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Frigate Captain Patrick Musique, a Gersois born in Mirande, was with the students of the Alain Fournier high school in Mirande to present the military institution to them and talk to them about the major strategic and economic challenges awaiting France.
Frigate Captain Patrick Musique, delegate for the influence and image of the navy in the Mediterranean, came to meet the students of the Alain Fournier high school in Mirande. The frigate captain knows Mirande well. He already gave a conference to students last year to present maritime issues for France to young high school students. Above all, he was born and raised in Mirande, where he still has family and comes regularly.
Entering the navy in 1986 as a volunteer, he served as crew and then petty officer on several vessels for 10 years. Becoming a specialized officer in 1996, he held numerous command positions during his career. He is a knight of the Legion of Honor, of the National Order of Merit and holder of the Combatant's Cross.
Why do you come to meet the high school students?
First of all, it is something that is done regularly, it is a directive that comes from the chief leadership of the armed forces. On the occasion of the November 11 celebrations, we go to military deserts to represent the institution. I am here to meet young students and raise their awareness of France's strategic issues. It may still be a little vague for them, but as future citizens, they must be able to understand them and have the keys to understanding the world around them. I am here as delegate for the influence and image of the Navy in the Mediterranean.
Is it difficult to interest young students in such questions, which sometimes go beyond them?
On the contrary. They participate, it’s very interactive. These are students who are in the History/Geography option, they already have a certain interest in these subjects, in geopolitical questions.
What did you come to talk to them about?
We will focus on the Indo-Pacific. This is the region where everything is happening today. The main conflicts are concentrated in this region of the world. But also all the major economic issues are concentrated there. Of the 20 largest seaports in the world, 15 are located there. All these issues, economic, strategic, security, could lead to very strong tensions in the coming months and years.
Does France also have interests in this Indo-Pacific zone?
It is a riparian state in this area, it has interests and it intends to defend them. It is this Indo-Pacific strategy of France that I want to present and explain.
Can the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States have consequences, in this region of the world as elsewhere?
This is not something I can comment on. But it is obvious that this election will certainly have repercussions in the coming months, or even the coming weeks.
