The story of the origins of the post of Chief of the French Defence Staff has yet to be written, especially if we go back before 1962. It is nevertheless at the heart of the development of the French politico military system and, beyond that, of the republican model. This article gives an outline of the story, based on the few existing studies and the results of unpublished research. The whole illustrates the value of the politico-administrative approach in opening new perspectives on the history of French defence since 1870.
The Origins of the Post of Chief of Defence Staff
The reforms of May 2005 underlined the extent to which the Chief of Defence Staff (CEMA) has been essential to the organisation of defence since 1962. However, the origins of the post have nothing to do with the beginnings of the Fifth Republic. The step taken at that moment was the culmination of a process which had extended over several decades.
This story remains little known, even by historians.(1) At the confluence of several subjects, it has discouraged them by its complexity. To study the question is to venture into a jungle of laws, ordinances, decrees and regulations. Although indispensable, this first step is not enough by itself. The chronicle which emerges only becomes intelligible if it is enlivened by some fundamental thoughts on the multiple issues which it raises.(2)
The emergence of the post of CEMA responded to the demands of the rationalisation of the organisation of defence brought about by the shocks of the two world conflicts. For this reason it is inseparable from the development of the staff which he directs and of the single Minister and Ministry of Defence. It was also accompanied by the creation of councils and committees which, from 1906, organised government action in the area of ‘national defence’, a notion which appeared around 1870, finally to take concrete form under the Fourth Republic.
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