Padraig O'Keefe

I came across this book while searching for material on the French Foreign Legion. I was surprised to discover it's author came from a small town (Cobh, Ireland) just outside the city (Cork) where I grew up. While Cobh is about as close to a "military town" as you're going to find in Ireland (the Irish Naval Service is based there), with one exception I never knew anyone who was on a military deployment overseas, let alone someone who joined the French Foreign Legion. So I was drawn to read this book.

Essentially the book is split into two halves. The first half deals with Pádraig's Legion service, the second with his life as a private security contractor. I found the Legion part intriguing, but it lacks the detail I was looking for on training, hardships, etc. That said, it's a good starting point for me and I'll find those details elsewhere. The second half on life as a private security contractor was definitely an eye opener. His description of wannabe "Rambos" with ninja death stars is hilarious, even to a non-military guy like me; don't worry, those guys didn't even make if outside the security compound!

The funs soon stops when you realize what these guys actually go through in a war zone. His final battle is described in excruciating detail and is almost painful to read. One thing that really stuck out in my mind is that he didn't insist his buddies bodies be retrieved by the rescue team, but then repeatedly states how he regrets the bodies were never recovered - I won't even try to understand, I've never been in combat and wouldn't second guess someone in that situation. I think he's probably one of the luckiest guys on earth to be still alive.

After he was treated and stabilized for his wounds, Pádraig opted to go back to Ireland to recuperate and have follow up treatment. While Irish healthcare is first class in my opinion, there often isn't enough of it to go around and when Pádraig had to wait three days for treatment and a hospital bed, it brought a wry smile of recognition to my face.

If Pádraig ever reads this, I wish him all the best in his future endeavors and hope he made a full recovery.… (plus d'informations)