Contenu
Aymeric has been leading two parallel lives for nearly two years: a project manager at Naval Group and a reservist officer in the French Army. “As the son of a submariner, I had a desire to serve. I joined Naval Group in 2013 as an apprentice machinist and continued my studies until I obtained a bachelor’s degree in naval construction.” Aymeric has been fully dedicated to his role since 2016 and is now part of the team working on the multi-purpose and modular launching system (MPLS) program. Yet despite his seamless career, his desire to serve in the army never faded.
The turning point came in 2024, with an agreement between Naval Group and the Ministry of Defence that allows reservists at the company to take an additional 20 days for reserve duties. As a young father, this flexibility offered a real opportunity for Aymeric to serve while keeping time for his family. “I joined the Reserve in February 2024. Over the last 18 months, I’ve alternated between company assignments and training sessions at the 515th Transport Regiment, just 20 minutes from Ruelle. I spent around thirty days in uniform in 2024 and I’ve already served more than 40 days in 2025.” There’s no downtime during these periods of military service as reservists go through intensive training and operational deployments, with evenings and weekends fully immersed in military life.
“I started out as a staff officer and completed my initial reserve officer training. I also learned the fundamentals, including ranks, marching in step and handling a weapon during an introductory military techniques course.” This accelerated training requires real commitment as Aymeric spends one weekend per month with his regiment, in addition to longer training periods. “That’s what being a reservist is all about: learning to serve as a soldier. You sign up for a set term - one, three or five years - which means committing to be available for your regiment.”
Since early 2025, Aymeric has been working as a commander within a platoon made up entirely of reservists. As deputy officer, he is sometimes in charge of leading around thirty soldiers during full-scale training exercises. The aim is to support active-duty forces whenever needed, whether for Operation Sentinelle or the surveillance of strategic sites. We must be ready, operational and remain motivated. The 515th Transport Regiment covers convoy security, logistics transport and route reconnaissance. It is a crucial link in troop movements and requires a high level of technical skill.
Remaining humble
Serving within the Reserve also means working alongside other reservists from various backgrounds; sometimes former military personnel with extensive field experience. “You accept to remain humble,” Aymeric points out. “We also work alongside active-duty NCOs who we have a lot to learn from. We must listen and seek advice permanently and draw on their experience,” he adds.
Reservists bring a wealth of experience to the army, but they also learn a great deal in return, engaging with a unique world full of passionate, highly committed people.
“I gain a lot from these reserve periods. You experience a wide range of situations that can also help in your professional life and you meet people who are well-intentioned,” Aymeric concludes. He will be spending a few more weekends in uniform before the end of the year, regardless of weather and far from the environment of the Angoulême-Ruelle site!
