DÉFENSE ZONE
More than two centuries after the École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr (the French Army’s officer academy) was founded on 1 May 1802 on the orders of First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte, the officers of the “Chef de bataillon de Cointet” class (1991-1994) recount their experiences and careers, more than twenty-five years after leaving the academy and committing themselves to serving France.
This book, published by Défense Zone in paperback, is already available for pre-order in our online bookshop and will be released on 14 July, to coincide with Bastille Day.
Who are the people who choose to serve?
The book Le choix de l’engagement (The choice to serve) offers a unique plunge into an often little-known military world, where we discover the close, genuine bond between a leader and the men and women under their command. Committed to serving the nation but also, more simply, others, the officers of the “de Cointet” class share, in a very accessible way, their experiences and their motivations for serving in a world in turmoil.
This book, essential reading for anyone with even a passing interest in Saint-Cyr, is a page in the history of France and its armed forces, honouring a duty of remembrance that is essential to our society.
Watch the interview with Camille Lanet, president of the “de Cointet” class
Discover what is at stake in the reform of the Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan military academy in the Focus section of our latest issue.
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