I'd say that there is a difference between "being a mercenary" and "joining a foreign military." I'd argue that the Brigade of Gurkhas and FFL are an example of the latter. In fact, since 1997 Gurkhas can transfer out of the Bridgade of Gurkhas into regular Army units, if they like.
Also, under protocol 1 of the Geneva Conventions, clauses 47e & f, neither are considered mercenaries. If that matters to you.
Both the Gurkhas and FFL attract recruits for many reasons. Some are indeed financial, especially with the Gurkhas- the prospect of escaping endemic poverty and earning a pension, as well as residency rights in Britain can be a strong motivator. But that obviously isn't just about getting paid. That's about changing your life, and that of your family. Such things instill loyalty that a mere shilling does not. Also a sense of adventure, and being able to leave the valley you were born in. A new start. (The FFL offers actual citizenship, but I don't think the Brigade of Gurkha do.) Respect- which both the Gurkha and FFL get, whereas mercenaries most emphatically do not.
Many reasons. Similar to the reasons that many foreign nationals join the US military, though we do not firewall them off in their own units as with the Gurkha or FFL.
Whew! Well, in short I agree that neither the Gurkha nor FFL are mercenaries, even if the FFL does seem to willingly adopt that label as a sort of badge of badassery.
Also, under protocol 1 of the Geneva Conventions, clauses 47e & f, neither are considered mercenaries. If that matters to you.
Both the Gurkhas and FFL attract recruits for many reasons. Some are indeed financial, especially with the Gurkhas- the prospect of escaping endemic poverty and earning a pension, as well as residency rights in Britain can be a strong motivator. But that obviously isn't just about getting paid. That's about changing your life, and that of your family. Such things instill loyalty that a mere shilling does not. Also a sense of adventure, and being able to leave the valley you were born in. A new start. (The FFL offers actual citizenship, but I don't think the Brigade of Gurkha do.) Respect- which both the Gurkha and FFL get, whereas mercenaries most emphatically do not.
Many reasons. Similar to the reasons that many foreign nationals join the US military, though we do not firewall them off in their own units as with the Gurkha or FFL.
Whew! Well, in short I agree that neither the Gurkha nor FFL are mercenaries, even if the FFL does seem to willingly adopt that label as a sort of badge of badassery.
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