AALE and JAL: Evolution?
Between impeccably organized traditions… and evolutions that overflow the boundaries. Associations of former legionnaires were created to bring together those who have experienced something that can never truly be explained to others. A story of mud, fatigue, brotherhood… and memories that are only half-told, because the other half is either guessed or left unsaid.
Officially, they talk about ceremonies, flags, and traditions. Unofficially, everyone knows that the essence lies elsewhere: in the phone call made at the right moment, the drink shared for no good reason, and that strange connection that sometimes allows you to understand each other without finishing sentences. In short, the Legion spirit doesn't reside in statutes. It circulates among people and likes to take shortcuts.
Each association has its own character. Garrison town, deep countryside, or remote corner of the world, each tells a different story. This is what makes them so valuable… and sometimes leads to endless meetings.
Officially, they talk about ceremonies, flags, and traditions. Unofficially, everyone knows that the essence lies elsewhere: in the phone call made at the right moment, the drink shared for no good reason, and that strange connection that sometimes allows you to understand each other without finishing sentences. In short, the Legion spirit doesn't reside in statutes. It circulates among people and likes to take shortcuts.
Each association has its own character. Garrison town, deep countryside, or remote corner of the world, each tells a different story. This is what makes them so valuable… and sometimes leads to endless meetings.
Young Veterans (JAL): The Question That Always Comes Up
One question comes up regularly: “How do we attract young veteran legionnaires?” A good question. An excellent one, even. It comes up with remarkable consistency, proof that it has never truly found a simple answer.
It must be said that serving five years, fifteen years, or thirty years is not exactly the same adventure. For some, the Legion was a defining chapter. For others, the entire book, with appendices and footnotes. Same uniform, different impressions.
Retirees have time. Active members are looking for it. All have known the same institution, but each left it at a different point in their life. As a result, there is much talk of cohesion, but it cannot be decreed at a board meeting, between two “miscellaneous” items. It is built slowly, through mutual understanding… and sometimes through deliberate silences.
It must be said that serving five years, fifteen years, or thirty years is not exactly the same adventure. For some, the Legion was a defining chapter. For others, the entire book, with appendices and footnotes. Same uniform, different impressions.
Retirees have time. Active members are looking for it. All have known the same institution, but each left it at a different point in their life. As a result, there is much talk of cohesion, but it cannot be decreed at a board meeting, between two “miscellaneous” items. It is built slowly, through mutual understanding… and sometimes through deliberate silences.
Beware of the Rube Goldberg Machine!
Joining the JAL (Junior Association of Former Members) is a project. And every project requires a leader, volunteers, and resources. When resources are limited, it's best to avoid overly complex plans with a broken elevator on the third floor.
We could launch studies, statistics, and very serious federal plans, complete with reassuring arrows, colors, and acronyms. But the reality is simpler, and above all, more stubborn: each association is unique, and none can truly be categorized.
Many young alumni still see these associations as retiree clubs. "They're old people," they sometimes say, and almost always, before returning one day, for a memory or out of necessity.
Besides, let's be honest, the majority of current members only joined after retirement. So why try to force a timeline that life seems to have already settled, in its own way, long ago?
We could launch studies, statistics, and very serious federal plans, complete with reassuring arrows, colors, and acronyms. But the reality is simpler, and above all, more stubborn: each association is unique, and none can truly be categorized.
Many young alumni still see these associations as retiree clubs. "They're old people," they sometimes say, and almost always, before returning one day, for a memory or out of necessity.
Besides, let's be honest, the majority of current members only joined after retirement. So why try to force a timeline that life seems to have already settled, in its own way, long ago?
A dynamic federation... or a perfectly organized one?
Not forcing things doesn't mean giving up. Young veterans are a real asset: energy, fresh ideas, modern reflexes. But they need to be given space and, above all, a voice, not just a seat at the end of the table.
One somewhat uncomfortable question remains:
Is our federal organization—its board of directors, regional delegates, and well-oiled systems—truly designed for our times?
Or is it simply very good at functioning exactly as it always has… for over a century?
The world has changed, and so has communication. Instant messaging, social media, information circulating faster than a well-written order of service. These are the tools that connect generations today, whether we like it or not. And sometimes despite ourselves.
One somewhat uncomfortable question remains:
Is our federal organization—its board of directors, regional delegates, and well-oiled systems—truly designed for our times?
Or is it simply very good at functioning exactly as it always has… for over a century?
The world has changed, and so has communication. Instant messaging, social media, information circulating faster than a well-written order of service. These are the tools that connect generations today, whether we like it or not. And sometimes despite ourselves.
What if we thought differently?
A more flexible model, inspired by initiatives like "À moi la Légion" (The Legion is Mine), but adapted to the federal level, might be worth considering.
For example, a small, streamlined unit, connected to the AALE (Association of Former Legionnaires) and its members, capable of quickly matching a need with a skill, anywhere in Europe.
Less delay, more connection. Less paperwork, more action.
Because conversely, if every piece of information has to go up, be validated, go back down, then be reformulated… some will have already changed their phone number before receiving a response and may even have passed away.
For example, a small, streamlined unit, connected to the AALE (Association of Former Legionnaires) and its members, capable of quickly matching a need with a skill, anywhere in Europe.
Less delay, more connection. Less paperwork, more action.
Because conversely, if every piece of information has to go up, be validated, go back down, then be reformulated… some will have already changed their phone number before receiving a response and may even have passed away.
Leaving the door ajar
Ultimately, it may not be about forcing young veterans into a rigid framework.
But about accepting that this framework can evolve without betraying its core values.
Perhaps the connection is being forged differently today.
Perhaps it is less visible, less ceremonial.
But perhaps it is simply finding ways around overly restrictive doors.
And perhaps by accepting this, the Legion spirit will continue to live on.
Not exactly as it did yesterday.
But alive enough to last until tomorrow.
But about accepting that this framework can evolve without betraying its core values.
Perhaps the connection is being forged differently today.
Perhaps it is less visible, less ceremonial.
But perhaps it is simply finding ways around overly restrictive doors.
And perhaps by accepting this, the Legion spirit will continue to live on.
Not exactly as it did yesterday.
But alive enough to last until tomorrow.