Young Boys Tom and Diego Join the Military

Tom Goemaere and Diego Berthe, both 19 years old, will leave their homes in Châteaulin to join the 3rd Marine Infantry Regiment (RIMa) in Vannes on May 5th. This decision reflects their determination and challenges stereotypes about Generation Z.

A Sense of Duty Runs in Their Blood

For Tom, a military career was almost inevitable. Raised by a former helicopter diver in the French Navy, he has always been driven by a strong sense of duty. After completing his high school diploma last year, he didn’t hesitate to work in a supermarket in Châteaulin while waiting for the recruitment process for the 3rd RIMa to begin. “I wanted to do something meaningful for me, travel, move,” he said. His five-day military preparation in Castres, at the 8th RPIMa, solidified his decision. Despite the long train journey across France, he returned with stars in his eyes. The choice of Vannes, just an hour and a half away from home, was a natural one.

“There are so many careers in the military field that you can always find your place.”

“They Are Driven Youth, the Next Generation Is Here”

Diego, on the other hand, shows a strong passion for practical work. Growing up in Papeete due to his military father’s postings, he witnessed his father concluding his career as an instructor at the gendarmerie school in Châteaulin. Diego pursued a technical path, obtaining a vocational certificate in hotel and restaurant management to enter the workforce quickly, always knowing that his future would be in the military. His experience at the 17th RGP in Montauban was an eye-opener for him: “It was pure joy,” he said with youthful enthusiasm.

The bond between them is also rooted in sports. Along with their friend Lenny Ollivier, who has already joined the 3rd RIMa, Tom and Diego have played for FC Châteaulin. According to the chief warrant officer of SIRFA Quimper, a recruitment advisor, this camaraderie is a strength: “We see this team bond. They are driven youth, the next generation is here.”

A Desire for Action and Comradeship

Far from being disconnected, these two recruits are motivated by the international context. “National security is important to me,” Tom emphasized, influenced by the terrorist events that have enhanced his desire to be of service. They do not see themselves in an office but prefer action and comradeship.

Their daily routine will change radically starting on May 5th. After an initial administrative week in Vannes, their training will progress gradually: receiving equipment, marching 2 to 15 kilometers, shooting practice, and learning forest life. Eventually, they could be deployed on Sentinel missions or to French Guiana to combat illegal mining.

While they admit a slight fear of “disappointing,” excitement prevails. They are not looking for adventure but a career. As Tom summarizes, “There are so many careers in the military field that you can always find your place.” For these young men from Châteaulin, the adventure is just beginning.