Book. Special forces rarely tell stories, and even less so air force special forces. There are only three of these parachutist commando units intended for some of the armies' most complex missions in France. But for the first time, the “operator” of one of them recounts their daily life in The Warriors of 10 (Mareuil, 192 pages, 27 euros).
This book is not a book of revelations. Its author, Nicolas S., known as “Stan”, duly had the content of the work validated by his superiors before its publication. Many place names and certain scenes have been watered down so as not to compromise the secrecy of the operations. The Warriors of 10 nonetheless remains an unprecedented testimony on the missions of the special forces of CPA 10, one of the most prestigious of these commando units, based in Orléans.
Through the description of 10 missions spread over twenty years, Nicolas S., who entered the Air Force at the age of 19 before becoming the title number of CPA 10 with the title of “operations deputy chief”, details with meticulousness of the engagements of which the unit has made itself a specialty. They range from the evacuation of nationals in sensitive areas to the neutralization of high-value terrorist targets, particularly during the ten years when France was engaged in the Sahel (2013-2023).
These missions are often comparable to forms of operations of « police » abroad, explains Nicolas S.: search for clues and witnesses, capture of individuals, etc. Except that this work is carried out in some of the most exposed theaters of war. Six names of members of the CPA 10 who died in combat since 1997 appear at the beginning of the book, even if Nicolas S. has chosen not to recount the operations which cost them their lives.
An atypical object
The author also attempts to describe the selection course, training and daily life in the Reymondaud district, the stronghold of the CPA 10, near the Orléans-Bricy air base. But as he prepares to retire from operations, this 43-year-old father of three remains very modest about the impact of his almost twenty-five-year career on his personal and family life.
The Warriors of 10 is an atypical object in its format. Nicolas S. and Éditions Mareuil have opted for a book that looks like an illustrated album with color drawings on glossy paper. The challenge is not hidden: helping with possible recruitment while the special forces, like other components of the armies, do not escape the erosion of vocations after a few years of contract.
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