The Ventôse surveillance frigate of the French Armed Forces in the Antilles (FAA) conducted an exercise to assist the population, off the coast of Saint-Pierre, on the morning of November 24, 2025, as part of its operational readiness training (MECO).
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of National Education, the event brought together 115 vocational students from the Joseph Gaillard high school in Fort-de-France, accompanied by around twenty of their teachers, all of whom played extras in the fictional scenario. This awareness-raising activity on national defense and citizenship focused on “The proper conduct for a French citizen abroad,” following a crisis in a hypothetical country. The students were met by the crew of the Ventôse at Place Bertin in the city center, following a specific protocol: body search to prevent the carrying of weapons or objects that could be used as weapons, identity check, distribution of life jackets, boarding of rigid inflatable boats, sailing to the Ventôse , and welcome aboard.
Briefed the previous week, the young sailors participated in the exercise, carrying varying amounts of luggage to enhance the realism of the maneuver. Simulated illnesses or health conditions require the intervention of the ship’s medical team. Others spoke only Spanish or Japanese, making communication difficult, while a few presented unusual characteristics, such as carrying a briefcase full of banknotes. All these obstacles were designed to test the sailors’ responsiveness and adaptability, and to put their skills to the test.
The participation of the Ministry of National Education provides an opportunity for students and their teachers to discover and participate in a full-scale exercise conducted by the French Navy. It also offers a chance to illustrate, through a concrete example, the various training programs they receive throughout their schooling, which are part of the “Citizenship” and “Future” pathways.
This MECO (Military Operational Training) exercise strengthens the relationship between the French Armed Forces in the Antilles (FAA) and schools in Martinique, reinforcing the Army-Nation bond. “For the military, the exercise allows us to verify whether the plan is being implemented correctly from start to finish or if adjustments are needed,” explains Reserve Captain Alain, the exercise organizer. ” For the students, it’s an open learning environment that allows them to learn differently in the field, while becoming familiar with the Defense sector and its various professions.”
A major training exercise conducted regularly, the MECO (Operational Training) is a course that every ship in the French Navy must successfully complete to maintain its operational qualification. Led by the Naval Action Force’s Training Division (DIVENT), the MECO aims to assess the crew’s ability to conduct all types of missions they may be called upon to perform. Operational qualification thus allows the crew to validate its capacity to perform its prevention, protection, and intervention missions at sea.