Lieutenant General Patrik Steiger, general officer of the Western defense and security zone, answers questions from Ouest-France during the ceremonies marking the end of the First World War.
106 years after the end of the First World War, what is the meaning of commemorating the armistice?
With May 8 and July 14, November 11 is one of the three major events of the year of the link between armies, territories and the Nation. During the commemoration of the armistice of 1918, we pay tribute to all those who fell for France. Young people are involved in this day to discuss and think together about what commitment is. In Rennes, several defense classes will be present at the ceremony. We must seize this day, there must not be a forgotten monument. The armies must be there, everywhere, even if there is only one soldier present.
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What is your role?
General officer of the Western defense and security zone, I have a particular mission of controlling the armies in the largest of the seven defense zones of the metropolis, and of military advisor to the prefect. I am also the representative of the Chief of Staff and the Chief of Staff of the Army. My role is to reach out to the territories, to local elected officials and managers.
Faced with the war returning to Europe, do you feel that your interlocutors are aware of defense issues?
The number of “Pro Milès” manifestos signed with companies in the West is one answer. We have exceeded a hundred (these manifestos encourage the recruitment of military spouses, service in the employee reserve, retraining of military personnel, exchanges with local units, etc..). The work carried out within the “academic trinomial” by the rectorate, the armies and the regional associations of auditors of the Institute of Advanced National Defense Studies (IHEDN) also contributes to awakening and strengthening the spirit of defense.
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