During his teenage years, Bokassa studied at École Saint-Louis in Bangui, under Father Grüner. Grüner educated him with the intention of making him a priest, but realized that his student did not have the aptitude for study or the piety required for this occupation. He then studied at Father Compte's school in Brazzaville, where he developed his abilities as a cook. After graduating in 1939, Bokassa took the advice offered to him by his grandfather, M'Balanga, and Father Grüner, by joining the Troupes coloniales (French colonial troops) as a tirailleur on 19 May 1939.
During his teenage years Bokassa studied at École Saint-Louis in Bangui under Father Grüner Grüner educated him with the intention of making him a priest but realized that his student did not have the aptitude for study or the piety required for this occupation He then studied at Father Compte's school in Brazzaville where he developed his abilities as a cook After graduating in 1939 Bokassa took the advice offered to him by his grandfather M'Balanga and Father Grüner by joining the Troupes coloniales (French colonial troops) as a tirailleur on 19 May 1939