Private first class Florian Gillet, enlisted in the 8th Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment (8th RPIMa) from Castres (Occitanie), died on June 10, 2026 in Lebanon. Aged 21, he was participating in an operational military partnership mission with the Lebanese armed forces when he was hit by an accidental shot while preparing for training. The Army paid tribute to this young soldier, praised for his commitment and professional qualities.
The Army announced, Wednesday June 10, 2026, the death of first class soldier Florian Gillet from Castres (Occitanie) while carrying out his mission in Lebanon. Deployed since June 1 within the operational military partnership detachment (DPMO) of Saliyeh, the young soldier participated in a cooperation mission carried out for the benefit of the Lebanese armed forces. According to information communicated by the military institution, he was hit by an accidental shot during the preparatory phase of training. In a message of tribute, the Chief of Staff of the Army, Army General Pierre Schill, expressed his support for the family of the missing soldier as well as his comrades from the 8th RPIMa. “Tribute to first class soldier Florian Gillet, who died today in the accomplishment of his mission in the service of France,” declared General Pierre Schill, also addressing “the compassion of the Army to his family, his loved ones and his brothers in arms of the 8th RPIMa “.
A young employee from Ain
Born on March 1, 2005 in Viriat, in Ain, Florian Gillet chose the path of military engagement very early on. He joined the Army on October 1, 2024 by joining the 8th Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment, based in Castres, in Tarn. Upon his arrival, he distinguished himself by his involvement in the different stages of his training. The army emphasizes that he fully invested in his initial general training and then in his infantry specialty technical training, obtaining excellent results. In 2025, he obtained his paratrooper certificate and joined the 4th company of the regiment as an infantryman.
A journey marked by commitment and determination
During his first months of service, Florian Gillet was noted for his human and professional qualities. The Army highlights its commitment, its determination and its excellent state of mind. These qualities earned him the distinction of private first class on April 1, 2025, less than six months after his incorporation. At just 21 years old, he served in Lebanon as an infantry combat assistant monitor as part of the operational military partnership mission conducted with the Lebanese armed forces.
A cooperation mission to Lebanon
The mission in which Florian Gillet participated was part of the operational military partnership developed between the French armies and the Lebanese armed forces. Deployed since the beginning of June 2026 within the DPMO of Saliyeh, he contributed to training and training activities intended to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese military. It was during the preparation for one of these training sessions that the fatal accident occurred.
The emotion within the 8th RPIMa
The disappearance of Florian Gillet arouses strong emotion within the 8th RPIMa, a prestigious unit of French parachute troops based in Castres. In his tribute, the Chief of Staff of the Army had a particular thought for the soldiers of the regiment engaged alongside him in Lebanon, who are continuing their mission despite this ordeal. Aged 21, single and without children, Florian Gillet died in operation while carrying out his mission on June 10, 2026. His journey, marked by rapid engagement, notable results and involvement recognized by his hierarchy, leaves the memory of a young soldier fully invested in the service of France.
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