France's gendarmerie has problems. The number of applicants has been declining for years. That's why an agreement between the French employment office "Pôle Emploi" and the gendarmerie was already signed on the 4th of July 2019, shortly after an information event was organised to which the unemployed were then invited with their advisor.
A video of this was also published , showing the gendarmerie's propaganda. Among other things, the gendarme shown praises the financial advantages of the job, but also defends, for example, the harsh violent action against the yellow vests. The gendarmerie also urgently needs new people, because apparently they are preparing for new unrest. At the end of December, a call for tenders was issued for a new fleet of vehicles, because up to now they have only 70 light armoured vehicles, which are hardly ever used on the mainland. That's why 90 new ones are to be added. And they must now be able to transport task forces of 8-10 gendarmes.But that's not all, because the vehicles must now also be combat-ready. For example, it must be possible to attach grenade launchers and precision weapons to the vehicle, and they must be armoured against smaller infantry weapons and simple improvised explosive devices (IEDs). There will also be an increase in personnel: a new Rapid Reaction Force of 200 men is to be created by the summer, which will be on standby 24/7 and mobilised within 15 minutes in the event of "urban violence". New equipment will also be purchased, including fire- and acid-resistant uniforms, lighter helmets and more powerful vehicles that can get through barricades. An additional financial bonus is being advertised. So France is facing hot times....
