Human resources

Just like their predecessors, today's naval personnel must be ready to fight and win in combat at sea. They are supported in this by civilian personnel who are often highly experienced and always entirely devoted to the Navy. Team spirit is a value shared by military and civilian personnel alike; it gives them the strength they need to accomplish their tasks.

A human resources policy working for the Navy

The need for young personnel, which stems from the obligations associated with service in the armed forces (physical fitness, combat preparedness, spirit of sacrifice), and the specific constraints of military life at sea (life in very close quarters, relative lack of comfort, professional mobility, constant availability) imposes a high turnover rate and a low average age (31 years).

This is taken into account in career paths: short careers are promoted by easing the return to civilian life, and long careers by offering prospects and incentives adapted to the individual.

The recruitment challenge

The Navy offers young people a real challenge – long periods far from home and life as a crew member. There is an extremely large number of trades and professions to choose from - fighter pilot, cook, accountant, nurse, mine clearance diver, nuclear engineer, sports monitor, firefighter, computer specialist, etc. Enlistment contracts vary according to the applicant's educational level and ambitions.

Whatever the duration and form of enlistment, the Navy gives every seaman an opportunity to experience a unique professional life in an extraordinary environment.

Education and training

All through a seaman's career, education plays a key role. Combined with properly adapted training and the gradual acquisition of experience, it will allow the seaman to accomplish his tasks to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of his unit as a team. As well as providing instruction in the occupational skills and knowledge required by the Navy, naval schools also help to instil a team spirit.

The many types of vessel, involving extremely varied and sometimes complex technology and equipment, further enhance the variety of trades and professions in the Navy. Some 600 training courses and programmes are available, generally for a very small number of students. These courses are constantly updated.

They draw on the latest teaching methods and tools offered by modern information technology and are completely job-oriented.

Reserves

Operational Reserve

The regular forces are backed up by some 7,000 operational reservists. This flexible and responsive back-up force is now vital. It provides the extra strength required during emergency situations and large-scale exercises, and routinely provides a variety of highly specific skills which the Navy may require on occasion, in addition to its traditional areas of expertise.

Citizens' Reserve

The few hundred members of the Citizens' Reserve promote the Navy's influence and put forward ideas to senior authorities. They also help develop the spirit of defence through a wide variety of activities in the field aimed at young people and the economic world.

Reforms and changing numbers

As part of the General Review of Public Policies, the Navy has embarked on a plan to reduce its numbers by around 6,500 between 2009 and 2015. This involves further reorganisation and some functions may no longer be required.