I'm only going to be a weekend-warrior! Reservists essentially patrol Paris (especially airports and train stations), so there's zero chance of me going abroad unless I volunteer. Frankly, this is why I think enlisting as a reservist is a worthwhile and not-too-damaging thing to do.

At the end of the day, someone needs to pull the trigger, sickening though this thought may be. I hope I won't have to, but I'd rather do that than watch my compatriots get butchered in their own streets. I'd rather do that then weep in my apartment like I did last Friday. I'm a few years shy of 30, I'm in good shape... if not me, then who?

I mention this in case any other Frenchmen are lurking around. I know the army doesn't have a great reputation here, but this is a way to help out that doesn't even need to interfere with your work schedule. Your employer is required by law to allow you to pursue your missions, and you're paid a small amount during your active-duty days (though this is hardly the point). I can think of no clearer example of self-defense.

>Last I checked they are begging for armor and winter gear.

I wonder how difficult it would be to collect old winter clothes and send them over...

In a way, I wish the US had something similar as the French's idea of reservists. Technically, we do, as the National Guard. However, they are abused and used on foreign deployments.

Then again, I doubt they would accept me, given I have an arm injury that prevents a bit of motion above shoulder height.. (I'm 6'5" or ~2m tall)