Reservists and veterans, a key part of national defense forces

Jean-Charles Gerspach: I coordinate the company’s defense community and I manage all our reservists. By that, I mean I answer their requests, while at the same time providing information to interested employees. In addition, I support the HR departments at our facilities within the scope of the agreement signed with the defense ministry. In short, I’m a facilitator. Reservists are a key part of our country’s defense force. Across all service branches, that means some 41,000 reservists supporting active members of the military in all their missions, whether in France or abroad. Reservists commit to serving about 30 days a year for a renewable five-year term.

J.-C. G.: Above all, they’re trying to recruit young people aged 18 to 30 — the country’s lifeblood. My job is to guide them and help them make informed decisions. I provide advice, but I’m not a recruiting sergeant! For example, I recently helped one of our young engineers who loves mountaineering and who recently joined the reserves in the French army’s elite mountain infantry unit. In general, this type of choice is based on a desire to serve and protect the country — all the more so during these troubled times. When you enlist in the reserves, you receive complete general training, plus specific training in military missions. You could also say that it’s an excellent “school of life”!

J.-C. G.: Reservists play an important role in sharing experience across the industrial and military worlds, which is mutually beneficial. As civilians, we provide a different perspective within the military institution. For example, by applying lean management, an approach that greatly interests many armed forces. Sharing expertise and management tools enriches this cross-fertilization. Safran’s own workforce includes more than 100 reservists, reflecting a strong commitment to its aim of supporting national sovereignty, while also allowing employees to give back to the community.

Peter Lengyel: Veterans make up a large portion of our workforce at many of our subsidiaries across the country. Not only do they bring to the table their knowledge of advanced technologies, but also their broad range of skills. Safran is of course a leading supplier to American armed forces, so it’s only natural for us to support the organizations that improve the lives of veterans and their families. This is a small way to give back to those who have given so much to protect our nation and its citizens. And it’s a source of pride and satisfaction to our colleagues. This commitment to honor and support U.S. veterans aligns with Safran’s pledge to be an exemplary corporate citizen and contribute to our local communities. We will continue to seek out veterans for their unique skills, perspectives and life experience to the benefit of our Group and to serve as inspiration to our team members.

P. L.: Two special days in the United States reflect the gratitude of our nation: Memorial Day honors those who have died in the service of our country, while Veterans Day honors all those who have served. For Veterans Day, Safran USA leverages various communications channels — websites, social media and Insite — to give team members a platform to share their experiences and memories from their time in service. In addition, many of our local sites organize their own celebratory events. At the same time, Safran supports veterans and their families around the country. For instance, the New Hampshire-based company Optics 1 partnered with the Sterling Promise Foundation last year to host a fundraiser at the U.S. Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) and raised $43,500. Members of the Community Involvement Committee at Safran Seats USA participate in the annual Medal of Honor Host City program (for the nation’s highest military honor) in Gainesville, Texas, allowing them to host our country’s highest decorated heroes. Also in Texas, Safran Electrical & Power works closely with United Way of Denton County, which is dedicated to improving and transforming lives in local communities, including for veterans and their families. As a veteran myself, I’m honored to serve on the consultative committee of USA Cares, a charity that focuses on breaking the chain of life events that often lead to veteran suicide.