Thierry strides on, now in two very different worlds. On one hand, his fresh commitment in civilian life, on the other, the uniform he will never wear again. Thierry is one of those who refuse to choose. As a young retiree from the army, the Messin decided to remain a reservist while also serving as a territorial attaché in charge of protocol services at the Town Hall of Metz. This is a perfect illustration that a useful break, a bridge between professional duty and service to the country, is possible. And in passing, it shows that all of this is not just about a job description. Like others in the country, the young former retiree takes advantage of a legal provision in labor law that allows everyone, whether employed in the private sector or in a municipality, to give some of their time to the outside world.
Context:
– Thierry is a retired army officer who now serves as a reservist while working as a territorial attaché at the Town Hall of Metz.
Fact Check:
– The article mentions that Thierry serves in the army two days a month and at the Town Hall for ten days per year.
Easily Found Markers
His life before was told under the flags. 37 and a half years of a dense, full, structured career. Then retirement looming on the horizon… The soldier, officer, organizer of military ceremonies at the Messin staff, decides not to wait for orders but to take the initiative. “Reclassify before turning 60 is easier,” he says, clear-headed. Even more so if you want to establish yourself in the private sector. A friend told me she was leaving the Town Hall of Metz soon, and that there were positions available, a real opportunity.” Thierry was 57 at the time and knew that regardless of his rank, he had to leave the army within two years. Seizing this opportunity, he got the job. With the same strictness, the chief of protocol naturally found his place. “When I retired, the army immediately offered me the opportunity to be a reservist. I took two years to think about it. It takes time because it’s a real commitment, on two fronts!”
Fact Check:
– Thierry discusses the challenges of transitioning to civilian life after a long military career.
Context:
– Thierry explains his decision to retire from the army and take up a new role at the Town Hall of Metz.
“It wasn’t always easy to integrate into civilian life”
Today, he still serves the army for two days a month. As an officer in the military delegation department, he coordinates, oversees, organizes. His service is also responsible for organizing the Sentinels who patrol the city streets. And operational tasks are sometimes close by. At the Town Hall, they agree on ten days per year. “If I need more, I take it from my vacation days. There is no obstacle, on the contrary. I am not surprised, the army-nation connection is not just a slogan in Metz, so things are simple. I make the necessary adjustments, and the priority remains the needs of the municipal service.” Balance is found, maintained, and respected. “It wasn’t always easy to integrate into civilian life. I had to learn new codes, adapt every day. It’s an exchange of good practices: they teach me and I share my methods, my rigor as well.”
Fact Check:
– Thierry discusses the challenges of integrating into civilian life after a long military career.
The Fantasized Army
It’s an experience he still doesn’t regret, after two intense years. “I embody a sort of link between two worlds.” Thierry admits to helping demystify the uniform as well. A little. “We fantasize a lot about all our missions. I am often questioned about the famous overseas operations, asked if I was afraid of dying, how I manage. It’s interesting to discuss all of this.”
A success on all fronts that inspires Thierry to give some good advice to future retirees: “Anticipating your departure is the watchword; without it, there is disillusionment. One should also not stand firm on their military positions, enclosing themselves in that sole function because it is familiar. One must open up to others.” Never fully at rest, then!
