Master Corporal, describe your background to us?
After obtaining my technological baccalaureate in “hospitality” and some experience in the civilian sector, I discovered the adapted military service regiment. I was able to discover military values and I really liked it. I had the opportunity to hold the position of catering assistant, then catering chef, thus allowing me to take on more responsibility as a non-commissioned member. Subsequently I was also elected deputy to the representative of non-commissioned soldiers. This additional function allowed me to discover the bridge between the SMA and the armies. I chose to commit and join the institution, in mainland France, with my family. Since March 2025, I have been assigned to the DRHAT, at the grand command hotel.
What is a typical day like?
Every day is different, but generally speaking, I prepare breakfast from 7 a.m. and set the table for morning meetings in close collaboration with the security service to anticipate the arrival of guests. Then, I set the table in the dining room for lunch and manage the meal service in conjunction with the other members of the team, particularly the cook. At the end, I restore the dining room and prepare, if necessary, the evening’s events.
What qualities are necessary to practice your profession?
I would say first of all that it is necessary to have will because there is constant questioning. In addition, excellence in service is an obligation given those we serve on a daily basis.
Then, it is important to have a team spirit, a spirit of internal cohesion within the department, in order to best distribute daily tasks and achieve excellence every day.
Finally I will talk about adaptability because the days follow each other but are not the same. The missions and the people involved are different and everyone’s habits must be taken into account.
Would you recommend the job you do?
Oh yes! I love what I do and I have the chance to be in contact with a group of people that I would never have dared to serve before.
I advise each person to get involved, if they are looking for values and if they like to be of service to others.
Has the SMA/army gateway been beneficial to you?
It initially allowed me to come with my family, to the mainland, to do work that I particularly like.
I was lucky to have been helped in advance by kind people and welcomed from the airport to my workplace by my chief of staff.
In addition, I was able to keep the benefit of my rank and the installation bonus made the first arrangements easier.
I recommend to those who are in the RSMA to prove their worth by showing their love of service developed in regiment to serve others in a different way.
