The BA 278, located in Ambérieu-en-Bugey, houses one of the seven centers of the Voluntary Military Service (SMV) in metropolitan France. Over a period of seven weeks, the CSMV, the only center under the Air and Space Army, welcomes 21 young people aged 18 to 25 from all SMV centers of the Army, Air and Space Army, and the National Navy.
The SMV aims to support young volunteer trainees in entering the professional world through personalized and individualized support. There are two paths to become an expert volunteer, either through the continuous path for trainee volunteers or through direct initial commitment.
In both cases, they will undergo an initial one-month military training (for initial commitments) followed by an additional two-month training focused on leadership functions. Upon completion of the training, they return to their garrison to contribute to the training of volunteer trainees or gain valuable experience in areas such as recruitment, finance, human resources, sports, communication, or driver assistance. The meeting of the three military branches is a first in Ambérieu-en-Bugey.
Donovan, 21, from Brest, serves in the Navy. His lifelong project has been to engage in the military. He went through SMV to learn a trade, and as an expert, his goal is to share everything he learned during his training with young volunteers. He aims to join the navy to work as a painter and electrician.
Meydi, 24, from Besançon, shares, “My childhood dream has always been to join the army and perhaps make it my career.” He wants to join the 19th Engineer Regiment in Besançon, which is involved in all external missions in which France is engaged, including Operation Sentinel.
Mélyne, 20, based in Ambérieu, initially pursued a professional baccalaureate in caregiver assistance, started a BTS, but found the field unsuitable. After joining the local mission, her advisor introduced her to SMV. She loves animals, and the military can offer her training to become a dog-handler. Through this experience, she learns about the military environment and discovers her potential.
These three young individuals initially unsure of their capabilities to undergo training provided by the armed forces, now have a clear path towards their future.
(Note: Operation Sentinel is a military operation to combat terrorism, aiming to enhance the protection of the French with military resources and skills alongside internal security forces.)
