2024 Olympics: an XXL camp has been set up for soldiers mobilized in Île-de-France
To ensure the security of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a military camp of exceptional scale was erected in just 65 days in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. This site, located on the Reuilly lawn, can accommodate up to 500 of the 10 soldiers mobilized in the Paris region during the Games.
An infrastructure not seen since the Second World War
This ephemeral camp, the largest built by the army in mainland France since the Second World War, is made up of modular dormitories and various facilities for the military. The dormitories, lined up in black and gray structures on stilts, can accommodate between fifteen and eighteen soldiers each. Each soldier has a foldable bed, a field wardrobe and a chair.
The choice of the Reuilly lawn, at the entrance to the Bois de Vincennes, was motivated by its proximity to the main Olympic competition sites in Île-de-France. “An ideal location for rapid intervention on different sites,” explains General Christophe Abad, military governor of Paris. The land, already connected to electricity and water networks, allowed rapid transformation into a military camp.
Varied and essential missions
The soldiers housed in this camp are mainly engaged in Operation Sentinel, patrolling the streets for anti-terrorist missions. Some also participated in clearing mines from the Olympic village and securing the opening ceremony boats. Approximately 400 soldiers from the camp are assigned to raise the colors during the medal ceremonies.
The “Corporal Alain-Mimoun” camp, named in homage to the former soldier and Olympic champion, extends over 31 m² and includes 000 modular structures. These structures, usually used for trade shows, have been transformed into air-conditioned dormitories. The site also includes a restaurant that can accommodate 331 seats in a single service, toilet blocks, refreshment bars, sports equipment, a giant screen to follow the Olympic events, an infirmary and a 2G antenna.
A mission of pride and vigilance
The living conditions at the camp are appreciated by the soldiers, facilitating their rest between patrols, where they cover an average of 20 km with around twenty kilos of equipment. “Participating in securing the Games and the national territory is a source of great pride,” says Sergeant Adrien of the 8th Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment (RPIMa). Captain Benoît also emphasizes the importance of coordination with internal security forces to ensure an effective mission without major incidents.
The reception from the populations and tourists is very favorable, adds Captain Benoît, helping to maintain the morale of the troops. Despite the absence of major incidents directly linked to the Games, the military remains vigilant until the end of the event.
Hector M.
