want, he maybe a great soldier, but there are Man among Men that have done it right and I don't want to hear about a guy who is by all accounts a criminal in a uniform espousing fidelity when there have also been good men that have been pushed or thrown out of the military for doing the right thing all the time.
I respect your attempt but you can not see the world through my eyes because you haven't lived behind them. I would have agreed with your point 25 years ago when I wasn't man enough to stand and fight for what I believe to be true.
I have had my pull my soul out of my body countless times and ask myself, "What the FUCK are you doing man?"
How many times have you?
And just so we are clear, only unsolicited trauma, unintended consequences and/or bad decisions can be compartmentalized.
Men Or women haven't the need to compartmentalize when they make decisions with good intentions.
Tyler isn't compartmentalizing his history, he joined the FFL to chase the Honor he lost when he was kicked out of the Navy. As I have a similar story, excluding the teams.
Retribution doesn't exist, leopards can't change their spots and virgins exist only once.
Holy water cleanses the soul, not the misdeeds.
Awesome interview. As french, I really want to thank Taylor for his service for my country.
Immense respect à nos légionnaires, nos militaires et vive la France 🇫🇷
🇫🇷🤜🤛🇺🇲
Oui mais ils ont dit un peu trop à mon goût non …?
@@carllesaffre458personnellement, je ne trouve pas.
Pour moi c'est l'opposé la France devrait se sortir le balais du cul et essayer d'évoluer, de parler de nos armées etc, donner envie d'y aller par les temps qui courent. Il a été viré de la Légion car il en a parlé sur son TH-cam, faut qu'ils arrêtent avec leur mystère, c'est pas une unité de forces spéciale.@@carllesaffre458
Pendant ce temps aux USA les youtubers passent leur temps à faire la promo chez les jeunes en allant faire des challenge dans les armées etc... On commence doucement aussi.
J'en connais tellement qui ont quitté l'Armée Française quand ils ont vu comment on été nourri, et le matériel qu'on nous donne, la mentalité de teubé à ne rien comprendre et juste accepter les ordres, du pain et de la confiture le matin, courir du matin au soir, l'antithèse de la bonne santé.
Armée et Gendarmerie il faudrait que ça évolue très vite si on veut que les effectifs restent au niveau car ça correspond plus à la mentalité et aux armées qui nous entourent (il le dit, dès qu'il à rencontré les Danois ou Anglais, ils étaient hyper cool bien équipé et baraqués/ bien nourris.
@@carllesaffre458 you can fast forward to the part you want to watch. Silly frenchman.
Ight I fuck witdasqua
Taylor's brutal honesty and determination to live and reboot his life are inspiring. He's also a great storyteller and teacher. This is a must hear podcast. Thanks Mike for bringing Taylor to the channel.
I think storyteller should come first before all other job descriptions. These seal pussies are so good at that. Storytelling. They tell anyone who'll listen just how bad ass they are. Poor soldiers.
He's a BS Artist and a deserter, he was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted he hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos in the US.
You're never more than 3 days in Fort de Nogent and there never more than 10 to 15 guys there before being shipped to Augbane, the only tests carried out are a prelim security interview and basic med check and sign a prelim contract, the vetting process is carried out in Aubagne and takes to 3 to 4 weeks.
You're also not in civilian clothes, you're in track suits even in Paris, you're also paid from the moment you sign your initial contract paper in Paris, you're not obliged to change you ID and you're only forced to change your ID if you have an outstanding warrant.
As for caring that he was a SEAL, they honestly don't care given the fact that they've had ex-SAS and SBS operators in the Legion.
"All the guys coming to the Legion can't swim"....spare me, I was a lifeguard and served with a Hungarian former member of Olympic water polo team.
Also lies about the food (it's outsourced in the main barracks as is the cleaning and recruits make the food under supervision at the Farm) and getting less food than regular French troops.
He served in an engineer regiment (6 REG) which is outside Avignon on the Rhone not the Rhine, he has no deployment medals (neither French Guyane nor the training mission to Estonia were deployments) which is strange given 6 REG deployed as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel was still in full flow until 2022 and he has a National Defence Medal and a Territorial Defence Medal.
I find it strange given he's an ex SEAL he didn't choose to serve with either 2 REP / 2 REI / 1 Cav /13 DBLE unless of course he was so badly ranked in basic that he wasn't given a choice because his story about the GCM is BS.
The percentage of French in the Legion is more 40 to 60%, they're required to change their nationality regardless of criminal background and their nationalities are changed to any country that speaks French i.e. Belgium, Monaco.
Also lies on rounds going off in a room, you don't have access to live rounds on guard duty plus range safety is extremely rigorous.
Also BS on the Legion allowing guys to go home to get their families.
There's no strippers at Christmas coming on the barracks.
Catering & cleaning contracts are outsourced so he wasn't working in the kitchens.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
I liked how Mike let his daughter ask the question about childhood games in the beginning. Fun little switch up!
Yeah I agree as a dad I really loved that
This dude's story is insane. Loved it.
This dudes funny, owns up to everything and just laughs it off.
Growth Brotha
@@kyledanger45
@@kyledanger45 you ought to check his channel out. I like these interviews because you have a second dynamic and he’s not as , say , stern as he is on his channel. He seems like the kind of dude that I can learn a few things from
You couldn't make that story up. I know the French Foreign Legion is about guys making new stories but to be a Navy SEAL and get kicked out of SEALS then be a French Foreign Legionaire, unreal. Happy he is squared away now.
@@ibbylancaster8981what's his channel called?
This is one of the best podcasts I’ve seen in a while. Something about the brutal honesty is much more compelling than so many other similar shows.
I thought the same, initially. Except Taylor conveniently left some details out. I wonder why?
@@1nosyviewerhe’s the latest life coach with a story
This was literally the best podcast I've ever watched PERIOD.
"The Legion loves to run. I hate running... That shits for the enemy."
I found his youtube ~a month ago. Hitting rock bottom and then to head to France and join the Legion. That takes some stones. I'm stoked for this one.
Usual thing in french army... even during conscription time ( mid 90'), in marine infantry, you always run... A secretary with some papers in hand runs from building A to building B... 😅😅😅
Served in the French army, I confirm we run a lot.😂
I thought it was the same in all armies in the world.
He was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted....He's a complete BS artist.
He hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos with anyone who'll talk to him him in the US.
You're never more than 3 days in Fort de Nogent and there never more than 10 to 15 guys there before being shipped to Augbane, the only tests carried out are a prelim security interview and basic med check and sign a prelim contract, the vetting process is carried out in Aubagne and takes to 3 to 4 weeks.
You're also not in civilian clothes, you're in track suits even in Paris, you're also paid from the moment you sign your initial contract paper in Paris, you're not obliged to change you ID and you're only forced to change your ID if you have an outstanding warrant.
As for caring that he was a SEAL, they honestly don't care given the fact that they've had ex-SAS and SBS operators in the Legion.
"All the guys coming to the Legion can't swim"....spare me, I was a lifeguard and served with a Hungarian former member of Olympic water polo team.
Also lies about the food (it's outsourced in the main barracks as is the cleaning and recruits make the food under supervision at the Farm) and getting less food than regular French troops.
He served in an engineer regiment (6 REG) which is outside Avignon on the Rhone not the Rhine, he has no deployment medals (neither French Guyane nor the training mission to Estonia were deployments) which is strange given 6 REG deployed as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel was still in full flow until 2022 and he has a National Defence Medal and a Territorial Defence Medal.
I find it strange given he's an ex SEAL he didn't choose to serve with either 2 REP / 2 REI / 1 Cav /13 DBLE unless of course he was so badly ranked in basic that he wasn't given a choice because his story about the GCM is BS.
The percentage of French in the Legion is more 40 to 60%, they're required to change their nationality regardless of criminal background and their nationalities are changed to any country that speaks French i.e. Belgium, Monaco.
Also lies on rounds going off in a room, you don't have access to live rounds on guard duty plus range safety is extremely rigorous.
Also BS on the Legion allowing guys to go home to get their families.
There's no strippers at Christmas coming on the barracks.
Catering & cleaning contracts are outsourced so he wasn't working in the kitchens.
...as for being in a private residence that's a lie, he would have gone to either a Legion operated rehab facility outside of Marseille or the French military rehab facility at Besançon.
Renting an apartment or owning a car is a violation of regulations and jail time.
There also isn't a stack of rocks nd no 15km run with a 15Kg rock, he also doesn't know Legion history, giving citizenship to foreigners didn't start when the Legion was created.
The rule of "Par la Sang Verse" - By Blood Spilt didn't come in until much later.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
@@dermotcosgrove7023he was a SEAL, they talk out of there ass more than anything, egos are to big for there head and Legends in there own mine. Take what he says with a grain of salt.
This guys life needs to be a miniseries!
100% This.
Amazon Netflix would be foolhardy, not to be in talks about movies... Incredible story
SEAL’s always do a book deal first. Then the movie. Charley Sheen could be the Captain.
@@robertschmidt9584.. Yes. And hire some of the actors from paramount Seal Team. Those guys are good. Going miss em after this season
Definitely could be inspiration for one of those Christian movies where the guy hits rock bottom and finds God as Taylor suggests when talking about reading the Good Book. I’d live to see a Christian film with realistic characters that are vulgar and curse but still move toward God. I dunno. It could be a billion dollar film.
There are only 2 podcasts I've ever heard in my life that genuinely changed me for the better.
Dj Shipleys on TSRS, and this gem right here..
God bless, brother.
This guy needs a book and movie deal!!! Being 16 years sober at the age of 42, I can identify with everything this guy went through
He got kicked out of the Navy and the Legion , what's his message ?
Oh great, another bullshit artist seal making make believe american propoganda movies. Yeah we definitely need more of those.
@@fishnorrisnever give up 😂
He gave up by not fulfilling his contract. if you sign up to do a said amount of time you do it then move on . @@robertdavidj
@@fishnorriswhen did it say he was kicked out the legion? I must have missed that part.
Nothing happens until the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of changing.
I love how direct this guest was. Straight to the point, gives good detail when needed, no hesitation, and straightforward.
Excellent stuff. When he said "I was thinking about going to Ukraine, but I'd be running from myself.. it's like, what am I trying to prove?" - That was awesome. It shows he has matured.
Thanks for sharing your story!
Good thing he didn’t go to Ukraine. It’s literally cannon fodder for Russian drones and arty
I absolutely love Cavs outlook. I'm not military but so much of his advice is applicable to life in general. He calls it like it is. He'll be huge.
lol have you seen this guy? he’s already huge haha
He was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted....He's a complete BS artist.
He hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos with anyone who'll talk to him him in the US.
You're never more than 3 days in Fort de Nogent and there never more than 10 to 15 guys there before being shipped to Augbane, the only tests carried out are a prelim security interview and basic med check and sign a prelim contract, the vetting process is carried out in Aubagne and takes to 3 to 4 weeks.
You're also not in civilian clothes, you're in track suits even in Paris, you're also paid from the moment you sign your initial contract paper in Paris, you're not obliged to change you ID and you're only forced to change your ID if you have an outstanding warrant.
As for caring that he was a SEAL, they honestly don't care given the fact that they've had ex-SAS and SBS operators in the Legion.
"All the guys coming to the Legion can't swim"....spare me, I was a lifeguard and served with a Hungarian former member of Olympic water polo team.
Also lies about the food (it's outsourced in the main barracks as is the cleaning and recruits make the food under supervision at the Farm) and getting less food than regular French troops.
He served in an engineer regiment (6 REG) which is outside Avignon on the Rhone not the Rhine, he has no deployment medals (neither French Guyane nor the training mission to Estonia were deployments) which is strange given 6 REG deployed as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel was still in full flow until 2022 and he has a National Defence Medal and a Territorial Defence Medal.
I find it strange given he's an ex SEAL he didn't choose to serve with either 2 REP / 2 REI / 1 Cav /13 DBLE unless of course he was so badly ranked in basic that he wasn't given a choice because his story about the GCM is BS.
The percentage of French in the Legion is more 40 to 60%, they're required to change their nationality regardless of criminal background and their nationalities are changed to any country that speaks French i.e. Belgium, Monaco.
Also lies on rounds going off in a room, you don't have access to live rounds on guard duty plus range safety is extremely rigorous.
Also BS on the Legion allowing guys to go home to get their families.
There's no strippers at Christmas coming on the barracks.
Catering & cleaning contracts are outsourced so he wasn't working in the kitchens.
...as for being in a private residence that's a lie, he would have gone to either a Legion operated rehab facility outside of Marseille or the French military rehab facility at Besançon.
Renting an apartment or owning a car is a violation of regulations and jail time.
There also isn't a stack of rocks nd no 15km run with a 15Kg rock, he also doesn't know Legion history, giving citizenship to foreigners didn't start when the Legion was created.
The rule of "Par la Sang Verse" - By Blood Spilt didn't come in until much later.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
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Mike, you keep surpassing yourself on these. Awesome episode. As a French and American dual citizen who grew up next door to Camp Carpiagne (home of the 1st cavalry regiment of the legion) and saw the legionnaires daily as a kid, this was super cool. Only detail is Avignon is actually on the Rhone. What a super cool life story and journey. Couldn't stop listening. Love it!
He was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted....He's a complete BS artist.
He hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos with anyone who'll talk to him him in the US.
You're never more than 3 days in Fort de Nogent and there never more than 10 to 15 guys there before being shipped to Augbane, the only tests carried out are a prelim security interview and basic med check and sign a prelim contract, the vetting process is carried out in Aubagne and takes to 3 to 4 weeks.
You're also not in civilian clothes, you're in track suits even in Paris, you're also paid from the moment you sign your initial contract paper in Paris, you're not obliged to change you ID and you're only forced to change your ID if you have an outstanding warrant.
As for caring that he was a SEAL, they honestly don't care given the fact that they've had ex-SAS and SBS operators in the Legion.
"All the guys coming to the Legion can't swim"....spare me, I was a lifeguard and served with a Hungarian former member of Olympic water polo team.
Also lies about the food (it's outsourced in the main barracks as is the cleaning and recruits make the food under supervision at the Farm) and getting less food than regular French troops.
He served in an engineer regiment (6 REG) which is outside Avignon on the Rhone not the Rhine, he has no deployment medals (neither French Guyane nor the training mission to Estonia were deployments) which is strange given 6 REG deployed as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel was still in full flow until 2022 and he has a National Defence Medal and a Territorial Defence Medal.
I find it strange given he's an ex SEAL he didn't choose to serve with either 2 REP / 2 REI / 1 Cav /13 DBLE unless of course he was so badly ranked in basic that he wasn't given a choice because his story about the GCM is BS.
The percentage of French in the Legion is more 40 to 60%, they're required to change their nationality regardless of criminal background and their nationalities are changed to any country that speaks French i.e. Belgium, Monaco.
Also lies on rounds going off in a room, you don't have access to live rounds on guard duty plus range safety is extremely rigorous.
Also BS on the Legion allowing guys to go home to get their families.
There's no strippers at Christmas coming on the barracks.
Catering & cleaning contracts are outsourced so he wasn't working in the kitchens.
...as for being in a private residence that's a lie, he would have gone to either a Legion operated rehab facility outside of Marseille or the French military rehab facility at Besançon.
Renting an apartment or owning a car is a violation of regulations and jail time.
There also isn't a stack of rocks nd no 15km run with a 15Kg rock, he also doesn't know Legion history, giving citizenship to foreigners didn't start when the Legion was created.
The rule of "Par la Sang Verse" - By Blood Spilt didn't come in until much later.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
@@dermotcosgrove7023this is why i always read the comments first.
Thx for taking the time to point these shits out
The way he says things in french IS sus' as well
@@jenubu7773 3 years and still really sh*t French 🤦🏻♂️
hello gentlemen, I am French! proud that you are part of the legion, all French people are proud of the legion! American ally your soldier is part of the legion but he will never forget his country, the future is dark, the French soldiers work hard with the Americans, let's think of our soldiers, long live America, long live France ✝
keep your accent, don't be like the French who try to use the English accent!
He was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted....He's a complete BS artist.
He hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos with anyone who'll talk to him him in the US.
You're never more than 3 days in Fort de Nogent and there never more than 10 to 15 guys there before being shipped to Augbane, the only tests carried out are a prelim security interview and basic med check and sign a prelim contract, the vetting process is carried out in Aubagne and takes to 3 to 4 weeks.
You're also not in civilian clothes, you're in track suits even in Paris, you're also paid from the moment you sign your initial contract paper in Paris, you're not obliged to change you ID and you're only forced to change your ID if you have an outstanding warrant.
As for caring that he was a SEAL, they honestly don't care given the fact that they've had ex-SAS and SBS operators in the Legion.
"All the guys coming to the Legion can't swim"....spare me, I was a lifeguard and served with a Hungarian former member of Olympic water polo team.
Also lies about the food (it's outsourced in the main barracks as is the cleaning and recruits make the food under supervision at the Farm) and getting less food than regular French troops.
He served in an engineer regiment (6 REG) which is outside Avignon on the Rhone not the Rhine, he has no deployment medals (neither French Guyane nor the training mission to Estonia were deployments) which is strange given 6 REG deployed as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel was still in full flow until 2022 and he has a National Defence Medal and a Territorial Defence Medal.
I find it strange given he's an ex SEAL he didn't choose to serve with either 2 REP / 2 REI / 1 Cav /13 DBLE unless of course he was so badly ranked in basic that he wasn't given a choice because his story about the GCM is BS.
The percentage of French in the Legion is more 40 to 60%, they're required to change their nationality regardless of criminal background and their nationalities are changed to any country that speaks French i.e. Belgium, Monaco.
Also lies on rounds going off in a room, you don't have access to live rounds on guard duty plus range safety is extremely rigorous.
Also BS on the Legion allowing guys to go home to get their families.
There's no strippers at Christmas coming on the barracks.
Catering & cleaning contracts are outsourced so he wasn't working in the kitchens.
...as for being in a private residence that's a lie, he would have gone to either a Legion operated rehab facility outside of Marseille or the French military rehab facility at Besançon.
Renting an apartment or owning a car is a violation of regulations and jail time.
There also isn't a stack of rocks nd no 15km run with a 15Kg rock, he also doesn't know Legion history, giving citizenship to foreigners didn't start when the Legion was created.
The rule of "Par la Sang Verse" - By Blood Spilt didn't come in until much later.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
bonjour , je comprend alors c'est un usurpateur , menteur ? @@dermotcosgrove7023
@@dermotcosgrove7023 c'est un menteur ?
@@didierpillet2486 Absolument, c'est un déserteur
d'accord c'est pas tres beau , merci a vous pour votre lucidité @@dermotcosgrove7023
I’m 41, been on TH-cam since the early days, military background & this is THE BEST podcast/video I have ever watched!!! God damn, seriously the best watch/listen to I have ever heard. THANK YOU GUYS 🫡 FROM AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺
I'm not gonna keep searching for happiness in the places i was loosing it..... that was freaking awesome! So thankful for your growth man! so awesome!
Mike could not get over the food situation 🤣 🤣. Great episode! 🇺🇸
Haha I noticed that too
Taylor, I was super impressed towards the end with the amount of respect you showed Mike! Caught that on my second time around, God Bless and glad you made it back to tell your story 🤙🏻🇺🇸
This was one of the most interesting and historically informal podcasts that I have ever watched, thanks Mike and Taylor I appreciate everything guys
Dude, as one of your only french listeners (likely), this is a trip! He was right his accent is shitty but respect him nonetheless! And what he says checks out, even the cities he mentions, I might have seen him patrol as a "Vigi Pirate" (the counter terrorist patrols he mentions). Never would have thought one of those guys could be an american ex Seal ahah. Mes respects au légionnaire! Just for patrolling our streets and putting your life on the line against terrorist attacks, appreciate you man!
if he wasn't fooling you
T'es pas le seul
He's not an ex he's a former SEAL.
@@bigswolletxdoesn't it mean the same thing or am I missing something?
There are about 75 or américains légionnaires. Many are ex militaire
Up until this video I had never heard the name of Mike Ritland - what a breath of fresh air! You are some interviewer - asking all the right questions, all the right interventions and a world of professional skill backing you up. Just so impressive at every level.
Regarding Taylor Cavanaugh himself, I only heard his name 10 days ago and have obsessively watched a shed load of his videos since then as he does a really good presentation. I am kind of struggling to place where he is at in reality, but love the story of redemption. My only comment would be is that you never bite the hand that feeds you - something Mike Ritland gently alluded to. Just take down your channel until you are out the Legion and honour the reasonable concerns of the guys who saved your life. You were dead and buried and they took you and gave you a chance. Your are clearing the pitch for other guys who may follow your path - they will never touch another ex-SEAL, Delta, Ranger or whatever. They see American 'me culture' and it is anathema. It is a great day when you realise life is not all about you. The Legion is all about the team and not the individual. Imagine for a moment what would happen if every dude in the Legion decides to start a TH-cam channel - it would be carnage and like herding cats. Then imagine for a moment if some active duty guy in a SEAL Team did that - their feet would not touch the ground as they are bundled out the back door. Do the decent thing and just show respect and honour for a few months. Leave a way back for those that may follow in a similar place - you are scorching the ground underneath their feet. Once you leave, you can tell all your stories then. Your message is a timeless one and it can wait a little longer. Just my thoughts and I truly wish you well.
Thank you for the kind words and feedback. I sure appreciate it
I agree with everything you said in your comment about Mike and how good he is at his job. I especially I'm with you about Taylor and how he should handle the situation with the Foreign Legion out of respect to it and his brothers serving.
A lot of wisdom shown in these comments about the YT vids. Agree that respect should be shown to the Legion; it's not all about individual "rights."
@@ray2754 He was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted....He's a complete BS artist.
He hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos with anyone who'll talk to him him in the US.
You're never more than 3 days in Fort de Nogent and there never more than 10 to 15 guys there before being shipped to Augbane, the only tests carried out are a prelim security interview and basic med check and sign a prelim contract, the vetting process is carried out in Aubagne and takes to 3 to 4 weeks.
You're also not in civilian clothes, you're in track suits even in Paris, you're also paid from the moment you sign your initial contract paper in Paris, you're not obliged to change you ID and you're only forced to change your ID if you have an outstanding warrant.
As for caring that he was a SEAL, they honestly don't care given the fact that they've had ex-SAS and SBS operators in the Legion.
"All the guys coming to the Legion can't swim"....spare me, I was a lifeguard and served with a Hungarian former member of Olympic water polo team.
Also lies about the food (it's outsourced in the main barracks as is the cleaning and recruits make the food under supervision at the Farm) and getting less food than regular French troops.
He served in an engineer regiment (6 REG) which is outside Avignon on the Rhone not the Rhine, he has no deployment medals (neither French Guyane nor the training mission to Estonia were deployments) which is strange given 6 REG deployed as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel was still in full flow until 2022 and he has a National Defence Medal and a Territorial Defence Medal.
I find it strange given he's an ex SEAL he didn't choose to serve with either 2 REP / 2 REI / 1 Cav /13 DBLE unless of course he was so badly ranked in basic that he wasn't given a choice because his story about the GCM is BS.
The percentage of French in the Legion is more 40 to 60%, they're required to change their nationality regardless of criminal background and their nationalities are changed to any country that speaks French i.e. Belgium, Monaco.
Also lies on rounds going off in a room, you don't have access to live rounds on guard duty plus range safety is extremely rigorous.
Also BS on the Legion allowing guys to go home to get their families.
There's no strippers at Christmas coming on the barracks.
Catering & cleaning contracts are outsourced so he wasn't working in the kitchens.
...as for being in a private residence that's a lie, he would have gone to either a Legion operated rehab facility outside of Marseille or the French military rehab facility at Besançon.
Renting an apartment or owning a car is a violation of regulations and jail time.
There also isn't a stack of rocks nd no 15km run with a 15Kg rock, he also doesn't know Legion history, giving citizenship to foreigners didn't start when the Legion was created.
The rule of "Par la Sang Verse" - By Blood Spilt didn't come in until much later.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
The coolest thing about the legion is Puyloubier - if you are hurt, if you are crippled, if you can´t handle civilian life or if by some tragedy you land on the street. You can go there and will have a place to live with other legionaires till your death if you choose to. They make wine there I think.
It´s like, they really do not forget or drop their own.
As a disabled spec ops vet... that is VERY fucking cool. Thanks for sharing that.
@@rascalmatt6713 He was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted....He's a complete BS artist.
He hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos with anyone who'll talk to him him in the US.
You're never more than 3 days in Fort de Nogent and there never more than 10 to 15 guys there before being shipped to Augbane, the only tests carried out are a prelim security interview and basic med check and sign a prelim contract, the vetting process is carried out in Aubagne and takes to 3 to 4 weeks.
You're also not in civilian clothes, you're in track suits even in Paris, you're also paid from the moment you sign your initial contract paper in Paris, you're not obliged to change you ID and you're only forced to change your ID if you have an outstanding warrant.
As for caring that he was a SEAL, they honestly don't care given the fact that they've had ex-SAS and SBS operators in the Legion.
"All the guys coming to the Legion can't swim"....spare me, I was a lifeguard and served with a Hungarian former member of Olympic water polo team.
Also lies about the food (it's outsourced in the main barracks as is the cleaning and recruits make the food under supervision at the Farm) and getting less food than regular French troops.
He served in an engineer regiment (6 REG) which is outside Avignon on the Rhone not the Rhine, he has no deployment medals (neither French Guyane nor the training mission to Estonia were deployments) which is strange given 6 REG deployed as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel was still in full flow until 2022 and he has a National Defence Medal and a Territorial Defence Medal.
I find it strange given he's an ex SEAL he didn't choose to serve with either 2 REP / 2 REI / 1 Cav /13 DBLE unless of course he was so badly ranked in basic that he wasn't given a choice because his story about the GCM is BS.
The percentage of French in the Legion is more 40 to 60%, they're required to change their nationality regardless of criminal background and their nationalities are changed to any country that speaks French i.e. Belgium, Monaco.
Also lies on rounds going off in a room, you don't have access to live rounds on guard duty plus range safety is extremely rigorous.
Also BS on the Legion allowing guys to go home to get their families.
There's no strippers at Christmas coming on the barracks.
Catering & cleaning contracts are outsourced so he wasn't working in the kitchens.
...as for being in a private residence that's a lie, he would have gone to either a Legion operated rehab facility outside of Marseille or the French military rehab facility at Besançon.
Renting an apartment or owning a car is a violation of regulations and jail time.
There also isn't a stack of rocks nd no 15km run with a 15Kg rock, he also doesn't know Legion history, giving citizenship to foreigners didn't start when the Legion was created.
The rule of "Par la Sang Verse" - By Blood Spilt didn't come in until much later.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
@@dermotcosgrove7023 all good info.
Mikes “you snorted it ?” Is one of the most unintentionally funny things I’ve heard in awhile 🤣😂
Love the way Taylor totally owns his screw ups. Good man 👍.
Amazing Luck with the outcomes with of his arrests and drug use. God has given this dude his blessings. It would be interesting to see where his is at retirement age. I wish him a long life to do good things form himself and others. Did he take the French citizenship and Legionnaires pension?
That’s how he always squeaked by. Smile, own it…..continue to fuck up. This clowns no hero, he’s a turd
Someone tell BLM
only his talents have carried him his far. To be certain his destructive cycles will continue.
@@sadsciuidae3425 who knows? We will see.
hats off to Taylor for telling the truth ,. not sugar coating shit ,. his words will help some of the younger active duty folks out there for sure
That French Legionaire nonsense he just made up. He don't even knows where to go to. you don't knock on the door in Paris.
Mike,he is bulshitting you
I’ve been a listener for a few years now. As a civilian, I relate more to Taylor than any other guest. I spent well over a decade in self destruction. Everything he said about the drugs was spot on. I also noticed he made the point to distinguish between relocating to center yourself, and constantly running away from yourself. I did both. He went to Hawaii to get high. I chose to leave home as a teen and chase a dope habit across the country while hopping freight trains across America.
But like Taylor, I could only run for so long. I’ve found the peace of mind and drive he has, although I kinda wish I could’ve done so via the French Foreign Legion lol. Cheers dudes
👏 All the best to you mate from down under
He was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted....He's a complete BS artist.
He hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos with anyone who'll talk to him him in the US.
You're never more than 3 days in Fort de Nogent and there never more than 10 to 15 guys there before being shipped to Augbane, the only tests carried out are a prelim security interview and basic med check and sign a prelim contract, the vetting process is carried out in Aubagne and takes to 3 to 4 weeks.
You're also not in civilian clothes, you're in track suits even in Paris, you're also paid from the moment you sign your initial contract paper in Paris, you're not obliged to change you ID and you're only forced to change your ID if you have an outstanding warrant.
As for caring that he was a SEAL, they honestly don't care given the fact that they've had ex-SAS and SBS operators in the Legion.
"All the guys coming to the Legion can't swim"....spare me, I was a lifeguard and served with a Hungarian former member of Olympic water polo team.
Also lies about the food (it's outsourced in the main barracks as is the cleaning and recruits make the food under supervision at the Farm) and getting less food than regular French troops.
He served in an engineer regiment (6 REG) which is outside Avignon on the Rhone not the Rhine, he has no deployment medals (neither French Guyane nor the training mission to Estonia were deployments) which is strange given 6 REG deployed as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel was still in full flow until 2022 and he has a National Defence Medal and a Territorial Defence Medal.
I find it strange given he's an ex SEAL he didn't choose to serve with either 2 REP / 2 REI / 1 Cav /13 DBLE unless of course he was so badly ranked in basic that he wasn't given a choice because his story about the GCM is BS.
The percentage of French in the Legion is more 40 to 60%, they're required to change their nationality regardless of criminal background and their nationalities are changed to any country that speaks French i.e. Belgium, Monaco.
Also lies on rounds going off in a room, you don't have access to live rounds on guard duty plus range safety is extremely rigorous.
Also BS on the Legion allowing guys to go home to get their families.
There's no strippers at Christmas coming on the barracks.
Catering & cleaning contracts are outsourced so he wasn't working in the kitchens.
...as for being in a private residence that's a lie, he would have gone to either a Legion operated rehab facility outside of Marseille or the French military rehab facility at Besançon.
Renting an apartment or owning a car is a violation of regulations and jail time.
There also isn't a stack of rocks nd no 15km run with a 15Kg rock, he also doesn't know Legion history, giving citizenship to foreigners didn't start when the Legion was created.
The rule of "Par la Sang Verse" - By Blood Spilt didn't come in until much later.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
Nous sommes tous très fiers de nos légionnaires en France 🇫🇷
I've never seen a guy so lucky to get out of so many self-inflicted jams only to wind up still crashing and burning. Glad he found himself and is always striving for inner peace.
BTW, I stumbled across a really good Legion documentary here on YT about jungle training that takes place in the middle of the Amazon in Guyana. The lead instructor is an absolute legend and the training looks beyond brutal. Check it out.
Yeah, I watched that. That seems like hell to me, I am from Northern EU and absolutely hate jungle just due to its nature conditions. I think they mentioned the school is ran by Legion but a lot of other countries use it too, even t1 units like SBS & SAS.
Watched that too.. some good lessons, never stand up in the boat!
This man is definitely one of the best interviewers out there, and T Cav is just an absolute unit. Love the content.
I like how Mike asks questions to lead to the story line, and he always stick to the cord and never got lost by getting too deep into one or two detail. Very orientated and logical. Easy to follow and interesting for us as a listeners.
Supricingly, all the next questions are what i would ask, this make it more addicted to me to stick with the channel.
And this dude has a very wild first half life while serving the country. I wish him the best on his new life and new identity.
Mike, to be truthful, I stumbled on your channel, and this is the first Interview I have watched on your channel. By far the one of the BEST I have ever seen! I thought Shawn Ryan had the Podcast market cornered in this Arena, Not so.....Keep up the great content. Amazing story with this former Knucklehead! (No disrespect Taylor, what a story!!) I too had a similar path, and was a straight knucklehead, just didn't take the Military route. I joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in 1987 and did almost 28 years. I've got the upmost respect for ANYONE who has served. Thank you to both of you.
Well I think Shawn is still the man, but I sure appreciate the kind words and support
This dude is so down to earth. He doesn’t display that I’m a bad ass attitude. Thanks for your service
This has been the most interesting and exciting interview I’ve seen in TH-cam. I feel like I’m watching a debrief by Mike and he doesn’t hesitate to ask the best question. Brilliant. Thx to both Taylor and Mike. Damn this was good.
This is incredible! I never served but even as a civi it's jut his us hope that if a SEAL can get through it we all can.
Great show! I was USMC and then the Foreign Legion. I found myself wanting to join in to that conversation!
5 years in FFL? Is it true they don’t let you do 15 for a full retirement ?
It wasn’t when I was in but that was more then a decade before Taylor, and I was under the impression that it changed from 15 to 20 a year or 2 after I got out.
I remember you 😂
@@Broncsdale He was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted....He's a complete BS artist.
He hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos with anyone who'll talk to him him in the US.
You should have seen all the holes in this grifters story.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
Man , I love Taylor. He has helped me so much with my reset. He's not scared of honesty
This dude is badass yeah; but he basically has let down anyone that gave him a chance to make something out of himself. Dude, there’s so many SEALs to pick and admire.
I found this video by accident and when I saw it was almost 3 hours long, I was like, "f--- that!" But I started watching it anyway and wound up watching the whole thing. A truly fascinating story. Thanks to both of you!
😂 I have a short attention span too (normally) but these hour long podcasts by Mike Ritland and Shawn Ryan to name a couple of my favorites, are just fascinating! Before, I would have passed on anything longer than 30 minutes. But these guys just keep me hanging on to their stories.
Same here I got sucked in and chose this over sleep today 😂
Not very disciplined thing to do there but worth it
Mike. I am good friends with a guy that was in the national guard that was two weeks behind this guy in FFL training that left and went to Ukraine. I'd be more than happy to give you his details if you'd ever want to interview him. He's got some crazy stuff he's participated in as well.
Where can people find the guy you're talking about what's the @?
@@camouflagekumquat3412
That’s top secret 😂😂😂
This guy is a true badass. A lot of the most highly decorated soldiers/Marines/sailors don’t have the most squeaky clean service records, they have a history of getting in trouble.
I really liked the idea of joining the French Foreign Legion after I got out of the military, but I do not think I’m smart enough to learn a new language so fast.
I bet you are smart enough though
Remember this guy from the 2REG, I served there from 2014 autumn 'til 2020 March. Also passed GCM test in 2018 just before Christmas. Later had some lower back problem, and was returned to 2nd Compagnie. Two of my roommates, a serbian and an english guy served in GCM for a few years.
Cheers from Transylvania
How long is the selection for the GCM?
@@phyo1716 for me it took only one week. You have to know, that GCM, as was mentioned in the podcast, has to parts, PCG (plongeurs combat genie) and GCM (groupement commando montaigne). For those, who want to join PCG, there is one more week of preparation, and they are the second best payed plongeur group in France,the first being the guys from the 13RG in Valdahon. After you pass selection, you go for an initial training for six weeks. Than you become a commando. After that you go for like 2-3 years for different kind of trainings, important to know, that if you fail a training process twice, you get dropped from the commando groupe. Also, if you sign up for a few more years, it is almost necessary to absolve NCO school. It is a long process.
Hope that helped. If have any more questions, please drop it. Cheers
So dope to see Taylor climbing the “social media” ladder over the past couple months. Great interview. This one and Austin Hancock’s interview are both excellent. Good shit 👊🏻
Dude graduated to Mike drop quick ! Damn good interview
This guy is a real one. He reminds me of myself, former Army (68W, 68R), PharmD, Cisco CCNA, and yet still fell on my knees.
I just re-watched this. I follow Taylor on a couple of platforms. He's the guy that will lift you and inspire you! He'll burn any excuses or at least make you question them! What a beautiful human! He's come out on the other side and sharing how you can do the same! We need more of this!! Mike's reactions are epic, can tell he's taking this man's journey in and has respect for Taylor's slugging in the mud and making out and work in the best possible way!🙏
love Taylor. Completely honest and accepts responsibility for his actions!! Thank GOD for men like him that do our dirty work!!
Accepts* go back to school you’re embarrassing yourself.
@@JohnSmith-ei6sc my bad
Ive seen damn near every Mic Drop episode and this one has to be top 5 maybe higher. This story and the way Mike develops chemistry and is able to stay in chronological order made this a riveting watch. Dude has seen it all this has to be 1% of what hes been through. Thanks Mike as always for being the legend you are and bringing the greatest interviews out there.
Mike does have a weird obsession about asking Taylor about how much pipe he laid in Hawaii and French Guyana and if he has a girlfriend. Some weird voyeurism there..
This dude deserves a Hollywood movie 🎥
A fascinating discussion and most impressive that Taylor took the brave step to use the Legion to bring discipline into his life and has come out of this in a better place!
Taylor is legit ! I hope his channel keeps grow and he goes on more podcasts should be on Shawn Ryan show !
💯 I think we should ALL suggest that to Shawn. 👌😉
Awesome interview, Mike. Taylor's authenticity is the golden thread. God bless you all.
Sadly, it is just a facade. He is selling a brand. The lack of authenticity is the sad part. A great charismatic salesman for sure.
Hey there, last thing I thought I would do in a sleepless night is to listen to an almost 3 hour long podcast of an ex-SEAL- ex-addict-ex-con-almost-ex-legionnaire's first hand account of his life so far - and I am seriously impressed. All respect to this dude, keep it up. Great host work too, first time I heard Mike and sounded really great. Kudos
"I couldn't be in my skin" is the most accurate way ive ever heard someone describe the pain and agony of withdrawls from dope. Happy you made it to the otherside!
"Leaning into the truth" - such a simple concept, but it's also one I learned a bit later than I should have. Good to see Taylor on here, and thanks Mike for asking all the food and accommodation questions!
Been watching Taylor's TH-cam channel and when I saw he was going to be on your podcast I knew I couldn't miss this! Great interview Mike! Well done Gents!!!❤❤❤❤
Mike this was an awesome interview and thank you Taylor for sharing your incredible life, this is inspiring me to join, lol! Peace and love✌🏾 ❤️
Amazingly candid interview. The guest was allowed to speak freely. The interviewer asked meaningful and relevant questions and even allowed the guest to speak what he thought might be important. Bravo Zulu to both.
He was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted....He's a complete BS artist.
He hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos with anyone who'll talk to him him in the US.
You're never more than 3 days in Fort de Nogent and there never more than 10 to 15 guys there before being shipped to Augbane, the only tests carried out are a prelim security interview and basic med check and sign a prelim contract, the vetting process is carried out in Aubagne and takes to 3 to 4 weeks.
You're also not in civilian clothes, you're in track suits even in Paris, you're also paid from the moment you sign your initial contract paper in Paris, you're not obliged to change you ID and you're only forced to change your ID if you have an outstanding warrant.
As for caring that he was a SEAL, they honestly don't care given the fact that they've had ex-SAS and SBS operators in the Legion.
"All the guys coming to the Legion can't swim"....spare me, I was a lifeguard and served with a Hungarian former member of Olympic water polo team.
Also lies about the food (it's outsourced in the main barracks as is the cleaning and recruits make the food under supervision at the Farm) and getting less food than regular French troops.
He served in an engineer regiment (6 REG) which is outside Avignon on the Rhone not the Rhine, he has no deployment medals (neither French Guyane nor the training mission to Estonia were deployments) which is strange given 6 REG deployed as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel was still in full flow until 2022 and he has a National Defence Medal and a Territorial Defence Medal.
I find it strange given he's an ex SEAL he didn't choose to serve with either 2 REP / 2 REI / 1 Cav /13 DBLE unless of course he was so badly ranked in basic that he wasn't given a choice because his story about the GCM is BS.
The percentage of French in the Legion is more 40 to 60%, they're required to change their nationality regardless of criminal background and their nationalities are changed to any country that speaks French i.e. Belgium, Monaco.
Also lies on rounds going off in a room, you don't have access to live rounds on guard duty plus range safety is extremely rigorous.
Also BS on the Legion allowing guys to go home to get their families.
There's no strippers at Christmas coming on the barracks.
Catering & cleaning contracts are outsourced so he wasn't working in the kitchens.
...as for being in a private residence that's a lie, he would have gone to either a Legion operated rehab facility outside of Marseille or the French military rehab facility at Besançon.
Renting an apartment or owning a car is a violation of regulations and jail time.
There also isn't a stack of rocks nd no 15km run with a 15Kg rock, he also doesn't know Legion history, giving citizenship to foreigners didn't start when the Legion was created.
The rule of "Par la Sang Verse" - By Blood Spilt didn't come in until much later.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
Just discovered Taylor and his story a couple weeks ago. This is right on time. Thanks Mike, another genuine guest. Good shit dude.
An amazing testament to the power of "giving it up" willingly and being very clear about the reflection of oneself in life's mirror when he had that pivotal moment in Hawaii. So glad to hear this sort of nearly impossible story. I have to confess there were several "shake my head" moments in the first half of this great interview when I felt like, "what!"... However, as I listened more - which I felt very difficult NOT to do, what unfolded was the story of a man blessed with many talents, and underneath them all was a fixed virtue. Redemption of the likes that only comes from sacrifice and humility before the creator and learning of his own real value. Well done, Taylor Cavanaugh and much respect for your fixed vision in life and the most important part of which (in my opinion) is knowing there's something He has for you to do. Godspeed and blessings to you for the candid story of your life....thus far. In closing, many thanks to you, Mike Ritland for an exceptionally well executed interview. Love your channel and as a fellow working dog lover I appreciate very much all of your work with K9's.
Really admire this man’s honesty and how he completely takes responsibility for mistakes
Man what a blessing finding this… true proof that we can make it through whatever issues when the right mindset is in place. Taylor thank you for your epic honesty I salute you sir!
One American (SEAL) comes over to FFL, and starts sharing the unknowns (writing a book and making videos) about the FFL. I’m sure they’re real happy with him.
i mean, they should be. The only thing i knew about them before was it's a french army for criminals trying to gain citizenship and avoid jail in their home country.... now i know that is true, but it's also a pretty cool organization and does decent work around the globe. he hasn't bad mouthed them or dished on the ffl in any way.
For the FFL it's a good thing, it's pretty much a promotion for them. Probably going to make more people interested in joining.
Very very few criminals and alot of exagération. The legion does not need this guy getting dumb asses who play too much COD trying to getting in wasting time. Most guys are ex military from their country and come because of military cuts. Many leave after 5years and dont even ask to apply for citizenship.
Free publicity it's free 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
@@Dr.Zoidberg087 so you knew a bunch of bull and not much fact
A german GSG9 guy would probably be fluent in english and there´s a high chance he would be fluent in french too.^^ We are obligated to learn at least english and in high school at least 1-2 additional languages in germany and in europe it is common to learn at least one foreign language in school. I even got a certificate that i could enroll in french university without a language test, which is normally required, when i graduated from german high school. Living near Ramstein, i´m used talking to Americans and it really helped me to get really fluent in english and even think in english when spending time with a native speaker. When i was drafted in a german airborne unit i was interpreter for our officers when working with french soldiers. We got some kind of exchange-program with the french airborne. I´m glad that i had these opportunitys. Thank you for this podcast. Really enjoyed it. "Glück ab" from a former german airborne recon.
One of the coolest guys I have heard talk in a LONG TIME!
Don’t know how and why the algorithm popped your channel on my feed with this story, but boy am I pleased!!! I was glued to every minute
Thank you Mike! I've always been fascinated with the Legion. God bless you and God Bless the United States of America! 💪🇺🇸👍
that ain't no legionaire but a great bullshitter
The legion is 50% German Hitler Jungen.
Shouldn't Taylor be thanked?
@@annabee75your opinion or is there some source discrediting him.?
Id say most SEAL fanbois fall under the bullshitter category.
nah this dude is just shitting under few comments already, some rager troll@@idrathergetaidsthangetwoke9145
I grew up in the military housing right above the stadium too. Crazy to hear him mention it. He seems like a super chill guy that’s been through a lot. Great guest
Thanks for this one, Mike. Taylor is a solid dude and I'm looking forward to his book. The interviews keep getting better and better - you've definitely got a knack for this, brother.
He was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted....He's a complete BS artist.
He hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos with anyone who'll talk to him him in the US.
You're never more than 3 days in Fort de Nogent and there never more than 10 to 15 guys there before being shipped to Augbane, the only tests carried out are a prelim security interview and basic med check and sign a prelim contract, the vetting process is carried out in Aubagne and takes to 3 to 4 weeks.
You're also not in civilian clothes, you're in track suits even in Paris, you're also paid from the moment you sign your initial contract paper in Paris, you're not obliged to change you ID and you're only forced to change your ID if you have an outstanding warrant.
As for caring that he was a SEAL, they honestly don't care given the fact that they've had ex-SAS and SBS operators in the Legion.
"All the guys coming to the Legion can't swim"....spare me, I was a lifeguard and served with a Hungarian former member of Olympic water polo team.
Also lies about the food (it's outsourced in the main barracks as is the cleaning and recruits make the food under supervision at the Farm) and getting less food than regular French troops.
He served in an engineer regiment (6 REG) which is outside Avignon on the Rhone not the Rhine, he has no deployment medals (neither French Guyane nor the training mission to Estonia were deployments) which is strange given 6 REG deployed as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel was still in full flow until 2022 and he has a National Defence Medal and a Territorial Defence Medal.
I find it strange given he's an ex SEAL he didn't choose to serve with either 2 REP / 2 REI / 1 Cav /13 DBLE unless of course he was so badly ranked in basic that he wasn't given a choice because his story about the GCM is BS.
The percentage of French in the Legion is more 40 to 60%, they're required to change their nationality regardless of criminal background and their nationalities are changed to any country that speaks French i.e. Belgium, Monaco.
Also lies on rounds going off in a room, you don't have access to live rounds on guard duty plus range safety is extremely rigorous.
Also BS on the Legion allowing guys to go home to get their families.
There's no strippers at Christmas coming on the barracks.
Catering & cleaning contracts are outsourced so he wasn't working in the kitchens.
...as for being in a private residence that's a lie, he would have gone to either a Legion operated rehab facility outside of Marseille or the French military rehab facility at Besançon.
Renting an apartment or owning a car is a violation of regulations and jail time.
There also isn't a stack of rocks nd no 15km run with a 15Kg rock, he also doesn't know Legion history, giving citizenship to foreigners didn't start when the Legion was created.
The rule of "Par la Sang Verse" - By Blood Spilt didn't come in until much later.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
What a man, sometimes it's easy to be dissolutioned by how ultra successful these people are. But this man was human consistently fucking up consistently "succeeding" going through very human struggles withdrawal, self improvement etc. fantastic story!
Love how this dude seems insane near the beginning, but as it unwinds you see that he's actually pretty clear headed, down to earth and widely experienced. Also refreshing to see an operator doing interesting stuff in life beyond being bogged down in hand wringing over US domestic politics stuff.
Been watching Taylor for a month or so. Super inspiring story, happy to see him doing some podcasts.
I have to say Mike's interview technique is excellent. Asking all the right questions extracting as much information as possible that is relevant and interesting. Taylor I like the guy has been around the block and still keeps on coming back. Good example to all that you can come back alot stronger and wiser after a few mistakes. Great interview !
I'm a veteran and when I got out the service had a similar addiction and you nailed it that was the hardest thing I've ever done was staying clean, thanks for the story we aren't alone
My favorite podcast so far man. Crazy ass story. Definitely, not your typical “SEAL” story for sure. Thanks, Taylor, for sharing your story man. Very motivating and inspirational. Thanks for putting it out there Mike! 👊
It's very impressive! I'm French and coming from Seal (San Diego) to Legion (Saint Christol) it is like coming back to the Middle Age! Like he said it is like coming back to the Marine Corps in 1980. It is a tough life.
Having been USMC the entire 80's it was interesting to hear. Plus I was around the Legion in Beirut.
@@jarhead4657 He was going to jail because broke the conditions of his contract as he had his ID changed so he deserted....He's a complete BS artist.
He hasn't gone back to France because he's still making videos with anyone who'll talk to him him in the US.
You're never more than 3 days in Fort de Nogent and there never more than 10 to 15 guys there before being shipped to Augbane, the only tests carried out are a prelim security interview and basic med check and sign a prelim contract, the vetting process is carried out in Aubagne and takes to 3 to 4 weeks.
You're also not in civilian clothes, you're in track suits even in Paris, you're also paid from the moment you sign your initial contract paper in Paris, you're not obliged to change you ID and you're only forced to change your ID if you have an outstanding warrant.
As for caring that he was a SEAL, they honestly don't care given the fact that they've had ex-SAS and SBS operators in the Legion.
"All the guys coming to the Legion can't swim"....spare me, I was a lifeguard and served with a Hungarian former member of Olympic water polo team.
Also lies about the food (it's outsourced in the main barracks as is the cleaning and recruits make the food under supervision at the Farm) and getting less food than regular French troops.
He served in an engineer regiment (6 REG) which is outside Avignon on the Rhone not the Rhine, he has no deployment medals (neither French Guyane nor the training mission to Estonia were deployments) which is strange given 6 REG deployed as part of Operation Barkhane in the Sahel was still in full flow until 2022 and he has a National Defence Medal and a Territorial Defence Medal.
I find it strange given he's an ex SEAL he didn't choose to serve with either 2 REP / 2 REI / 1 Cav /13 DBLE unless of course he was so badly ranked in basic that he wasn't given a choice because his story about the GCM is BS.
The percentage of French in the Legion is more 40 to 60%, they're required to change their nationality regardless of criminal background and their nationalities are changed to any country that speaks French i.e. Belgium, Monaco.
Also lies on rounds going off in a room, you don't have access to live rounds on guard duty plus range safety is extremely rigorous.
Also BS on the Legion allowing guys to go home to get their families.
There's no strippers at Christmas coming on the barracks.
Catering & cleaning contracts are outsourced so he wasn't working in the kitchens.
...as for being in a private residence that's a lie, he would have gone to either a Legion operated rehab facility outside of Marseille or the French military rehab facility at Besançon.
Renting an apartment or owning a car is a violation of regulations and jail time.
There also isn't a stack of rocks nd no 15km run with a 15Kg rock, he also doesn't know Legion history, giving citizenship to foreigners didn't start when the Legion was created.
The rule of "Par la Sang Verse" - By Blood Spilt didn't come in until much later.
I served 6 years (5 year contract + 1 year extension) with 2 REI and 13 DBLE
"Growin a beard and gettin weird!"
That's hilarious 😂. I'm using that
Excellent video and interview. One of the best and most honest I’ve seen. Thanks to you both.
Taylor has had a very interesting life, this was a awesome interview.
Big thank you to Mike and Taylor, hope everyone and there families has a safe and awesome Christma.
Great episode Mike . Been following Taylor’s TH-cam channel for a while. Congrats to Taylor for conquering his demons and rebuilding his life.
Never seen or heard of this show. Literally stumbled upon it accidentally. Glad I did. You’re a great interviewer.
Retired Military and I thought this video was awesome! Mike and Taylor fantastic show! 😎👍🏿
Great interview Mike! I listen to TCAV on a regular basis and have learned great deal about myself and take his lessons to heart. What an incredible journey with more of the story to come as he moves forward in his life. Stay the course!