We regularly talk about the army, its different regiments, and the numerous units that exist. However, we much less often discuss military associations. These are mainly associations of former military personnel (who belonged to this or that battalion, participated in this or that conflict), or associations composed of military families. In this article, we highlight them by introducing them to you. Be aware, however, that we have selected only a few, but there are others.
CABAT: The French Army Wounded Soldiers' Association
CABAT's objective is to ensure that all French Army personnel wounded in service can resume their lives in society, especially those wounded during external operations. To achieve this mission, the organization coordinates with other institutions such as medical and social protection bodies and associations dedicated to assisting the wounded.
Located in Paris, CABAT carries out several missions related to its objective. Its organization aims to provide personalized monitoring and support to wounded individuals in all aspects of life, from administration to psychology.
It also strives to ensure that the families of wounded soldiers can visit their loved ones and are well received upon their arrival at the hospital. Finally, CABAT concretely helps military personnel reintegrate into a military or civilian environment after their recovery. This commitment goes beyond simply treating patients; CABAT aims to provide them with an optimal level of care during and after their stay.
Solidarité Défense: Helping Soldiers on External Operations
Solidarité Défense is an association that supports soldiers and their families during complex times. It was founded in 1993 by the then Minister of Defence, François Léotard, in consultation with the then Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMA), Admiral Lanxade. This was at the beginning of the Bosnian War, the first major military conflict on European soil since the Second World War.
Support for soldiers deployed on operations and their families
This association offers a wide range of services to military personnel and their families, including information on various operations (Operation Licorne, Operation Serval, etc.), legal advice, psychological support, and administrative assistance. In a very concrete sense, Solidarité Défense also organizes the "Christmas Package" operation, which provides a package of foodstuffs for all soldiers on external operations during the festive season.
Cultural activities and public awareness
There are also cultural activities such as workshops or conferences on specific defense-related themes. The association also publishes books on the subject to promote defense-related themes in society and among the general public. Finally, Solidarité Défense organizes events with war wounded to promote their place in society.
Support for wounded military personnel
The association carries out many activities in support of soldiers returning wounded from the battlefield. For example, it has established agreements with all French military hospitals to facilitate visits for wounded soldiers. It even co-finances the Maison des Blessés at Percy Hospital, intended for the armed forces.
By its size, its origin, and the highly diversified nature of its activities, Solidarité Défense can today be considered the most important military association in France.
Anopex
Anopex is an acronym for the National Association of Veterans of External Operations. Created in 2009, Anopex has defined its missions as: "to safeguard the moral and material heritage of the fourth generation of fire, in order to promote, within French society, the values it embodies; to perpetuate the duty of remembrance and contribute to the development of the nation's defense spirit; to undertake or support all actions aimed at promoting freedom, the maintenance of peace, civic and patriotic values, as well as national solidarity, particularly among young people, while strengthening mutual aid among its members."
Concretely, this means that Anopex aims to defend the rights of combatants in France, particularly the status of war invalids for those returning wounded from the front. Anopex also defends the benefits acquired by soldiers in terms of military retirement pensions. But Anopex also aims to defend the moral standing of the army in society, at a time when French citizenship no longer necessarily involves military service.
Terre Fraternité
Terre Fraternité is an association born after the bombing of the Bouake detachment, which resulted in 10 deaths and 40 injuries within the French Army. At that time, Army General Bernard Thorette, Chief of Staff of the French Army (CEMAT), decided to initiate the creation of an association aimed at supporting war-wounded soldiers of the French Army and the families of victims who fell in the line of duty.
Today, Terre Fraternité is a small association because it receives no public subsidies. It has not chosen to request the general interest clause, which means that the donations it receives are not tax-deductible. Therefore, they are likely to be lower than those received by associations recognized as being of general interest.
To achieve its objectives, the Terre Fraternité association supports wounded soldiers in their recovery through sports practice. It also helps them in their often complicated professional reintegration process. It also finances family visits (by paying train tickets and hotel nights).
A strong associative network in the military world
In this article, we have presented the main French associations supporting active military personnel and war wounded. Nevertheless, we have only scratched the surface of the phenomenon, as there are so many associations supporting the armed forces. Some concern only a portion of soldiers, starting with Soutien Commando, which focuses on special forces. We should also, of course, mention veterans' associations such as ARAC, UNC, or FNACA.
