The French capital is gearing up for a massive security operation for the 2024 Olympic Games, which will involve thousands of members of the armed forces staying in a tented camp in the city.
Military camp in the heart of Paris
Some 5,000 soldiers will camp on the Pelouse de Reuilly, a huge open area in the east of Paris known for the gigantic annual fair it hosts, the city’s top military official General Christophe Abad told reporters. “It has the great benefit of being extremely close to the heart of Paris,” he added, lauding the proximity of the “place where they stay and the place where they will be deployed.” The camp will be equipped with showers, toilets, kitchens, and medical facilities, and will be secured by fences and patrols.
The military camp is part of a larger security plan that will mobilize the French armed forces to support the police and gendarmes in ensuring the safety of the Olympic venues, athletes, and spectators. The Games are expected to be marked by heavy security, as France has been on high alert for terrorist attacks since 2015.
A total of 15,000 soldiers on duty
It still remains unclear how many members of the French armed forces will be deployed to bolster the police and gendarmes on duty – but observers believe some 15,000 soldiers could be deployed. This would be a significant increase from the 10,000 soldiers who were deployed for the 2016 Euro football championship in France.
Some 30,000 police and gendarmes are expected to be on duty each day as well as 17,000 private security employees for the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games which will extend from July 26 to September 8. The security forces will also be assisted by drones, cameras, and facial recognition technology.
A challenge and an opportunity for the French army
The Olympic Games will pose a major challenge for the French army, which is already engaged in several operations abroad and at home. The army will have to balance its resources and missions, while maintaining its readiness and responsiveness.
However, the Games will also be an opportunity for the army to showcase its capabilities and professionalism, as well as to strengthen its ties with the public and the local authorities. The army hopes to use the occasion to promote its values and attract new recruits.
The army will also participate in the Olympic spirit, as some of its members will compete as athletes in various disciplines. The French military has a long tradition of excellence in sports, and has won 81 medals in previous Olympic Games.