“Crucial” for the armies, this historic site in Hauts-de-Seine has been completely renovated

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In the entrance hall of the Guynemer barracksmany smiling officers exchange handshakes. Since October 7, 2024, the town of Rueil-Malmaison (Hauts-de-Seine) welcomes all candidates who wish to join the army in Île-de-France. The different sections present on the recently renovated site have moved from Fort of Vincennes (12th) – where the DGSE must install its premises in 2030 – to take over their neighborhood in the municipality.

“It was crucial to preserve this site for the armies”

This place, a must for those wishing to join the army in Île-de-France, was built in the 18th century. Throughout its history, the building has hosted several regiments different. But before the units returned, it had been abandoned since 2020. At that time, the question of sell the site was raised.

But for the municipality of Rueil-Malmaison, it was out of the question to give up this place. “The mayor did everything to prevent the building from being sold to a real estate developer. […] It was crucial to preserve this site for the armies,” explains Monique Bouteille, deputy mayor of Rueil.

With the future move of the DGSE site to their former premises, the recruitment and selection group (GRS), in charge of the candidates, made the decision to settle in the very heart of the Guynemer barracks. “We now have our own space for recruitment,” smiles Colonel Simon, commander of this regiment. In total, the operation cost 10 million euros to the Ministry of the Armed Forces to renovate and rehabilitate these 9,000 m².

Numerous tests before being recruited

Concretely, as soon as the candidates cross the door of the Guynemer barracks, their future soldier journey has already started. “The young people who arrive here have already gone through a Cirfa,” explains Colonel Simon, “our role here is to evaluate them before recruiting them. For two and a half days, they are subjected to a series of tests. On the program: physical tests, medical examinations and psychological interviews.

Once this selection has passed, those who are selected will be able to become soldiers. This center recruits not only for the Army, but also for the Navy, the Air and Space Force, as well as for the Paris firefighters. For the municipality, this renovation is “a real asset for young people and for residents”, rejoices the elected official, who now wishes to open this place to schools and the population of Rueille.

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