Hello,
I applied to the AFU via the website of the International Legion. They have accepted me, and I plan to leave for UA in 3-5 weeks. The plan has been in the works for a while, Preparations are going well.
I have now only recently discovered this subreddit, and noticed that a lot of individuals here are in contact with specific units, and a lot of units are recruiting "on their own". Now, I wanted to ask a few questions, partly for clarification/curiosity, but also to make sure that I have not somehow applied to the wrong Institution/fallen for a Russian PsyOp.
First, important question - that is the correct way to join, right? The way I understand it, The IL is defunct as a unit, but the website is still in service/has migrated. I became a little suspicious/confused after seeing the individual units recruiting here instead of everything going trough this central hub, and Letters of Recommendation being mentioned (which I have not received, aside from a the general acceptance document that includes further information on next steps, travel details etc.). I assume I'm being overly cautious here, but better safe than sorry. Relatedly - what is the Difference between the "International Legion" and "international Legionnaires"? I stumbled across the latter a while ago, and cant really figure out why both exist - *in addition* to joinuarmy.
Second, what exactly is the process of being assigned to a unit when in country? The info sent to me stated that I will be assigned to a unit after basic training, unless I have a letter of recommendation from a specific unit. How (un-)common is it to arrive without having made such arrangements with a specific unit beforehand? Does this in any way "worsen your chances" by being assigned to units with worse equipment/frontline jobs/reputation/casualties?
Personally, I do not really have any unit preferences, and so never bothered to pick and choose a favorite. I want to help where I can help best, and the people in country doing the assignments can judge this better than me. The way I see it, this work isn't about me, and I will not arrive bearing any entitlements. That applies to role, location, as well as unit name/fame.
Or is that not the right way to look at it, and choosing "your" right unit beforehand is recommended, maybe even in the interest of the unit/the AFU?