:

The history of this frame is quite interesting. In him - close-up a burning downed M1A tank during the assault on the Iraqi city of Fallujah, I think, in November 2004, during a massive cleansing of this city from Sunni insurgents. It flashed by for only a few seconds, without any commentary. I saw it on CNN's afternoon edition - I was working from home that day, as far as I remember, watching TV out of the corner of my eye. There was a traditional military reportage - explosions were heard somewhere in the distance, a bomb dropping plane was flying by, somewhere on the side a couple of helicopters, in the front flame - marines shooting at an invisible enemy, in general, about a valiant American army. And suddenly - a clear dissonance: the burning bulk of the Abrams, slowly rolling back from the field of pain to a two-story highway junction, a healthy tanker half-climbs out of the hatch, and immediately falls on the armor, either wounded or exhausted. I repeat, I watched it out of the corner of my eye, but the frame was memorable - because it was very different from other war reports.

Then the frame disappeared. He was no longer on the evening edition of CNN, as well as in the following days. I briefly saw this frame go down a few years, in documentary CNN about the Iraq war. There it was even shorter than in the release on the day of filming, but there were some explanations for it. The story mentioned that the Abrams was hit (though not completely destroyed) from a conventional RPG-7 grenade launcher (during the war itself, reports often emphasized that the RPG-7 common among the rebels was nothing more than pinpricks for the invulnerable Abrams) . The tanker in the frame looks black, but in fact (his "normal" photo flashed in the film) he is white, and the black color of the skin is from burning and soot inside the burning tank. It seems he lost an eye in that fight.

The episode itself, of course, is not unique - more dramatic things constantly happened in the war. The unusual thing is that such shots practically did not get into the military reports of any American channels, and if occasionally they got for a couple of seconds, they did not linger for a long time. Information about the war was tightly controlled, and almost always the mainstream media willingly agreed with the official line, which to a large extent caused the emergence of WikiLeaks.

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2-- Why is the French army in decline?

Charles de Gaulle must be rolling over in his grave. The French army has become something of an American auxiliary and is facing pressure to join forces with its European neighbors. And this despite the fact that now, when all of Europe is being disarmed, our experienced soldiers, not without success, carried out whole line military operations: in Afghanistan, Libya, Côte d'Ivoire and Mali.

However, to intervene in Syria, we would need the approval of the US Congress and the support of American forces. In addition, for the "punishment" of Damascus, the French army could put on the table only fifty Rafale and Mirage 2000. They would allow symbolic air-to-ground strikes with 250-kilometer range missiles. And this, you see, is not very significant ... In general, the capabilities of the French Navy and Air Force are frankly insufficient for military operations of this kind. They do not have the means to neutralize enemy air defense systems and radars, cruise missiles with a range of 1000 kilometers, combat drones and large transport vehicles for transporting military cargo (and the number of tanker aircraft does not exceed five).

The current Syrian crisis and the inevitable aggravation of the situation in Mali shed light on the strategic weakening of our army. Sending 4,000 soldiers to Mali has already become a real feat at the limit of strength for our troops, who, in the absence of their own large transport workers, are forced to ask for support from the British, German, Danish and Belgian neighbors. The US Air Force, in turn, had to compensate for our gaps in terms of tankers, drones and spy satellites. Yes, it was our soldiers who reversed the Islamist columns, but the picture still turned out to be blurry. Mirage 2000 D and Rafale destroyed rebel pickup trucks with laser-guided bombs worth 250,000 euros apiece!

In the future, our soldiers in Mali (two and a half times more France) will have to deal with the deterioration of the Iraqi scenario, which our soldiers have already seen in Afghanistan. Time plays into the hands of the Islamists, who use the Internet, use improvised explosive devices, send suicide bombers, kill and kidnap French journalists and expats in order to information pressure and earn on the ransom. Worse still, our military equipment will not follow them and will be more and more difficult to access.

But here's the thing: due to a lack of funds to replace the equipment of our soldiers (some units are long overdue for retirement after 30 or even 40 years in the ranks) is on its last legs, both in terms of skin and engines. As for more modern and efficient models (Tigre, NH90 helicopters and Leclerc tanks), it is often simply impossible to use them due to the high cost of maintenance.

Such a huge discrepancy between budgetary possibilities and the desire to acquire the most modern and, therefore, more expensive equipment entails the loss of the strategic position of France, both within its own operations (like Mali) and in international coalitions and industrial cooperation. However, Defense Minister Jean-Yves le Drian does not allow the thought of the inevitable decline of our army. During a performance in National Assembly October 30 on the occasion of adoption in the first reading defense budget for 2014, he demonstrated a rare arrogance and self-confidence: “At the end of the military program in 2019, France will become the first state in Europe militarily, including in terms of staff: 187,000 military and 55,000 civilian employees. The fact is that by that time in Germany there will be 185,000 military, and the UK - 160,000. (...)

In 2019, we will have 66,000 ground troops ready to deploy, which will open up a huge opportunity for us! I would also like to add that the bill on military program assumes the possibility of simultaneously conducting three external operations in different theaters of operations by implementing the operational agreement of headquarters ground forces, fleet and aviation.

Yes, France is the only one European country, which has an independent deterrence force and a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and was able to single-handedly intervene in Africa. However, for everything else, our neighbors often have more conventional weapons. best quality(this primarily applies to armored vehicles), even if their soldiers are not so experienced.

It turns out that the minister does not want to face the facts because of the fear of change and the desire to find solace. This is a simple, but at the same time a terrible reality, from which France will not be able to escape, talking about the preservation of jobs and industrial know-how. Our country is no longer able to ensure the production and purchase of the required amount of the most modern weapons. The Ministry of Defense should follow the recommendations of the Accounts Chamber and cut spending on large-scale programs in order to free up funds for better training our pilots, sailors and soldiers.

Instead of trying to use downsizing as a magic formula that supposedly allows you to save money in crisis period. For example, between 2008 and 2011, the reduction of 30,000 positions in the army led to an increase in spending on wages for a billion euros! First of all, this is due to the fact that the ministry reduced the whole battalions of privates, but at the same time significantly increased the number of generals and senior officers ...

To increase efficiency in spending and reduce waste, the President of the Republic and his Secretary of Defense must muster the courage to take decisive action. All in all, our country of 66 million no longer has the financial capacity to maintain the world's most advanced submarine deterrent force along with a well-trained and armed conventional army. And this is precisely what main trouble the law on the military program for 2014-2019 and the budget of the Ministry of Defense for 2014, which, in fact, only emphasize the decline of the French armed forces. Both of these documents must be adopted in parliament before the end of the year.

AT general budget at 31.4 billion euros for 2014, 2015 and 2016, the nuclear deterrent accounts for 3.5 billion euros each year, i.e. more than 10% of all military spending and almost 20% of investments in machinery and equipment. These same 3.5 billion were confirmed by both President Hollande and his predecessor. It turns out that the President of the Republic keeps in force the constant modernization of nuclear deterrence at the expense of supplying the rest of the troops.

In addition, from 2016, the balance of the defense budget will rely heavily on India's yet-to-be-guaranteed purchase of 126 Rafale: the contract is to be signed in next year. If the deal does not go through, the Air Force will be contractually obligated to buy 11 Rafales every year for a total of 1.57 billion euros. If we add here 3.5 billion for deterrence forces, the failure of Rafale could finally undermine the implementation of necessary, but already delayed programs: we are talking about drones, tanker aircraft, Mirage 2000D upgrades and armor replacements.

Collection of the most funny jokes about the French, France.
Read the latest jokes, rate, share with friends on social networks.

A very young Frenchwoman shyly enters a perfume shop. Asks the saleswoman to recommend good perfumes.
The luxurious girl behind the counter begins to show the assortment:
- This is "Embrace" ... This is "Secrets of the Night" ... But this is "Ecstasy" ...
- Tell me, is there anything for beginners?

A young French woman says to her husband:
- Jacques, I have to visit a sick friend.
- Okay, honey, I'll walk you.
He walked her to the door. When the wife began to climb the stairs, the husband saw a hole in her stocking.
When the wife returned home, the husband said:
- Honey, you have a hole in your right stocking.
The wife lifts her skirt - the hole was on the left stocking.

- "Lamour fart" in French means "love passes" ...
- Damn, that's pretty...

In the compartment, an indecisive Frenchman and a Frenchwoman. Evening is coming.
The woman yawns. He timidly tries to strike up a conversation:
- Oh, madam yawns?
- No, this Monsieur is yawning, and Madame just wants to sleep!

Do you know why the French do not like Americans and Russians?
- Because some drink expensive cognac with Coca-Cola, while others drink in one gulp.

Two French friends meet. One asks the other:
- Dear, how did you spend the New Year?
- Well, as always in bed ...
- Yes?! And were there many people?

On the wedding night, the newly-made husband (French) comes to his wife (English) in the bedroom in a dressing gown. The wife tells him:
- According to the traditions of our country, the husband on the wedding night should come in a tailcoat.
- And according to the traditions of our country, they only go to the premiere in a tailcoat.

French people:
We know a hundred ways to love.
English:
- And we know a hundred and one ways of love.
French people:
- It can not be, because we are the most experienced, the most skillful in love. What is the hundred and first way?
English:
- When she lies on her back, and he lies on top of her.
French people:
- Oh yeah! We haven't thought of this before.

France, the first day after the new year, two girlfriends share the news:
- How did you meet the new year.
- Well, as usual, in bed.
- Yes? And were there many people?

Two Frenchmen are sitting in a cafe. Suddenly, a fire siren sounds. One says to the other:
- Sorry, Jacques, but I have to go: duty calls me.
- How? What are you, a volunteer firefighter?
- I don't, but Natalie's husband - yes.

Flight attendant school exams. The inspector asks:
- Imagine the following situation. The plane crashes in the desert. Only you survived. You immediately find an oasis nearby, in which you are met by 50 Bedouins who are hungry for female charms.
The Englishwoman says:
- I'll kill myself!
American after a pause:
- I'll drink whiskey to increase my courage!
The Frenchwoman looks at the examiner questioningly and says:
- The situation is clear to me, but I can not understand what exactly is the problem?

I wonder what French ammonia smells like?

The Frenchman met a young lady at a resort and, having made a decisive gesture, married her there. Arriving after a vacation at her husband's house, the newlyweds meet a pretty young elevator operator.
- Hello, - she purrs languidly, looking at the man, - haven't seen you for a long time.
- Who is this? his wife hisses in his ear.
“God, she will also have to explain who you are,” the husband grumbles.

As happens every three years, the French ground forces have begun a new campaign to recruit personnel into their ranks. It includes posters, television and internet commercials. Its cost is 2 million euros. The campaign is aimed at the personal qualities of applicants, gradually moving away from the slogan: "Your will, our pride." The goal of the recruitment campaign is to recruit 14,000 people.

Campaign poster drafted into the French army. The inscription on it is translated as follows: "I crave adventure. For those who crave freedom" (c) French Ministry of Defense

Every first Monday of the month, Army Centers host new candidates and their families for a contract signing ceremony. This solemn moment this year will come for 14,000 people. 14,000 is the number of Army Volunteers (EVAT) to be recruited in 2016. This is a slightly increased figure, as a result of the growth in the size of the army after the 2015 terrorist attacks. In 2014, there were 9,000 recruits, that is, an increase of almost 50% in two years.

The recruiting machine is operating at full capacity. To EVAT volunteers should be added additional number people - officers and sergeants, legionnaires foreign legion, firefighters of Paris, as well as pilots and sailors. In total, 23,000 young people will open the door of the barracks this year for the first time. This is a pretty impressive number. As the officer points out French army, “this year every recruiter must bring a platoon into the army,” or 30 people.

After the transition of the French army to professional basis in 1996 and the demobilization of the last conscript in November 2001, only volunteers join the army. While countries such as the US and the UK have had difficulty recruiting new soldiers, France has been an exception over the past twenty years. The ground forces can choose - there are two candidates for each place. However, this average hides the situation in various areas. So, the difficulty is the search for mechanics aviation technology, chefs and specialists information systems due to strong demand in the civilian sector, with 150 eligible applications for 20 fifth-year places this year officer school in Saint-Cyr.

What pushes today young man to Army? And what, on the contrary, can turn him away from this decision? General Thierry Marchand, who is an officer in the Foreign Legion, is in charge of recruiting into the ground forces. In response to a question from "l'Opinion", he described the pattern of what is called "fields of motivation and uncertainty" of candidates for admission into the ranks of the army. We plunge into the heart of the complex trends taking place in French society. “We record the three most important expectations of young people who sign a contract with us. One of them is new - this is the "Charly effect". Young people tell us that they want to serve and defend the country. Everyone also focuses on the difficulties that come with joining the full life, and they believe that the army is a good springboard for this. The third motivation is that the army is rich life, an adventure, but also a search for a foothold and understandable starting points. We offer them something clearly defined in this changing world, and this attracts them. Money? “They never talk about it, we touch it.” The salary of a recruit as a whole is at the level of the minimum wage, but at the same time the soldier is “shod, dressed and fed”, and the salary is enough to satisfy pressing needs, especially when he is sent to participate in operations abroad.

As for uncertainty, General Marchand sees three main components. “When they come to us, it is often like a burn for them. At first, they are faced with a cramped room where there are six people, and for most, this is a serious injury. In addition, they do not have constant access to cell phones”, in other words, to friends and social networks. “We will organize special recreation areas for this, but they must understand that this will be impossible for them when performing a combat mission.” Sailors are familiar with this firsthand. A complete interruption of communication during long military campaigns becomes a serious obstacle for many sailors when it comes to settling on a ship.

The last rather sensitive point: families. "Now we must consider military service as family project. We try to instill army culture in families by inviting them to the unit and informing them. Recruit fathers no longer have military experience, which still gives rise to many myths. What we are most afraid of is the mother’s call to her son at the end of the first week of service: “It’s very hard, come back home.”

Despite the processing of prospective recruits and their family members, the rate of breaking contracts ("attrition") during the first year is about 20%. General Marchand tries to look confident, in his words, “this is not only observed in the army. This is such a mobile generation.” To make recruitment and training costs cost-effective while keeping the soldier's age relatively low, the Army expects an EVAT to average at least eight years of service. However, so far it has not been possible to achieve such an indicator - average term service to date is six years. "Increasing loyalty" among military personnel remains a serious field of activity for the General Staff.

Despite popular belief, the army does not offer a guaranteed job comparable to public service. Generally speaking, two out of three military personnel serve on fixed-term contracts (for several years), and this is the case for enlisted personnel. Only officers partly different professional approach". In the ground forces, the share of servicemen by fixed-term contract is 72%.

More than half of the privates have completed a bachelor's degree [that is, they have a complete secondary education], among sergeants, people with incomplete higher education and most of the officers have university degrees. Average age volunteers is 20 years old. Girls account for 10% of candidates and about the same number among recruits. General Marchand does not hide the fact that he would like to see an increase in this indicator.

Geographically, some regions "supply" more military compared to others. This is the case for northeastern and southeastern regions France, but in the west there are fewer lovers of military affairs. Overseas territories account for 12% of recruits, the number of volunteers from there is three times higher than that of the mother country, if you count in terms of population.

The modern French army amazes the whole world with its power. Being one of the Great States, France often proved its superiority militarily. The foot army and navy have become a model for many countries. But has it always been like this? Studying the history of France, we are talking about great figures, brilliant domestic politics but not about the army. Long time this country could not boast of an excellent fighting spirit.

History of the French Army

Everything has changed in early XIX century. It was then that Napoleon Bonaparte came to power. One day, he was passing by one of the patrol posts.

Noticing that the duty officer was sleeping, he calmly took his weapon and continued the watch for him. When it was time to change duty, another soldier saw Napoleon standing guard.

This incident proved the loyalty of Bonaparte. Since that time, the French army has become a single force, ready at any moment to stand up for its commander in chief.

Uniform and ranks in the army

A characteristic feature of the French army are epaulettes. This is special characters, which indicate military rank. To date, few people use them. But in France they have not lost their significance.

Military academies introduced epaulettes as the main uniform. They are also used in parades.

Another interesting attribute is sash. This is a belt made of fabric, lace or rope, knitted around the waist. Its main purpose is to maintain neat appearance military. The sash holds the pants tightly and does not allow outerwear to swing open.

Belts do different color and size. This helps separate the shelves. The entire uniform of the modern French army consists of many traditional details.

Most of them have never been used in other countries.

Among the titles can be mentioned Admiral of France. This is the highest military rank in France. Although in recent times it is not assigned.

From him came the title Marshal of France. Next is army general . This rank refers to divisional generals who, for example, hold the position of Chief of Army Staff. They have five stars on their shoulder straps.

Another unique title Chief Marshal France. It can also be called generalissimo. If there can be several Marshals of France at once, then only one person can hold this post.

French soldiers

Speaking of any army, we constantly dwell on famous commanders-in-chief, forgetting about ordinary soldiers. The French infantry has all the qualities to be called one of the best in the world.

A soldier in France is called legionnaires. This position is truly an honor.

To date, France does not see an external threat, so it is simply working to improve its professional qualities.

Types of French troops

France is ready to attack from any direction: land, air or water.

Men are recruited into the army from 17 to 40 years old. But there are no large-scale or regular appeals. All legionnaires serve their homeland honestly and naturally.

All troops are divided into the following types:

• land;
• naval;
• military air;
• National Gendarmerie of France;
• medical service armed forces France.

For foreigners in France there is an opportunity to enter: for this you need to have a valid international passport and pass a series of tests.

military parades

Parades are always an amazing sight. At such moments, you are much better aware of the full power of your home country. France is famous for its military parades.

Military parade on Bastille Day

Starting from a bright uniform, rich in its traditional attributes, and ending with a display of military equipment and its power, France shows strength and majesty to its people.

All types of troops perform at the parade. Come out first ground troops. Their march fills the entire square, so it is impossible to break away from this procession.

Followed by different types military equipment. The highlight of each parade can be called air Force. When several professional military fighter jets appear in the sky, all the citizens applaud enthusiastically.

France is a country that is rightfully included in the list of the most powerful countries in the world. its army has more than 75 thousand people.

Despite her calm state, she continues to develop military equipment and weapons. French parades only confirm the importance of military affairs for this state.

French army - history, ranks, troops - VIDEO

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November 15th, 2005 08:59 am

“As far as my understanding is concerned, war always means defeat.” - Jacques Chirac, President of France.
“When it comes to France, he is right!” — Rush Limbow.

“There is no real summer in France, no morals. Apart from these shortcomings, France - wonderful country. It is usually run by prostitutes.” - Mark Twain

“I would agree to meet face to face with the German division than to have French division behind me” – General George S. Patton

“Going to war without France on our side is like going hunting without an accordion.” - General Norman Schwarzkopf.

“We have a choice: we can continue to stand here like the French, or we can do something about it.” — Marge Simpson

“The only time France does not object to the United States getting involved in a war is when german army drinking coffee at tables in Paris” – Regis Philbin

“The French are a bunch of ape-like subjects of small stature, dressed on average no better than the citizens of Baltimore. True, you can sit outside the cafe and sip coffee in small sips - but I don’t know how it’s better than sitting inside and drinking whiskey in large sips. — P. J. O'Rorke

“You know, the French remind me a bit of an aging 1940s actress who keeps trying to be treated to dinner for a pretty face, not realizing that the face is gone.” — John McCain, Senator from Arizona.

“They took steps to protect themselves from al-Qaeda. To prepare for an attack, every Frenchman is ordered to keep a roll of duct tape [tape his mouth - AK], a white flag and a three-day supply of mistresses in the house” - Argus Hamilton.

“The only way to get the French on our side is to tell them we found truffles in Iraq” – Dennis Miller

Do you know why the French are against bombing Saddam? “Because he hates America, has a lot of mistresses and wears a beret… Hey people – he’s French!” — Conan O'Brien

“I don't understand why you people are so surprised that France refused to help us kick Saddam out of Iraq. After all, France didn’t even bother to help us kick the Germans out of France.” – Jay Leno

Old American proverb: Those who like the French, raise your right hand.... Raise both hands if you are French.

Next time, if another war breaks out in Europe, let the winner take France for himself.

Question: What could France be useful for as an ally in the war on terror?
Answer: The French could teach the terrorists how to surrender.

Question: How many French do you need to defend Paris from the enemy?
Answer: Unknown - there is no historical precedent.

Q: Why are there no fireworks at the European Disney Park in Paris?
Answer: Because at the sound of a shot, panic sets in - all the French run to surrender.

Question: Why did the French plant linden trees on the Champs Elysees?
Answer: So that the Germans can march comfortably in the shade of the trees.

Question: How many gears does a French tank have?
Answer: four rear and one front - in case the enemy decides to attack from the rear.

Question: How to recognize a French soldier?
Answer: Sun-bleached armpits.

Question: How to call a hundred thousand French people with their hands up?
Answer: French army.

A French rifle is up for sale on eBay for a hefty sum - it's only been dropped on the ground once and never fired.