Aim

The aim of the visit was twofold:

1. To enhance further the links between the French and UK military and diplomatic establishments through discussion of current strategic issues of mutual interest; and
2. To broaden the experience of UK Members through bilateral contacts.

Background

CHEM is the highest-level military training course in France and provides training at strategic level in the political-military and operational areas, and to prepare senior officers for their future careers. Reporting to the French Joint Chief of Staff (JCS), it is headed by a general officer, Lieutenant General Laurent Labaye (who hosted our event) and who is also the head of the Institute of Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN), with which the CHEM has close links.  Each year, the Minister of Defence appoints about thirty senior officers - selected by the French JCS - for an academic year-long (September to June) CHEM course, alongside which the part-time IHEDN course runs with weekly sessions and integrated visits. CHEM is also attended by members from Allied nations. Once this training is completed, all “auditeurs” are expected to go on to senior postings within Defence.  Originating from the French Army, Air Force, Navy, Gendarmerie and Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), CHEM officer students are seasoned senior officers with command and control experience.

Topics

Three topics for discussion were agreed with CHEM:

1. The French White Paper on Defence & Security and the British National Security Strategy – a comparative review of national defence and security policy.
2. European Security – with the French Presidency of the EU aiming to improve the capability of the EU to act autonomously and NATO continuing to transform to adapt to the new strategic environment, what are the main challenges for European security and how can NATO and the EU evolve security arrangements that are compatible and complementary?
3. The EU-Africa partnership for peace and security – where is it going and how can Europe do more to assist Africa?

Preparation

Preparation for the visit entailed RCDS Members seeking policy advice from MOD, FCO and the Home Office on each of the themes, and then drafting short discussion papers on the issues raised, which were passed to the French side in order to ensure a coherent and free-ranging discussion in the joint seminars .  In addition, the RCDS Library sourced a number of articles.  CHEM also produced their own paper on each theme, which formed the basis of their opening briefing.  This full preparation proved useful in that a common basis for discussion was provided from the outset.

Programme

The formal programme included introductory presentations on the respective establishments, and scene-setting sessions with the British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott and by M. Michel Miraillet the FMOD Director of Strategic Issues on the current state of bilateral relations and key defence and security issues. Two days of syndicate discussions in the three working groups culminated in presentations to the Director CHEM and the Commandant RCDS.

Conclusion and way ahead

The team was led by AUS Mr Jeremy Jarvis who participated in the plenary sessions and held separate discussions with CHEM on taking the relationship forward, including the possibility of including overseas Members in next year’s exchanges, in recognition of the potential for a wider dialogue at this level. This RCDS proposal was agreed.
The RCDS/CHEM Exchange 2008 was a most rewarding and beneficial exchange that underlined the cordial relations between the two establishments.  More significantly perhaps, the seminar was characterised by a strong sense of mutual respect, preparedness for a frank and open exchange, and a desire to learn from each other.  In its modest way, the exchange was undeniably positive for UK-French relations, and personal relationships have been established between senior officers of both countries, which ought to be of considerable benefit in the future.