The 14th BSMAT, or the Nouâtre Material Support Base (Indre-et-Loire) including the Poitiers ERGM, is responsible for the repair, manufacturing, and storage of various military equipment. Poitiers specializes in small caliber weapons (HK, Glock 17) for equipping soldiers and weapon destruction at the end of their lifecycle. “The core business is armament electronics, where we redo the assembly,” detailed Lieutenant Joris. The workshops are multidisciplinary, integrating electronics, metalworking, carpentry, and surface treatment.
“All work is done on-site, with evolving elements,” explained the military. “Metal workbenches, wiring, welding, electricity… even up to screen printing and modular magnetic elements.” The base is capable of providing shelters (equipped containers) transformed into field armories for a company of about a hundred men. Several positions are available this year.
In the various buildings of this vast complex, we discover the transmission workshop for maintenance and upkeep of communication systems — including phonics, data, and combat radio. “It requires various skills, versatility. We are passionate about electronics and it is constantly evolving,” recognized Guy Desale, an electronic technician for twenty years.
In the satellite links workshop, the aim is to restore military communication instruments to operational status “to bridge the gap between the headquarters and the operation fields.” Gwenaël Delégue, a former field soldier, is now an artisan. “What’s fascinating here is that we never stop learning with the evolution of materials,” he said. Three years of internal training are required to master military specifics. All necessary permits, for forklifts or trailers, can be obtained on-site.
“We have technical culture, curiosity, and meticulousness,” said Gwenaël Delégue, artisan at the 14th BSMAT in Indre-et-Loire.
Ideal for mechanical enthusiasts, working in Nouâtre means stepping up a gear. Antonin Breton demonstrated access to a light armored vehicle engine, located in the cabin. Unusual for this professional who previously worked in private garages. “We help each other lift heavy parts.” VSAB armored vehicles are being replaced by the multirole Griffon vehicle to address high-intensity combat scenarios now envisioned in Europe. This could lead to potential needs in the three armies in France.
In the generator group workshop, devices are refurbished for the whole of France. “We deal with current, engines, and electronics. It requires adaptation to equipment that has undergone many things without details,” explained David Godeau, previously in the civilian sector. Troubleshooting is crucial. The ten workshop artisans occasionally repaint or redo the insulation of cabins. In the Radio IV section, light transmission equipment is reconditioned, always with a focus on reuse and circularity.
For more information: sengager.fr and social media of the 14th material support base.
