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Antoine TERMIGNON, were you raised in a military environment?

No, but I knew quite early that I wanted to work in the military world. During my junior year, eager to confirm that choice and experience it firsthand, I took part in a French Navy Military Preparation Course in Houilles, every other Saturday. It clicked! During my senior year, I joined the French Air Force as an operational reservist. I served there for seven years, alongside my studies.

Wanting to remain open-minded and not miss any opportunity, I decided to join IÉSEG. I was convinced that the School would prepare me for a broad range of career paths, which would be valuable if my initial plan didn’t work out. The School took my military commitment very seriously, allowing me to complete my Social and Professional Internship as a reservist. Throughout my five years of study, I spent 300 days on assignment.

How did the rest of your course go?

After graduating, eager to keep my options open, I joined ILERI (French School of International Relations), where I studied geopolitics, security, and defense for two more years. During my second year, I undertook a work-study placement at the DCIS (a department of the French Ministry of the Interior coordinating international police and security cooperation). My tutor, a lieutenant colonel, had a career that deeply inspired me. I chose the National Police because it offered the best balance between military service, helping people, and the option to transition to civilian life if needed. My tutor encouraged me to follow his path and attempt the competitive exams for National Police Officer and OCTA (officers responsible for managing the National Police technical, logistical, and administrative support functions), alongside my work-study and coursework. I was struck by the high standards required, particularly during the physical tests.

I succeeded and joined the EOGN (the French National Police officers’ school) for a two-year training program. The first year focused on training us to become war leaders. We faced extreme conditions, including parachute and commando training, carrying 45kg backpacks, and enduring sleep deprivation — experiences that I still vividly remember. The second year concentrated on the technical aspects of our future roles. After being promoted to lieutenant in August 2024, I graduated on June 30, 2025.

Where were you assigned to after you graduated?

Since August the 1st, I am honored to be head of the Support and Human Resources Group at the Loire Departmental National Police. To summarize, as chief of the GSRH, I oversee the operational support of a whole department. I am in charge of four units:
– Personnel Administration Department: administrative management of all officers in the department, including support, training, transfers, disciplinary actions, and rewards based on performance ;
– Real Estate Affairs Department: routine maintenance of the department’s 36 barracks (technical facilities and housing), planning and monitoring of renovation, rehabilitation, and construction projects, tracking operating costs, and conducting inspections ;
– Logistics and Finance Department: accounting and monitoring of equipment, transportation management, stock and vehicle fleet management, as well as budget oversight ;
– Youth Engagement Department: administration of reservists (recruitment, call-ups, and training) and management of partnerships (youth National Police program, National Universal Service, vocational high schools with security programs, etc.).

How do you succeed in managing so many different parameters?

That’s what I find most interesting about my job! You must multitask and know how to handle emergencies while keeping an eye on mediumand long-term goals. It’s a lot of responsibility for a recent graduate like me, but I’m fortunate to be able to rely on the support of military personnel, which allows me to focus on the more technical aspects of my work.

To what extent do contemporary and societal events impact your daily operations?

The first thing I do every morning is catch up on the news. Whether it’s a change of Prime Minister, strikes, or major conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, these events can have a direct impact on my work. People often forget that the National Police doesn’t operate only in France: we support our colleagues abroad, just as they supported us during the national strikes in 2018.

What role do you think IÉSEG played in building up your career?

IÉSEG provided me with a solid foundation and a broad range of knowledge. I am also very grateful to the School for supporting my role as a reservist. This experience taught me crucial skills such as organization, discipline, and the ability to react effectively in emergencies, not to mention the excellent reputation the military enjoys with the public.

Listing “reservist” on my résumé helped me secure internships at companies such as EDF and Thales. Serving as a reservist for 300 days over five years during weekends and holidays also demonstrates my motivation and tenacity.

What goals have you set for the years to come?

I would like to work in overseas territories on short-term missions or assignments and specialize in logistics. I was fortunate to work in New Caledonia at the National Operations Centre, which was an invaluable experience. Members of the National Police are required to rotate every three to four years. We can submit our preferences, and the administrator decides whether they match our profile. Sometimes our skills and preferences align with the service’s needs; otherwise, we must accept the assignment. As we often say, “You are here to serve, not to be served.”

Do you have a piece of advice for IÉSEG students?

When students join a business school, they often have a clear idea of the job or type of company they want to work in. A career in the National Police may seem less attractive, and it is our responsibility to change that perception. This is what I actively do when participating in forums: I try to break the austere image often associated with our profession and highlight the exciting missions we undertake.

Working as a reservist or within the National Police offers a meaningful way to contribute to society, which many people are seeking today. It also pro vides a strong sense of belonging and solidarity.

This article was written by Luna Créations for #IÉS, the IÉSEG Network magazine.