Entente Cordiale: Meet the French officer who's serving with the British Army
A French army officer-in-training has helped foster understanding and cooperation between his country and the British Army during a recent exchange.
The officer, known only as Second Lieutenant Victor, has just finished a month-long visit to 13 Air Assault Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (13 AASR) at Merville Barracks in Colchester.
His visit was part of a cultural exchange which involved several French officer cadets working with the British Armed Forces.
"I think the British and French armies are very similar and able to work together well as close allies," said 2Lt Victor.
"What has been striking has been the level of similarity I have seen, with just little differences," he added.
"It has been a very interesting experience. I have been hosted by all the different squadrons to understand the Regiment's role and capabilities - I have seen air dispatch, vehicle maintenance, and general supply and transport.
"I think the British and French armies are very similar and able to work together well as close allies.
"What has been striking has been the level of similarity I have seen, with just little differences. For example, in air dispatch, soldiers are delivering the same capability using the same processes from the same aircraft."
Second Lieutenant Victor served eight years with the 515th Transport Regiment, deployed to Mali and Lebanon, and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. He will graduate as an officer in July.
During his time with the British Armed Forces, he has worked alongside the Royal Marines as well as the Gurkhas.
He added: “What was particularly different was spending time with 15 Air Assault Support Squadron, who are Gurkhas.
"They do the same job as the regiment's other two support squadrons but have a very unique character.
"I was not aware of the Gurkhas before, and it is interesting to see how officers have to learn Nepalese language and culture and adapt how they work with their soldiers.
"It made me think about my own approach to leadership and management."
From his time with the British Army, 2Lt Victor added: "Everyone has been very friendly and done their best to involve me and help me understand what is happening.
"Logistics in the French army was transitioning towards this style of operations as I started my course and it will be interesting to see how that process has gone when I am posted to a unit, and how it compares with the British way of operating."
The exchange strengthened the bond between the UK and France ahead of the anniversary of the signing of the Entente Cordiale which settled previously controversial matters between the two countries on 8 April 1904.
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