A new series of meetings dedicated to defense correspondents in Gers

130 people participated in the first meeting of the year for the defense correspondents of the department, at the end of April in Auch. The next meeting is scheduled for the end of May in Lectoure.

Just like in 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Nicoleau, the departmental military delegate of Gers (DMD 32), has restarted an annual cycle of meetings for defense correspondents (CorDef) in the department.

The first of the seven meetings planned for this year took place on Tuesday, April 21st at the Cordeliers hall in Auch. It brought together more than 130 participants, mainly CorDef members, as well as various authorities from the state, political, and associative worlds who honored the invitation from the DMD.

The role of defense correspondent was established by a circular on October 26, 2001, which provides for the appointment of an elected official in each municipality to contribute to the development of the spirit of defense and to relay information related to military issues. The practical details of this role are specified in the circular of February 18, 2002, concerning CorDef.

These meetings are particularly useful as they allow new CorDef members appointed after the municipal elections of March 2026 to be introduced to their new responsibilities. Following the opening of the meeting by the Mayor of Auch, Camille Bonne, and in the presence of David Hicham, chief of staff for the prefect of Gers, Lieutenant Colonel Nicoleau presented the departmental military delegation.

Lieutenant Colonel Perrin then detailed the mission of CorDef. The DMD took the floor to present the National Office of War Veterans and Victims (ONACVG) as well as the Promiles manifesto, which aims to develop and strengthen the links between the world of the military and that of businesses.

Finally, Lieutenant Colonel Combarieu, reserve deputy officer of the 31st Engineer Regiment stationed in Castelsarrasin, presented his unit, its specificities, and the assistance that this type of regiment can provide in case of natural disasters. After a question and answer session between participants and speakers, everyone continued their discussions in a less formal setting over a friendly drink. The next meeting is scheduled for May 28, 2026 in Lectoure.