Contenu du sommaire : Réflexions sur le commandement

The profession of arms, in the Navy in particular, is being increasingly monopolised by a stimulated dependence on technology and the acceleration in operational tempo. Nevertheless, command remains essential and fundamental, especially as the current climate tends towards greater conflict. There is thus a need for reflection on command.

Command at sea is an extraordinary responsibility that requires a very special bond between captain and crew. It is a subtle relationship built upon long experience and expertise, which demands much from the captain whose duty is to take his warship into battle : it is then that he must command.

To command requires commanders who are able to discern, understand and decide. Acquisition of such capabilities is far from simple and demands much selflessness and humility on the part of he who aspires to become a commander. Future challenges will continue to require great commanders who are capable of accepting responsibility.

Be a good commander! Become a good commander! Such are the permanent demands placed upon those who would command, and who have to prove they possess the special abilities that give them the essential legitimacy to carry out the mission entrusted to them. The commander is the one who accepts responsibility and decides.

Winston Churchill is an outstanding case in the history of the twentieth century. His very long career had its highs and lows and was marked by his willpower, leadership and force of character. It is because of his energy that London did not give up in June 1940 and saved democratic honour.

In popular imagery Jean Bart remains the ideal of a privateer. In fact he was capable of much more—he advised Louis XIV on strategic matters whilst remaining attentive to his sailors and respectful of his adversaries. His ennoblement was well deserved.

Latouche-Tréville remains today one of the great figures of our naval history. He led an active life in the service of France throughout a turbulent period in which he was able to display his qualities of keen political sense, seamanship and command in combat.

Alexander the Great remains a legendary military and political chief. The context has changed, yet history relates that his qualities enabled him to achieve some brilliant victories and to establish a unique empire. His military and philosophical training should not be forgotten.

The model of our armed forces has developed little since the decision to professionalise them in 1996. It is no longer adapted to countering current and future threats in view of the return of widespread belligerent activity. There is therefore a need to bring back breadth and depth to our system, especially on national soil.

Training is at the very heart of our forces' preoccupations: it is demanding, and has to respond to genuine operational requirements. In turn, that means adoption of a form of training that can adapt permanently and innovate in order to face up to the demands of combat, and which has to be considered over the long-term when preparing for the future.

The ability to influence opinions and mentalities has taken on a strategic and capability dimension for our country. Faced with these new threats, we need to strengthen our capabilities, military capabilities especially, in this sphere of information warfare.

The French National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (ANSSI) is a major player in cyber security for our country. Since its creation in 2009 it has grown in strength and contributes to the establishment of a secure and sovereign digital space that is nevertheless in a state of continual change, subject to threats of many types and from multiple sources.

The concept of a security dilemma has seen numerous changes and would appear to have regained some pertinence in the characterisation of the strategic vision of a state as it establishes its defence policy. This approach can help us to understand the attitude of small countries that face greater powers.

President Macron continues to promote a more European Atlantic Alliance, which compels our NATO partners to look geostrategic reality in the face. The return of challenges to the balance of forces, the reduction in the United States' involvement and Turkey's double-dealing are all calling into question the fundamental principles of the organisation.

The post-Soviet area has yet to find stability, since Russia's efforts to preserve a sphere of influence acts to the detriment of populations seeking closer ties to Europe and greater democracy. Belarus is a fine example of this complex situation, torn as it is between authoritarianism backed by Moscow and a more liberal plan.

The Iran question will undoubtedly be on the Biden administration's agenda. Teheran is making skilful efforts to loosen the constraints imposed upon it by international sanctions, and in particular to be in a position to modernise its military materiel with imports from partners such as Moscow and Beijing.

The security crisis in the Sahel, which began in 2013, compelled France to commit a substantial level of forces there and to continue its action in the longer term. Today, the aim is to achieve better sharing of the burden and to support the G5 Sahel framework and increased commitment of other partners, among which European countries.

Reconstructing the French forces after 1945 was far from easy, given the degree to which they had been split up since June 1940. The choices made by the various components had an effect as much on careers as they had on the major post-war options, among which the decolonisation conflicts and the decision to opt for nuclear deterrence.