The 73rd POLDEF left Perpignan on board an Air Force A310 and headed for Collioure, where the 99 auditors were welcomed by Guy LLOBET, Mayor of Collioure, and by the head of the National Commando Training Centre (CNEC), Lieutenant-Colonel Jérôme PASCAL, whose hospitality we would like to thank.
Reserve colonel Etienne Sesmat gave a presentation on the history of the town and its military infrastructure.
The next morning, in combat dress (fatigues), the audience sang the national anthem as the colours were raised in the CNEC courtyard.
High-flying" activities, prepared with care and professionalism by the commando centre's officers and instructors, enabled the trainees to strengthen their group cohesion and very often to surpass themselves. Vertiginous courses on cables and tyrolean traverses over the reefs, abseiling, speedboat rides, commando swimming... these were some of the highlights for the 73 participants.e national "Defence Policy" session will long remember.
A get-together dinner was held at the Frégate restaurant, in the presence of the mayor of Collioure: an opportunity to discover the local specialities that are the pride of the "Catalans du Nord".
We would like to thank the CNEC's chef de corps and all the skinny cats for their patience and kindness.
