TCAV TV: 1st Day in France - Story 4 

Your story has motivated me to go all in.....again. I'm a Marine vet that has felt lost for some time now. Nothing to my name and a shitty life. Watching you made me decide to change things. Now I'm contacting a recruiter for US Border Patrol. Thank you for lighting a fire under my ass. I needed it

French citizen here… Thanks a lot for your videos. SEALs are world famous. Our Legion Étrangère is legendary here and also known in the whole world. When you meet legionnaires on their free time they are incredibly generous guys with « big hearts » as we say here. On duty they are phenomenal warriors respected and feared everywhere. As a French guy as many others, much respect for being a SEAL. But being a Legionnaire, fighting for our country 🇫🇷 patroling for Vigie Pirate in my country hits completely differently. Tu es aussi francais maintenant ! I hope you ll find what you re looking for in The Legion and that you are enjoying France and our culture. Many thanks and respect for joining the Legion Étrangère. 🙏 🤙 🇫🇷

I’m a Marine vet. Infantry. Your frank discussion and honesty is telling of your character. Much respect. I dreamt of a Legio Patria Nostra life after the Corps but I didn’t have the guts to do it. You had the guts to do it. Well done. Hope your career in the Legion is all that you hoped it would be. Be well.

Good shit man! When I was with MARSOC back in ‘07-08 we had this dude from Senegal in our company and I remember one day we had to stop by his barracks room and he had this green looking beret like yours on top of his desk and I asked him where that was from as I’d never seen a beret like that and he told me he was in the French Foreign Legion and I was speechless. Dude was a solid fighter! Mad respect for you all! New subscriber.

Cav, these few videos have me captivated. I’m 62 and a retired CW4 Army Aviator, and I thought I’ve heard all the stories about overcoming adversity. But I can hear the strength in your voice and see it in your eyes. If you chronicle it right, at the end, it will be a best selling book that would motivate and encourage others who need your strong words. Keep it coming Brother

I am retired military and now work as a veterans advocate and service officer. I talk to vets that are in bad circumstances and have severe problems. Your story is an inspiration. You owned your mistakes and overcame adversity. That’s what a real man does! I think this can motivate others to do the same. Stay strong! Much love and respect!

I joined the marines to turn my life around because I fucked up so much growing up. With all the noise on social media now a days fake news fake influencers, it’s refreshing hearing your authentic story. You remind me of rich piana when he was still with us. I hope you keep pushing content because this next generation needs to hear your message. They’re doomed without your wisdom

Just binged your 4 stories. Keep them coming mate! Support from Scotland 💪

Mate... I served 24 years in the British Army, been out for 8 now and miss it every day. It's a wavelength thing, I could listen to you and have a beer and a chat all day. The military is like a bug and once you identify the greater good that it can bring to your life it makes everything clearer and more stable. I worked with FFL guys in Macedonia and Kosovo in 1999, great bunch of guys. Looking forward to more of your tales and life lessons. All the best.

Thank you for sharing your story. I was an Army vet, cavalry scout, who served in Iraq in 2005, got out in 2006. Civilian life was hard around 2009 with the job market and high cost of living. I was stuck with debt , high rent, working two jobs, and then I was thinking about joining the French Foreign Legion as a way out of my madness. At the time I didn't follow through but much respect for your decision. Sometimes you have to lift your chin up and do what needs to be done.

Somehow the RU-vid algorithm brought up your videos. I’m 25 and enlisting into the USMC as an infantryman. Your channel has a lot of potential, your stories are motivating, and you could be a huge role model for young guys tryna get their lives together and/or join the military.

Much respect! I'm a Canadian vet. My friend joined the Légion étrangère after his discharged from the Canadian military. I always had so much respect for him and taking his life back. Continue de mettre du contenu comme cela sur RU-vid, tres pertinent!

Great Fun hearing your stories with your enthusiasm and humor..make this old warrior wish I was 34 again😉💯 I will add that your references to own your actions and make command decisions instead of seeking someone to do it for you..and personal responsibility is always a timeless and enduring message!!! Well Done !

Great Fun hearing your stories with your enthusiasm and humor..make this old warrior wish I was 34 again😉💯 I will add that your references to own your actions and make command decisions instead of seeking someone to do it for you..is always acenduring message!!! Well Done !

The way you communicate, stripped of any empty words or bullshit, is captivating. Principles hardened like steel.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from these, but I listened. And the thing that came through so clearly was the honesty. Massive respect for sharing the backstory, owning it, and your message of taking responsibility for your life. God bless brother.

After watching your videos, I’ve realized that the process of joining the Legion is more than simply a process, it’s a metaphor for life change. Walking through a single door, handing over your passport, stripped of all worldly possessions and your identity. Saying farewell to your loved ones and your past. What you’re left with is what’s on your back and what’s in your heart, allowing you to rediscover who you truly are. Twice in my life I’ve been stripped down to the utter necessities and had to face abrupt circumstances, it’s in those moments that true growth are possible. Truly inspiration story. Such candor and insight. Good luck and keep us posted.

You’ve got me hooked enough to keep watching… The sole reason: PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY That’s an honorable trait for a man to have. Good job! 👏🏼👍🏼🇺🇸

Awesome to see your growing follower numbers! One thing that is lost to most of your viewers is the significance of what you lost from leaving the teams. Only those who went through the journey truly appreciate and know what it took to earn that trident.

Sir, I think your going to help so many young people by telling your story. Everyone makes mistakes in life. That's ok. Taking responsibility and not allowing yourself to continue making bad decisions shows maturity, discipline and commitment. You got this.

I just discovered your videos, here, today, in Texas, at 11:43 p.m., on Tuesday, October 10th. Your story is gripping. Enjoy learning more about the French foreign legion but it's your personal stories that really gets me. Basically saying don't just talk about what you're going to do but go do it. Own it. Get it done. 1000% right.

Master story teller and a damn good human being. Love this guy.

Fellow US veteran working in Germany. Very real statement about working in an environment where no one has that home feeling or patriotic sense and you like your in a cold place. But, growth surely comes from discomfort.

Dude your a breath of fresh air for a lot of people who need it. With your no bs approach and captivating stories your gonna do a lot of good for people. Excited to see where your channel goes.

Dude the way you explained your trip with that military voice and description of the scenario your body motions and willingness to keep going I was able to imagine the whole thing it was like reading a book thank you man.

as a US Marine there are only two organization that I admire the most is the French foreign Legion and the Gurkha's. this is due to the sheer determination of the individual willing to sacrifice everything and anything to get considered and look forward to the months and perhaps years of hardship before they are truly accepted into their unit.

Big respect to you brother. I got a similar story like you and I know how hard it was for you. I made a great decision and I left my country 16 years ago when I been drinking a taking some drugs. I felt very down and I wanted to end my life. Now no alcohol and drugs for 16 years and I feel so good and I'm fit and loving my life. You making a great videos and I love your story. Good luck to you🙏

Man you have lived a crazy live brother. From SEAL to FFL. Absolute badass.. respect

"If we could see the future we'd be FUCKIN terrified." - such a good point. Everybody thinks if they could see the future it would be some sort of benefit...but man, I never thought about it like this. All the death, the hard shit you have to go through, etc... great point. KEEP THESE VIDEOS UP!!! This is such a new and refreshing type of content - nobody talks about the Legion like this, from what seems to be the inside. I'm already hooked, brother.

Congrats ! The legion is I think the only institution to offer a second chance, and you took it ! Proud to welcome you home.

“If we could see the future we would be f#cling terrified.” It’s often true that the trial we go through to achieve things in life would turn us away if we had foresight.

US Army Combat Medic...4 years Armor, 4 years Light Inf. Gulf War Era....you know the bond is real when every....single......word has emotion

Respect Brother! U.S.Army, 2nd Inf.,,, You sir, have a bright future in your forecast! Motivational as hell!🙏

I've watched a few videos and I was hooked so I subscribed. I love this no BS approach. I think your channel is going to rapidly increase in popularity.

Marine vet here..Again, great testimony. There just comes a time in life where money and things don't mean a damn thing. Myself and others, i'm sure are past the age to take that journey into the French Foreign Legion, but there are other options to grow. Sometimes in order to gain, we have to leave behind everything we know. No seminar, book or DVD IOHO will teach one to go through and survive adversity but actually going through it. Thanks for sharing!

Just an old 11B, 88-92. I hear self realization with an amazing mix of accountability that you found on the path. Thank you for sharing. I am inspired, TCAV. Respect and I wish you the very best in life.

You are a hell of a story teller man. You’d get a truckload of hippies to sign up for The Legion with this tone. C’est un honneur pour mon pays de t’avoir reçu dans la Légion.

Remember, inside you will ALWAYS be an addict. Don’t put yourself in the position or company that will you allow the opportunity to fuck up again. God be with you.

Your interesting story, go from highs to lows to highs,,do your service in the FFL , and when you finish your service, get it all down in a book , and it will be a best seller, take as many photos as u can and integrate into your book..,great respect to you ...United Kingdom

Man, look at the way you got all these vets telling their stories that I’m willing to bet my ass they’ve been waiting for the right platform to share them on, on top of being a badass operator you’re one badass therapist too ! Mad respect man to you and all the vets on here !

This retired old Air Force guy is very impressed.

Top boy,don't let anyone tell you any different pal.Respect from Glasgow ,Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

This story needs to be a Netflix documentary, Hollywood movie or something. This guy is the real deal and a.....awesome badass. But unlike many badasses he is also humble and real.

"Those that danced were thought quite insane by those who heard no music" Nietzche SOLDIER ON, Brotherman!

Thanks for this video. Lost in my life and trying to find a path to go. Appreciate this.

Sir, i know you read these comments. I have to say ive heard all your videos and watched all the podcasts and interviews. The thing i was most impressed with is the moment you started with a small prayer in an old church. This hit me more than anything, I am Catholic and i could give a shit what anyone thinks or says, most like you. I will spend my life praying you achieve what you need. And thats real. You'll still have to put in work. Thank you for posting these videos, this was the last one i watched by the way. Stay hard.

“If you’re serious about some shit, shut the fuck up and just do it” - no truer words spoken. I weigh over 500lbs and taking my life back. Began exercising and learning how to diet correctly. Thank you, Taylor. You have helped me motivate myself.

Men who reached down and grabbed a hold, barreled through their dark past and use their experience to motivate and positively make a difference and good in the world, gets to cut in line at St Peter’s gate (proverbial for some, reality for others). Way to dig yourself out of your own grave young man👊🏽🇺🇸 🇫🇷

This journey you’ve taken and the stories you’re sharing gave me addicted for more. Thanks again, bro.

Daily reflection is so true. When one is trapped in their own cage. Look around you. The key is on the inside. Great personal accomplishment to you. Best of luck with yourself. I believe some of us create chaos consciously in our lives because it's the chaos that keeps us challenged and needing to solve the problem we create. That may sound strange, but it keeps us on the edge of life rather than living under a safety net. However, as long we don't hurt the ones we love. Life "is" our own personal struggle and achievement.

11b b4 2nd battle of fallujah vet. I'm living the life u lived after u got out.. If I wasn't probably too old now it'd be a good idea for me to try out for the same route as u. You're a legend, keep on moving forward!

This guy needs to get on the Shawn Ryan Show when he gets Stateside again

Pay attention EVERYBODY! It’s never over until it’s OVER!

What a story teller, what tenacity, what an inspiration, men of our ilk should look up to you and admire what you've been able to overcome. Sheesh, I couldn't blow more smoke up if I tried. I'm humbled here at how weak you've made me feel. Thanks for sharing fella. All that's missing is some pictures to go along with the story, awesome bro, god speed to you sir. Salute!

Former Army 11B. Your wisdom and willingness to open up is mind-boggling. Godspeed on your journey and may you continue down the right path.

Bro, you're going to blow up. when you're done with your contract come back state side get 100% VA, and start a pod cast to motivate young men who are going to replace us on the wall. Good stuff bro.

A giant leap into the unknown, much respect

“If we could see the future we would be fucking terrified.” Very true. Great video and message!

Plz keep these going even when you think youre done

Having a Navy SEAL patrolling around my city for several years seemed a little overqualified 😅 Their loss

Interesting story

Thanks for the real talk puts things into perspective..mad respect

This guy should be in the Expendables! Seriously He needs to get into Hollywood and get into action movies!

Keep sharing this journey. When you’re done you’re sitting on a gold mine. In a world where “personal brands” kill u got a lot working for you. Looking forward to watching the journey play out.

Sorry I couldn't make it through the entire soap opera. Let me recap. You were given the opportunity to be a seal, a position that people would cut off their rt nut for. Despite being a SEAL you thought it was ok to get into a barroom fight. Your country slaps your wrist and your retained. As soon as the limelight was taken off you do it again. Despite the crimes committed you got a general discharge. What a "gift" You were so grateful you traveled to Europe to join a Military group that is not the U.S's We all screw up. You placed your needs above the SEALS twice. I understand and can relate with it all, except your lack of accountability. The Legion is an option, and maybe it will help you get it together. Sir you are not a SEAL. A SEAL would not draw his mates into any controversy. The reason you were not jailed or given LTHD is because they wanted to be rid of you ASAP. You know what I'm saying is fact. What do you think happens when your C.O. has to explain to the DOD why Special Forces has a troop that can't follow basic rules and runs to another country. The DOD would want to know why the C.O. allowed this to happen how good of a leader can he be? Your telling your story to find some sort of resolution or maybe a pat on the back, but you're still placing your needs above the righteous SEALS. You go join the military in another country ok, but do it alone. All that was given to you wasn't enough. If it were you wouldn't be here on RU-vid. Good Luck, if the Legion dumps you I'm sure you could go red. I say this with great empathy, no-one will want you until you like yourself. Get of the drugs for good and get counseling and you will go so much farther, and find piece. And I think you deserve it and are worth it. Remember lose the I and use we instead. Best of luck Sir.

I was my own worse enemy from moving forward in my life I can completely relate I'm positive everybody has had they're moments some obviously worse than others

A BIG salute 🫡 from Daytona Beach… Love the motivation! And that’s exactly what it is…

I considered joining the legion in 1996 after I got destroyed in family court. I just couldn’t leave my Sons. I dealt with the consequences and pain. In the end I regained custody of my Sons. Some things are worth the struggle. Semper Fi.

Sir, I discovered your channel a few days ago, immediately subscribed. Now I'm watching this video and your subscribers went like 10x. I love your approach and insights, and apparently I am not the only one. Respect sir, from the Netherlands.

I decided to post your last two videos to my Facebook because they send a message about being motivated, and not giving up on yourself even if you find yourself mired in a dark place. Maybe your story will be that kick in the ass someone else may need. There is a difference in knowing you're in a dark place, and taking the first step to get out of that world of shit. Keep on getting up in the morning and walking that walk all the way.

Good shit man. I went through the same shit when I started my journey to the military. Not only did it save my life, but it turned into a hell of a career. btw, your a military Wes Watson.

Taylor Cavanaugh: Your Naval Service as a U.S. Navy SEAL ,and Now, an Active Duty French Foreign Legionnaire is very awe inspiring, but , what really and truly got Me ( almost choked up and teary eyed!) was that You Yourself mentioned the real and true horrors of homelessness, substance abuse, and the trials by 🔥 that All Warfighters , does NOT matter whether United States Armed Forces or even Foreign Military , goes through " The Crucible" of hard knocks,and, that You even put Your Trust and Faith in GOD( Father, Son, Holy Spirit), for " The LORD is a Warrior, The LORD is His Name"( Exodus 15:3)!! GOD ( Father, Son, Holy Spirit) Bless You, Taylor Cavanaugh. Respect from this Prior Service USMC and US Army Veteran,going on 55 Years Old on 03 April AD 2024.🇺🇸🇺🇲🪖💣💥🇫🇷🇫🇷‼️

Absolutely love this man. Just watched him on mike drop podcast. AMAZING story and redemption and transformation!!!

Fear, and desperation, are good motivators.

Just found this channel with all 4 of your videos and wow, absolutely love the stories. I am taking these videos/stories as the sign I have been asking for to make some changes in my life. Support and love from South - Africa👏

Your articulation and ability to think about what your saying before you say it is a perfect example of how a man should speak. Im going to kinda look up to you now man. Thank you.

I'm a white South African and 6 years ago I lost everything due to drugs and the wrong people. I sold my motocross bike and my bakkie (pick-up truck) and partied until I have just enough left to join the FF Legion. I also got there on a Sunday - in the middle of the winter - and went straight to the Aubagne office. Sat there in the cold snow for about 1 hour and started the pull ups. I was not able to pass the stupid pull up test and was turned away right there....my whole life turned upside down and all I ever wanted was to join the military especially the FF Legion and within less than 2 hours I got sent back to South Africa. I'm in awe that you were able to turn your life around. Well done brother.

Mate... I don't know what you intend to do after your 5 years... but you sure could excel at motivational speaking. You have presence, the voice, you capture an audience, there are an awful lot of pretenders out there... and you are just the opposite... genuine. And to here you quote Robert Frost was the icing on the cake... all the best to you in whatever you choose

Here's a question for you mate: In video 2 you explain how you can be waiting 2-3 years to get your passport back to visit home. Do you get your cell phone while in the FFL so you can text or call home whenever you want or do they completely strip you of anything to do with the outside world with only authorized calls from them?

Who else agrees TCAV needs to write a book?

Thank you for serving sir and for sharing your experience, god bless man!

God Bless You, Sir. Thanks for protecting us.

Keep these videos coming the young men need them

I admire the man you have become. Takes a lot to do what you have done. Admitting your faults and rectifying them.

Bro love the transformer line

I was there in Paris August '19 and I didn't take that walk through the gates... Biggest regret of my life. Did see the Sacré-cœur and Napoleon's tomb, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe and all that.

Honneur et Fidélité, you did that and more. Stand tall Legionarre'

Looking forward to more of these!

Droit Et Avant!

As a dad and a family man, l respect what you have done. As an ex military guy- to make it through selection? Awesome! Keep focussed and stay with it. All the best wishes. M

Happy for ur turn around brother... I was an OIF soldier amd got my boots smoked over seas. Been struggling non stop for peace, survival, and health ever sense! Living out of my truck currently. It can be brutal at times...being badly injured!

I love his French accent!

Thanks for taking the time to make this video! I Just found your content today. It’s truly neat to hear the stories of life beyond BUD/S. And especially the FFL. I quit BUD/S over a bad shoulder. “ fell off the O course and dislocated it. I hung on for another week and a half, but quit in the middle of a boat run. That still messes with my head to this very day! Anyway I Did my time in the fleet as a weapons instructor and a five inch gunner on a destroyer , and deployed again with a Mobile Security Squadron back to the Gulf. Thank you for your candid approach to your videos, and I wish you a long and safe career operating!

Marine here, been watching your videos back to back. Seriously considering this option after my contract ends.

US Airborne Infantry vet here…bro, you are one cool dude…I’m glad I found your channel!!

The hunters full moon you gave me goosebumps with that one. I have t heard that sense I was a boy kicking deer up in the woods

Never be afraid of the word "Hope". Hope is sometimes all we have in our darkest times. Really enjoyed your story! You are a tough man.

And I am a great admirer of the French Foreign Legion. Talk about suffering. Also love of course our Navy Seals and Marines. Thank God for the men that fill its ranks.

"If you're serious about something, shut your mouth and do it." Absolutely true! You'll only add unneeded stress and pressure to succeed and it really just works against you. Not to mention the obvious reason you don't want to be a talker, be a doer.

Thanks for sharing your story Taylor. I met some of your fellow legionnaires from 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment on a multinational exercise in Australia a few months ago. I had a good conversation over breakfast with a legionnaire who had been in for 12 years, originally from Argentina. He said after 12 months in his then wife gave him an ultimatum - her or the legion, he chose the legion. His plan was to stay in until 20 years when he is then eligible for his pension. All the best to you.