The French armies recruit thousands of women and men each year who will be assigned to very varied positions. What pushes young people to engage in 2025? Is there an increase in applications since the war has been at the gates of Europe? Report by Matthias Troude in France, in an Air Force recruitment center.
In Rueil-Malmaison, in western Paris, the Guynemer barracks recently housed a recruitment center for the Air Force. Three years of war in UkraineEuropean rearmament … Do all these elements that make the news in recent weeks are playing on candidates. Not really, according to commanding Célia Dnem:
“” It is not because we have a more intense news at a given time that the recruitment selection processes change a little. On the contrary, the line is always the same. It is above all a question of measuring the meaning of engagement, of being aware of what it represents, and actually coming to exercise a profession within a community. »»
And precisely, that day, at the recruitment center, there are very varied profiles. On the program of these two selection days: medical visit, physical tests and evaluation interviews. For some, commitment is obvious. This first candidate at 23, he has just finished his double master in cybersecurity and management. He wants to last a family inheritance:
“” My grandfather was in the air force, so for me, it is a logical sequel to take over. I have eight years of difference with my sister. Small, we talked about the army, she wanted to enter it. Today, she works in the army sector. My education is also ” quite military ”, since my mother was educated to the soldier by her father. »»
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The Air Force recruits at all levels
A hostess of the air candidate too. At 21, she wants to convert her civilian profession to her equivalent into the air force: cabin security agent. The army, for her, is only a professional opportunity: ” Contracts are much longer than in standard airlines. We engage for five years in the profession of air hostess in the air force. There are many more advantages. There is also the sporting side that interests me and I find the training much more interesting. »»
The Air Force offers around fifty trades and recruits at all levels, from college beyond the master. Even the commitment of the commander Dunem is not a matter of the vocation: ” I responded, almost 20 years ago, to an Anpe ad (ancestor of France work, editor’s note) for a one -year contract. And now, the one -year contract ended in almost 20 years of service in the Air Force. »»
Patriotism also leads young people to commit. Léo, 16, is passionate about aircraft. Becoming a aeronautical mechanic for him is also an elevator reference: ” France gave me a lot, because I come from a family that is not of French origin. And precisely, I would like to give her back what she gave to my family. »»
The Air and Space Army recruits 3,000 young people each year, while the Army recruits 16,000.
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