On the occasion of the November 11 commemorations, TF1’s 13H chose to follow marine riflemen to Lorient (Morbihan).
This is where their base is located, and where apprentice riflemen train for a particularly demanding profession.
To obtain their certificate, candidates must go through the legendary “the tank” test, in water at twelve degrees.
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The 1 p.m.
This is the exercise not to be missed. Although they all have dummy weapons in their hands, seriousness is required among these marine rifle students. It is a “landing operation” which is organized today, and which we can see in the TF1 report above. Apprentice marines must be as comfortable at sea as on land. When the beach is in sight, the engines are cut off. The exercise is done during the day to repeat the gestures, but this type of operation systematically takes place at night in real-world conditions. Because the objective is to be as discreet as possible.
All fighters have this quality, it is to love their friends
Vincent, former commando
The first steps on the beach are the riskiest, when the soldiers are out in the open, and the most exposed. Moving targets easy to spot on light sand. But in one minute, the soldiers secure the beach and become almost invisible. “I hadn’t seen them, I just saw them”reacts a passerby, “it blends in with the color of the rocks”.
A marine rifleman must know how to fight, but also heal and take care of a wounded person. Saving a brother in arms is undoubtedly the most difficult in a combat situation. Former commando Vincent developed the exercise, which he believes is best for preparing young soldiers for their future missions. “There are people who will die in war, and people who will be injured, but who can be saved”he explains at the microphone of TF1. “All fighters have this quality, it’s loving your friends. And it’s wanting to go home with them”he confides with emotion.
I panicked, I missed, I drank the cup
Pascal
But here is the legendary test of the Lorient marines: the one we call “the tank”. She is the most feared by the students. In a former gigantic fuel tank, partially destroyed during the Second World War, water stagnates at 12 degrees. “I’m hot, I’m going to cool off a little”smiled Pascal as he descended the ladder, “I won’t be laughing less in 10 seconds”. Underwater there is no visibility. However, you have to manage to find a diver hidden at a depth of 4 meters by freediving. “I panicked, I missed, I drank the cup”laments the young aspirant as he leaves, disappointed by his attempt.
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Then you have to grit your teeth, and endure the cold for a long time after coming out, without taking off your soaked uniform. “With friends, it’s better. They lift me to the top, it’s incredible”the same young soldier confides to us. “When I tell this to my family, my friends who are not from the industry, they are surprised”says another, “It puts a little stars in their eyes. They are proud of me, and I am happy”. There are one woman for around thirty men in this small contingent, who still have two months of exams remaining for one objective: to obtain the best grade and choose their assignment.
