MPs voted on Wednesday in favor of stricter control of the careers of certain military and civilians wishing to work for a state or a foreign company, during or after their service, and for the possibility of a veto from the ministry.
An article of the military programming bill (LPM), currently being examined by the Assembly, provides for this provision.
Members of the military who have carried out functions presenting a particular sensitivity or requiring specialized technical skills must declare their intention to carry out an activity with a foreign State, a company or an organization having its headquarters outside the national territory. or under foreign control.
A decree will specify the fields of employment concerned (potentially in the naval, cyberdefence, nuclear or intelligence).
avoid the disclosure of know-how
This prior declaration will be compulsory during the service but also for 10 years after the serviceman has left his duties.
The Minister of Armies may oppose the exercise of the activity envisaged by the soldier, if he judges that there is a risk of disclosure of know-how necessary for the preparation and conduct of military operations to which he had access. or that this disclosure is likely to harm the fundamental interests of the Nation.
It is even incredible that this device does not already exist, declared in the hemicycle the Minister of Armies Sbastien Lecornu.
In the event of breaches, pension deductions or decoration withdrawals may be decided. The penalties may even go up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of 75,000 euros.
The system will also concern the civil agents of the State, participating in the development of know-how necessary for the preparation and the conduct of military operations.
The deputies also adopted measures to enhance the attractiveness of the army’s operational reserve.
The LPM aims to double the number of reservists from 40,000 to 80,000 by 2030, with a target of 105,000 by 2035.
The creation of a military apprentice scheme, aimed at regulating the conditions of service of minors and their activities, was also approved.
The deputies finally adopted an article to extend the powers of the State in the event of threats, in particular its powers of requisitions, and its latitude to impose on companies the constitution of strategic stocks of weapons and materials.
State services will also be able to deploy more tools against drones. In terms of security or nuclear deterrence, the State may prohibit or limit the use of external service providers.